The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1890-11-19
GABE HARDESTY'S "HANT."
BY HENRY C. WOOD.

In Taylor's Cove, one bleak March
night, the scene presented striking
combination of dreariness and cheer.
The mountain-sides were snow clad
and desolate-the lonely pines huddled
together il little groups, with bowed
heads, as if trying to ward off the wintry
blasts, while snugly built within the
sheltered cove a comfortable log cabin
nestled close to the overhanging rocks
like a swallows nest under the caves.
From the two small windows in the
cabins front the bright glare of gener-
Gus fire within shone forth, and now and
then, as the door opened, broader path
way of light streamed out across the dreary
waste of snow and made gigantic jack
o-lantern amid the dense shadows of the
surrounding hills.
On nearer approach the sound of rev.
elry might have been heard within the
cabin-the see-saw of squaky fiddle
the patting of hands in rhythmic accom-
paniment and the noise of dancing feet
mingled with gay voices.
1t was a fitting time for merriment and
goodly cheer, for Sam Taylor's pretty
daughter, Mollie, was to wed Gabe Har-
desty, one of the tallest, sturdiest lads to
be found AMONG the hills.
The most Of the company had already
gathered to witness the happy event, and
only the groom and friend or two were
yet to arrive.
al lowed cz Gabe would q been hang
in round afore sundown Almost" OBJ
served the brides aunt, withered, wiry
dame, who assisted in an inner room
where her niece awaited the belated
groom.
"a body haint been able'ter stir round
hyer for tn past month fer stumblin'
over i'm" she added in her high pitched
voice, "an' now when he's wanted he
haint ter be foun'.'
"Im noways skeered but what he'll be
on han whe tn weddin' comes off, ;" said
the BRIDE, with sniff of affected indif-
ference.
"If he haint, yc kin take Mllt Spur
lock-" one of Mollie's young companions
remarked, with meaning l.ugh. "He's
in t'other room yonder now, tryin' ter
look ez chip an peart ez if he wouldn't t
give his right han this very ninuit ter
stan in Gabe's boots"
"Well, ez didn't take IN when thar
war two ter pick from, low won't
break my neck ter choose i'm now, even
eff hit is my las chance ter loetch man,
which don't cackerlete hit is, replied
Miss Mollie, with simper. "Tm glad
ter know, though, that AIilt don't bear
me no i'll grudge, an has come ter see
me married, even eff hitsis ter n rival O.
hisn."
"Thar's some more new comers," said
her aunt partly opening the door leading
into the larger room and peering curl
ously beyond. 81 low ez Gabc hey come
now"
AS she spoke there was a confused
murmur of voices, among them being
that of Link McCord, who was to be
Gabe's best man, while chorus seemed
to be inquiring concerning the tardy
groom.
Links voice suddenly dropped to a
lower key, and some one, near the part
ly opened door, called out warningly to
Mollie's aunt: "Shet tn door! don't LEI
her hear"
The brides attentive ears, however,
had caught these words, and before her
aunt could obey them she had pushed
her aside and entered the larger room.
At her coming a sudden hush fell lupoI
the garrulous company-the dancers
stood in little groups upon the floor and
even the fiddler stopped with u wailinl
cry of his instrument.
"What's tn matterl" cried Mollie
looking anxiously from one to another
"Where's Gabe2"
Instinctively the crowd fell back anC
made way for her as she crossed over Il
where Link McCord stood, silent anC
embarrassed with the burden of ill new
he bore.
"What's become o. Gabei" she askeC
in a shriller tone.
"He-hes been kerried off," STAN
mered Link at last.
"Kerried offi echoed the expectan
bride wonderly-''wherel'
Idunno-the Government officers he
tuck i'm" responded Link, now grow
loquacious since the ice Of his resery
was broken.
''Jes ez he war gettin' ready ter CONF
over hyar, lot o pot cutters md up an
kctched i'm an tuck i'm way with Zen
down ter tn valley kentry. They foun
his still, too, an burnt that up. Ill
got word ter me ter como right sire