Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-09-24
THE OAK FOREST.

A string of ten wagons slowly strag-
gled along a road in Texas one drowsy
day in spring. They had been going
for miles aud miles through a hat oak
fp-est of a gray, weather. beaten,
washed-out sapless. soulless, desolate
hue dreary and monotonous beyond
comprehension.
On the outfit of ten wagons how
ever, although sun and storm had
bleached their signature, the faded
apparel and Drowned compilations of
the people had warmer aspect, be-
tokening a good hearty appreciation
of life and it's desirabilities.
The general drowsiness overcame
the manager of this wagon show-for
it was show company-and he lay
back on the seat, oblivious to every
thing in slumber. The managerial
eye having succumbed. the front
WagOn-drivers relaxed upon which the
horses Stacked up to the slowest posi-
bic speed which would pass for mo-
ton, compelling all behind to follow
suit which they were glad of an ex-
cuse to do. The negro drivers of the
heavier wagons were proficient in the
accomplishment of sitting up and hold
ing the lines while enjoying a sound
sleep, and were already displaying
this feat in their best style. The
others succumbed, one by one, till only
one person was left sitting erect with
his eyes open.
This was the driver of the head
wagon, young man of twenty-six or
Whereabouts. the leader Of the COM
pany's band.
The band leader looked around at
the people on the wagons. There
wasn't an eye open but his own. Back
ward, past the wagons. was the same
as it was in front. He turned defect
edly back again and-na! what's that?
Some one approaches on horseback.
The horse in front, whose ears had
been tapping Imply back and forth as
their heads wagged at each step, now
wake up and actually evince fright
Whoa, you fools. Did you ever
see a man before?H sleepily growled
the band leader, pulling up the lines.
But there was some extenuation due
the horses, as the musician was can
didly forced to admit on approach of
the stranger. He wore no hat and
his apparel. his hair and beard-which
trailed the ground-the horse he rode
and everything about him was exactly
the color of the gnarled oak boughs.
His finger nails were as long as his
fingers, and he carried a crooked oak
switch.
Halt" he called, and the horses
all stopped stock still NV hat have
you there?"
"A tent-show."
"A tent-show, is itP and are you the
proprietary
No, sir. The proprietor is in the
next wagon"
We'll, rouse him up!' roared the
old man. Don't set there a~tellin'
me what wagon he is I'M"
One look into the old fellows fiery
eyes decided the musician and he
called up the manager, who was also
the proprietor.
WHAT'S wanted?'' asked the man
ager.
If you are the proprietor of the
concern just tell me what you mean by
trespassing over my ground, without
saying a word to nobody, just like it
was your own"
Il supposed this to be o public
road. "
You might suppose a good many
things" was the angry reply, that
were long way from being correct,
Now you either pay toll before YOU
proceed, or turn about and go back"
Old 80, you are either drunk or
crazy, anu | can't waste ny time on
you. Now you obtruct us and take the
consequences. Go ahead, Wilkinsw
The procession moved on. The old
man dismOunted and sat down on a log
aud smiled weird smile as they left
Once be was left out Of sight, the mu-
stefan and the manager burst into a
hearty laugh, and all the rest who had
been awakened Joined in.
There was case of craw-fshing,
said the manager, and he resumed his
sleota.
Presently the musicians hair be gan
TO raise, and he shouted in terror:
why look at that"
hundreds OF oaks were sprouting up
III the middle OF the road ahead, and
along both sides of them, and shooting
immediately up to their normal size,
but so close together that horse could
not go between. In couple OF min
utes they We're blocked, and had but
| one course to pursue; to retrace their
way. They did so. The old man was
sitting on the log as before.
cd man, | acknowledge that you
have got me beaten, badly beaten"
said the manager
Get down out of that wagon. yelled
| the old man.
| The manager complied.
! Now put up your show and give
the best performance you ever gave in
! yer life, or il will be the worse for
! YOU"
''There is not room enough here to
put up the tent.
j How much do ye waLA"
| "A smooth place, eighty .eet square
/ well, there it is" said the old
mai, pointing to one side, where the
! oaks were stepping back from tie de-
sired space.
you have got this tree business
down fine" said the manager, gazing
in high admiration.
We'll, put up yer show" said the
wizard, little Modified by the COM