Classic Audiobook Collection - Eben Holden by Irving Bacheller ~ Full Audiobook [family]

Starting point is 00:00:00 ebbin holden by irving bachelor book one chapter one of all the people that ever went west that expedition was the most remarkable a small boy in a big basket on the back of a jolly old man who carried a cane in one hand a rifle in the other a black dog serving as scout skirmisher and rear guard that was the size of it they were the survivors of a ruined home in the north of vermont and were traveling far into the valley of the st lawrence but with no particular destination midsummer had passed them in their journey their clothes were covered with dust their faces browning in the hot sun it was a very small boy that sat inside the basket and clung to the rim his toe-head shaking as the old man walked he saw wonderful things day after day looking down at the green fields or peering into the gloomy reaches of the wood and he talked about them uncle ebb is that where the swifts are he would ask often and the old man would answer no they ain't real sassy this time a year they lay round in the deep dingles every day then the small voice would sing idly or prattle with an imaginary being that had a habit of peeking over the edge of the basket or would shout a greeting to some bird or butterfly and ask finally Tired, Uncle Eb?

Starting point is 00:01:39 Sometimes the old gentleman would say, Not very, and keep on, looking thoughtfully at the ground. Then again he would stop and mop his bald head with a big red handkerchief and say, a little tremor of irritation in his voice, Tired! Who wouldn't be tired with a big elephant like you on his back all day? I'd be ashamed of myself to sit there and let an old man carry me from Dan to Bersheba, Get out now and shake your legs. I was the small boy, and I remember it was always a great relief to get out of the basket,

Starting point is 00:02:17 and having run ahead to lie in the grass among the wild flowers and jump up at him as he came along. Uncle Ebb had been working for my father five years before I was born. He was not a strong man, and had never been able to carry the wide swath of the other help in the fields. but we all loved him for his kindness and his knack of story-telling he was a bachelor who came over the mountain from pleasant valley a little bundle of clothes on a shoulder and bringing a name that enriched the nomenclature of our neighborhood it was ebbin holden he had a cheerful temper and an imagination that was a very wilderness of oddities bears and panthers growled and were very terrible in that strange country he had invented an animal more treacherous than any in the woods and he called it a swift something like a panther he described the look of it a fearsome creature that lay in the edge of the woods at sundown and made a noise like a woman crying to lure the unwary it would light one's eyes with fear to hear uncle ebb lift his voice in the cry of the

Starting point is 00:03:33 swift many a time in the twilight when the bay of a hound or some far cry came faintly through the wooded hills i have seen him lift his hand and bid us hark and when we had listened a moment our eyes wide with wonder he would turn and say in a low half-whispered tone so swift i suppose we need more the fear of god but the young children of the pioneer needed also the fear of the woods or they would have strayed to the fear of the woods or they would have strayed to the fear of the woods or they would have strayed to the fear of the world their death in them. A big base vial, taller than himself, had long been the solace of his Sundays. After he had shaved, a ceremony so solemn that it seemed a right of his religion, that sacred vial was uncovered. He carried it sometimes to the back piazza and sometimes to the barn, where the horses shook and trembled at the roaring thunder of the strings. When he began to playing, we children had to get well out of the way and keep our distance. I remember now the look of him, then, his thin face, his soft black eyes, his long nose, the suit of broadcloth, the stock and

Starting point is 00:04:50 standing collar, and above all, the solemnity in his manner when that big devil of a thing was leaning on his breast. As to his playing, I have never heard a more fearful sound in any time of peace or one less creditable to a christian weekdays he was addicted to the milder sin of the flute and after chores if there were no one to talk with him he would sit long and pour his soul into that magic bar of boxwood uncle ebb had another great accomplishment he was what they call in the north country a natural cooner after nightfall when the corn was ripening he spoke in a whisper and had his ear cocked for coons but he loved all kinds of good fun so this man had a boy in his heart and a boy in his basket that evening we left the old house my father and mother and older brother had been drowned in the lake where they had gone for a day of pleasure i had then a small understanding of my loss that i have learned since that the farm was not worth the mortgage and that everything had to be sold. Uncle Ebb and I, a little lad, a very little lad of six,

Starting point is 00:06:11 were all that was left of what had been in that home. Some were for sending me to the county house, but they decided finally to turn me over to a desolate uncle with some allowance for my keep. Therein, Uncle Eve was to be reckoned with. He had set his heart on keeping me, but he was a farm-hand without any home or visible property, and not, therefore, in the mind of the authorities, a proper guardian.

Starting point is 00:06:41 He had me with him in the old house, and the very night he heard they were coming after me in the morning, we started on our journey. I remember he was a long time tying packages of bread and butter and tea and boiled eggs to the rim of the basket, so that they hung in the outside. Then he put a woolen shawl and an oilcloth blanket on the bottom, pulled the straps over his shoulders and buckled them,

Starting point is 00:07:09 standing before the looking-glass, and, hang put on my cap and coat, stood me on the table, and stooped so that I could climb into the basket, a pack-basket that he had used in hunting, the top a little smaller than the bottom. Once in I could stand comfortably or sit facing sideways, my back and knees wedged from port to starboard. With me and my place, he blew out the lantern and groped his way to the road,

Starting point is 00:07:40 his cane in one hand, his rifle in the other. Fred, our old dog, a black shepherd, with tawny points, came after us. Uncle Eb scolded him and tried to send him back, but I pleaded for the poor creature, and that settled it. He was one of our party. deno how we'll feed em said uncle ebb our own mouths are big enough to take all we can carry but i ain't no heart to leave him all alone there i was old for my age they tell me and had a serious look and a wise way of talking for a boy so young but i had no notion of what lay before or behind us now boy take a good look at the old house i remember he he whispered to me at the gate that night.

Starting point is 00:08:33 "'Tain't likely you'll ever see it again. "'Keep quiet now,' he added, "'letting down the bars at the foot of the lane. "'We're going west, and we mustn't let the grass grow under us. "'Got to be pretty spry, I can tell you.' "'It was quite dark, and he felt his way carefully "'down the cow-paths into the broad pasture. "'With every step I kept a sharp low,

Starting point is 00:09:00 look out for swifts and the moon shone after a while making my work easier i had to hold my head down presently when the tall brush began to whip the basket and i heard the big boots of uncle ebb ripping the briars then we came into the blackness of the thick timber and i could hear him feeling his way over the dead leaves with his cane i got down shortly and walked beside him holding on to the rifle with one hand. We stumbled often, and were long in the trail before we could see the moonlight through the tree columns. In the clearing, I climbed to my seat again, and by and by we came to the road where my companion sat down resting his load on a boulder. "'Pretty hot, Uncle Ebb, pretty hot,' he said to himself, fanning his brow with that old felt hat he wore everywhere. We've come three mile or more without a stop, and I guess we'd better rest a jiffy.

Starting point is 00:10:06 My legs ached too, and I was getting very sleepy. I remember the jolt of the basket as he rose, and hearing him say, Well, Uncle Ebb, I guess we'd better get going. The elbow that held my head, lying on the rim of the basket, was already numb, but the prickling could no longer rouse me, and, half dead with weariness, I fell asleep. Uncle Ebb has told me since that I tumbled out of the basket once, and that he had a time of it getting me in again, but I remember nothing more of that day's history. When I woke in the morning, I could hear the crackling of fire,

Starting point is 00:10:49 and felt very warm and cozy wrapped in the big shawl. I got a cheery greeting from Uncle Ebb, who was feeding the fire with a big heap of sticks that he had piled together. Old Fred was licking my hands with his rough tongue, and I suppose that is what waked me. Tea was steeping in the little pot that hung over the fire, and our breakfast of boiled eggs and bread and butter lay on a paper beside it. I remember well the scene of our little camp that morning. we had come to a strange country and there was no road in sight a wooded hill lay back of us and just before ran a noisy little brook winding between smooth banks through a long pasture into a dense wood behind a wall on the opposite shore a great field of rustling corn filled a broad valley and stood higher than a man's head while i went to wash my face in the clear water uncle ebb was husking some ears of corn that he took out of his pocket and had them roasting over the fire in a moment

Starting point is 00:12:02 we ate heartily giving fred two big slices of bread and butter packing up with enough remaining for another day breakfast over we doused the fire and uncle ebb put on his basket he made after a squirrel presently with old fred and brought him down out of a tree by hurling stones at him and then the faithful follower of our camp got a bit of meat for his breakfast we climbed the wall as he ate and buried ourselves in the deep corn the fragrant silky tassels brushed my face and the corn hissed at our intrusion crossing its green sabres in our path far in the field my companion heaped a little of the soft earth for a pillow spread the oilcloth between rows and as we lay down drew the big shawl over us uncle ebb was tired after the toil of that night and went asleep almost as soon as he was down before i dropped off fred came and licked my face and stepped over me his tail wagging for leave and curled upon the shawl at my feet i could see no sky in that gloomy green isle of corn this going to bed in the morning seemed a foolish business to me that day and i lay a long time lye looking up at the rustling canopy overhead. I remember listening to the waves that came whispering out of the further field,

Starting point is 00:13:39 nearer and nearer, until they swept over us with a roaring swash of leaves, like that of water flooding among rocks, as I have heard it often. A twinge of homesickness came to me, and the snoring of Uncle Ebb gave me no comfort. I remember covering my head and crying softly, as I thought of those who had gone away and whom I was to meet in a far country called heaven whither we were going. I forgot my sorrow finally in sleep.

Starting point is 00:14:12 When I awoke it had grown dusk under the corn. I felt for Uncle Ebb and he was gone. Then I called to him. Hush, boy, lie low, he whispered, bending over me, a sharp look in his eye. "'Fraid there after us?' He sat kneeling beside me, holding Fred by the collar and listening. I could hear voices, the rustle of the corn and the tramp of feet nearby.

Starting point is 00:14:43 It was thundering in the distance, that heavy, shaking thunder that seems to take hold of the earth, and there were sounds in the corn like the drawing of sabres and the rush of many feet. The noisy thunder clouds came nearer, and the voices that had made us tremble were no longer heard. Uncle Ebb began to fasten the oil blanket to the stalks of corn for a shelter. The rain came roaring over us. The sound of it was like that of a host of cavalry coming at a gallop. We lay bracing the stalks, the blanket tied above us, and were quite dry for a time. the rain rattled in the sounding sheaves and then came flooding down the steep gutters above us beam and rafter creaked swaying and showing glimpses of the dark sky

Starting point is 00:15:38 the rain passed we could hear the last battalion leaving the field and then the tumult ended as suddenly as it began the corn trembled a few moments and hushed to a faint whisper then we could hear the last battalion leaving the field then we could hear only the drip of raindrops leaking through the green roof. It was dark under the corn. End of Chapter 1. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 2 of Eben Holden. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. Eben Holden, a tale of the North Country by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 2 We heard no more of the voices.

Starting point is 00:16:31 Uncle Ebb had brought an arm full of wood and some water in the teapot while I was sleeping. As soon as the rain had passed, he stood listening a while and shortly opened his knife and made a little clearing in the corn by cutting a few hills. We've got to do it, he said, or we can't take any comfort, and the man told me I could have all the corn I wanted.

Starting point is 00:16:57 Did you see him, Uncle Ebb? I remember asking. yes he answered whittling in the dark i saw him when i went out for the water and it was he told me they were after us he took a look at the sky after a while and remarking that he guessed they couldn't see his smoke now began to kindle the fire as it burned up he stuck two crotches and hung his teapot on a stick that lay in them so it took the heat of the flame as i had seen him do in the morning our grotto in the corn was shortly as cheerful as any room in a palace and our fire set its light into the long aisles that opened opposite and nobody could see the warm glow of it but ourselves we'll have our supper said uncle ebb as he opened a paper and spread out the eggs and bread and butter and crackers we'll just have our supper and by and by when every one's a bed we'll make tracks in the dirt i can tell you our supper over uncle ebb let me look at his tobacco-box a shiny thing of german silver that always seemed to snap out a quick farewell to me before it dove into his pocket he was very cheerful and communicative and joked a good deal as we lay there waiting in the firelight i got some further acquaintance with the swift learning among other things that it had no appetite for the pure in heart

Starting point is 00:18:27 why not i inquired well said uncle ebb it's like this the meaner the boy the sweeter the meat he sang an old song as he sat by the fire with a whistled interlude between lines and the swing of it even now carries me back to that far day in the fields i lay with my head in his lap while he was singing years after when i could have carried him on my back he wrote down for me the words of the old song here they are about as he sang them although there are evidences of repair in certain lines to supply the loss of phrases that had dropped out of his memory i was goin to salem one bright summer day i met a young maiden a-goin my way o my fallow faddling fallow faddle away and many a time a-time a-time a-bye and many a-time a-time I had seen her before, but I never dare tell her the love that I bore. Oh, my fallow, et cetera. Oh, where are you going, my pretty fair maid? Oh, sir, I am going to Salem, she said.

Starting point is 00:19:39 Oh, my fallow, etc. Oh, why are you going so far in a day? For warm is the weather and long is the way. Oh, my fallow, etc. Oh, sir, I forgot. i have i declare but it's nothing to eat and it's nothing to wear oh my fallow et cetera oh ho then i have it ye pretty young miss i'll bet it is only three words and a kiss oh my fallow etc young woman young woman oh how will it do if i go see your lover and bring him to you oh my fallow etc it's a very long journey says she, I am told, and before you get back, they would surely be cold. Oh, my fellow, et cetera.

Starting point is 00:20:33 I have him right with me. I vomit, I vow, and if you don't object, I'll deliver them now. Oh, my fellow, et cetera. She laid her fair head all onto my breast, and you wouldn't know more if I told you the rest. Oh, my fellow, et cetera. I went asleep after a while in spite of all, right in the middle of a story. The droning voice of Uncle Ebb and the feel of his hand upon my forehead called me back, blinking once or twice, but not for long. The fire was gone down to a few embers when Uncle Ebb woke me, and the grotto was lit only by a sprinkle of moonlight from above.

Starting point is 00:21:17 Most twelve o'clock, he whispered, better be off the basket was on his back and he was all ready i followed him through the long isle of corn clinging to the tall of his coat the golden lantern of the moon hung near the zenith and when we came out in the open we could see into the far fields i climbed into my basket at the wall and as uncle ebb carried me over the brook stopping on a flat rock midway to take a drink i could see the sky in the water and it seemed as if a misstep would have tumbled me into the moon hear the crickets holler said uncle ebb as he followed the bank up into the open pasture what makes em holler i asked oh they're just filin their saws and thinking maybe tellin o what's happened em been a hard day for them little folks terrible flood in their country every one of em had to get up a steeple quick she could have be drownded they have their troubles and they talk about them too what do they file their saws for i inquired required. Well, you know, said he, where they live the timber's thick, and they have hard work clearing to make a home. I was getting too sleepy for further talk. He made his way from

Starting point is 00:22:47 field to field, stopping sometimes to look off at the distant mountains, then at the sky, or to whack the dry stalks of mullin with his cane. I remember he let down some bars after a long walk and stepped into a smooth roadway. He stood resting a little while, his basket on the top bar, and then the moon that I had been watching went down behind the broad rim of his hat, and I fell into utter forgetfulness. My eyes opened on a lovely scene at daylight. Uncle Ebb had laid me on a mossy knoll in a bit of timber, and through an opening right in front of us, I could see a broad level of shining water, and the great green mountain on the further shore seemed to be up to its belly in the sea.

Starting point is 00:23:38 Hello there, said Uncle Ebb. Here we are at Lake Champlain. I could hear the fire crackling, and smell the odor of steeping tea. You flopped round like a fish in that basket, said Uncle Ebb. Yes, you must have been dreaming of bears. jumped so you scared me didn't know but i had a wild cat on my shoulders uncle ebb had taken a fish-line out of his pocket and was tying it to a rude pole that he had cut and trimmed with his jack-knife i've found some crawfish here he said and i'm going to try for a bite on the point of rocks there gonna get some fish uncle ebb i inquired wouldn't say it i wouldn't say it i wouldn't say it i wouldn't say it i wouldn't was or wouldn't say it i wasn't he answered just gonna try uncle ebb was always careful not to commit himself on a doubtful point he had fixed his hook and sinker in a moment and then we went out on a rocky point nearby and threw off into the deep water suddenly uncle ebb gave a jerk that brought a groan out of him and then let his hook go down again his hands trembling his face severe by mighty uncle ebb he muttered to himself i thought we had him that time he jerked again presently and then i could see a tug on the line that made me jump a big fish came thrashing into the air in a minute he tried to swim

Starting point is 00:25:17 it ashore, but the pole bent, and the fish got a fresh hold of the water, and took the end of the pole under. Uncle Ebb gave it a lift, then, that brought it ashore and a good bit of water with it. I remember how the fish slapped me with its wet tail and sprinkled my face, shaking itself between my boots. It was a big bass, and in a little while we had three of them. uncle ebb dressed them and laid them over the fire on a gridiron of green birch salting them as they cooked i remember they went with a fine relish and the last of our eggs and bread and butter went with them our breakfast over uncle ebb made me promise to stay with fred in the basket while he went away to find a man who could row us across in about an hour i heard a boat coming and the dog and i had a boat coming and the dog and i was went out on the point of rocks where we saw Uncle Ebb and another man heading for us half over the cove the bow bumped the rocks beneath us in a minute then the stranger dropped his oars and stood staring at me in the dog say mister said he presently can't go no further there's a reward offered for you and that boy uncle ebb called him aside and was talking to him a long time

Starting point is 00:26:42 i never knew what was said but they came at last and took us into the boat and the stranger was very friendly when we had come near the landing on the york state side i remember he gave us our bearings keep to the woods he said till you're out of harm's way don't go near the stage road for a while you'll find a store a little way up the mountain get your provisions there and about eighty rod farther you'll strike the trail it'll take you over the mountain north and to paradise road then take the white church on your right shoulder and go straight west i would not have remembered it so well but for the fact that uncle ebb wrote it all down in his account book and that has helped me over many a slippery place in my memory of those events at the store we got some crackers and cheese tea and coffee dried beef and herring a bit of honey and a loaf of bread that was sliced and buttered before it was done up we were off in the woods by nine o'clock according to uncle ebb's diary and i remember the trail led us into thick brush where i had to get out and walk a long way it was smooth underfoot however and at noon we came to a slash in the timber full of briars that were all aglow with big blackberries we filled our hats with them and uncle ebb found a spring beside which we built a fire and had a memorable meal that made me glad of my hunger then we spread the oilcloth and lay down for another sleep we could see the glow of the setting sun through the tree-tops when we woke and began our packing we'll have to hurry said uncle ebb or we'll never get out of the woods to-night's about six mile or more

Starting point is 00:28:42 a Paradise Road as I make it. Come, you're slower and a toad in a tar barrel. We hurried off on the trail, and I remember Fred looked very crestfallen with two big packages tied to his collar. He delayed a bit by trying to shake them off, but Uncle Ebb gave him a sharp word or two,

Starting point is 00:29:05 and then he walked along very thoughtfully. Uncle Ebb was a little out of patience that evening, and I thought he bore down too harshly in his rebuke of the old dog. You shiftless cuss, he said to him, you'd just do nothing but chase squirrels and let me break my back to carry your dinner. It was glooming fast in the thick timber, and Uncle Ebb almost ran with me while the way was plain. The last ringing note of the wood-thrush had died away,

Starting point is 00:29:37 and in a little while it was so dark, I could distinguish nothing but the looming of the looming. mass of tree trunks. He stopped suddenly and strained his eyes in the dark. Then he whistled a sharp, sliding note, and the sound of it gave me some hint of his trouble. "'Get down, Willie,' said he, "'and take my hand. I'm afraid we're lost here in the big woods.' We groped about for a minute, trying to find the trail. "'No use,' he said presently. we'll have to stop right here otter an known betterin to come through so near sundown guess it was more'n anybody could do

Starting point is 00:30:21 he built a fire and began to lay out a supper for us then while fred sat down by me to be relieved of his bundles our supper was rather dry for we had no water but it was only two hours since we left the spring so we were not suffering yet uncle ebb took out of the fire a burning brand of pine and went away into the gloomy woods holding it above his head while fred and i sat by the fire it's lucky we didn't go no further he said as he came in after a few minutes there's a big precipice over yonder i dunno how deep it is guess we'd have found out pretty soon he cut some boughs of hemlock growing near us and spread them in a little hollow that done we covered them with the oilcloth and sat down comfortably by the fire uncle ebb had a serious look and was not inclined to talk or story-telling before turning in he asked me to kneel and say my prayer as i had done every evening at the feet of my mother i remember clearly kneeling before my old companion and hearing the echo of my small voice there in the dark and lonely woods i remember too and even more clearly how he bent his head and covered his eyes in that brief moment i had a great dread of darkness and imagined much evil of the forest but somehow i had no fear if he were near me when we had fixed the fire and lain down for the night on the fragrant hemlock and covered ourselves with the shawl uncle ebb lay on one side of me and old fred on the other so i felt secure indeed

Starting point is 00:32:15 the night had many voices there in the deep wood away in the distance i could hear a strange wild cry and i asked what it was and uncle ebb whispered back it's a loon down the side of the mountain a shrill bark rang in the timber and that was a fox according to my patient oracle anon we heard the crash and thunder of a falling tree and a murmur that followed in the wake of the last echo big tree fallen said uncle ebb as he lay gaping it has to break away to the ground and it must hurt did you notice how the woods tremble if we was up above them we could see the hole that tree had made just like an open grave till the others have filled it with their tops my ears had gone deaf with drowsiness when a quick stir in the body of uncle ebb brought me back to my senses he was up on his elbow listening and the firelight had sunk to a glimmer fred lay shivering and growling beside me i could hear no other sound be still said uncle ebb as he boxed the dog's ears then he rose and began to stir the fire and lay on more wood as the flame leaped and threw its light into the tree-tops a shrill cry like the scream of a frightened woman only louder and more terrible to hear brought me to my feet crying i knew the source of it was near us and ran to uncle ebb in a fearful panic hush boy said he as it died away and went echoing in the far forest i'll take care of you don't be scared he's more afraid of us than we are a him he's makin off now

Starting point is 00:34:14 we heard then a great crackling of dead brush on the mountain above us it grew fainter as we listened in a little while the woods were silent it's the old man of the woods said uncle ebb he's out taking a walk will he hurt folks i inquired toe he answered just as harmless as a kitten end of chapter two recording by roger maline chapter three of ebbin holden this librivox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline ebbin holden a tale of the north country by irving bachelor chapter three naturally there were a good many things i wanted to know about the old man of the woods but uncle ebb would take no part of the part of the in any further conversation so i had to lie down beside him again and think out the problem as best i could my mind was never more acutely conscious and it gathered many strange impressions wandering in the kingdom of fear as i looked up at the tree-tops uncle ebb had built a furious fire and the warmth of it made me sleepy at last both he and old fred had been snoring a long time when i ceased to hear that them. Uncle Ebb woke me at daylight in the morning and said we must be off to find the trail. He left me by the fire a little while and went looking on all sides and came back no wiser.

Starting point is 00:36:02 We were both thirsty and started off on rough footing without stopping to eat. We climbed and crawled for hours, it seemed to me, and everywhere the fallen tree trunks were heaped in our way. Uncle Ebb sat down on one of them a while to rest. rest. Like the bones of the dead, said he as he took a chew of tobacco and picked at the rotten skeleton of a fallen tree. We were both pretty well out of breath, and of hope also, if I remember rightly, when we rested again under the low-hanging boughs of a basswood for a bit of luncheon. Uncle Ebb opened the little box of honey and spread some of it on our bread and butter. In a moment, I noticed that half a dozen bees had lit in the open box.

Starting point is 00:36:51 "'Lord, Harry, here's honeybees,' said he, as he covered the box so as to keep them in and tumbled everything else into the basket. "'Make haste now, Willie, and follow me with all your might,' he added. In a minute he let out one of the bees and started running in the direction it flew. It went but a few feet and then rose into the tree-top. he's goin to git up into the open air said uncle ebb but i've got his barrens and i guess he knows the way all right we took the direction indicated for a few minutes and then uncle ebb led out another prisoner

Starting point is 00:37:31 the bee flew off a little way and then rose in a slanting course to the tree-tops he showed us however that we were looking the right way them little fellows have got a good compass said uncle Ebb as we followed the line of the bees. It points home every time and never makes a mistake. We went further this time before releasing another. He showed us that we had borne out of our course a little, and as we turned to follow, there were half a dozen bees flying around the box, as if begging for admission. "'Here they are back again,' said Uncle Ebb, and they've told a lot of their cronies about the man and the boy with honey. At length one of them flew over our heads, and back in the direction we had come from.

Starting point is 00:38:23 Aha, said Uncle Ebb, it's a bee tree, and we've passed it, but I'm going to keep letting them in and out. Never heard of a swarm of bees going far away, and so we must be near the clearing. In a little while we let one go that took a road of its own. the others had gone back over our heads this one bore off to the right in front of us and we followed i was riding in the basket and was first to see the light of the open through the tree-tops but i didn't know what it meant until i heard the hearty hurrah of uncle ebb we had come to smooth footing in a grove of maples and the clean trunks of the trees stood up as straight as a granite column

Starting point is 00:39:09 presently we came out upon wide fields of corn and clover and as we looked back upon the grove it had a rounded front and i think of it now as the vestibule of the great forest it's a regular big tomb said uncle ebb looking back over his shoulder into the gloomy cavern of the woods we could see a log house in the clearing and we made for it as fast as our legs would carry us we had a mighty thirst and when we came to a little brook in the meadow we lay down and drank and drank until we were fairly grunting with fulness then we filled our teapot and went on men were reaping with their cradles in a field of grain and as we neared the log house a woman came out in the door-yard and lifting a shell to her lips blew a blast that rushed over the clearing and rang in the woods beyond it a loud hello came back from the men a small dog rushed out at fred barking and i suppose with some lack of respect for the old dog laid hold of him in a violent temper and sent him away yelping we must have presented an evil aspect for our clothes were torn and we were both limping with fatigue the woman had a kindly face and after looking at us a moment came and stooped before me and held my small face in her hands turning it so she could look into my eyes you poor little critter said she where you goin uncle ebb told her something about my father and mother being dead and our going west then she hugged and kissed me and made me very miserable i remember wetting my face with her tears that were quite beyond my comprehension jethro said she as the men came into the

Starting point is 00:41:10 the yard. I want you to look at this boy. Did you ever see such a cunning little critter? Just look at them bright eyes. And then she held me to her breast and nearly smothered me and began to hum a bit of an old song. You're full of mother love, said her husband as he sat down in the grass a moment. Lost her only baby and the good lord has sent no other. I swan he has got putty eyes, just as blue as a Mayflower. Ain't you hungry? Come right in, both of you, and set down to the table with us. They made room for us, and we sat down between the bare elbows of the hired men. I remember my eyes came only to the top of the table, so the good woman brought the family

Starting point is 00:42:02 Bible, and sitting on that firm foundation, I eat my dinner of salt, pork, and potatoes, and milk gravy. A diet as grateful as it was familiar to my taste. "'Orphan, eh?' said the man of the house, looking down at me. "'Orphan,' Uncle Eb answered, nodding his head. "'God fearing, folks?' "'Best in the world,' said Uncle Ebb. "'Wan't a-bye. Find him out, the man asked.

Starting point is 00:42:35 Couldn't spare him, said Uncle Ebb decisively. Where are you going? Uncle Ebb hesitated, groping for an answer, I suppose, that would do no violence to our mutual understanding. Go into heaven, I ventured to say presently, an answer that gave rise to conflicting emotions at the table. That's right, said Uncle Ebb, turning to. to me and patting my head we're on the road to heaven i hope and you'll see it some day certain sure if you keep in the straight road and be a good boy

Starting point is 00:43:13 after dinner the good woman took off my clothes and put me in bed while she mended them i went asleep then and did not awake for a long time when i got up at last she brought a big basin of water and washed me with such motherly tenderness in voice and manner that i have never forgotten it uncle ebb lay sleeping on the lounge and when she had finished dressing me fred and i went out to play in the garden it was supper time in a little while and then again the woman winded the shell and the men came up from the field we sat down to eat with them as we had done at noon and uncle ebb consented to spend the night after some urging he helped them with the milking and as i stood beside him shot a jet of the warm white flood into my mouth that tickled it so i ran away laughing the milking done i sat on uncle ebb's knee in the door-yard with all the rest of that household hearing many tales of the wilderness and of robbery and murder on paradise road i got the impression that it was a country of unexampled wickedness and ferocity in men and animals one man told about the ghost of burnt bridge how the bridge had burnt one afternoon and how a certain traveler in the dark of the night driving down the hill above it fell to his death at the brink of the culvert. And every night since then, said the man very positively,

Starting point is 00:44:49 you can hear him driving down that bill, just as plain as you can hear me talking, the rattle of the wheels and all. It stops sudden, and then you can hear him hit the rocks way down there at the bottom of the gully and groan and groan. And folks say it's a curse on the town for leaving that hole open. What's a ghost? Uncle Ebb, I whispered.

Starting point is 00:45:16 Something like a swift, he answered, but not so powerful. We heard a panther last night, he added, turning to our host. Hollered like sin when he see the fire. Scared, said the man of the house, gaping. That's what ailed him. I've lived twenty year on Paradise Road, and it was all woods when I put up the cabin. Seen deer on the door. step and bears in the garden and panthers in the fields but i tell ye there's no critter so terrible as a man all the animals know him how he roars and spits fire and smoke and lead so it goes through a body or bites off a leg maybe

Starting point is 00:46:01 guess they'd made friends with me but them i didn't kill went away smarting with holes in em and i guess they told all their people bout me the terrible critter that walks on its hind legs, and lied a white face and drew up and spit his teeth into their vitals, cross a ten-acre lot, and pretty soon they concluded they didn't want to have no truck with me. They thought then clearing was the valley of death, and they got very careful. But the deer, they keep peeking in at me. Something funny about it, deer? They're so curious. Seems though they loved the look of me and the taste of the tame grass. maybe god meant em to serve in the yoke some way and be the friend of man they're the outcasts of the forest the prey of the other animals and men like em only when they're dead and they're the prettiest critter alive and the spriest and the most graceful men are the most terrible of all critters and the meanest said uncle ebb they're the only critters that kill for fun

Starting point is 00:47:12 bed time said our host rising presently got to be up early in the morning we climbed a ladder to the top floor of the cabin with the hired men of whom there were two the good lady of the house had made a bed for us on the floor and i remember fred came up the ladder too and laid down beside us uncle ebb was up with the men in the morning and at breakfast time my hostess came and woke me with kisses and helped him eat a dress when we were about going she brought a little wagon out of the cellar that had been a playing of her dead boy and said i could have it this wonderful wagon was just the thing for the journey we were making when i held the little tongue in my hand i was half-way to heaven already it had four stout wheels and a beautiful red box her brother had sent it all the way from new york and it had stood so long in the cellar It was now much in need of repair. Uncle Ebb took it to the tool shop in the stable and put it in ship-shape order and made a little pair of thills

Starting point is 00:48:25 to go in place of the tongue. Then he made a big flat collar and a back pad out of the leather and old bootlegs and rigged a pair of tugs out of two pieces of rope. Old Fred was quite cast down when he stood in harness between the shafts. He had waited patiently. to have his collar fitted. He had grinned and panted and wagged his tail with no suspicion of the

Starting point is 00:48:51 serious and humiliating career he was entering upon. Now he stood with a sober face and his aspect was full of meditation. "'You fightin' hound?' said Uncle Ebb. I hope this'll improve your character. Fred tried to sit down when Uncle Ebb tied a leading rope to his collar. When he heard the wheels and felt the pull of the wagon, he looked back at it and growled a little and started to run. Uncle Ebb shouted, whoa, and held him back, and then the dog got down in his belly and trembled until we patted his head and gave him a kind word. He seemed to understand presently and came along with a steady stride. Our hostess met us at the gate and the look on her face when she bade us goodbye and tucked some cookies into my pocket has always lingered in my memory and put in me a mighty respect for all women the sound of her voice the tears the waving of her handkerchief as we went away are among the things that have made me what i am

Starting point is 00:50:02 we stowed our packages in the wagon box and i walked a few miles and then got into the empty basket fred tipped his load over once or twice but got a steady gait in the way of industry after a while and a more cheerful look we had our dinner by the roadside on the bank of a brook an hour or so after midday and came to a little village about sundown as we were nearing it there was some excitement among the dogs and one of them tackled fred he went into battle very promptly the wagon jumping and rattling until it turned bottom up Reinforced by Uncle Ebb's cane, he soon saw the heels of his aggressor and stood growling savagely. He was like the goal in a puzzle maze all wound and tangled in his harness, and it took some time to get his face before him and his feet free. At a small grocery where groups of men, just out of the fields, were sitting, their arms bare to the elbows, we bought more bread and butter.

Starting point is 00:51:12 in paying for it Uncle Ebb took a package out of his trouser pocket to get his change it was tied in a red handkerchief and i remember it looked to be about the size of his fist he was putting it back when it fell from his hand heavily and i could hear the chink of coin as it struck one of the men who sat near picked it up and gave it back to him as i remember well his kindness had an evil flavor for he winked at his companions who nudged each other as they smiled knowingly uncle ebb was a bit cross when i climbed into the basket and walked along in silence so rapidly it worried the dog to keep pace the leading rope was tied to the stock of the rifle and fred's walking-gate was too slow for the comfort of his neck you shiftless cuss i'll put a kink in your neck for you if you don't walk up said uncle ebb as he looked back at the dog in a temper wholly unworthy of him we had crossed a deep valley and were climbing a long hill in the dusky twilight willie said uncle ebb your eyes are better in mine look back and see if anyone's comin can't see anyone i answered look way back in the road as far as you can see i did so but i could see no one he slackened his pace a little after that and before we had passed the hill it was getting dark the road ran into woods and a river cut through them a little way from the clearing supper time uncle ebb i suggested as we came to the bridge

Starting point is 00:53:05 supper time uncle ebb he answered turning down to the shore i got out of the basket then and followed him in the brush fred found it hard traveling here and shortly we took off his harness and left the wagon transferring its load to the basket while we pushed on to find a camping place back in the thick timber a long way from the road we built a fire and had our supper it was a dry nook in the pines tight as a house uncle ebb said and carpeted with the fragrant needles when we lay on our backs in the firelight i remember the weary droning voice of uncle ebb had an impressive accompaniment of whispers while he told stories i had a glowing cinder on the end of a stick and was weaving fiery skeins in the gloom he had been telling me of a panther he had met in the woods one day and how the creature ran away at the side of him why's a panther afraid of folks i inquired well you see they used to be friendly years and years ago folks and panthers but they want exactly calculated to get along together some way. An old Shee Panther ginn'em one of her cubs a great while ago, just to make friends. The cub, he grew big and used to play and be very gentle.

Starting point is 00:54:38 There was a boy he took to, and both of them got on very friendly. The boy and the panther went off one day in the woods, guessed was more than a hundred years ago, and was lost. Walked all over and finally got to be a little. to going round and round in a big circle till they was both of them tired out. Come night, they lay down as hungry as two bears.

Starting point is 00:55:04 The boy, he was kind of afraid of the dark, so he got up close to the panther and lay between his paws. The boy, he thought the panther smelt funny, and the panther, he didn't just like the smell of the boy. And the boy, he had the legache and kicked the panther in the belly,

Starting point is 00:55:23 so he kind of gagged and spit, and they want neither on them real comfortable. The soft paws of the panther was just like pincushions. He'd great hooks in them sharper in the point of a needle, and when he was going to sleep, he'd run him out just like an old cat, kind of playful, and purr and pull. All at once the boy felt something like a lot of needles pricking his back, made him jump and holler like sam hill the panther he spit sassy and rise up and smelt to the ground didn't neither of em know what was the matter by and by they lay down again twant only a little while before the boy felt something pricking of him he hollered and kicked again the panther he growled and spit and dumb a tree and sawed on a limb and peaked over at the crickin of him he hollered and kicked again the panther he growled and spit and dumb a tree and sawed on a limb and peaked over at the

Starting point is 00:56:21 queer little critter. Couldn't neither of them understand it. The boy could see the eyes of the panther in the dark, shone like two live coals exactly. The panther never sawed on a tree when he was hungry and see a boy below him. Something told him to jump. Tail went swishing the leaves like that. His whiskers quivered, his tongue come out. Could think a-n-now-one. Could think a nothing but his big empty belly. The boy was scared. He up with his gun quick as a flash, aimed at the eyes and let her flicker, blew a lot of smoke and birdshot and paper waddened right up into his face. The panther, he lost his whiskers in one eye and got his hide full of shot and fell off the tree like a ripe apple and run for his life. Thought he had never seen nothing

Starting point is 00:57:20 could growl and spit's powerful as that boy. Never could bear the sight of a man after that. Always made him gag and spit to think of the man-critter. Went off to his own folks and told to the boy in spit fire and smoke, and growl so almost tore his ears off. And now, whenever they hear a gun go off, they always think it's the man-critter growling. And they gag and spit and look as a-yre-all-and-wit-and-look as

Starting point is 00:57:50 if it made him sick to the stomach. And the man, folks, they didn't have no good opinion of the Panthers after that. He ain't never been friends anymore. Fact is, a man, he can be any kind of a beast, but a panther, he can't be nothing but just a panther. Then, too, as we lay there in the firelight, Uncle Ebb told me the remarkable story of the gingerbread bear. He told it slowly as if his invention were severely taxed. Once there was a boy got lost, was going cross lots to play with another boy and lied to go through a strip of wood.

Starting point is 00:58:33 Went off the trail to chase a butterfly and got lost. Had his kite and cross-gun, and he wandered all over till he was tired and hungry. Then he lay down to cry on a bed of maw. pretty quick there was a big black bear come along what's the matter said the bear hungry says the boy tell you what i'll do says the bear if you'll scratch my back for me i'll let you cut a piece o my tail off to eat bear's tail you know has a lot of meat on it him tell it was grand good fare so the boy he scratched the bear's back he scratched the bear's back and the bear he grinned and made his paw go patty-pad on the ground it did feel so splendid then the boy took his jack-knife and began to cut off the bear's tail the bear he flew mad and growled and growled so the boy he stopped and didn't dust cut no more hurts awful said the bear couldn't never stand it tell you what i'll do ye scratched my back and now

Starting point is 00:59:47 I'll scratch urine. Gee whiz, said I. Yes, sir, that's what the bear said, Uncle Eb went on. The boy, he up and run like a nailer. The bear, he laughed hardy and scratched the ground like Sam Hill and flung the dirt higher in his head. Look here, says he, as the boy stopped, I just swallowed a piece of mutton.

Starting point is 01:00:15 Run your hand into my throat and I'll let you. you have it. The bear, he opened his mouth and showed his big teeth. "'Hugh!' I whistled. "'That's exactly what he'd done,' said Uncle Ebb. He showed him plain. The boy was scared her in a weasel. The bear, he jumped up and down in his hind legs and laughed and hollered and shook himself. "'Only just foolin,' says he, when he see the boy was going to run again. what's you afraid of?

Starting point is 01:00:50 Can't bear to stay here, says the boy, lest he'll keep your mouth shut. And the bear, he shut his mouth and pointed to the big pocket in his fur coat and winked and motioned to the boy. The bear, he really did have a pocket on the side of his big fur coat. The boy slid his hand in, up to the elbow. What do you suppose he found? Don't know, said I.

Starting point is 01:01:19 Something to eat, he continued. Boy liked it best of all things. I guessed everything I could think of, from cookies to beefsteak and gave up. Gingerbread, said he soberly at length. Thought you said bears couldn't talk, I objected. Well, the boyd fella said, asleep and he'd only dreamed of the bear said uncle ebb you see bears can talk when boys are dreaming of him come daylight the boy got up and catched a crow broke his wing with a cross gun

Starting point is 01:01:59 then he tied the kite swing on to the crow's leg and the crow flopped along and the boy followed him and by and by they come out a cornfield where the crow been used to coming for his dinner what come of the boy, said I. Went home, said he, gaping, as he lay on his back and looked up at the treetops. And he always said a bear was good company, if he'd only keep his mouth shut, just like some folks I've heard of. And what come of the crow?

Starting point is 01:02:36 Went to the old crow doctor and got his wing fixed, he said, drowsily, and in a moment I heard him snoring. we had been asleep a long time when the barking of fred woke us i could just see uncle ebb in the dim light of the fire kneeling beside me the rifle in his hand i'll fill ye full of lead if ye come any nearer he shouted end of chapter three recording by roger maline chapter four of ebbin holden this librivox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline ebbin holden a tale of the north country by irving bachelor chapter four we listened a while then but heard no sound in the thicket although fred was growling ominously his hair on end as for myself i never had a more fearful hour than that we suffered before the light of morning came i made no outcry but clung to my old companion trembling trembling he did not stir for a few minutes and then we crept cautiously into the small hemlocks on one side of the opening keep still he whispered don't move or speak

Starting point is 01:04:08 presently we heard a move in the brush and then quick as a flash uncle ebb lifted his rifle and fired in the direction of it before the loud echo had gone off in the woods we heard something break through the brush at a run it's a man said uncle ebb as he listened he ain't losing no time neither we sat listening as the sound grew fainter and when it ceased entirely uncle ebb said he must have got to the road after a little the light of the morning began sifting down through the tree-tops and was greeted with innumerable songs he done noble said uncle ebb patting the old dog as he rose to poke the fire pretty good chap i call him he can have half of my dinner any time he wants it who do you suppose it was i inquired roberts i guess he answered and they'll be layin for us when we go out maybe but if they are fred'll find em and i've got old trusty here and i guess that'll take care of us his rifle was always flattered with that name of old trusty when it had done him a good turn soon as the light had come clear he went out in the near woods with dog and rifle and beat around in the brush he returned shortly and said he had seen where they came and went i'd ha killed em dead'er an a door-nail said he laying down the old rifle if they'd come any nearer then we brought water-and-and-and-he'd ha'n'n'n'n'nale said he laying down the old rifle if they'd come any nearer then we brought water from the river and had our breakfast fred went on ahead of us when we started for the road scurrying through the brush on both sides of the trail as if he knew what was expected of him

Starting point is 01:06:00 he flushed a number of partridges and uncle ebb killed one of them on our way to the road we resumed our journey without any further adventure it was so smooth and level underfoot that uncle ebb let me get in the wagon after fred was hits to it. The old dog went along soberly and without much effort, save when we came to hills or sandy places, when I always got out and ran on behind. Uncle Ebb showed me how to break the wheels with a long stick going downhill. I remember how it hit the dog's heels at the first downgrade, and how he ran to keep out of the way of it. We were going like mad in half a minute, Uncle Eb coming after us, calling to the dog. Fred only looked over his shoulder with a wild eye at the rattling wagon and ran the harder. He leaped aside at the bottom, and then we went all in a heap.

Starting point is 01:07:00 Fortunately, no harm was done. I declare, said Uncle Eb as he came up to us, puffing like a spent horse, and picked me up unhurt and began to untangle the harness of old Fred. I guess he must have thought the devil was after him. The dog growled a little for a moment and bit at the harness, but coaxing reassured him, and he went along all right again on the level. At a small settlement the children came out and ran along beside my wagon, laughing and asking me questions.

Starting point is 01:07:35 Some of them tried to pet the dog, but old Fred kept to his labor at the heels of Uncle Ebb and looked neither to right nor left. we stopped under a tree by the side of a narrow brook for our dinner and one incident of that meal i think of always when i think of uncle ebb it shows the manner of man he was and with what understanding and sympathy he regarded every living thing in rinsing his teapot he accidentally poured a bit of water on a big bumblebee the poor creature struggled to lift hill and then another downpour caught him and still another undue and yet another until his wings fell drenched then his breast began heaving violently his legs stiffened behind him and he sank head downward in the grass uncle ebb saw the death-throws of the bee and knelt down and lifted the dead body by one of its wings just look at his velvet coat he said and his wings all wet and stiff they'll never carry him another journey it's too too bad a man has to kill every step he takes the bee's tail was moving faintly and uncle ebb laid him out in the warm sunlight and fanned him awhile with his hat trying to bring back the breath of life

Starting point is 01:08:59 guilty he said presently coming back with a sober face that's a dead bee no tellin how many was dependent on him or what plans he had me be agin him a lot o pleasure to fly round in the sunlight workin every fair day's all over now he had a gloomy face for an hour after that and many a time in the days that followed i heard him speak of the murdered bee we lay resting a while after dinner and watching a big city of ann's uncle ebb told me how they tilled the soil of the mound every year and sewed their own kind of of grain, a small white seed like rice, and reaped their harvest in the late summer, storing the crop in their dry cellars underground. He told me also the story of the ant-lion, a big beetle that lives in the jungles of the grain in the grass, of which I remember only an outline, more or less imperfect. Here it is in my own rewording of his tale. On a bright day, one of the little black folks went off on a long road in a great field of barley. He was going to another city of his own people to bring helpers for the harvest.

Starting point is 01:10:20 He came shortly to a sandy place where the barley was thin and the hot sunlight lay near to the ground. In a little valley close by the road of the ants, he saw a deep pit in the sand, with steep sides sloping to a point in the middle and as big around as a bishops. now the ants are curious people and go looking for things that are new and wonderful as they walk abroad so they have much to tell worth hearing after a journey the little traveller was young and had no fear so he left the road and went down to the pit and peeped over the side of it what in the world is the meaning of this queer place he asked himself as he ran around the rim in a moment he had stepped over and the soft sand began to cave and slide beneath him quick as a flash the big lion beetle rose up in the center of the pit and began to reach for him then his legs flew in the caving sand and the young ant struck his blades in it to hold the little he could gain upward he struggled leaping and floundering in the dust he had got near the rim and had stopped clinging to get his breath when the lion began flinging the sand at him with his long feelers it rose in a cloud and fell on the back of the ant and pulled at him as it swept down

Starting point is 01:11:49 he could feel the mighty cleavers of the lion striking near his hind legs and pulling the sand from under them he must go down in a moment and he knew what that meant he had heard the old men of the tribe tell often how they hold one helpless and slash him into a dozen pieces. He was letting go, in despair, when he felt a hand on his neck. Looking up, he saw one of his own people reaching over the rim, and in a jiffy they had shut their fangs together. He moved little by little as the other tugged at him,

Starting point is 01:12:26 and in a moment was out of the trap and could feel the honest earth under him. When they had got home and told their adventure, some were forgoing to slay the beetle, there is never a pit in the path of duty said the wise old chief of the little black folks see that you keep in the straight road if our brother had not left the straight road said one who stood near he that was in danger would have gone down into the pit it matters much he answered whether it was kindness or curiosity that led him out of the road but he that follows a fool hath much need of wisdom for if he save the fool do you not see that he hath encouraged folly of course i had then no proper understanding of the chief's counsel nor do i pretend even to remember it from that first telling but the tale was told frequently in the course of my long acquaintance with the tale was told frequently in the course of my long acquaintance with uncle ebb the diary of my good old friend lies before me as i write the leaves turned yellow and the entries dim i remember how stern he grew of an evening when he took out this sacred little record of our wanderings and began to write in it with his stub of a pencil

Starting point is 01:13:46 he wrote slowly and read and re-read each entry with great care as i held the torch for him be still boy be still he would say when some pressing interrogatory passed my lips and then he would bend to his work while the point of his pencil bored further into my patience beginning here i shall quote a few entries from the diary as they cover with sufficient detail an uneventful period of our journey august twentieth killed a partridge to-day biled it in the teapot for dinner went good fourteen mild august twenty first seen a deer this morning fred fit again come near spilling the wagon had to stop and fix the axe ten mild august twenty second clum a tree this morning after wild grapes come near fallin ginn me a little crick in the back willie he's got a stun bruise twelve mild august twenty third went in swimming catched a few fish before breakfast got provisions and and two case knives and one fork, also one tin pie plate. Used seem to fry fish for dinner.

Starting point is 01:15:17 14, mild. August 24th. Got some spirits for Willie to rub on my back. Boots wearing out. Terrible hot. Lay in the shade in the heat of the day. Gypsies come and camped by us tonight. Ten, mild.

Starting point is 01:15:38 i remember well the coming of those gypsies we were fishing inside of the road and our fire was crackling on the smooth cropped shore the big wagons of the gypsies there were four of them as red and beautiful as those of a circus caravan halted about sundown while the men came over a moment to scan the field presently they went back and turned their wagons into the siding and began to the siding and began to unhitch. Then a lot of barefooted children and women under gay shawls overran the field gathering wood and making ready for night. Meanwhile, swarthy drivers took the horses to water and tethered them with long ropes so they could crop the grass of the roadside. One tall, bony man, with a face almost as black as that of an Indian, brought a big iron pot and set it up near the water. a big stew of beef bone leeks and potatoes began to cook shortly and i remember it had such a goodly smell i was minded to ask them for a taste of it a little cry of strange people had surrounded us of a sudden uncle ebb thought of going on but the night was coming fast and there would be no moon and we were footsore and hungry women and children came over to our fire after supper and made more of me than i loved

Starting point is 01:17:08 liked. I remember taking refuge between the knees of Uncle Ebb, and Fred sat close in front of us growling fiercely when they came too near. They stood about, looking down at us, and whispered together, and one young miss of the tribe came up and tried to kiss me, in spite of Fred's warnings. She had flashing black eyes and hair as dark as the night that fell in a curling mass upon her shoulders. But somehow I had a mighty fear of her, and fought with desperation to keep my face from the touch of her red lips. Uncle Ebb laughed and held Fred by the collar, and I began to cry out in terror presently, when to my great relief she let go and ran away to her own people. They all went away to their wagons, save one young man who was tall with light hair and a fair skin

Starting point is 01:18:05 and who looked like none of the other gypsies. Take care of yourself, he whispered as soon as the rest had gone. These are bad people. You'd better be off. The young man left us, and Uncle Ebb began to pack up at once. They were going to bed in their wagons when we came away. I stood in the basket, and Fred drew the wagon that had in it only a few bundles. a mile or more further on we came to a lonely deserted cabin close to the road it had began to thunder in the distance and the wind was blowing damp guess nobody lives here said uncle ebb as he turned in at the sagging gate and began to cross the little patch of weeds and hollyhocks behind it doors half down but i guess it'll do better than no house gonna rain sartin

Starting point is 01:19:02 i was nodding a little about then i remember but i was wide awake when he took me out of the basket the old house stood on a high hill and we could see the stars of heaven through the ruined door and one of the back windows uncle ebb lifted the leaning door a little and shoved it aside we heard then a quick stir in the old house a loud and ghostly rattle it seems now as i think of it like that made by linen shaking on the line uncle ebb took a step backwards as if it had startled him guess it's nothin to be afraid of he said feeling in the pet of his coat he had struck a match in a moment by its flickering light i could see only a bit of rubbish on the floor full of white owls said he stepping inside where the rustling was now continuous they'll do us no harm i could see them now flying about under the low ceiling uncle ebb gathered and gathered an armful of grass and clover in the near field and spread it in a corner well away from the ruined door and windows covered with our blanket it made a fairly comfortable bed soon as we had lain down the rain began to rattle on the shaky roof and flashes of lightning lit every corner of the old room i have had ever a curious love of storms and from the time when memory began its record in my brain it has delighted me to hear at night the roar of thunder and see the swift play of the lightning i lay between uncle ebb and the old dog who both went asleep shortly less wearied i presume than either of them for i had done none of the carrying and had slept a long time that day in the shade of a tree i was awake an hour or more after they were snoring

Starting point is 01:21:05 every flash lit the old room like the full glare of the noonday sun i remember it showed me an old cradle piled full of the room a rusty sun i remember it showed me an old cradle piled full of rubbish a rusty sithe hung in the rotting sash of a window, a few lengths of stove-pipe, and a plow in one corner, and three staring white owls that sat on a beam above the doorway. The rain roared on the old roof shortly and came dripping down through the bare boards above us. A big drop struck in my face, and I moved a little. Then I saw what made me hold my breath a moment and cover my head with the shawl. a flash of lightning revealed a tall ragged man looking in at the doorway i lay close to uncle ebb imagining much evil of that vision but made no outcry snugged in between my two companions i felt reasonably secure and soon fell asleep the sun streaming in at the open door roused me in the morning

Starting point is 01:22:14 at the beginning of each day of our journey i woke up to find uncle ebb cooking at the fire he was lying beside me this morning his eyes open fraid i'm hard sick he said as i kissed him what's the matter i inquired he struggled to a sitting posture groaning so it went to my heart room it is he answered presently he got to his feet little by little and every move he made gave him great pain with one hand on his cane and the other on my shoulder he made his way slowly to the broken gate even now i can see clearly the broken gate even now i can see clearly the the fair prospect of that high place a valley reaching to distant hills and a river winding through it glimmering in the sunlight a long wooded ledge breaking into naked grassy slopes on one side of the valley and on the other a deep forest rolling to the far horizon between them big patches of yellow grain and white buckwheat and green pasture land and greener meadows on the straight road with white houses on either side of it glorious in a double fringe of goldenrod and purple astor and yellow john's wart and the deep blue of the jacob's ladder looks a good deal like the promised land said uncle ebb ain't got much further to go he sat on the rotting threshold while i pulled some of the weeds in front of the doorstep and brought kindlings out of the house and built a fire while we were eating i told uncle ebb of the man that i had seen in the night guess you was dreaming he said and while i stood firm for the reality of that i had seen it held our thought only for a brief moment

Starting point is 01:24:16 my companion was unable to walk that day so we lay by in the shelter of the old house eating as little of our scanty store as we could do with i went to a spring near by for water and picked a good mess of blackberries that i hid away until supper-time so as to surprise uncle ebb a longer day than that we spent in the old house after our coming i have never known i made the room a bit tidier and gathered more grass for bedding uncle ebb felt better as the day grew warm i had a busy time of it that morning bathing his back in the spirits and rubbing until my small arms ached i have heard him tell often how vigorously i worked that day and how i would say i'll take care of you uncle ebb won't i uncle ebb as my little hands flew with redoubled energy on his bare skin. That finished, we lay down sleeping until the sun was low, when I made ready the supper that took the last of everything we had to eat. Uncle Ev was more like himself that evening,

Starting point is 01:25:29 and, sitting up in the corner, as the darkness came, told me the story of Squirrel Town and Frog Ferry, which came to be so great a stand-by in those days that, even now I can recall much of the language in which he told it. Once, he said, there was a boy that had two gray squirrels in a cage. They kept thinking of the time they used to scamper in the tree-tops and make nests and eat all the nuts they wanted and play I spy in the thick leaves. And they grew poor and looked kind of ragged and sickly and down-hearted. When he brought him outdoors, they used to look up in the trees and run in the wire one. And

Starting point is 01:26:12 running the wire wheel, as if they thought they could get there sometime if they kept going. As the boy grew older, he see it was cruel to keep him shut in the cage, but he had had him a long time and couldn't bear to give him up. One day he was out in the woods a little back of the clearing. All at once he heard a swift holler. It was nearby and echoed so he couldn't tell which way it come from. He run for home. but the critter catched him before he got out of the woods and took him into a cave and gave him to the little swifts to play with the boy cried terrible the swifts they laughed and nudged each other oh ain't he cute says one he's a beauty says another curious how he can get along without any fur says the mother swift as she run her nose over his bare foot he thinks thought of his folks waiting for him, and he begged him to let him go. Then they come and smelt him

Starting point is 01:27:18 over. You're such a cunning, critter, says the mother Swift. We couldn't spare you. Want to see my mother, says the boy, sobbing. Couldn't afford to let you go, you're so cute, says the swift. Bring the poor critter a bone and a bit of snake meat. The boy couldn't eat. They fixed a bed for him, but twarn't clean. The feel of it made his back ache, and the smell of it made him sick to his stomach. When the Swift's head company, they'd bring him over to look at him,

Starting point is 01:27:55 there in his dark corner. It's a boy, said the mother Swift, poking him with a long stick. Wouldn't you like to see him run? Then she punched him until he got up and ran around the cave for his life. Happened one day. that a very benevolent Swift came into the cave.

Starting point is 01:28:16 It's a pity to keep the boy here, said he. He looks bad. But he makes fun for the children, said the swift. Fun that makes misery is only fit for a fool, said the visitor. They let him go that day. Soon as he got home, he thought of the squirrels and was tickled to find him alive. He'd take him off to an island.

Starting point is 01:28:42 in the middle of a big lake that very day, and set the cage on the shore and opened it. He thought he would come back sometime and see how they was ginning along. The cage was made of light wire and had a tin bottom fastened to a big piece of plank. At first they was afraid to leave it and peeked out of the door and scratched their heads

Starting point is 01:29:05 as if they thought it a risky business. After a while, one stepped out careful and then the other followed. They tried to climb a tree, but their nails was wore off, and they kept falling back. Then they went off in the brush to find some nuts.

Starting point is 01:29:24 There was only pines and poppies and white birch and a few berry bushes on the island. They went to the water's edge on every side, but there was nothing there a squirrel had to give a flirt of his tail fur.

Starting point is 01:29:38 T'was near dark when they come back to the cage, hungry as two bears. They found a few crumbs of bread in the cup and divided them even. Then they went to bed in their old nest. It had been raining a week in the mountains. That night the lake rose a foot or more, and for morning the cage began to rock a teeny bit as the water lifted the plank. They slept all the better for that, and they dreamed they was up in a tree at the end of a big bow. The cage began to sway sideways, and then it let go on the shore and spun round once or twice and sailed out in the deep water. There was a light breeze

Starting point is 01:30:21 blowing offshore, and pretty soon it was pitching like a ship in the sea. But the two squirrels was very tired and never woke up till sunrise. They got a terrible scare when they see the water around them and felt the motion of the ship. Both of them ran into the wire wheel, and that bore down the stern of the ship, so the underwires touched the water. They made it spin like a buzzsaw, and got their clothes all wet.

Starting point is 01:30:52 The ship went faster when they worked the wheel, and by and by they got tired and come out on the main deck. The water washed over it a little, so they climb up the roof. That was a kind of a hurricane, deck. It made the ship sway and rock fearful, but they hung on to midships and clung to the handle that stuck up like a topmast. Their big tails was spread over their shoulders, and the wind rose and the ship went faster and faster. They could see the main shore where the big woods come down to the

Starting point is 01:31:27 water, and all the while it kept to coming nearer and nearer. But they was so hungry, didn't seem possible they could live to get there. You know, squirrels are a saving people. In the day of plenty, they think of the day of poverty and lay by for it. All at once, one of them thought of a few kernels of corn, he had pushed through a little crack in the tin floor one day a long time ago. It happened there was quite a hole under the crack, and each of them had stored some colonels unbeknown to the other. So they had a good supper, and some left for a bite in the morning. For daylight, the ship made her pot and lay two, sighed live a log in a little cove. The bullfrogs jumped on her main deck and began to holler soon as she hove to,

Starting point is 01:32:21 All ashore, all ashore, all ashore! The two squirrels woke up, but lay quiet till the sun rose. then they come out on the log it looked like a long dock and run ashore and found some of their own folks in the bush and when they bedtold their story the old father of the tribe got up in a tree and hollered himself hoarse preach and bowed how it paid to be saving and we should learn to save our wisdom as well as our nuts said a sassy brother for each needs his own wisdom for his own affairs and the little ship went back and forth cross the cove as the wind blew the squirrels had many a fine ride in her and the frogs were the ferrymen and all along that shore twas known as frog fairy among the squirrel folks it was very dark when he finished the tale and as we lay gaping a few minutes after my last query about those funny people of the lake margin i could hear nothing but the chirping of the cricket i was feeling a bit sleepy when i heard the boards creak above our heads uncle ebb raised himself and lay braced upon his elbow listening in a few moments we heard a sound as of some one coming softly down the ladder at the other end of the room it was so dark i could see nothing who's there uncle ebb demanded don't point that gun at me somebody whispered this is my home and i warn you to leave it or i'll do you harm end of chapter four recording by roger maline chapter five of ebbin holden

Starting point is 01:34:23 this librivox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline ebbin holden a tale of the north country by irving bachelor chapter five here i shall quote you again from the diary of uncle ebb it was so dark i couldn't see a hand before me don't point your gun at me the man whispered thought twas funny he could see me when i couldn't see him said twas his home and we'd better leave told him i was sick rheumatis and couldn't stir said he was sorry and came over near us told him i was sorry and came over near us told him i was sick he was an old man going west with a small boy. Stopped in the rain. Got sick. Out of provisions. About ready to die. Didn't know what to do. Started to strike a match, and the man said, Don't make no light, because I don't want to have you see my face. Never let nobody see my face. Said he never went out lest twas a dark night until folks was a bed. Said we look like good folks. Scared me a little, because we couldn't see a thing. Also, he said don't

Starting point is 01:35:45 be afraid of me. Do what I can for you. I remember the man crossed the creaking floor and sat down near us after he had parlayed with Uncle Ebb a while in whispers. Young as I was, I keep a vivid impression of that night, and aided by the diary of Uncle Ebb, I have made a record of what was said, that is in the main accurate. Do you know where you are? He inquired presently, whispering as he had done before. I have no idea, said Uncle Ebb. Well, down the hill is Paradise Valley in the township a faraway, he continued.

Starting point is 01:36:28 It's the end of Paradise Road and a pretty country. Ben settled a long time, and the farms are big and prosperous, kind of a land of plenty. That big house at the foot of the hill is Dave Browers. He's the richest man in the valley. How do you happen to be living here, if you don't mind telling me? Uncle Ebb asked. Crazy, said he. Afraid of everybody and everybody's afraid of me. Lived a good long time in this way.

Starting point is 01:37:02 Winters, I go into the big woods. Got a camp in a big cave, and when I'm there, I see a little daylight. Here in the clearing, I'm only up in the night time. That's how I've come to see so well in the dark. It gives me cat eyes. Don't you get lonesome? Uncle Ebb asked. Awful, sometimes, he answered with a sad sigh.

Starting point is 01:37:29 And it seems good to talk with somebody besides myself. I get enough to eat, generally. There are deer in the woods and cows in the feet. fields, you know, and potatoes and corn and berries and apples, and all that kind of thing. Then I've got my traps in the woods where I catch partridges and squirrels and coons and all the meat I need. I've got a place in the thick timber to do my cooking, all I want to do, in the middle of the night. Sometimes I come here and spend a day in the garret, if I'm caught in a storm, or if I happen to stay a little too late in the valley.

Starting point is 01:38:08 once in a great while i meet a man somewhere in the open but he always gets away quick as he can guess they think i'm a ghost dunno what i think of them our host went on talking as if he were glad to tell the secrets of his heart to some creature of his own kind i have often wondered at his frankness but there was a fatherly tenderness i remember in the voice of uncle ebb and i judge it tempted his confidence probably the love of companionship can never be so dead in a man but that the voice of kindness may call it back to life again i'll bring you a bite to eat before mornin he said presently as he rose to go let me feel your hand mister uncle ebb gave him his hand and thanked him feels good first i've had hold of in a long time he whispered day of the month? The 25th. I must remember. Where did you come from? Uncle Ebb told him briefly, the story of our going west. Guess you'd never do me no harm, would you? The man asked. Not a bit, Uncle Ebb answered. Then he bade us goodbye, crossed the creaking floor, and went away in the darkness.

Starting point is 01:39:40 Singular character, Uncle Eb muttered. I was getting drowsy, and that was the last I heard. In the morning we found a small pail of milk sitting near us, a roasted partridge, two fried fish, and some boiled potatoes. It was more than enough to carry us through the day with a fair allowance for Fred. Uncle Ebb was a bit better, but very lame. at that and kept to his bed the greater part of the day the time went slow with me i remember uncle ebb was not cheerful and told me but one story and that had no life in it at

Starting point is 01:40:21 dusk he let me go out in the road to play a while with fred and the wagon but came to the door and called us in shortly I went to bed in a rather unhappy frame of mind the The dog roused me by barking in the middle of the night, and I heard again the familiar whisper of the stranger. "'Sh, be still, dog,' he whispered, but I was up to my ears in sleep and went under shortly, so I have no knowledge of what passed that night. Uncle Ebb tells in his diary that he had a talk with him, lasting more than an hour, but goes no further and never seemed willing to talk much about that interview or others that followed it.

Starting point is 01:41:07 I only know the man had brought more milk and fish and fowl for us. We stayed another day in the old house that went like the last, and the nightman came again to see Uncle Ebb. The next morning my companion was able to walk more freely, but Fred and I had to stop and wait for him very often going down the big hill. I was mighty glad when we were leaving the musty old house for good, and had the dog hitched with all our traps in the wagon. It was a bright morning, and the sunlight glimmered on the dew in the broad valley.

Starting point is 01:41:44 The men were just coming from breakfast when we turned in at David Browers. A barefooted little girl, a bit older than I, with red cheeks and blue eyes and long curly hair that shone like gold in the sunlight, came running out to meet us and led me up to the doorstep, highly amused at the sight of fred and the wagon i regarded her with curiosity and suspicion at first while uncle ebb was talking with the men i shall never forget that moment when david brower came and lifted me by the shoulders high above his head and shook me as if to test my metal he led me into the house then where his wife was working what do you think of this small bit of a boy he asked she had already knelt on the floor and put her arms about my neck and kissed me i am no home said he come all the way from vermont with an old man there wore out both of em guess we'd better take em in a while oh yes mother please mother put in the little girl who was holding my hand he can sleep with me mother

Starting point is 01:43:04 Please let him stay. She knelt beside me and put her arms around my little shoulders, and drew me to her breast and spoke to me very tenderly. Please let him stay, the girl pleaded again. David, said the woman, I couldn't turn the little thing away. Won't you hand me those cookies? And so our life began in Paradise Valley. Ten minutes later, I was.

Starting point is 01:43:34 playing my first game of i spy with little hope Brower among the fragrant stocks of wheat in the field back of the garden. End of Chapter 5. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 6 of Eben Holden. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. Eben Holden, A Tale of the North Country by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 6 the lone pine stood in Brower's pasture just clear of the woods when the sun rose one could see its taper shadows stretching away to the foot of woody ledge

Starting point is 01:44:19 and at sunset it lay like a fallen mast athwart the cow-pads its long top arm a flying pennant on the side of bowman's hill in summer this bar of shadow moved like a clock hand on the green dial of the pasture and the help could tell the time by the slant of it lone pine had a mighty girth at the bottom and its bare body tapered into the sky as straight as an arrow uncle ebb used to say that its one long naked branch that swung and creaked near the top of it like a sign of hospitality on the highway of the birds was two hundred feet above ground there were a few stubs here and there upon its shaft the roost of crows and owls and henhocks it must have passed for a low resort in the feathered kingdom because it was only the robbers of the sky that halted on lone pine this towering shaft of dead timber commemorated the ancient forest through which the northern yankees cut their trails in the beginning of the century they were a tall big-fisted brawny lot of men who came across the adirondacks from vermont and began to break the green canopy that for ages had covered the valley of the st lawrence generally they drove a cow with them, and such game as they could kill on the journey supplemented their diet of pudding and milk. Some settled where the wagon broke, or where they had buried a member of the family, and there they cleared the forests that once covered the smooth acres of today.

Starting point is 01:45:55 Gradually the rough surface of the trail grew smoother until it became Paradise Road, the well-worn thoroughfare of the stagecoach with its ins and outs. as the drivers used to say the inns where the men-folk sat at the firelight of the blazing logs after supper and told tales of adventure until bedtime while the women sat with their knitting in the parlor and the young men wrestled in the stable-yard the men of middle age had stooped and massive shoulders and deep furrowed brows tell one of them he was growing old and he might answer you by holding his whip in front of him and leaping over it between his hands there was a little clearing around that big pine tree when david brower settled in the valley its shadows shifting in the light of sun and moon like the arm of a compass swept the spreading acres of his farm and he built his house some forty rods from the foot of it on higher ground. David was the oldest of thirteen children. His father had died the year before he came to St. Lawrence County,

Starting point is 01:47:04 leaving him nothing but heavy responsibilities. Fortunately, his great strength and his kindly nature were equal to the burden. Mother and children were landed safely in their new home on Bowman's Hill, the day that David was eighteen. I have heard the old folks of that country tell what a splendid figure of a man he was those days, six feet one in his stockings, and broad at the shoulder. His eyes were gray and set under heavy brows. I have never forgotten the big man that laid hold of me

Starting point is 01:47:39 and the broad, clean-shaven serious face that looked into mine the day I came to Paradise Valley. As I write, I can see plainly his dimpled top. chin, his large nose, his firm mouth that was the key to his character. "'Open or shut,' I have heard the old folks say. It showed he was no fool. After two years, David took a wife and settled in Paradise Valley. He prospered in a small way, considered handsome thereabouts. In a few years he had cleared the rich acres of his farm to the sugar bush that was the north vestibule of the big forest. He had seen the clearing widen until he could discern the bare summits of the distant hills,

Starting point is 01:48:25 and far as he could see were the neat white houses of the settlers. Children had come, three of them, the eldest, a son who had left home and died in a far country, long before we came to Paradise Valley, the youngest, a baby. I could not have enjoyed my new home more if I had been born in it. i had much need of a mother's tenderness no doubt for i remember with what a sense of peace and comfort i lay on the lap of elizabeth brower that first evening and heard her singing as she rocked the little daughter stood at her knees looking down at me and patting my bare toes or reaching over to feel my face god sent him to us didn't he mother said she maybe mrs brower answered we'll be good to him anyway then that old quarry came into my mind i asked them if it was heaven where we were no they answered tain't anywhere near here is it i went on then she told me about the gate of death and began sewing in me the seed of god's truth as i know now the seed of many harvests

Starting point is 01:49:43 i slept with uncle ebb in the garret that night and for long after we came to the browers he continued to get better and was shortly able to give his hand to the work of the farm there was room for all of us in that ample wilderness of his imagination and the cry of the swift woke its echoes every evening for a time bears and panthers prowled in the deep thickets but the swifts took a firmer grip on us being bolder older and more terrible. Uncle Ebb became a great favorite in the family, and David Brower came to know soon that he was a good man to work and could be trusted to look after things. We had not been there long when I heard Elizabeth speak of Nehemiah, her lost son, and his name was often on the lips of others. He was a boy of sixteen when he went away, and I learned no more of him until long afterwards. A month or more after we came to Far Away, I remember we went cross lots in a big box wagon

Starting point is 01:50:51 to the orchard on the hill and gathered apples that fell in a shower when Uncle Ebb went up to shake them down. Then came the raw days of late October, when the crows went flying southward before the wind, a noisy pirate fleet that filled the sky at times, and when we all put on our mittens and went down the winding cow paths to the grove of butternuts and the grass. the pasture. The great roof of the wilderness had turned red and faded into yellow. Soon its rafters began to show through, and then, in a day or two, they were all bare but for some patches of evergreen. Great golden drifts of foliage lay higher than a man's head

Starting point is 01:51:35 in the timberland about the clearing. We had our best fun, then, playing I spy in the groves. in that fragrant deep of leaves one might lie undiscovered a long time he could hear roaring like that of water at every move of the finder wallowing nearer and nearer possibly in his search old fred came generally rooting his way to us in the deep drift with unerring accuracy and shortly winter came out of the north and of a night after wrapping at the windows and howling in the chimney and roaring in the big woods, took possession of the earth. That was a time when hard cider flowed freely and recollection found a ready tongue among the older folk, and the young enjoyed many diversions, including measles and whooping cough. End of Chapter 6. Recording by Roger Malene. Chapter 7 of Eben Holden.

Starting point is 01:52:44 This Librevox recording is in the public domain. recording by Roger Maline Eben Holden, a tale of the North Country by Irving Bachelor Chapter 7 I had a lot of fun that first winter, but none that I can remember more gratefully than our trip in the sledge house, a tight little house fitted and fastened to a big sledge. Uncle Ebb had gone to the mill at Hillsborough, some twelve miles away,

Starting point is 01:53:15 and Hope and I, after much coaxing and many family, counsels, got leave to go with him. The sky was cloudless, and the frosty air was all aglow in the sunlight that morning we started. There was a little sheet-iron stove in one corner of the sledgehouse, walled in with zinc, and anchored with wires. A layer of hay covered the floor, and over that we spread our furs and blankets. The house had an open front, and Uncle Ebb sat on the doorstep, as it were, to drive while we sat behind him on the blankets. I love you very much, said Hope, embracing me after we were seated. Her affection embarrassed me, I remember.

Starting point is 01:54:01 It seemed unmanly to be petted like a doll. I hate to be kissed, I said, pulling away from her, at which Uncle Ebb laughed heartily. The day came when I would have given half my life for the words I held so cheaply then. you'd better be good to me she answered for when mother dies i'm going to take care of you uncle ebb and grandma bisnett and you and everybody i love is going to come and live with me in a big big house and i'm going to put you to bed nights and hear you say your prayers and everything who'll do the spanking uncle ebb asked my husband she answered with a sigh at the thought of all the trouble that lay before her and i'll make him rub your back too uncle ebb she added well i rather guess he'll object to that said he then you can give in's five cents and i guess he'll be glad to do it she answered promptly poor man he won't know whether he's running a poor house or a hospital will he said uncle ebb look here children he added taking out his old leather wallet

Starting point is 01:55:18 as he held the reins between his knees. "'Here's two shilling a piece for you, and I want you to spend it just exactly as you please.' The last words were spoken slowly and with emphasis. We took the two silver pieces that he handed to us and looked them all over and compared them. "'I know what I'll do,' said she suddenly. "'I'm going to buy my mother a new dress,

Starting point is 01:55:44 or maybe a beautiful ring,' she added thoughtfully. for my own part i did not know what i should buy i wanted a real gun most of all and my inclination oscillated between that and a red rocking-horse my mind was very busy while i sat in silence presently i rose and went to uncle ebb and whispered in his ear do you think i could get a real rifle with two shillin i inquired anxiously no he answered in a low tone that seemed to respect my confidence by and by when you're older i'll buy your rifle a real rip snorter too with a shiny barrel and a silver lock when you get down to the village you'll see lots of things you'd rather have probably if i was you children he added in a louder tone i wouldn't buy a thing but nuts and raisins nuts and raisins hope exclaimed scornfully nuts and raisins he repeated they're cheap and satisfying if you eat enough of em you'll never want anything else in this world i failed to see the irony in uncle ebb's remark and the suggestion seemed to have a good deal of merit the more i thought it over at any rate said uncle ebb i'd get something for my own selves. Well, said Hope, you tell us a lot of things we could buy. Let's see, said Uncle

Starting point is 01:57:24 Ebb, looking very serious. There's bootjacks, and there's Warren pans, and mustard plasters, and liver pads, and all them kind of things. We both shook our heads very doubtfully. Then, he added, there are Jimmy Jacks and Silver no-noughtons. there were many other suggestions but none of them were decisive the snow lay deep on either side of the way and there was a glimmer on every white hillside where jack frost had sown his diamonds here and there a fox track crossed the smooth level of the valley and dwindled on the distant hills like a seam in a great white robe it grew warmer as the sun rose and we were a jolly company behind the merry jingle of the sea sleigh-bells. We had had a long spell of quiet weather, and the road lay in two furrows worn as smooth as ice at the bottom. "'Conn-sarnet,' said Uncle Ebb, looking up at the sky, after we had been on the road an hour or so. "'There's a sun-dog. Wouldn't wonder if we got a snowstorm for night.' I was running behind the sledge,

Starting point is 01:58:40 and standing on the brake-hooks going downhill. He made me get in when we were a snow-storm for night. He made me get in when he saw the sun-dog and let our horse a rat-tailed bay known as old doctor go at a merry pace we were awed to silence when we came in sight of hillsborough with spires looming far into the sky as it seemed to me then and buildings that bullied me with their big bulk so that i had no heart for the spending of the two shillings uncle ebb had given me such sublimity of proportion i have never seen since, and yet it was all very small indeed. The stores had a smell about them that was like chloroform in its effect upon me, for once in them I fell into a kind of trance, and had scarce sense enough to know my own mind. The smart clerks, who generally came and asked, well, young man, what can I do for you? I regarded with fear and suspicion. I clung the tighter to my coin always,

Starting point is 01:59:44 and said nothing although i saw many a trinket whose glitter went to my soul with a mighty fascination we both stood staring silently at the show-cases our tongues helpless with awe and wonder finally after a whispered conference hope asked for a silver know-nothing and provoked so much laughter that we both fled to the sidewalk uncle ebb had to do our buying for us in the end well well you have he said to me at length i tried to think it was no easy thing to do after all i had seen guess i'll take a jack-knife i whispered give this boy a knife he demanded wants to be good and sharp might have to skin a swift with it some time what you want he asked then turning to hope a doll she whispered. White or black, said he. White, said she, with dark eyes and hair. Want a real splendid first-class doll, he said to the clerk.

Starting point is 02:01:00 That one'll do there, with the sky-blue dress and the pink apron. We were worn out with excitement when we left for home under lowering skies. We children lay side by side under the red, robes, the doll between us, and were soon asleep. It was growing dark when Uncle Ebb woke us, and the snow was driving in at the doorway. The air was full of snow, I remember, and old doctor was waiting to his knees in a drift. We were up in the hills, and the wind whistled in our little chimney. Uncle Ebb had a serious look in his face.

Starting point is 02:01:40 The snow grew deeper, and old doctor went sleep. lower every moment six mile from home uncle ebb muttered as he held up to rest a moment six mile from home fraid we're in for a night of it we got to the top of fadden's hill about dark and the snow lay so deep in the cut we all got out for fear the house would tip over old doctor floundered along a bit further until he went down in the drift and lay between the shafts half buried. We had a shovel that always hung beside a small hatchet in the sledgehouse, for one might need much beside the grace of God of a winter's day in that country, and with it Uncle Ebb began to uncover the horse. We children stood in the sledgehouse door watching him and holding the lantern. Old doctor was on his feet in a few minutes. "'Tain't no use trying,' said Uncle Ebb as he began to unhitch.

Starting point is 02:02:45 can't go no further to-night then he dug away the snow beside the sledge house and hitched old doctor to the horseshoe that was nailed to the rear end of it that done he clambered up the side of the cut and took some rails off the fence and shoved them over the roof of the house so that one end rested there and the other on the high bank beside us then he cut a lot of hemlock boughs with the hatchet and thatched the roof he had made over old Doctor, binding them with the reins. Bringing more rails, he leaned them to the others on the windward side and nailed a big blanket over them, piecing it out with hemlock thatching, so it made a fairly comfortable shelter. We were under the wind in this deep cut on Fadden's hill, and the snow piled in upon us rapidly. We had a warm blanket for old Doctor, and the two big buffalo robes for our own use. We gave him a good feed of hay and oats,

Starting point is 02:03:48 and then Uncle Ebb cut up a fence rail with our hatchet and built a roaring fire in the stove. We had got a bit chilly, waiting in the snow, and the fire gave us a mighty sense of comfort. I thought something might happen, said Uncle Ebb, as he hung his lantern to the ridge pole, and took a big paper parcel out of his great coat-pocket, i thought maybe something might happen and so i brought along a bite of luncheon he gave us dried herring and bread and butter and cheese it's a little dry he remarked while we were eating but it's drier where there's none

Starting point is 02:04:30 we had a pail of snow on top of the little stove and plenty of good drinking water for ourselves and the old doctor in a few minutes after supper uncle Ebb went up the side of the cut and brought back a lot of hemlock boughs and spread them under old doctor for bedding. Then we all sat around the stove on the warm robes and listened to the wind howling above our little roof and the stories of Uncle Ebb. The hissing of the snows as it beat upon the sledgehouse grew fainter by and by, and Uncle Ebb said he guessed we were pretty well covered up. We fell asleep soon. remember he stopped in the middle of a wolf story, and seeing that our eyes were shut, pulled us back from the fire a little and covered us with one of the robes.

Starting point is 02:05:22 It had been a mighty struggle between sleep and romance, and sleep had won. I roused myself and begged him to go on with the story, but he only said, Hush, boy, it's bedtime, and turned up the lantern and went out of doors. I woke once or twice in the night and saw him putting wood on the fire. He had put out the light. The gleam of the fire shone on his face when he opened the stove door. "'Getin a little cool here, Uncle Eb,' he was saying to himself. We were up at daylight, and even then it was snowing and blowing fiercely.

Starting point is 02:06:05 There were two feet of snow on the sledgehouse roof, and we were nearly buried in the bank. Uncle Ebb had to do a lot of shoveling to get out of doors and into the stable. Old doctor was quite out of the wind in a cave of snow and knickering for his breakfast. There was plenty for him, but we were on short rations. Uncle Ebb put on the snow shoes, after we had eaten what there was left, and cautioning us to keep in set out for faddens across lots. he came back inside of an hour with a good supply of provisions in a basket on his shoulder the wind had gone down and the air was milder big flakes of snow came fluttering slowly downward out of a dark sky

Starting point is 02:06:54 after dinner we went up on top of the sledge house and saw a big scraper coming in the valley below six teams of oxen were drawing it and we could see the flying furrows on either side of the scraper as it plowed in the deep drifts uncle ebb put on the snow-shoes again and with hope on his back and me clinging to his hand he went down to meet them and to tell of our plight the front team had wallowed to the snow-shoes again and with hope on his back and me clinging to his hand he went down to meet them and to tell of our plight the front team had wallowed to their ears and the men were digging them out with shovels when we got to the scraper a score of men and boys clung to the sides of that big hollow wedge and put their weight on it as the oxen pulled we got on with the others i remember and i was swept off as soon as the scraper started by a roaring avalanche of snow that came down upon our heads and buried me completely i was up again and had a fresh hold in a jiffy and clung to my place until i was nearly smothered by the flying snow it was great fun for me and they were all shouting and hallooing as if it were a fine holiday they made slow progress however and we left them shortly on their promise to try to reach us before night if they failed to get through one of them said he would drive over to paradise valley if possible and tell the browers we were all right on our return uncle ebb began shoveling a tunnel in the cut when we got through to the open late in the afternoon we saw the scraper party going back with their teams guess they've given up for the day said he snow's powerful deep down there below the bridge maybe we can get around to where the road's clear by goin cross lots i've a good mind

Starting point is 02:08:51 to try it. Then he went over in the field and picked a winding way down the hill toward the river while we children stood watching him. He came back soon and took down a bit of the fence and harnessed old doctor and hitched him to the sledge house. The tunnel was just wide enough to let us through with a tight pinch here and there. The footing was rather soft and the horse had hard pulling. We went in the field, struggling on afoot, we little people, while Uncle Ebb led the horse. He had to stop frequently to tunnel through a snowdrift,

Starting point is 02:09:32 and at dusk we had only got halfway to the bridge from our cave in the cat. Of a sudden, old doctor went up to his neck in a wall of deep snow that seemed to cut us off completely. He struggled for a moment, falling on his side and, wrenching the shafts from the runners. Uncle Ebb went to work vigorously with his shovel, and had soon cut a narrow box stall in the deep snow around old doctor. Just beyond, the hill dipped sharply,

Starting point is 02:10:04 and down the slope we could see the stubble sticking through the shallow snow. "'We'll have to stop right where we are until morning,' he said. "'It's most dark now.' Our little house stood. tilted forward about halfway down the hill, its runners buried in the snow. A few hundred yards below was a cliff where the shore fell to the river some 30 feet. It had stopped snowing and the air had grown warmer, but the sky was dark. We put nearly all the hay in the sledgehouse under old doctor and gave him the last of the oats

Starting point is 02:10:44 and a warm cover of blankets. Then Uncle Ebb went away to the fence for more wood while we spread the supper. He was very tired, I remember, and we all turned in for the night a short time after we had eaten. The little stove was roaring like a furnace when we spread our blankets on the sloping floor and lay down, our feet to the front, and drew the warm robes over us. uncle ebb who had had no sleep the night before began to snore heavily before we children had stopped whispering he was still snoring and hope sound asleep when i woke in the night and heard the rain falling on our little roof and felt the warm breath of the south wind the water dripping from the eaves and falling far and near upon the yielding snow had many voices i was half asleep when i heard a-sleep when i heard of the south wind the water dripping from the eaves and falling far and near upon the yielding snow had many voices i was half asleep when i heard a new noise under the sledge something struck the front corner of the sledge house a heavy muffled blow and brushed the noisy boards

Starting point is 02:11:52 then i heard the timbers creak and felt the runners leaping over the soft snow i remember it was like a dream of falling i raised myself and stared about me we were slipping down the steep floor the lantern burning dimly under the roof swung and rattled uncle ebb was up on his elbow staring wildly i could feel the jar and rush of the runners and the rain that seemed to roar as it dashed into my face then suddenly the sledge house gave a great leap into the air and the grating of the runners ceased the lantern went hard against the roof there was a mighty roar in my ears then we heard a noise like thunder and felt the shock of a blow that set my back aching and cracked the roof above our heads it was all still for a second then we children began to cry and uncle ebb staggered to his feet and lit the lantern that had gone out and that had no globe i remember as he held it down to our faces hush are you hurt he said as he knelt before us get up now see if you can stand we got to our feet neither of us much the worse for what had happened my knuckles were cut a bit by a splinter and hope had been hit on the shins by the lantern globe as it fell by the lord harry said uncle ebb when he saw we were not heard wonder what hit us we followed him outside while he was speaking we've slid down hill he said went over the cliff went kerplunk in the deep snow or there'd have been nothin left of us snow's melting just as if it was july uncle ebb helped us into our heavy ebb helped us into our heavy

Starting point is 02:13:52 coats and then with a blanket over his arm led us into the wet snow. We came out upon clear ice in a moment and picked our way along the lowering shore. At length Uncle Ebb clambered up, pulling us up after him one by one. Then he whistled to old doctor, who whinnied a quick reply. He left us standing together the blanket over our heads and went away in the dark, whistling as he had done before. we could hear old doctor answer as he came near and presently uncle ebb returned leading the horse by the halter then he put us both on old doctor's back threw the blanket over our heads and started slowly for the road we clung to each other as the horse staggered in the soft snow and kept our places with some aid from uncle ebb we crossed the fence presently and then for away his way

Starting point is 02:14:52 It was hard going. We found fair footing after we had passed the big scraper, and coming to a house, a mile or so down the road, called them out of bed. It was growing light, and they made us comfortable around a big stove, and gave us breakfast. The good man of the house took us home in a big sleigh

Starting point is 02:15:14 after the chores were done. We met David Brower coming after us, and if we'd been gone a year we couldn't have received a warmer welcome. End of Chapter 7. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 8 of Eben Holden. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. Eben Holden, A Tale of the North Country, by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 8. Of all that long season of snow, I remember most pleasantly the days that were sweetened

Starting point is 02:15:59 with the sugar-making. When the sun was lifted, his course in the clearing sky, and March had got the temper of the lamb, and the frozen pulses of the forest had begun to stir, the great kettle was mounted in the yard, and all gave a hand to the washing of spouts and buckets. Then came tapping time, in which I helped carry the bucket, and tasted the sweet flow that followed the auger's wound. The woods were merry with our shouts, and shortly one could hear the heartbeat of the maples in the sounding bucket. It was the revely of spring. Towering trees shook down the gathered storms of snow and felt for the sunlight.

Starting point is 02:16:42 The arch and shanty were repaired, the great iron kettle was scoured and lifted to its place, and then came the boiling. It was a great, an inestimable privilege to sit on the robes of faded fur in the shanty, and hear the fire roaring under the kettle and smell the sweet odor of the boiling sap. Uncle Ebb minded the shanty, and the fire at the woods rang with his merry songs. When I think of that phase of the sugaring, I am face to face with one of the greatest perils of my life. My foster father had consented to let me spend a night with Uncle Ebb in the shanty, and I was to sleep on the robes, where he would be beside me when he was not

Starting point is 02:17:25 tending the fire. It had been a mild bright day, and David came up with our supper at sunset. He sat talking with Uncle Ebb for an hour or so, and the woods were darkening when he went away. When he started on the dark trail that led to the clearing, I wondered at his courage. It was so black beyond the firelight. While we sat alone, I pled for a story, but the thoughts of Uncle Ebb had gone to roost early in a sort of gloomy meditation. be still my boy said he and go to sleep i ain't a goin to tell you no yarns and get you all stir it up you got asleep come morning we'll go down to the brook and see if we can't find a mink or two in the traps i remember hearing a great crackling of twigs in the dark wood before i slept as i lifted my head uncle ebb whispered hark and we both listened a bent and a bent and eight aged figure came stalking into the firelight. His long white hair mingled with his beard and covered his coat-collar behind.

Starting point is 02:18:34 "'Don't be scared,' said Uncle Ebb. "'Dain't no bear. It's nothing but a poet.' "'I knew him for a man who wandered much and had a rhyme for everyone, a kindly man with a reputation for laziness and without any home. "'Boiling, eh?' said the poet. Boiling, said Uncle Ebb. I'm boiling over in the next bush, said the poet, sitting down. How's everything in Jingleville, Uncle Ebb inquired? Then the newcomer answered, Well, neighbor dear, in Jingleville, we live by faith, but we eat our fill,

Starting point is 02:19:15 and what would we do if it weren't for prayer, for we can't raise a thing but whiskers and hair? Curious how you can talk poetry, said Uncle, Ebb. The only thing I've got again you is them whiskers and that hair. Taint Christian. Tain't what's on the head, but what's in it. That's the important thing, said the poet. Did I ever tell you what I wrote about the birds? Don't know as you ever did, said Uncle Ebb, stirring his fire. A boy'll like it, maybe, said he, taking a dirty piece of paper out of his pocket and holding it to the light. The poem interested me, young as I was,

Starting point is 02:19:58 not less than the strange figure of the old poet who lived unknown in the back woods, and who died, I dare say, with many a finer song in his heart. I remember how he stood in the firelight and chanted the words in a sing-song tone. He gave us that rude copy of the poem, and here it is. The Robin's Wedding young robin redbreast had a beautiful nest and he says to his love says he it's ready now on a rocking bough in the top of a maple tree i've lined it with down and the velvet brown on the waist of a bumble-bee they were married next day in the land of the hay the lady bird and he the babalink came and the wife of the same and the lark and the fiddledy d and the crow came down in a minister gown there was nothing that he didn't see he fluttered his wing as they asked him to sing and he tried for to clear out his throat he hemmed and he hawed and behocked and he cawed but he couldn't deliver a note the swallow was there and he ushered each pair with his lindsay and claw hammer coat

Starting point is 02:21:11 the babelink tried for to flirt with the bride in a way that was sassy and bold and the notes that he took as he shivered and shook had a sound like the jingle of gold he sat on a briar and laughed at the choir and said that the music was old the sexton he came mr spider by name a citizen hairy and gray his rope in a steeple he called the good people that live in the land of the hay the ants and the slugs and the crickets and bugs came out in a mighty array some came down from barley town and the neighboring city awry and the little black people they climbed every steeple and sat looking up at the sky they came for to see what a wedding might be and they furnished the cake and the pie i remember he turned to me when he had finished and took one of my small hands and held it in his hard palm and looked at it and then into my face ah boy he said your way shall lead you far from here and you shall get learning and wealth and win victories what nonsense are you talking jed fairy said uncle ebb oh you all think i'm a fool and a humbug cause i look it. Why, Eben Holden, if you was what ye looked, you'd be in the presidential chair. Folks here in the valley think of nothing but hard work, most of them, and I tell you now,

Starting point is 02:22:47 this boy ain't a-going to be worth putty on a farm. Look at them slender hands. There was a man come to me the other day and wanted to have a poem about his wife that had just died. I asked him to tell me all about her. "'Well,' said he, after he had scratched his head and thought a minute, "'she was a dreadful good woman to work.' "'Anything else?' I asked. "'He thought again for a minute. "'Broke her leg once,' he said,

Starting point is 02:23:18 "'and was laid up for more than a year.' "'Must have suffered,' said I. "'Not then,' he answered. "'Rather enjoyed it laying a bed and reading and being rubbed, "'but twas hard on the children.' suppose you loved her i said then the tears come into his eyes and he couldn't speak for a minute pretty soon he whispered yes kinda confidential course he loved her but these yankees are ashamed of their feelings they have tender thoughts but they hide em as careful as the wild goose hides her eggs i wrote a poem to please him and going home i made up one for myself and it runs about like this oh give me more than a life i beg that finds real joy in a broken leg whose only thought is to work and save and whose only rest is in the grave

Starting point is 02:24:15 savein and scrimping from day to day while it's best it has squandered and flung away for a life like that of which i tell would rob me quite of the dread of hell toil and slave and scrimp and save that's about all we think of in this country tain't right holden no tain't right said uncle ebb i know i'm a poor miserable critter kind o't a out o't tune with everybody I know. Always quarreled with my own folks, and now I ain't got any home. Someday I'm going to die in the poorhouse or on the ground under these woods. But I tell you, here he spoke in a voice that grew loud with feeling. Maybe I've been lazy, as they say, but I've got more out of my life than any of these fools, and some day God'll honor me far above them. When my wife and I parted, I wrote some lines that say well my meaning.

Starting point is 02:25:19 It was only a log house we had, but this will show what I got out of it. Then he spoke the lines, his voice trembling with emotion. Oh, humble home, thou hadst a secret door, through which I looked, betimes, with wondering eye, on treasures that no palace ever wore, but now, good-bye. In hallowed scenes, what feet have trod thy stage? The babe, the maiden, leaving home to wed, the young man going forth by duty, led in faltering age. Thou hadst a magic window broad and high,

Starting point is 02:25:58 the light and glory of the morning shone through it, however dark the day had grown, or bleak the sky. I know Dave Browers folks have got brains and decency, but when that boy is old enough to take care of himself, let him get out of this country. I tell you, he'll never make a farmer, and if he marries and settles down here, he'll get to be a poet, maybe,

Starting point is 02:26:23 or some such shiftless cuss, and die in the poor house. Guess I better get back to my boiling now. Good night, he added, rising and buttoning. his old coat as he walked away. Singular man, Uncle Ebb exclaimed thoughtfully, but anyone that picks him up for a fool will find him a counterfeit. Young as I was, the rugged elemental power

Starting point is 02:26:51 of the old poet had somehow got to my heart and stirred my imagination. It all came not fully to my understanding until later. Little by little it grew upon me, and what an effect it had upon my mind. thought and life ever after i should not dare to estimate and soon i sought out the poet of the hills as they called him and got to know and even to respect him in spite of his unlovely aspect uncle ebb skimmed the boiling sap put more wood on the fire and came and pulled off his boots and lay down beside me under the robe and hearing the boil of the sap and the crackle of the burning logs in the arch i soon went asleep i remember feeling uncle ebb's hand upon my cheek and how i rose and stared about me in the fading shadows of a dream as he shook me gently

Starting point is 02:27:46 wake up my boy said he come we must put for home the fire was out the old man held a lantern as he stood before me the blaze flickering there was a fearsome darkness all around come willie make haste he whispered as i rubbed my eyes put on your boots and here's your little coat and muffler there was a mighty roar in the forest and icy puffs of snow came whistling in upon us we stored the robes and pails and buckets and covered the big kettle the lofty tree-tops reeled and creaked above us and a deep sonorous moan was sweeping through the woods as if the fingers of the wind had touched a mighty harp-string in the timber we could hear the crash and thunder of falling trees make haste make haste it's risky here said uncle ebb and he held my hand and ran we started through the brush and and steered as straight as we could for the clearing the little box of light he carried was soon sheathed in snow and i remember how he stopped half out of breath often and brushed it with his mittens to let out the light we had made the scattering growth of little timber at the edge of the woods when the globe of the lantern snapped and fell a moment later we stood in utter darkness i knew for the first time then that we were in a bad fit I guess God'll take care of us, Willie, said Uncle Ebb. If he don't, we'll never get there in this world, never.

Starting point is 02:29:29 It was a black and icy wall of night and storm on every side of us. I never saw a time when the light of God's heaven was so utterly extinguished. The cold never went to my bone, as on that bitter night. My hands and feet were numb with aching, the roar of the trees grew fainter in the open. I remember how I lagged and how the old man urged me on, and how we toiled in the wind and darkness, straining our eyes for some familiar thing. Of a sudden we stumbled upon a wall that we had passed an hour or so before. Oh, he groaned and made that funny, deprecating cluck with his tongue that I have heard so much from

Starting point is 02:30:16 Yankee lips. God a mercy, said he. We've gone round and a half circle. Now we'll take the wall and maybe it'll bring us home. I thought I couldn't keep my feet any longer, for an irresistible drowsiness had come over me. The voice of Uncle Ebb seemed far away, and when I sank in the snow and shut my eyes to sleep,

Starting point is 02:30:40 he shook me as a terrier shakes a rat. "'Wake up, my boy,' said he. "'You mustn't sleep.' Then he boxed my ears until I cried, and picked me up and ran with me along the side of the wall. I was but dimly conscious when he dropped me under a tree whose bare twigs lashed the air and stung my cheeks. I heard him tearing the branches savagely and muttering,

Starting point is 02:31:07 "'Thanks to God, it's the blue beach!' I shall never forget how he turned. and held to my hand and put the whip on me as I lay in the snow, and how the sting of it started my blood. Up I sprang in a jiffy and howled and danced. The stout rod bent and circled on me like a hoop of fire. Then I turned and tried to run while he clung to my coat-tails, and every step I felt the stinging grab of the beach.

Starting point is 02:31:38 There is a little seam across my cheek to-day that marks a footfall of one of those whips. In a moment I was as wide awake as Uncle Ebb and needed no more stimulation. The wall led us to the pasture lane, and there it was easy enough to make our way to the barnyard and up to the door of the house, which had a candle in every window, I remember.

Starting point is 02:32:03 David was up and dressed to come after us, and I recall how he took Uncle Ebb in his arms, when he fell fainting on the doorstep and carried him to the lounge. I saw the blood on my face as I passed the mirror, and Elizabeth Brower came running and gave me one glance and rushed out of doors with the dipper. It was full of snow when she ran in and tore the wrappings off my neck

Starting point is 02:32:29 and began to rub my ears and cheeks with the cold snow, calling loudly for Grandma Bissnet. She came in a moment and helped at the stripping of our feet, feet and legs. I remember that she slit my trousers with the shears as I lay on the floor, while the others rubbed my feet with the snow. Our hands and ears were badly frosted, but in an hour the whiteness had gone out of them, and the returning blood burnt like a fire. How queer he stares! I heard them say, when Uncle Ebb first came to, and in a moment a roar of laughter broke from him.

Starting point is 02:33:09 I'll never forget, said he presently, if I live a thousand years the lickin' agin' that boy, but it hurt me, worse'n it hurt him. Then he told the story of the Blue Beach. The next day was that cold Friday, long remembered by those who felt its deadly chill. A day when water thrown in the magic air came down in clinking crystals

Starting point is 02:33:34 and sheaths of frost lay thick upon the windows. But that and the one before it were among the few days in that early period that lie like a rock under my character. End of Chapter 8. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 9 of Eben Holden. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. Eben Holden, A Tale of the North Country, by Irving Bachelor.

Starting point is 02:34:12 chapter nine grandma bisonette came from canada to work for the browers she was a big cheerful woman with a dialect an amiable disposition and a swarthy wrinkled face she had a loose front tooth that occupied all the leisure of her tongue when she sat at her knitting this big tooth clicked incessantly on every stitch her tongue went in and out across it and i standing often by her knees regarded the process with great curiosity the reader may gather much from these frank and informing words of grandma when i lost my man mon dieu i have two sun and when i come across i bring him with me abe he rough but den he no bad man abe was the butcher of the neighborhood that red-handed stony-hearted necessary man whom the yankee farmer in that north country hires to do the cruel things that have to be done he wore ragged dirty clothes and had a voice like a steam whistle his rough black hair fell low and mingled with his scanty beard his hands were stained too often with the blood of some creature we loved i always crept under the bed in mrs brower's room when abe came he was such a terror to me with his bloody work and noisy oaths such men were the curse of the cleanly homes in that country there was much to shock the ears and eyes of children in the life of the farm it was a fashion among the help to decorate their speech with profanity for the mere sound of it and the foul mouthings of low-minded men spread like a pestilence in the fields

Starting point is 02:36:08 abe came always with an old bay horse and a rickety buckboard his one foot on the dash as he rode gave the picture of a dare-devil finish the lash of his bull-whip sang around him and his great voice and its blasts of noise ahead when we heard a fearful yell and rumble in the distance we knew abe was coming abe he come said grandma bisnet mon dieu he made the little rock fly It was like the coming of a locomotive with roar of wheel and whistle. In my childhood, as soon as I saw the cloud of dust, I put for the bed, and from its friendly cover, would peek out often, but never venture far until the man of blood had gone. To us children he was a marvel of wickedness. There were those who told how he had stood in the storm one night

Starting point is 02:37:06 and dared the Almighty to send the lightning upon him, the dog fred had grown so old and infirm that one day they sent for abe to come and put an end to his misery every man on the farm loved the old dog and not one of them would raise a hand to kill him hope and i heard what abe was coming to do and when the men had gone to the fields that summer morning we lifted fred into the little wagon in which he had once drawn me and starting back of the barn and starting back of the barn stole away with him through the deep grass of the meadow until we came out upon the high road far below we had planned to take him to school and make him a nest in the woodshed where he could share our luncheon and be out of the way of peril after a good deal of difficulty and heavy pulling we got to the road at last the old dog now blind and helpless sat contentedly in the wagon while its wheels creaked and groaned beneath him we had gone but a short way in the road when we heard the red bridge roar under rushing wheels and the familiar yell of abe we'd better run said hope or we'll get swore at i looked about me in a panic for some place to hide the party but abe was coming fast and there was only time to pick up clubs and stand our ground here the man shouted as he pulled up alongside of us where you goin with that dog go away i answered between anger and tears lifting my club in a threatening manner he laughed then a loud guffaw that rang in the near woods

Starting point is 02:38:54 "'What'll you give me?' he asked, leaning forward, his elbows on his knees. "'What'll you give me if I don't kill him?' "'I thought a moment. Then I put my hand in my pocket and presently took out my jack-knife, that treasure Uncle Eb had bought for me and looked at it fondly. Then I offered it to him. Again he laughed loudly. "'Anything else?' he demanded, while Hope said. sat hugging the old dog that was licking her hands. "'Got forty cents that I saved for the fair,' said I promptly.

Starting point is 02:39:34 Abe backed his horse and turned in the road. "'Well, boy,' he said, "'Tell him I've gone home.' Then his great voice shouted, "'Gelang!' the lash of his whip sang in the air, and off he went. "'We were first to arrive at the schoolhouse that. morning and when the other children came we had fred on a comfortable bed of grass in a corner of the woodshed what with all the worry of that day i said my lessons poorly and went home with a load on my heart to-morrow would be saturday how were we to get food and water to the dog they asked at home if we had seen old fred and we both declared we had not the first lie that ever laid its burden on my conscience

Starting point is 02:40:24 we both saved all our bread and butter and doughnuts next day but we had so many chores to do it was impossible to go to the schoolhouse with them so we agreed to steal away that night when all were asleep and take the food from its hiding-place in the excitement of the day neither of us had eaten much they thought we were ill and sent us to bed early when hope came into my room above stairs late in the evening we were both desperately hungry we looked at our store of doughnuts and bread and butter under my bed we counted it over won't you try one of the doughnuts i whispered hoping that she would say yes so that i could try one also for they did smell mighty good twouldn't be right said she regretfully there ain't any more'n he'll want now twouldn't be right i repeated with a sigh as i looked longingly at one of the big doughnuts couldn't bear to do it could you don't seem as if i could she whispered thoughtfully her chin upon her hand then she rose and went to the window oh my how dark it is it is she whispered looking out into the night pretty dark i said but you needn't be afraid i'll take care of you if we should meet a bear i'll growl right back at em that's what uncle ebb told me to do i'm awful stout almost a man now can't nothing scare me we could hear them talking below stairs and we went back to bed intending to go forth later when the house was still. But, unfortunately, for our adventure, I fell asleep.

Starting point is 02:42:21 It was morning when I opened my eyes again. We children looked accusingly at each other while eating breakfast. Then we had to be washed and dressed in our best clothes to go to meeting. When the wagon was at the door and we were ready to start, I had donuts and bread and butter in every pocket of my coat and trousers. I got in quickly and pulled the blanket over me so as to conceal the fullness of my pockets. We arrived so late I had no chance to go to the dog before we went into meeting. I was wearing boots that were too small for me, and when I entered with the others and sat down upon one of those straight-backed seats of plain, unpainted pine, my feet felt as if I had been caught in a bear trap. there was always such a silence in the room after the elder had sat down and adjusted his spectacles that i could hear the ticking of the watch he carried in the pocket of his broad cloth waistcoat

Starting point is 02:43:22 for my own part i know i looked with too much longing for the good of my soul on the great gold chain that spanned the broad convexity of his stomach presently i observed that a couple of young women were looking at me and whispering then suddenly i became aware that there were sundry protuberances on my person caused by bread and butter and doughnuts and i felt very miserable indeed now and then as the elder spoke the loud accusing neigh of some horse tethered to the fence in the school-yard mingled with his thunder after the good elder had been preaching an hour his big fat body seemed to swim in my tears when he had finished the choir sang their singing was a thing that appealed to the eye as well as the ear uncle ebb used to say it was a great comfort to see elkina samson sing bass his great mouth opened widely in this form of praise and his eyes had a wild stare in them when he aimed at the low notes ransom walker a man of great dignity with a bristling mustache who had once been a once been a schoolmaster, led the choir and carried the tenor part. It was no small privilege after the elder had announced the hymn to see him rise and tap the desk with his tuning fork and hold it to his ear solemnly. Then he would seem to press his chin full hard upon his throat

Starting point is 02:44:59 while he warbled a scale. Immediately, soprano, alto, bass, and tenor launched forth upon the sea of song. the parts were like the treacherous and conflicting currents of a tide that tossed them roughly and sometimes overturned their craft and ransom walker showed always a proper sense of danger and responsibility generally they got to port safely on these brief excursions though exhausted he had a way of beating time with his head while singing and i have no doubt it was a great help to him the elder came over to me after meeting having taken my tears for a sign of conviction may the lord bless and comfort you my boy said he i got away shortly and made for the door uncle ebb stopped me my stars willie said he putting his hand on my upper coat pocket what you got in there doughnuts i answered and what's this he asked touching one of my side pockets doughnuts i repeated and this touching another that's doughnuts too i said and this he continued going down to my trousers pocket bread and butter i answered shamefacedly and on the verge of tears jerusalem he exclaimed must expect it a pretty long sermon brought em for old fred i replied old fred he whispered where is he

Starting point is 02:46:53 i told my secret then and we both went out with hope to where we had left him he lay with his head between his paws on the bed of grass just as i had seen him lie many a time when his leg's time when his legs were weary with travel on Paradise Road and when his days were yet full of pleasure. We called to him, and Uncle Eb knelt and touched his head. Then he lifted the dog's nose, looked a moment into the sightless eyes, and let it fall again. Fred's gone, said he in a low voice as he turned away. Got there ahead of us, Willie. Hope and I sat down by the old dog. and wept bitterly.

Starting point is 02:47:40 End of Chapter 9. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 10 of Eben Holden. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. Eben Holden, a tale of the North Country by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 10. Uncle Ebb was a born lover of fun, but he had a solemn way of fishing that was a

Starting point is 02:48:14 no credit to a cheerful man it was the same when he played the bass vial but that was also a kind of fishing at which he tried his luck in a roaring torrent of sound both forms of dissipation gave him a serious look and manner that came near severity they brought on his face only the light of hope and anticipation or the shadow of disappointment we had finished our stent early the day of which i am writing when we had dug our worms and were on our way to the brook with pole and line a squint of elation had hold of uncle ebb's face long wrinkles deepened as he looked into the sky for a sign of the weather and then relaxed a bit as he turned his eye upon the smooth sword it was no time for idle talk we tiptoed over the leafy carpet of the woods soon as i spoke he lifted his hand with a warning shh the murmur of the stream was in our ears kneeling on a mossy knoll we baited the hooks then uncle ebb beckoned to me i came to him on tiptoe see that there foam long side of the big log he whispered pointing with his finger her. I nodded. Creep up just as careful as you can, he went on whispering.

Starting point is 02:49:41 Drop in a little above and let her float down. Then he went on below me, lifting his feet in slow and stealthy strides. He halted by a bit of driftwood and cautiously threw in, his arm extended, his figure alert. The squint on his face took a firmer grip. suddenly his pole gave a leap the water splashed his line sang in the air and a fish went up like a rocket as we were looking into the tree-tops it thumped the shore beside him quivered a moment and flopped down the bank he scrambled after it and went to his knees in the brook coming up empty-handed the water was slopping out of his bootlegs phew said he panting with excitement as i came over to him regler old he won he added looking down at his boots got away from me consarn him had a little too much power in the arm he emptied his boots baited up and went back to his fishing as i looked up at him he stood leaning over the stream jiggling his hook in a moment i saw a tug at the line

Starting point is 02:50:58 the end of his pole went under water like a flash it bent double as uncle ebb gave it a lift the fish began to dive and rush the line cut the water in a broad semicircle and then went far and near with long quick slashes the pole nodded and writhed like a thing of life then uncle ebb had a look on him that is one of the treasures of my memory in a moment the fish went away with such a violent rush to save him he had to throw his pole into the water heavens and earth he shouted the old settler the pole turned quickly and went lengthwise into the rapids he ran down the bank and i after him the pole was speeding through the swift water we scrambled over logs and through bushes but the pole went faster than we presently it stopped and swung around uncle ebb went splashing into the brook almost within reach of the pole he dashed his foot upon a stone falling headlong into the current i was close upon his heels and gave him a hand he rose hatless dripping from head to foot and pressed on he lifted his pole the line clung to a snag and then gave way the tackle was missing he looked at it silently tilting his head we walked slowly to the shore neither spoke for a moment must have been a big fish i remarked powerful said he chewing vigorously on his quid of tobacco as he shook his head and looked down at his wet clothing in a desperate fix ain't i too bad i exclaimed

Starting point is 02:52:53 seldom ever had such a disappointment he said rather counted on catching that fish he was so well hooked he looked longingly at the water a moment if i don't go home said he and keep my mouth shut i'll say something i'll be sorry for he was never quite the same after that he told often of his struggle with this unseen mysterious fish and i imagined he was a bit more given to reflection he had had hold of the old settler of deep hole a fish of great influence and renowned therein far away most of the local fishermen had felt him tug at the line one time or another no man had ever seen him for the water was black in deep hole no fish had ever exerted a greater influence on the thought the imagination the manners or the moral character of his contemporaries tip taylor always took off his hat and sighed when he spoke of the old settler ransom walker said he had once seen the top fin and thought it longer than a razor ransom took to idleness and chewing tobacco immediately after his encounter with the big fish and both vices stuck to him as long as he lived every one had his theory of the old settler most agreed he was a very heavy trout tip taylor used to say that in his opinion twas nothing more in a plain overgrown common sucker but tip came from the succorbrook country where suckers lived in colder water and were more entitled to respect mo's tupper had never had his hook in the old settler

Starting point is 02:54:45 and would believe none of the many stories of adventure at deep hole that had thrilled the township that fish has made many liars round here ye dim know who to believe he had said at the corners one day after uncle ebb had told his story of the big fish somebody it knows how to fish it ought er go and catch him for the good of the town that's what i think now mr tipper was an excellent man but his incredulity was always too bluntly put it had even led to some ill feeling he came in at our place one evening with the big hook and line from down east the kind of tackle used in salt water what's you goin to do with it uncle ebb inquired catch that fish you talk so much about gonna put em out o the way tain't fair said uncle ebb it's ridiculous like leading a pup with a log chain don't care said moze i'm goin to fishin to-morrow if there really is any such fish which i don't believe there is i'm goin to rassel with him and maybe take him out of the river. That fish is spoiling the moral character of this town. He ought to be rowed on a rail, that fish head. How he would punish a trout in that manner, Mr. Tupper failed to explain, but his metaphor was always a worse fit than his trousers,

Starting point is 02:56:19 and that was bad enough. It was just before haying, and there being little to do, we had also planned to try our luck in the morning. When at sunrise we were walking down the cow path to the woods, I saw Uncle Ebb had a coil of bed cord on his shoulder. What's that for? I asked. Well, said he, going to have fun anyway. If we can't catch one thing, we'll try another. We had great luck that morning,

Starting point is 02:56:53 and when our basket was near full, we came to deep hole and made ready for a swim in the water above it. Uncle Ebb had looped an end of the bed cord and tied a few pebbles on it with bits of string. Now, said he presently, I want to sink this loop to the bottom and pass the end of the cord under the driftwood so that we can fetch it crossed under water.

Starting point is 02:57:20 There was a big stump just opposite, with roots running down the bank into the stream. i shoved the line under the drift with the pole and then hauled it across where uncle ebb drew it up the bank under the stump roots in about half an hour i calculate mo's tupper'll be along he whispered wish you'd put on your clothes and lay here back of the stump and hold on to the cord when you feel a bite give a yank or two and haul in like sam hill fifteen feet or more quicker and scat snatch his pole right away from him then lay still uncle ebb left me shortly going upstream it was near an hour before i heard them coming uncle ebb was talking in a low tone as they came down the other bank drop right in there he was saying and let her drag down through the deep water deliberate like get close to the bottom peering through a screen of bushes i could see an eager look on the unlovely face of moses he stood leaning toward the water and jiggling his hook along the bottom suddenly i saw moz jerk and felt the cord move i gave it a double twitch and began to pull he held hard for a jiffy and then stumbled and let go yelling like mad

Starting point is 02:58:50 the pole hit the water with a splash and went out of sight like a diving frog i brought it well under the foam and driftwood deep hole resumed its calm unruffled aspect mose went running toward uncle ebb's "'It's a whale!' he shouted. "'Rip the pole away, quicker in lightning!' "'Where is it?' Uncle Ebb asked. "'Took it away from me,' said Moses. "'Grabbed it just like that,' he added with a violent jerk of his hand. "'What do you do with it?' Uncle Ebb inquired. Moes looked thoughtfully at the water and scratched his head,

Starting point is 02:59:33 his features all a tremble. "'Dun'o,' said he. "'Swallowed it, maybe.' "'Mean to say you lost hook, line, sinker, and pole?' "'Hook, line, sinker, and pole,' he answered mournfully. "'Come nigh hauling me in, too.' "'Tain't possible,' said Uncle Ebb. Mose expectorated, his hands upon his hips,

Starting point is 03:00:02 looking down at the water. "'Wouldn't exactly say it was possible,' he drawled, "'but it was a fact.' "'You're mistaken,' said Uncle Ebb. "'No, I ain't,' was the answer. "'I tell you, I see it.' "'Then if you see it, the next thing you are to see is a doctor. "'There's something wrong with you somewheres.'

Starting point is 03:00:28 "'Only one thing to matter of me,' said Mose, with a little twinge of remorse. I'm just a natural-born, perfect, dumb fool. Never could believe there was any such fish. Nobody ever said there was any such fish, said Uncle Ebb. He's done more to you and he'd ever done to me. Never served me no such trick as that. If I was you, I'd never ask nobody to believe it.

Starting point is 03:00:58 It's a little too much. Mose went slowly and picked up his hat. then he returned to the bank and looked regretfully at the water never seen the beat of that he went on never see such power in a fish knocks the spots off any fish i ever heard of you riled him with that big tackle a yearn said uncle ebb he wouldn't stand it feel just as if i'd had hold of a wild cat said mose took the the whole thing pole and all quicker and lightning nice a bit of hickory as a man ever see all durned if i ee'm o like o that ever he sat down a moment on the bank got to rest a minute he remarked feel kind of wopsy after that squabble they soon went away and when mose told the story of the swallard pole he got the same thing same sort of reputation he had given to others only it was real and large and lasting what do you think of it he asked when he had finished well said ransom walker wouldn't want to say right out plain to your face couldn't be polite said uncle ebb soberly sound a little hash tip taylor added

Starting point is 03:02:32 that fish has jerked the fear o god out of you that's the way it looks to me said carlyle barber you're up in the air moz said another need a sinker on you they bullied him they talked him down demuring mildly but firmly tell you what i'll do said moz sheepishly i'll believe you fellers if you'll believe me what swap even not much said one with emphasis wouldn't be fair you've asked us to believe a genuine out-and-out impossibility mose lifted his hat and scratched his head thoughtfully there was a look of embarrassment in his face might have been dreaming said he slowly i swear it's gettin so here in this town a fellow can't hardly believe himself. "'Far as my experience goes,' said Ransom Walker. "'He'd be a fool if he did.' "'Mind's me of the time I went fishing with Ab Thomas,' said Uncle Ebb.

Starting point is 03:03:47 "'He catched an old soccer, the fast thing. I went off by myself and got a good-sized fish, but want as big as hisin.' So I took and opened his mouth and poured in a lot of fine. shot. When I came back, Ab, he looked at my fish and begun to brag. When we weighed him, mine was a little heavier. "'What?' says he. "'Tain't possible that little cuss of a trout's heavier in mine.'

Starting point is 03:04:18 "'Tis sarin,' I said. "'Dumbed, deceiving business,' said he, as he hefted him both. "'Gidin' so you can't hardly believe the stillyards.' end of chapter ten recording by roger maline chapter eleven of ebbin holden this libervox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline ebbin holden a tale of the north country by irving bachelor chapter eleven the fifth summer was passing since we came down paradise road the dog uncle ebb and i times innumerable i had heard my good old friend tell the story of our coming west until its every incident was familiar to me as the alphabet else i fear my youthful memory would have served me poorly for a chronicle of my childhood so exact and so extended as this i have written uncle ebb's hair was white now and the voices of the swift and the panther had grown mild and tremulous and unsatisfactory and even absurd time had tamed the monsters of that imaginary wilderness and i had begun to lose my respect for them but one fear had remained with me as i grew older the fear of the night man

Starting point is 03:05:55 every boy and girl in the valley trembled at the mention of him many a time i had held awake in the late evening to hear them and talk of him before they went asleep uncle ebb and tip taylor i remember a night when tip said in a low awesome tone that he was a ghost the word carried into my soul the first thought of its great and fearful mystery years and years ago said he there was a boy by the name of nehemiah brower and he killed another boy once by accident and run away and was drowned drownded said uncle ebb how in the ocean the first answered gaping went away off round the world and they got a letter that said he was drowned on his way to van deemons land to van deemons land yes and some say the night-man is the ghost of the one he killed i remember waking that night and hearing excited whispers at the window near my bed it was very dark in the room and at first i could not tell who was there don't you see em tip whispered where i heard uncle ebb asked under the pine trees see em move at that i was up at the window myself and could plainly see the dark figure of a man standing under the little pine below us the night-man i guess said uncle ebb but he won't do no harm let him alone he's goin away now we saw him disappear behind the trees and then we got back into our beds again

Starting point is 03:07:52 i covered my head with the bedclothes and set a small prayer for the poor night-man and in this atmosphere of mystery and adventure among the plain folk of faraway whose care of me when i was in great need and whose love of me always i count among the priceless treasures of god's providence my childhood passed and the day came near when i was to begin to play my poor part in the world end of chapter eleven recording by roger maline end of book one chapter twelve of ebbin holden this librivox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline ebbin holden a tale of the north country by irving bachelor chapter twelve book two it was a time of new things that winter when i saw the end of my fifteenth year then i began to enjoy the finer humors of life and far away to see with understanding and by god's grace to feel the land of play and fear and fable was now far behind me and i had begun to feel the infinite in the ancient forest in the everlasting hills in the deep of heaven in all the ways of men hope brower was now near woman grown she had a beauty of face and form that was the talk of the countryside i have travelled far and seen many a fair face but never one more to my eye i have heard men say she was like a girl out of a story-book those days late years something had come between us long ago we had fallen out of each other's confidence and ever since she had seemed to shun me

Starting point is 03:09:58 it was the trip in the sledge-house that years after came up between us and broke our childish intimacy uncle ebb had told before company how she had kissed me that day and bespoke me for a hundred husband, and while the others laughed loudly, she had gone out of the room crying. She would have little to say to me, then. I began to play with boys, and she with girls, and it made me miserable to hear the boys, a bit older than I, gossip of her beauty, and accuse each other of the sweet disgrace of love. But I must hasten to those events in far away that shaped our destinies. And first comes that memorable night. when I had the privilege of escorting Hope to the school Lyceum where the argument of Jed Fury, poet of the hills,

Starting point is 03:10:50 fired my soul with an ambition that has remained with me always. Uncle Ebb suggested that I ask Hope to go with me. Prance right up to her, he said, and say you'd be glad of the pleasure of her company. It seemed to me a very dubious thing to do. I looked thoughtful and turned to her. red in the face. Young man, he continued,

Starting point is 03:11:17 the boy that's afraid a woman'll never have whiskers. How's that? I inquired. Be scared to death, he answered, for they've had time to start. You want to step right up to the rack just as if you'd bought and paid for yourself and was proud of your bargain. I took his advice,

Starting point is 03:11:39 and when I found hope alone in the parlor, I came and asked her, very awkwardly, as I now remember, to go with me. She looked at me, blushing, and said she would ask her mother. And she did, and we walked to the schoolhouse together that evening, her hand holding my arm, timidly, the most serious pair that ever struggled with the problem of deportment on such an occasion. I was oppressed with a heavy sense of responsibility in every word I uttered. anne jane foster known as scooter jane for her rapid walk and stiff carriage met us at the corners on her way to the schoolhouse big turn out i guess said she

Starting point is 03:12:24 jed ferry and squire town is comin over from jingleville and all the big guns'll be there i love to hear jedferry speak he's so touching anne jane was always looking around for some event likely to touch her feelings she went to every funeral and far away and when sorrow was scarce in her own vicinity journeyed far in quest of it wouldn't wonder if the fur flew when they get to goin she remarked and then hurried on her head erect her body motionless her legs flying such energy as she gave to the pursuit of mourning i have never seen equalled in any other form of dissipation the schoolhouse was nearly full of people when we came in the big boys were wrestling in the yard men were lounging on the rude seats inside idly discussing crops and cattle and lapsing into silence frequently that bore the signs both of expectancy and reflection young men and young women sat together on one side of the house whispering and giggling alone among them was the big and eccentric granddaughter of mrs bisonette who was always slapping some youngster for impertinence jed feary and squire town sat together behind a pile of books both looking very serious the long hair and beard of the old poet were now white and his form bent with age. He came over and spoke to us, and took a curl of Hope's hair in his stiffened fingers and held it to the lamplight.

Starting point is 03:14:08 "'What silky gold!' he whispered. "'It's a skein of fate, my dear girl!' Suddenly the schoolteacher rapped on the desk and bade us come to order, and Ransom Walker was called to the chair. "'That there is talent and faraway township,' he said, "'have a few reluctantly come to the platform, and talent of the very highest order, no one can deny who has ever attended a Lyceum at the Howard Schoolhouse. I see evidences of talent in every face before me, and I wish to ask what are the two great talents of the Yankee, talents that made our forefathers

Starting point is 03:14:51 famous the world over. I pause for an answer. He had once been a schoolmaster, and that accounted for his didactic style. What are the two great talents of the Yankee? He repeated, his hands clasped before him. Donuts and pie, said Uncle Ebb, who sat in a far corner. No, sir, Mr. Walker answered. There's some have a talent for Son Wood, but we don't count that. It's war and speaking.

Starting point is 03:15:25 They are the two great talents of the Yankee. But his greatest talent is the gift of gab. Give him a chance to talk it over with his enemy, and he'll lick him without a fight. And when his enemy is another Yankee, why, they both get licked, just as it was in the case of the man that sold me lightning rods. He was sorry he'd done it before I got through with him.

Starting point is 03:15:51 If we did not encourage this talent in our sons, they would be talked to death by our daughters. Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me pleasure to say that the best speakers in faraway township have come here to discuss the important question, Resolved, that intemperance has caused more misery than war. I call upon Moses Tupper to open for the affirmative. Moses, as I have remarked, had a most unlovely face with a thin and bristling growth of whiskers. In giving him features, nature had been generous to a fault.

Starting point is 03:16:31 He had a large red nose and a mouth vastly too big for any proper use. It was a mouth fashioned for odd sayings. He was well to do and boasted often that he was a self-made man. Uncle Ebb used to say that if Moes Teper had had the make-in of himself, he ought to have done it more careful. I remember not much of the speech he made, but the picture of him, as he rose on tiptoe and swung his arms like a man fighting bees, and his drawling tones are as familiar as the things of yesterday. "'Gentlemen and ladies,' said he presently, "'let me show you a picture. It is the drunkard's child. It is hungry, and there ain't no food in its home. the child is poorer in a straw-fed hoss tain't had a thing to eat since day before yesterday picture it to yourselves as it comes crying to its mother and says ma give me a piece of bread and butter

Starting point is 03:17:37 she covers her face with her apron and says she there ain't none left my child and by and by the child comes again and holds up its poor little hands and says "'Ma, please give me a piece of cake.' And she goes and looks out of the window, or maybe pokes the fire, and says, "'There ain't none left, my child.' And by and by it comes again, and it says, "'Please give me a little piece of pie.' And she maybe flops into a chair and says, sobbing, "'There ain't none left, my child.'

Starting point is 03:18:15 "'No pie. Now, ma'am.' "'Mr. Chairman,' exclaimed the orator, as he lifted both hands high above his head, "'If this ain't misery, in God's name, what is it?' "' Years ago, when I was a young man, Mr. President, I went to a dance one night at the village of Migglyville. I got a toothache, and the devil tempted me with whiskey, and I took one glass and then another, and pretty soon I began to think I was a mighty, hefty sort of a character.' I did, and I stood in a corner and stumped everybody to fight with me. And by and by,

Starting point is 03:18:56 an accommodating kind of chap come along, and that's all I remember of what happened. When I come to, my coat-tails had been tore off. I'd lost one leg of my trousers, a brand-new silver watch, two dollars in money, and a pair of spectacles. When I stood up and tried to realize what it happened. I felt just like a blind rooster with only one leg and no tail feathers. A roar of laughter followed these frank remarks of Mr. Tupper, and broke into a storm of merriment when Uncle Ebb rose and said, "'Mr. President, I hope you see that the misfortunes of our friend was due to war and not to intemperance.' Mr. Tupper was unhorsed. For some minutes he stood help

Starting point is 03:19:49 or shaking with the emotion that possessed all then he finished lamely and sat down the narrowness of the man that saw so much where there was so little in his own experience and in the trivial events of his own township was what i now recognize as most valuable to the purpose of this history it was a narrowness that covered a multitude of people in st lawrence county in those days jed feary was greeted with applause and then by respectful silence when he rose to speak the fame of his verse and his learning had gone far beyond the narrow boundaries of the township in which he lived it was the biggest thing in the county many a poor sinner who had gone out of faraway to his long home got his first praise in the obituary poem by jed feary these tributes were generally published in the county paper and paid for by the relatives of the deceased at the rate of a dollar a day for the time spent on them or by a few days of board and lodge in glory and consolation that was alas too cheap as one might see by a glance at his forlorn figure i shall never forget the courtly manner so strangely in contrast with the rude deportment of other men in that place with which he addressed the chairman and the people the drawling dialect of the vicinity that flavoured his conversation fell from him like a mantle as he spoke and the light in his soul shone upon that little company a great light as i now remember that filled me with burning thoughts of the world and its mighty theatre of action the way of my life lay clear before me as i listened and its days of toil and the sweet success my god has given me although i take it humbly and hold it infinitely above my merit

Starting point is 03:21:51 i was to get learning and seek some way of expressing what was in me it would ill become me to try to repeat the words of this venerable seer but he showed that intemperance was an individual sin while war was a national evil that one meant often the ruin of a race the other the ruin of a family that one was as the ocean the other as a single drop in its waters and he told us of the full of empires and the millions that had suffered the oppression of the conqueror and perished by the swords since agamemnon after the debate a young lady read a literary paper full of clumsy wit rude chronicles of the countryside essays on spring and like topics the work of the best talent of faraway then came the decision after which the meeting adjourned at the door some other boys tried to cut me out i came through the noisy crowd however with hope on my arm and my heart full of a great happiness did you like it she asked very much i answered what did you enjoy most your company i said with a fine air of gallantry honestly honestly i want to take you to rickard some time that was indeed a long-cherished hope maybe i won't let you she said wouldn't you you'd better ask me some time and see i shall i wouldn't ask any other girl well she added with a sigh

Starting point is 03:23:48 if a boy likes one girl and i don't think he ought to have anything to do with other girls i hate a flirt i happened to hear a footfall in the snow behind us and looking back saw anne jane foster going slow in easy hearing she knew all as we soon found out i do just love to see young folks enjoy themselves said she it's entranston coming in at our gate i saw a man going over the wall back of the big stables the house was dark did you see the night man elizabeth brower whispered as i lit the lamp went through the garden just now i've been watching him here at the window end of chapter twelve recording by roger maline chapter thirteen of ebbin holden this liberator Vox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline Eben Holden, A Tale of the North Country by Irving Bachelor

Starting point is 03:25:05 Chapter 13 The love of labor was counted a great virtue there and far away. As for myself, I could never put my heart in a hoe handle or in any like tool of toil. They made a blister upon my spirit, as well as upon my hands. i tried to find in the sweat of my brow that exalted pleasure of which mr greely had visions in his comfortable retreat on printing-house square but unfortunately i had not his point of view

Starting point is 03:25:38 hanging in my library where i may see it as i write is the old sickle of uncle ebb the hard hickory of its handle is worn thin by the grip of his hand it becomes a melancholy symbol when i remember how also the hickory had worn him thin and bent him low and how infinitely better than all the harvesting of the sickle was the strength of that man diminishing as it wore the wood i cannot help smiling when i look at the sickle and think of the soft hands and tender amplitude of mr greeley the great editor had been a playmate of david brower when they were boys and his paper was read with much reverence in our home how quick ye can plough a ten-acre lot with a pen uncle ebb used to say when we had gone up to bed after father had been reading aloud from his tribune such was the power of the press in that country one had but to say of any doubtful thing seen in the print to stop all argument if there were any further doubt he had only to say that he had read it either in the tribune or the bible and couldn't remember which then it was a mere question of veracity in the speaker books and other reading were carefully put away for an improbable time of leisure i might break my leg some time said david brower then they'll come handy but the tribune was read carefully every week i have seen david brower stop and look at me while i have been digging potatoes with a sober grin such as came to him after he had swapped hosses and got the worst of it then he would show me again with a little impatience in his manner how to hold the handle and straddle the row

Starting point is 03:27:33 he would watch me for a moment turn to uncle ebb laugh hopelessly and say that boy'll have to be a minister he can't work but for elizabeth brower it might have gone hard with me those days my mind was always on my books or my last talk with jed feary and she shared my confidence and fed my hopes and shielded me as much as possible from the heavy work hope had a better head for mathematics than i and had always helped me with my sums but i had a better memory and an aptitude in other things that kept me at the head of most of my classes best of all at school i enjoyed the compositions i had many thoughts such as they were and some facility of expression i doubt not for a child many chronicles of the countryside came off my pen sketches of all odd events and characters there and far away. These were read to the assembled household. Elizabeth Brower would sit looking gravely down at me, as I stood by her knees reading in those days of my early boyhood.

Starting point is 03:28:49 Uncle Ebb listened with his head turned curiously, as if his ear were cocked for coons. Sometimes he and David Brower would slap their knees and laugh heartily, whereat my foster-mother would give them a quick glance and shake her head for she was always fearful of the day when she should see in her children the birth of vanity and sought to put it off as far as might be sometimes she would cover her mouth to hide a smile and when i had finished looked warningly at the rest and say it was good for a little boy her praise never went further and indeed all those people people hated flattery as they did the devil and frowned upon conceit. She said that when the love of flattery got hold of one, he would lie to gain it. I can see this slender, blue-eyed woman as I write.

Starting point is 03:29:47 She is walking up and down beside her spinning wheel. I can hear the dreary buzzes of the spindle as she feeds it with the fleecy ropes. That loud crescendo echoes in the still house of memory. i can hear her singing as she steps forward and slows the wheel and swings the cradle with her foot on the other side of jordan in the sweet fields of eden where the tree of life is blooming there is rest for you she lays her hand to the spokes again and the roar of the spindle drowns her voice all day from the breakfast hour to supper-time i have heard the dismal sound of the spinning as she walked the floor content to sing of rest but never taking it her home was almost a miracle of neatness she could work with no peace of mind until the house had been swept and dusted a fly speck on the window was enough to cloud her day she went to town with david now and then not oftener than once a quarter and came back ill and exhausted if she sat in a store waiting for david while he went to mill or smithy, her imagination gave her no rest. That dirt abhorring mind of hers would

Starting point is 03:31:09 begin to clean the windows, and when that was finished it would sweep the floor and dust the counters. In due course it would lower the big chandelier and take out all the lamps and wash the chimneys with soap and water and rub them till they shone. Then, if David had not come, it would put in the rest of its time on the woodwork. With all her cleaning, I am sure the good woman kept her soul spotless. Elizabeth Brower believed in goodness and the love of God and knew no fear. Uncle Ebb used to say that wherever Elizabeth Brower went hereafter, it would have to be clean and comfortable. Elder Whitmarsh came often to dinner of a Sunday, when he and Mrs. Brower talked volubly

Starting point is 03:31:59 about the scriptures, he, taking a sterner view of God than she would allow. He was an Englishman by birth who had settled in far away because there he had found relief for a serious affliction of asthma. He came over one noon in the early summer that followed the event of our last chapter to tell us of a strawberry party that evening at the White Church. I've had a wonderful experience, said he as he took a seat on the piazza while mrs brower came and sat near him i've discovered a great genius a wandering fiddler and i shall try to bring him to play for us a fiddler why elder said she you astonish me nothing but sacred music he said lifting his hand i heard him play all the grand things to-day rock of ages nearer my god to thee the marshes and home sweet home lifted me off my feet i've heard the great masters in new york and london but no greater player than this man

Starting point is 03:33:11 where is he and where did he come from he's at my house now said the good man i found him this morning he stood under a tree by the roadside above northrop's as i came near i heard the strains of the marthrope's as i came near i heard the strains of the market for more than an hour i sat there listening it was wonderful mrs brower wonderful the poor fellow is eccentric he never spoke to me his clothes were dusty and worn but his music went to my heart like a voice from heaven when he had finished i took him home with me gave him food and a new coat and left him sleeping i want you to come over and be sure you to come over and be sure to bring hope. She must sing for us. Mr. Brower will be tired out, but perhaps the young people may go, she said, looking at Hope and me. My heart gave a leap, as I saw in Hope's eyes a reflection of my own joy. In a moment she came and gave her mother a sounding kiss and asked her what she should wear. I must look my best, mother, she said. my child said the elder it's what you do and not what you wear that's important they're both important elder said my foster-mother you should teach your people the duty of comeliness they honor their maker when they look their best

Starting point is 03:34:46 the spirit of liberalism was abroad in the sons of the puritans in elizabeth brower the ardent austerity of her race had been freely diluted with humor and cheerfulness and human sympathy it used to be said of deacon hosper a good but lazy man that he was given both to prayer and profanity uncle ebb who had once heard the deacon swear when the latter had been bruised by a kicking cow said that so far as he knew the deacon never swore except when twas necessary indeed most of those men had i doubt not too little of that fear of god in them that characterized their fathers and yet as shall appear there were in faraway some relics of a stern faith hope came out in fine feather and although i have seen many grand ladies gowned for the eyes of kings i have never seen a lovelier figure than when that evening she came tripping down to the buggy it was three miles to the white church and riding over in the twilight i laid the plan of my life before her she sat a moment in silence after i had finished i am going away too she remarked with a sigh going away i said with some surprise for in all my plan I had secretly counted on returning in grand style to take her back with me. Going away, said she, decisively.

Starting point is 03:36:26 It isn't nice for girls to go away from home, I said. It isn't nice for boys either, said she. We had come to the church, its open doors and windows, all aglow with light. I helped her out at the steps and hitched my horse under the long shed. we entered together and made our way through the chattering crowd to the little cloak-room in one corner elder whitmarsh arrived in a moment and the fiddler a short stout stupid-looking man his fiddle in a black box under his arm followed him to the platform that had been cleared of its pulpit the stranger stood staring vacantly at the crowd until the elder motioned him to a chair when he obeyed with the hesitation blind obedience of a dog. Then the elder made a brief prayer,

Starting point is 03:37:22 and after a few remarks flavored with puns, sacred and immemorial as the pulpit itself, started a brief program of entertainment. A broad smile marked the beginning of his lighter mood. His manner seemed to say, Now, ladies and gentlemen, if you will give good heed, you shall see I can be witty on occasion. Then a young man came to the platform and recited, after which hope went forward and sang

Starting point is 03:37:51 The Land of the Leal, with such spirit that I can feel my blood go faster, even now as I think of it, and of that girlish figure crowned with the glory of fair curls that fell low upon her waist, and mingled with the wild pink roses at her bosom. The fiddler sat quietly, as if he heard nothing until she began to sing, when he turned to look at her. The elder announced, after the ballad, that he had brought with him a wonderful musician who would favor them with some sacred music.

Starting point is 03:38:25 He used the word sacred because he had observed, I suppose, that certain of the hard shells were looking askance at the fiddle. There was an awkward moment in which the fiddler made no move or sign of intelligence. The elder stepped near him and whispered. getting no response he returned to the front of the platform and said we shall first resign ourselves to social intercourse and the good things the ladies have provided mountains of frosted cake reared their snowy summits on a long table and the strawberries heaped in saucers around them were like red foothills

Starting point is 03:39:06 i remember that while they were serving us hope and i were introduced to one robert livingstone a young new yorker stopping at the inn near by on his way to the big woods he was a handsome fellow with such a fine air of gallantry and so trig in fashionable clothes that he made me feel awkward and uncomfortable i have never heard anything more delightful than that ballad he said to hope you must have your voice trained you really must it will make a great name for you i wondered then why his words hurt me to the soul the castle of my dreams had fallen as he spoke a new light came into her face i did not know then what it meant will you let me call upon you before i leave may i he turned to me while she stood silent i wish to see your father he added. Certainly, she answered, blushing. You may come, if you care to come. The musician had begun to thrum the strings of his violin.

Starting point is 03:40:18 We turned to look at him. He still sat in his chair, his ear bent to the echoing chamber of the violin. Soon he laid his bow to the strings, and a great chord hushed every whisper and died into a sweet low melody, in which his thought seemed to be feeling its way through somber paths of sound the music brightened the bow went faster and suddenly the girl i left behind me came rushing off the strings a look of amazement gathered on the elder's face and deepened into horror it went from one to another as if it had been a dish of ipecacac and jane foster went directly for her things and with a most unchristian

Starting point is 03:41:05 look hurried out into the night. Half a dozen others followed her, while the unholy music went on. Its merry echoes rioting in that sacred room, hallowed with memories of the hour of conviction, of the day of morning, of the coming of the bride in her beauty. Deacon Hosper rose and began to draw a sort of apology when the player stopped suddenly and shot an oath at him. The deacon staggered under the shock of it. His whiskers seemed to lift a bit like the hair of a cat under provocation. Then he tried to speak, but only stuttered helplessly a moment, as if his tongue were oscillating between silence and profanity, and was finally pulled down by his wife, who had laid hold of his coattails. If it had been any other man than Deacon Hosper,

Starting point is 03:42:01 it would have gone badly with the musician then and there, but we boys saw his discomfiture with positive gratitude. In a moment all rose, the dishes were gathered up, and many hurried away with indignant glances at the poor elder, who was busy taking counsel with some of the brethren. I have never seen a more pathetic figure than that of poor Nick Goodall, as he sat there thrumming the strings of which he was a heaven-born man, master i saw him often after that night a poor half-witted creature who wandered from inn to in there in the north country trading music for hospitality

Starting point is 03:42:44 a thoroughly intelligible sentence never passed his lips but he had a great gift of eloquence in music nobody knew whence he had come or any particular of his birth or training or family but for his sullen temper that broke into wild unmeaning profanity at times nick goodall would have made fame and fortune he stared at the thinning crowd as if he had begun dimly to comprehend the havoc he had wrought then he put on his hat came down off the platform and shuffled out of the open door his violin in one hand its box in the other there were not more than a dozen of us who followed him into the little churchyard the moon was rising and the shadows of lilac and rose-bush of slab and monument lay long across the green mounds standing there between the graves of the dead he began to play i shall never forget that solemn calling of the silver string come ye disconsolate where'er ye languish it was a new voice a revelation a light where darkness had been to hope and to me we stood listening far into the night forgetful of everything even the swift flight of the hours loud impassioned chords rose into the moonlit sky and sank to a faint whisper of melody when we could hear the gossip of the birds in the belfry and under the eaves trembling tones of supplication wailing notes of longing and regret swept through the silent avenues of the churchyard thrilling us with their eloquence for the first time we heard the music of hondel of mendelssohn of paganini and felt its power then knowing neither name nor theme

Starting point is 03:44:47 hour by hour he played on for the mere joy of it when we shook hands with the elder and tiptoed to the buggy he was still playing we drove slowly and listened a long way down the road i could hear the strains of that ballad then new to me but now familiar growing fainter in the distance oh ye'll take the high road and i'll take the low road and i'll be in scotland afore ye but me and me true love will never meet again on the bonny bonny lengths of lochlemonde what connection it may have had with the history of poor nick goodall, I have often wondered. As the last note died into silence, I turned to hope, and she was crying. "'Why are you crying?' I asked, in as miserable a moment as I have ever known. "'It's the music,' she said. We both sat in silence, then, hearing only the creek of the buggy as it spread over the sandy road. Well ahead of us I saw. a man who suddenly turned aside, vaulting over the fence and running into the near woods.

Starting point is 03:46:03 The nightman! I exclaimed, pulling up a moment to observe him. Then a buggy came in sight, and presently we heard a loud hello from David Brower, who, worried by our long stay, had come out in quest of us. End of Chapter 13. Recording by Roger Malene. this librivox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline ebbin holden a tale of the north country by irving bachelor chapter fourteen hope's love of music became a passion after that night young mr livingstone the city chap we had met at the church came over next day his enthusiasm for her voice gave us all great hope of it david brower said he would take her away to the big city when she was older they soon decided to send her in september to the big school in hillsborough she's got to be a lady said david brower as he drew her into his lap the day we had all discussed the matter she's learnt everything in the arithmetic and geography and spell her i wanted to learn something more scientific

Starting point is 03:47:32 now you're talkin said uncle ebb there's lots of things you can't learn by cypherin nothin's too good for hope i'd like to know what you meant expect of her anyway said elizabeth a high stepper said uncle ebb we want a slick coat a kind of a to poppy head and a lot o ginger so't when we hitch her to the pole by-and-by we shan't be ashamed of her exactly said david brower laughing and then she shall have the best harness in the market hope did not seem to comprehend all the rustic metaphors that had been applied to her a look of puzzled amusement came over her face and then she ran away into the garden her hair streaming from under her white sunbonnet never seen such a beauty beats the world said uncle ebb in a whisper whereat both David and Elizabeth shook their heads. "'Lord a mercy, don't let her know it,' Elizabeth answered in a low tone. "'She's beginning to have—' Just then Hope came by us, leading her pet filly that had been born within the month.

Starting point is 03:48:51 Immediately Mrs. Brower changed the subject. "'To have what?' David inquired as soon as the girl was out of hearing. "'Suspicions,' said Elizabeth. mournfully. Spends a good deal of her time at the looking-glass. I think the other girls tell her, and then that young Livingston has been turning her head. Turning her head, he exclaimed. Turning her head, she answered. He sat here the other day, and deliberately told her that he had never seen such a complexion and such lovely hair.

Starting point is 03:49:29 Elizabeth Brower mocked his accent with a show of content. that feebly echoed my own emotions that's the way of city folks mother said david it's a bad way she answered i do not think he ought to come here hopes a child yet and we mustn't let her get notions i'll tell him not to come any more said david as he and uncle ebb rose to go to their work i'm afraid she ought not to go away to school for a year yet said elizabeth a trouble to look in her face shah mother you can't keep her under your wings always said he well david you know she is very young and uncommonly she hesitated handsome said he we might as well own up if she is our child if she goes away pray continued elizabeth some of us ought to go with her then uncle ebb and david went to their work in the fields and i to my own task that very evening they began to talk of renting the farm and going to town with the children i had a stent of courtingwood that day and finished it before two o'clock then i got my pole of mountain ash made hook and line ready dug some worms and went fishing. I cared not so much for the fishing as for the solitude of the woods. I had a bit of

Starting point is 03:51:07 thing to do. In the thick timber there was a place where Tinklebrook began to hurry and break into murmurs on a pebble bar as its feet were tickled. A few more steps, and it burst into a peal of laughter that lasted half the years as it tumbled over narrow shelves of rock into a foamy pool many a day i had sat fishing for hours at that little fall under a birch tree among the brakes and moss no ray of sunlight ever got to the dark water below me the lair of many a big fish that had yielded to the temptation of my bait here i lay in the cool shade while a singular sun-light while a singular sea sort of heart sickness came over me. A wild partridge was beating his gong in the near woods all the afternoon. The sound of the water seemed to break in the treetops and fall back upon me. I had lain there thinking an hour or more when I caught the jar of approaching footsteps. Looking up, I saw Jed Fiery coming through the bushes, pole in hand.

Starting point is 03:52:18 Fission? he asked. only thinking i answered couldn't be in better business said he as he sat down beside me more than once he had been my father confessor and i was glad he had come in love he asked no boy ever thinks unless he's in love in trouble said i same thing he answered lighting his pipe love is trouble with a bit of sugar in it the sweetest trouble a man can have what's the matter it's a great secret i said i have never told it i am in love knew it he said puffing at his pipe and smiling in a kindly way now let's put in the trouble she does not love me i answered glad of it he remarked i've got a secret to tell you what's that i inquired wouldn't tell anybody else for the world my boy he said it's between you and me between you and me i repeated well he said you're a fool that's no secret i answered much embarrassed yes it is he insisted you're smart enough and you can have most anything in this world if you take the right road you've grown to be a great big strapping fellow but you're only sixteen

Starting point is 03:54:03 that's all i said mournfully you're as big a fool to go falling in love as i'd be you're too young and i'm too old i say to you wait you've got to go to college college i exclaimed incredulously yes and that's another secret said he i told david brauer what i thought of your writing that essay on bugger's a book in particular, and I told him what people were saying of your work in school. What did he say? I asked. Said Hope had told him all about it, that she was as proud of you as she was of her curls, and I believe it. Well, says I, you ought to send that boy to college. Go into, says he. He'll go to the academy this fall if he wants to.

Starting point is 03:55:03 then he can go to college soon's he's ready threw up my hat and shouted i was that glad as he spoke the old man's face kindled with enthusiasm in me he had one who understood him who saw truth in his thought music in his verse a noble simplicity in his soul i took his hand in mine and thanked him heartily then we rose and came away together remember he said as we parted at the corner there's a way laid out for you in god's time it'll lead to every good thing you desire don't jump over the fence don't try to pass any milestone before you've come to it don't mope keep your head cool with philosophy your feet warm with travel and don't worry about it your heart. It won't turn to stone if you do keep it a while. Always have enough of it about you to do business with. Goodbye. End of Chapter 14. Recording by Roger Maline. Irving Bachelor Chapter 15

Starting point is 03:56:40 Gerald Brower, who was a baby when I came to live it far away, and was now eleven, had caught a cold in seed time, and he had never quite recovered. His coughing had begun to keep him awake, and one night it brought alarm to the whole household. Elizabeth Brower was up early in the morning and called Uncle Ebb, who went away for the doctor as soon as light came, we ate our breakfast in silence father and mother and grandma bisonette spoke only in low tones and somehow the anxiety in their faces went to my heart uncle ebb returned about eight o'clock and said the doctor was coming old doctor bigsby was a very great man in that country other physicians called him far and wide for consultation i had always always been a very great man in that country other physicians called him far and wide for consultation i had always regarded him with a kind of awe intensified by the aroma of his drugs and the gleam of his lancet once i had been his patient and then i had trembled at his approach

Starting point is 03:57:53 when he took my little wrist in his big hand i remember with what reluctance i stuck out my quivering tongue black as i feared with evidences of prevarication he was a picture for a painter man as he came that morning erect in his gig who could forget the hoary majesty of his head his stove-pipe tilted back his white locks flying about his ears he had a long nose a smooth-shaven face and a left eye that was a trifle turned his thoughts were generally one day behind the calendar to-day he seemed to be digesting the affairs of yesterday he was therefore absent-minded to a degree that made no end of gossip if he came out one day with shoestrings flying in his remorse the next he would forget his collar if one told him a good joke to-day he might not seem to hear it but to-morrow he would take it up in his turn and shake with laughter i remember how that morning after noting the symptoms of his patient he sat a little in silent reflection he knew that color in the cheek that look in the eye he had seen so much of it his legs were crossed and one elbow thrown carelessly over the back of his chair we all sat looking at him anxiously in a moment he began chewing hard on his quid of tobacco uncle ebb pushed the cuspidor a bit nearer the doctor expectorated freely and resumed his attitude of reflection the clock ticked loudly the patient sighed our anxiety increased uncle ebb spoke to father in a low tone whereupon the doctor talked loudly the doctor's side our anxiety increased uncle ebb spoke to father in a low tone whereupon the doctor

Starting point is 03:59:49 turned suddenly, with a little grunt of inquiry, and seeing he was not addressed, sank again into thoughtful repose. I had begun to fear the worst, when suddenly the hand of the doctor swept the bald peak of benevolence at the top of his head. Then a smile began to spread over his face. It was as if some feather of thought had begun to tickle him. In a moment his head was nodding with laughter that brought a great sense of relief to all of us in a slow deliberate tone he began to speak i was over to rat tupper's t'other day said he rat was sitting with me in the door yard pretty soon a young chap came in with a scythe and asked if he might use the grindstone he was a new hired man from somewhere near he didn't know rat and rat didn't know him so rat of course had to crack one of his jokes may i use your grindstone said the young feller don't know said rat i'm only the hired man here go an ask miss tupper the old lady had overheard him and so she says to the young feller yes you can use the grindstone the hired man out there'll turn it for you

Starting point is 04:01:16 rat see he was trapped and so he went out under the plum-tree where the stone was and begun to turn the scythe was dull and the young fellow bore on harder and was really decent for a long time rat begun to get very sober-looking ain't ye about done said he pretty nigh said the young feller bearing down a little harder all the time rat made the stone go faster pretty soon he asked again ain't you done yet purty nigh says the other feeling of the edge i'm done said rat and he let go o the handle i dunno about the scythe but i'm a good deal sharper an i was you're the hired man here ain't you said the young feller no i ain't said rat i'd rather down up at a bein a liar than turn that stone another minute as soon as he was fairly started with this droll narrative the strain of the situation was relieved we were all laughing as much at his deliberate way of narration as at the story itself suddenly he turned to elizabeth brower and said very soberly will you bring me some water in a glass then he opened his chest of medicine made some powders and told us how to give them in a few days i would take him into the big woods for a while he said see how it agrees with him then he gathered up his things and mother went with him to the gig humor was one of the specifics of dr bigsby he was always a poor man

Starting point is 04:03:11 he had a way of lumping his bills at about so much in settlement and probably never kept books a side of pork paid for many a long journey he came to his death riding over the hills one bitter day not long after the time of which i write to reach a patient the haying over we made ready for our trip into the woods uncle ebb and tip taylor who knew the forest and myself were to go with gerald to blueberry lake we loaded our wagon with provisions one evening and made ready to be off at the break of day end of chapter fifteen recording by roger maline chapter sixteen of ebbin holden this librivox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline I've been Holden, A Tale of the North Country by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 16 I remember how hopefully we started that morning with Elizabeth Brower and Hope waving their handkerchiefs on the porch and David near them whittling.

Starting point is 04:04:34 They had told us what to do and what not to do over and over again. I sat with Gerald on blankets that were spread over a thick mat of hay. The morning air was sweet. with the odor of new hay and the music of the bobbling. Uncle Ebb and Tip Taylor sang merrily as we rode over the hills. When we entered the shade of the big forest, Uncle Ebb got out his rifle and loaded it. He sat a long time whispering and looking eagerly for game to right and left. He was still a boy.

Starting point is 04:05:10 One could see evidences of age only in his white hair and beard and wrinkled brow. he retained the little tufts in front of his ears and lately had grown a silver crescent of thin and silky hair that circled his throat under a bare chin young as i was i had no keener relish for a holiday than he at noon we halted beside a brook and unhitched our horses then we caught some fish built a fire and cooked them and brewed our tea at sunset we halted at tully pond looking along its reedy margin under purple tamaracts for deer there was a great silence here in the deep of the woods and tip taylor's axe while he peeled the bark for our camp seemed to fill the wilderness with echoes it was after dark when the shanty was covered and we lay on its fragrant mo of balsam and hemlock the great logs that we had rolled in front of our shanty were set afire and shortly supper was cooking gerald had stood the journey well uncle ebb and he stayed in while tip and i got our jack ready and went off in quest of a dugout he said bill ellsworth had one hid in a thicket on the south side of tully we found it after an hour's tramp nearby it needed a little repairing but we soon made it water-worthy and then took our seats he and the stern with the paddle and i in the bow with the gun slowly and silently we clove away through the star-sown shadows it was like the hushed and mystic movement of a dream we seemed to be above the deep of heaven the stars below us

Starting point is 04:07:03 the shadow of the forest in the still water looked like the wall of some mighty castle with towers and battlements and myriads of windows lighted for a feat once the groan of a night-hawk fell out of the upper air with a sound like that of a stone striking in water i thought little of the deer tip was after his only aim in life was the one he got with a gun barrel i had forgotten all but the beauty of the sea suddenly Tip roused me by laying his hand to the gunwale and gently shaking the dugout. In the dark distance ahead of us I could hear the faint tinkle of dripping water. Then I knew a deer was feeding not far away and that the water was falling from his muzzle. When I opened my jack, we were close upon him. His eyes gleamed. I shot high above the deer that went splashing ashore before I had been,

Starting point is 04:08:03 pulled my trigger. After the roar of the gun had got away in the distant timber, Tip mentioned a place abhorred of all men, turned, and paddled for the landing. Could have killed him with a club, said he, snickering. Guess he must have looked pretty tall, didn't he? Why, I asked. Because you aimed into the sky, said he. Maybe you thought he was a bird. My hand trembled a little, said I. Minds me of Bill Barber, he said in a half-whisper, as he worked his paddle, chuckling with amusement. How's that, I asked.

Starting point is 04:08:48 Nothing safe but the things he shoots at, said he. Terrible bad shot. Kills a cow every time he goes hunting. Uncle Ebb was stirring the fire when we came whispering into camp, and Gerald lay asleep under the blankets. Willie couldn't hit the broad side of a barn, said Tip. He don't take to it, natural. Killing and book-learn and don't often go together, said Uncle Ebb.

Starting point is 04:09:18 I turned in by the side of Gerald, and Uncle Ebb went off with Tip for another trip in the dugout. The night was chilly, but the fire flooded our shanty with its warm glow. What with the light? and the boughs under us, and the strangeness of the black forest, we got little sleep. I heard the gun roar late in the night, and when I woke again, Uncle Ebb and Tip Taylor were standing over the fire in the chilly gray of the morning. A dead deer hung on the limb of a tree nearby. They began dressing it while Gerald and I went to the spring for water, peeled potatoes, and got the pots boiling. After a hearty breakfast we packed up and were soon on the road again, reaching Blueberry Lake before noon.

Starting point is 04:10:08 There we hired a boat of the lonely keeper of the reservoir, found an abandoned camp with an excellent bark shanty, and made ourselves at home. That evening in camp was one to be remembered. On Thomas, the guide who tended the reservoir, came over and sat beside our fire until bedtime. time. He had spent years in the wilderness going out for nothing less important than an annual spree at circus time. He eyed us over, each in turn, as if he thought us all very rare

Starting point is 04:10:42 and interesting. "'Many bears here?' Uncle Ebb inquired. "'More plenty in human beings,' he answered, puffing lazily at his pipe with a dead calm in his voice and manner that I have never seen equaled, except in a a tropic sea. See him often, I asked. He emptied his pipe, striking it on his palm until the bowl rang without answering. Then he blew into the stem with great violence.

Starting point is 04:11:14 Three or four in a summer, maybe, he said at length. Ever get sassy? Uncle Ebb asked. He whipped a coal out of the ashes, then, and lifted it in his fingers to the bowl of his pipe. Never real sassy, he said between vigorous puffs. One stole a ham off my piaz last summer. Al Fifeield brought it in for me one day. Smelt good, too. I kept saving it as thinking I'd enjoy it all the more when I did have it. One day I went off cutting timber and stayed till most night. Coming home, I got to thinking of that ham and made up my mind I'd have to have. I'd have to,

Starting point is 04:11:58 have some for supper. The more I thought of it, the faster I hurried, and when I got home, I was hungrier and I'd been for a year. When I see the old bear's tracks and the empty peg where the ham had hung, I went to work and got mad. Then I started after that bear, tracked him over yonder, up Cat Mountain. Here, Ab paused. He had a way of stopping always at the most interesting point to puff at his pipe. It looked as if he were getting up steam for another sentence, and these delays had the effect of continued in our next. Kill him? Uncle Eb asked.

Starting point is 04:12:42 Licked him, he said. Huh, we remarked, incredulously. Licked him, he repeated, chuckling. Went into his cave with a sledge-steak and wailed him, wailed him till he run for his life whether it was true or not i have never been sure even to this day but ab's manner was at once modest and convincing shoulda thought he'd arsled with you uncle ebb remarked didn't give him time said ab as he took out his knife and began slowly to sharpen a stick don't ever want a wrestle with no bear he added but hams is too scarce here in the woods to have him took away before you know the taste of them. I ain't never been hard on bears. Don't seldom ever set no traps, and I ain't shot a bear for

Starting point is 04:13:38 more than ten year. But they've got to be decent. If any bear steals my vittles, he's going to get cuffed hard. Ab's tongue had limbered up at last. His pipe was going well, and he seemed to have struck an easy grade there was a tone of injury and a grievance in his talk of the bear's ingratitude he snailed over his whittling as we laughed heartily at the droll effect of it all do you ever hear of the wild man that roams round these woods he asked never did said uncle ebb i've seen em more times an you could shake a stick at said abe crossing his legs comfortably and spitting into the fire. Kind of think he's the same man folks tell of down in Paradise Valley there. That goes around in the clear and after bedtime. The night man, I exclaimed. Guess that's what they call him, said ob. Curious man. Sometimes I've had a good squint at him, off in the woods. He's wilder and a deer, and I've seen him jump over logs half as high as this shanty.

Starting point is 04:14:52 just as easy as ye'd hop a twig tried to follow him once or twice but tain't no use he's quicker an a wild cat what kind of a lookin man is he tip taylor asked great big broad-shouldered feller said ab six feet tall if he's an inch he'd a kind of a deerskin jacket on when i seen em and britches and moccasins made a some kind of hide i recollect one day i was over on the ridge two mile or more from the still water goin south i seen em gettin a drink at the spring there and the burnt timber and if i ain't mistaken there was a real live panther playing round him if it wasn't a panther twas pesky nigh it i can tell you the critter see me fast and drew up his back then the man got up quicker in a flash soon as he see me Gimmany, didn't they move? Never see no human critter run as he did. A big tree had fell across a lot of bush right in his path. I'll be gall-dum if it wasn't higher in my head. But he cleared it, just as easy as a grasshopper'd go over a straw. I'd like to know where he comes from, gall-dummed if I wouldn't. He's the concernin this queerest animal in these woods.

Starting point is 04:16:20 Abbe emphasized this lucid view of the nightman by an animated movement of his fist that held the big hunting knife with which he whittled. Then he emptied his pipe and began cutting more tobacco. Some say he's a ghost, said Tip Taylor, splitting his sentence with a yawn as he lay on a buffalo robe in the shanty. Shucks and shoestrings, said Abb.

Starting point is 04:16:48 He looks too natural. don't believe no ghost ever wore whiskers and long hair like his an that don't hold a reason this remark was followed by dead silence tip seemed to lack both courage and information with which to prolong the argument gerald had long been asleep and we were all worn out with up-hill traveling and the lack of rest uncle ebb went out to look after the horses that were tethered near us ab rose looked up through the tree-tops ventured a guess about the weather and strode off into the darkness we were five days in camp hunting fishing fighting flies and picking blueberries gerald's cough had not improved at all it was if anything a bit worse than it had been and the worry of that had clouded our hollies We were not in high spirits when, finally, we decided to break camp the next afternoon. The morning of our fourth day at Blueberry, Uncle Ebb and I crossed the lake at daylight, to fish a while in soda brook and gather orchids, then abundant and beautiful in that part of the woods.

Starting point is 04:18:05 We headed for camp at noon and were well away from shore when a wild yell rang in the dead timber that choked the wide inlet behind us. inlet behind us. I was rowing and stopped the oars while we both looked back at the naked trees, belly deep in the water. But for the dry limbs here and there, they would have looked like masts of sunken ships. In a moment, another wild whoop came rushing over the water. Thinking it might be somebody in trouble, we worked about and pulled for the mouth of the inlet. suddenly i saw a boat coming in the dead timber there were three men in it two of whom were paddling they yelled like madman as they caught sight of us and one of them waved a bottle in the air they're indians said uncle ebb drunk as lords guess we'd better get out of the way i put about and with a hearty pull made for the other side of the lake three miles away the indians came after us their yells echoing in the far forest suddenly one of them lifted his rifle as if taking aim at us and bang it went the ball ricocheting across our bows

Starting point is 04:19:24 crazy drunk said uncle ebb and they're in for trouble pull with all your might i did that same putting my arm so stiffly to their task i feared the oars would break in a moment another ball came splintering the gunwales right between us but fortunately well above the water line being half a mile from shore i saw we were in great peril uncle ebb reached for his rifle his hand trembling sink em i shouted and do it quick or they'll sink us my old companion took careful aim and his ball hit them right on the starboard bow below the water-line line. A splash told where it had landed. They stopped yelling. The man in the bow clapped his hat against the side of the boat. Guess we've given him a little business to tend to, said Uncle Eb as he made haste to load his rifle. The Indian at the bow was lifting his rifle again. He seemed to reel as he took aim. He was very slow about it. I kept pulling as I watched him. I saw that their boat was slowly sinking.

Starting point is 04:20:41 I had a strange fear that he would hit me in the stomach. I dodged when I saw the flash of his rifle. His ball struck the water, ten feet away from us, and threw a spray into my face. Uncle Ebb had lifted his rifle to shoot again. Suddenly the Indian, who had shot at us, went overboard. In a second they were all in the water, their boat bottom up. now take your time said uncle ebb coolly a frown upon his face they'll drown said i

Starting point is 04:21:17 don't care if they do consarnum he answered there's some of them st regis devils and when they get whisky in em they'd just as soon kill you as look at you they ain't no betterin rats we kept on our way and by and by a wind came up that gave us both some comfort for we knew it would soon blow them ashore ab thomas had come to our camp and sat with tip and gerald when we got there we told of our adventure and then ab gave us a bad turn and a proper appreciation of our luck by telling us that they were a gang of cut-throats the worst in the wilderness they'd a robbed you sure he said it's the same gang it killed a man on cat mountain last summer and i'll bet a dollar on it tip had everything ready for our journey home each day gerald had grown paler and thinner as we wrapped him in a shawl and tenderly helped him into the wagon i read his doom in his face we saw so much of that kind of thing in our stern climate we knew what it meant Our fun was over. We sat in silence, speeding down the long hills in the fading light of the afternoon. Those few solemn hours in which I heard only the wagons rumble

Starting point is 04:22:44 and the sweet calls of the Whippoorwill waves of music on a sea of silence started me in a way of thought which has led me high and low these many years, and still invites me. The day was near its end when we got to the first big clearing, from the top of a high hill we could see above the far forest the red rim of the setting sun, big with winding from the skein of day that was now flying off the treetops in the west. We stopped to feed the horses and to take a bite of jerked venison, wrapped ourselves warmer, for it was now dank and chilly, and went on again.

Starting point is 04:23:25 The road went mostly downhill, going out of the woods, and we could make good time. It was near midnight when we drove in at our gate. There was a light in the sitting room, and Uncle Ebb and I went in with Gerald at once. Elizabeth Brower knelt at the feet of her son, unbuttoned his coat, and took off his muffler. Then she put her arms about his neck,

Starting point is 04:23:50 while neither spoke nor uttered any sound. Both mother and son felt and understood, and were silent. the ancient law of god that rends asunder and makes havoc of our plans bore heavy on them in that moment i have no doubt but neither murmured uncle ebb began to pump vigorously at the cistern while david fussed with the fire we were all quaking inwardly but neither betrayed a sign of it it is a way the puritan has of suffering his emotions are like the deep undercurrents of the sea end of chapter sixteen recording by roger maline chapter seventeen of ebbin holden this libervox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline ebn holden a tale of the north country by irving bachelor chapter seventeen if i were writing a novel merely i should try to fill it with merriment and good cheer i should thrust no sorrow upon the reader save that he might feel for having wasted his time we have small need of manufactured sorrow when truly there is so much of the real thing on every side of us

Starting point is 04:25:19 but this book is nothing more nor less than a history and by the same token it cannot be all as i would have wished it in october following the events of the last chapter gerald died of consumption having borne a lingering illness with great fortitude i who had come there a homeless orphan in a basket and who with the god-given eloquence of childhood had brought them to take me to their hearts and the old man that was with me as well was now the only son left to elizabeth and david there were those who called it folly at the time they took us in i have heard but he who shall read this history to the end shall see how that kind of folly may profit one or even many here in this heart world. It was a gloomy summer for all of us. The industry and patience with which hope bore her trial, night and day, is the sweetest recollection of my youth. It brought to her young face a tender soberness of womanhood, a subtle change of expression that made her all the more dear to me. Every day, rain or shine, the old doctor had come to visit his patient, sometimes sitting an hour and gazing thoughtfully in his face,

Starting point is 04:26:39 occasionally asking a question or telling a quaint anecdote. And then came the end. The sky was cold and gray in the late autumn, and the leaves were drifted deep in the edge of the woodlands, when Hope and I went away to school together at Hillsborough. Uncle Ebb drove us to our boarding place in town. When we bade him goodbye and saw him driving away, alone in the wagon, we hardly dared look at each other for the tears in our eyes.

Starting point is 04:27:12 David Brower had taken board for us at the house of one Solomon Rollin, universally known as Cookie Rollin. That was one of the first things I learned at the Academy. It seemed that many years ago he had taken his girl to a dance and offered her, in lieu of supper, cookies that he had thoughtfully brought with him. Thus cheaply he had come to life-loyal. long distinction. You know Rollin's ancient history, don't you? The young man asked who sat with me at school that first day. Have it at home, I answered.

Starting point is 04:27:47 It's in five volumes. I mean the history of Saul, Rollin, the man you are boarding with, said he, smiling at me, and then he told the story of the cookies. The principal of the Hillsborough Academy was a big, brawny bachelor of Scot, descent with a stern face and cold gray glaring eyes when he stood towering above us on his platform in the main room of the building where i sat there was an alertness in his figure and a look of responsibility in his face that reminded me of the pictures of napoleon at waterloo he always carried a stout ruler that had blistered a shank of every mischievous boy in school as he stood by the line that came martin into prayers every morning, he would frequently pull out a boy, administer a loud whack or two, shake him violently, and force him into a seat. The day I began my studies at the academy,

Starting point is 04:28:49 I saw him put too dense in the wall with the heels of a young man who had failed in his algebra. To a bashful and sensitive youth, just out of a country home, the sight of such violence was appalling. My first talk with him, how it was a while. My first talk with him, how it was aftor. renewed my courage. He had heard I was a good scholar and talked with me in a friendly way about my plans. Both Hope and I were under him in algebra and Latin. I well remember my first error in his class. I had misconstrued a Latin sentence. He looked at me, a smile and a sneer crowding each other for possession of his face. In a loud, jeering tone, he cried, Mirabil dictu!

Starting point is 04:29:38 I looked at him in doubt of his meaning. Mirabil diktu! he shouted, his tongue, trilling the R. I corrected my error. Perfect, he cried again. Pure polkre! Next! He never went further than that with me in the way of correction. my size and my skill as a wrestler that shortly ensured me of the respect of the boys helped me to win the esteem of the master. I learned my lesson and kept out of mischief, but others of equal proficiency were not so fortunate.

Starting point is 04:30:17 He was apt to be hard on a light man who could be handled without over-exertion. Uncle Ebb came in to see me one day and sat a while with me in my seat. while he was there the master took a boy by the collar and almost literally wiped the blackboard with him there was a great clatter of heels for a moment uncle ebb went away shortly and was at sol rollins's when i came to dinner powerful man ain't he said uncle ebb rather i said turned that boy into a regular horse fiddle he remarked must have unsought his reason unnecessary i said reminded me at the time a tip taylor got his tooth pulled said he shook him up so that he thought he had his neck put out a joint sol rawlin was one of my studies that winter he was a carpenter by trade and his oddities were new and delightful he whistled as he worked he whistled as he read he whistled right merrily as he walked up and down the streets a short slight figure with a round boyish face and a fringe of iron-gray hair under his chin the little man had one big passion that for a very big passion that for a short slight figure with a round boyish face and a fringe of iron-gray hair under his chin the little man had one big passion that for getting and saving the ancient thrift of his race had pinched him small and narrow as a foot is stunted by a tight shoe

Starting point is 04:31:53 his mind was a bit out of register as we say in the printing business his vocabulary was rich and vivid and stimulating somebody broke into the arsenic to-day he announced one evening at the supper-table the arsenic said somebody what arsenic why the place where they keep the powder he answered oh the arsenal yes the arsenal he said cackling with laughter at his error then he grew serious stole all the ambition out of it he added you mean ammunition don't you solomon his wife inquired certainly said he wasn't that what i said when he had said a thing that met his own approval sol rollin would cackle most cheerfully and then crack a knuckle by twisting a finger his laugh was mostly out of register also it had a sad lack of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little it had a sad lack of a of relevancy he laughed on principle rather than provocation some sort of secret comedy of which the world knew nothing was passing in his mind it seemed to have its exits and its entrances its villain its clown and its miser who got all the applause while working his joy was unconfined many a time i have sat and watched him in his little shop its windowed him with cobwebs. Sometimes he would stop whistling and cackle heartily as he worked his plane or drew his pencil to the square. I have even seen him drop his tools and give his undivided attention to laughter. He did not like to be

Starting point is 04:33:47 interrupted. He loved his own company the best while he was doing business. I went one day when he was singing the two lines and their quaint chorus which was all he ever sang in my hearing which gave him great relief i have no doubt when lip weary with whistling says i daniel skinner i thank your mighty mean to send me up the river with a seven dollar team lullie uly diddy o lily o lily o lily diddly o lily diddly o lily didle o lily dee mr rawlin i said yes serie said he pausing in the midst of his chorus to look up at me where can i get a piece of yellow pine see in a minute he said then he continued his sawing and his song says i dan skinner i thank yer mighty mean what do you want it for he asked stopping abruptly going to make a ruler i answered to send me up the river with a seven dollar team he went on picking out a piece of smooth plain lumber and handing it to me how much is it worth i inquired he whistled a moment as he surveyed it carefully bout one cent he answered seriously i handed him the money and sat down a while to watch him as he went on with his work it was the cheapest amusement i have yet enjoyed indeed saul rawlin became a dissipation a subtle and seductive habit that grew upon me and unwelcome

Starting point is 04:35:35 pretext or another, I went every Saturday to the shop, if I had not gone home. What's you going to be? He stopped his saw and looked at me, waiting for my answer. At last the time had come when I must declare myself, and I did. A journalist, I replied. What's that? he inquired, curiously. An editor, I said. A printer man? a printer man huh said he maybe i'll give you a job sary told me i'd or to have some cards printed i'll want good plain print solomon rollins carpenter and joiner hillsborough new york

Starting point is 04:36:25 sounds pretty good don't it beautiful i answered i'll get a bit lot on em he said i'll want one for sister susan's susan's that's out in minnesota no i guess i'll send her two so she can give one away and one for my brother a liphalette and one apiece for my three cousins over in vermont and one for my aunt mirandy let's see two and one is three and three is six and one is seven then i'll get a few struck off for the folks here guess they'll think i'm gettin up in the world he shook and snickered with anticipation of the glory of it pure vanity inspired him in the matter and it had in it no vulgar consideration of business policy he whistled a lively tune as he bent to his work again your sister says you're a splendid scholar said he her n'her bragging about you t'other night she thinks a good deal of her brother i can tell ye guess i know what she's gonna give you christmas what's that i asked with a curiosity more youthful than becoming don't ye never let on said he never said i heard em tell he said twas a gold lock-up with her picture in it oh i'll locket i exclaimed that's it he replied he replied he replied he replied he replied he replied replied, and pure gold, too.

Starting point is 04:38:09 I turned to go. Hope she'll grow up a saving woman, he remarked. Afraid she won't ever be very good to world. Why not, I inquired. Hands are too little and white, he answered. She won't have to, I said. He cackled uproariously for a moment, then grew serious. Her father's rich, he said, the richest man afar away,

Starting point is 04:38:40 and I guess she won't ever have anything to do, but set and sing and play the melodium. She can do as she likes, I said. He stood a moment looking down, as if meditating on the delights he had pictured. Go, he exclaimed suddenly. My subject had begun to study me, and I came away to escape.

Starting point is 04:39:05 further examination. End of Chapter 17. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 18 of Eben Holden. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. Eben Holden, a tale of the North Country by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 18

Starting point is 04:39:34 I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself unfortunately the little word i throws a big shadow in this history it looms up all too frequently in every page for the sign of a modest man but indeed i cannot help it for he was the only observer of all there is to tell now there is much for example in the very marrow of my history things that never would have happened things that never would have been said, but for my fame as a scholar. My learning was of small account, for it must be remembered, I am writing of a time when any degree of scholarship was counted remarkable among the simple folk of Faraway. Hope took singing lessons and sang in church every Sunday.

Starting point is 04:40:33 David or Uncle Eb came down for us often of a Saturday, and brought us back before service in the morning. one may find in that town to-day many who will love to tell him of the voice and beauty and sweetness of hope brower those days and of what they expected regarding her and me we went out a good deal evenings to concerts lectures at the churches or the college or to visit some of the many people who invited us to their homes we had a recess of two weeks at the winter holidays and david brower came after us the day the term ended oh the great happiness of that day before christmas when we came flying home in the sleigh behind a new team of grays and felt the intoxication of the frosty air and drove in at dusk after the lamps were lit and we could see mother and uncle ebb and grandma bismet looking out of the window and a steaming dinner on the table i declare it is long since then but i cannot ever think of that time without wiping my glasses and taking a moment off tip taylor took the horses and we all came in where the kettle was singing on the stove and loving hands helped us out of our wraps the supper was a merry feast the like of which one may find only by returning to his boyhood mac that is a long journey for some of us

Starting point is 04:42:05 supper over and the dishes out of the way we gathered about the stove with cider and butternuts well said hope i've got some news to tell you this boy is the best scholar of his age in this county that's so said david uncle ebb stopped his hammer that was lifted to crack a butternut and pulled his chair close to hopes elizabeth looked at his hammer that was lifted to crack a butternut and pulled his chair close to hopes elizabeth looked at her daughter and then at me a smile and a protest in her face true as you live said hope the master told me so he's first in everything and in the town hall the other night he spelt everybody down what in hillsborough uncle ebb asked incredulously yes in hillsborough said hope and there were doctors and lawyers and college students and i don't know who all in the match most remarkable said david brower tremengeous exclaimed uncle ebb i heard about it over at the mills to-day said tip taylor meher dieu exclaimed grandma bisnett crossing herself elizabeth brower was unable to stem this tide of enthusiasm i had tried to stop it but instantly it had gone beyond my control if i could be hurt by praise the mischief had been done it's very nice indeed said she soberly i do hope it won't make him conceited he should remember that people do not always mean what they say he's too sensible for that mother said david shocks said uncle ebb he ain't no fool if he is a good speller not by a dumb sight

Starting point is 04:44:09 tip said david you'll find a box in the sleigh it come by express i wish you'd go and get it we all stood looking while tip brought it in and pried off the top boards with a hatchet careful now uncle ebb cautioned him might spoil something the top off uncle ebb removed a layer of pasteboard then he pulled out a lot of colored tissue paper and a lot of colored tissue paper and a little bit of a little bit of the top off uncle ebb removed a layer of pasteboard then he pulled out a lot of colored tissue paper and a little under that was a package, wrapped and tied. Something was written on it. He held it up and tried to read the writing. Can't see without my spectacles, he said, handing it to me. For hope, I read as I passed it to her. Hooray, said Uncle Ebb, as he lifted another and the last package from the box. For Mrs. Brower, were the words I read upon that. one the strings were cut the wrappers torn away and two big rolls of shiny silk loosened their coils on the table hope uttered a cry of delight a murmur of surprise and admiration passed from one to another elizabeth lifted a rustling fold and held it to the lamplight we passed our hands over the smooth sheen of the silk

Starting point is 04:45:37 well i swan said uncle ebb just like a kitten's ear exactly said david brower elizabeth lifted the silk and let it flow to her feet then for a little she looked down draping it to her skirt and moving her foot to make the silk rustle for the moment she was young again david she said still looking at the glory of glossy black that covered her plain dress well mother he answered was you fool enough to go and buy this stuff for me no mother it came from new york city he said from new york city was the exclamation of all elizabeth brower looked thoughtfully at her husband clear from new york city she repeated from new york city said he well of all things said uncle ebb looking over his spectacles from one to another it's from the livingstone boy said mrs brower i've heard he's the son of a rich man fraid he took a great fancy to hope said david father said the girl you've no right to say that i'm sure he never cared a straw for me i don't think we ought to keep it said mrs brower looking up thoughtfully "'Shucks and shavens,' said Uncle Ebb.

Starting point is 04:47:19 "'You don't know but what I had it sent myself.' Hope went over and put her arms around his neck. "'Did you, Uncle Ebb?' she asked. "'Now you tell me the truth, Uncle Ebb.' "'Wouldn't say it I did,' he answered. "'But I don't want to see you go sending of it back. "'You don't know who sent it.' "'What'll I do with it?'

Starting point is 04:47:45 Mrs. Brower asked, laughing in a way that showed a sense of absurdity. I'd have been tickled with it thirty years ago, but now folks'd think I was crazy. Never heard such foldy roll, said Uncle Ebb. If you move to the village, it'll come handy to go to meetin'-in'in'n. That seemed to be unanswerable and conclusive, at least for the time being, and the silk was laid away. we sat talking until late bedtime hope and i telling of our studies and of the many people we had met in hillsborough we hung up our stockings just as we had always done christmas eve

Starting point is 04:48:28 and were up betimes in the morning to find them filled with many simple but delightful things and one which i treasure to this day the locket and its picture of which i had been surreptitiously informed at two o'clock we had a fine dinner of roast turkey and chicken pie with plenty of good cider and the mince pie of blessed memory such as only a daughter of new england may dare try to make uncle ebb went upstairs after dinner and presently we heard him descending with a slow and heavy foot i opened the stair door and there he stood with the old base vial that had long lain neglected in a dusty corner of the attic many a night i had heard it groan as the strings loosened in the years it had lain on its back helpless and forgotten it was like a dreamer snoring in his sleep and he was like a dreamer snoring in his sleep and murmuring of that he saw in his dreams. Uncle Ebb had dusted and strung it and glued its weaker joints. He sat down with it, the severe look of old upon his face, and set the strings roaring as he tuned them.

Starting point is 04:49:45 Then he brought the sacred treasure to me and leaned it against my shoulder. "'That there's a Christmas present for you, Willie,' said he. "'It may help you to pass away the time, once in a while. I thanked him warmly. Surreal first-class instrument, he said. Been a rip-snorter in its day. He took from his bosom then the old heart-pin of silver that he had always worn of a Sunday. Gonna give you that, too, he said. De knows you'll ever care to wear it, but I want you should have something you can carry in your pocket to remember me by.

Starting point is 04:50:27 i did not dare trust myself to speak and i sat helplessly turning that relic of a better day in my fingers it's genuine silver said he proudly i took his old hand in mine and raised it reverently to my lips hearin im tell about goin to the village an i says to myself uncle ebb says i we'll have to be goin tain no place for you in the village "'Holden,' said David Brower. "'Don't you ever talk like that again? "'You're just the same as married to this family, "'and you can't ever get away from us.' "'And he never did, "'until his help was needed in other and fairer fields,

Starting point is 04:51:14 "'I am sure, than those of Faraway. "'God knows where.' "'End of Chapter 18. "'Recording by Roger Malene. "'Chapter nineteen of Eben Holden. this libervox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline ebbin holden a tale of the north country by irving bachelor chapter nineteen tip taylor was in the main a serious-minded man a cross-eye enhanced the natural solemnity of his countenance he was little given to talk or laughter unless he were on a hunt and then he'll be able to talk or laughter unless he was on a hunt and then he'll only whispered his joy he had seen a good bit of the world through the peak sight of his rifle and there was something always in the feel of a gun that lifted him to higher moods

Starting point is 04:52:15 and yet one could reach a tender spot on him without the aid of a gun that winter vacation i set myself to study things for a declamation specimens of the eloquence of daniel webster and henry clay and james otis and patrick henry i practised them in the barn often in sight and hearing of the assembled herd and some of those fiery passages were rather too loud and threatening for the peace and comfort of my audience the oxen always seemed to be expecting the sting of the bull-whip they stared at me timidly tilting their ears every moment as if to empty them of a heavy load while the horses snorted with apprehension this haranguing of the herd had been going on a week or more when uncle ebb and i returning from a distant part of the farm heard a great uproar in the stable looking in at a window we saw tip taylor his back toward us extemporizing a speech he was pressing his argument with gestures and the tone of thunder we listened a moment while a worried look came over the face of uncle ebb tip's words were meaningless save for the secret aspiration they served to advertise my old companion thought tip had gone crazy and immediately swung the door and stepped in the orator fell suddenly from his lofty attitude and became a very sober-looking hired man what's the matter uncle ebb inquired practising said tip soberly as he turned slowly his face damp and red with exertion for what uncle ebb inquired

Starting point is 04:54:05 for the asylum i guess he answered with a faint smile you don't need no more practice uncle ebb answered looks to me as though you was pretty well prepared to me there was a touch of pathos in this show of the deeper things in tipp's nature that had been kindled to eruption by my spouting he would not come in to dinner that day probably from an unfounded fear that we would make fun of his flight a thing we should have been far from doing once we understood him it was a bitter day of one of the coldest winters we had ever known a shrieking wind came over the hills driving a skisking wind came over the hills driving a skis gut of snow before it the stock in the stables we all came in soon after dinner and sat comfortably by the fire with cider checkers and old sledge the dismal roar of the trees and the wind wail in the chimney served only to increase our pleasure it was growing dusk when mother peering through the sheath of frost on a window-paint uttered an exclamation of surprise why who is this at the door said she why it's a man in a cutter father was near the door and he swung it open quickly there stood a horse and cutter a man sitting in it heavily muffled the horse was shivering and the man sat motionless hello said david brower in a loud voice he got no answer and ran bareheaded to the sleigh Come, quick, Holden, he called.

Starting point is 04:55:50 It's Dr. Bigsby. We all ran out then, while David lifted the still figure in his arms. In here, quick, said Elizabeth, opening the door to the parlor. Mustn't take him near the stove. We carried him into the cold room and laid him down, and David and I tore his wraps open while the others ran quickly after snow. i rubbed it vigorously upon his face and ears the others meantime applying it to his feet and arms that had been quickly stripped the doctor stared at us curiously and tried to speak get up dauben he called presently and ducked as if urging his horse get up dauben man'll die before we get there we all worked upon him with might and main the war

Starting point is 04:56:45 the white went slowly out of his face we lifted him to a sitting posture mother and hope and uncle ebb were rubbing his hands and feet where am i he inquired his face now badly swollen at david browers said i huh he asked with that kindly and familiar grunt of interrogation at david browers i repeated well i'll have to hurry said he trying feebly to rise man's dying over he hesitated thoughtfully on the plains he added looking around at us grandma bisonette brought a lamp and held it so the light fell on his face he looked from one to another he drew one of his hands away and stared at it somebody froze he asked yes said i hmm too bad how did it happen he asked i don't know how's the pulse he inquired feeling for for my wrist. I let him hold it in his hand. "'Will you bring me some water in her glass?' he inquired, turning to Mrs. Brower, just as I had seen him do many a time in Gerald's illness.

Starting point is 04:58:17 Before she came with the water, his head fell forward upon his breast, while he muttered feebly. I thought then he was dead, but presently he roused himself with a mighty effort. david brower he called loudly and trying hard to rise bring the horse bring the horse must be goin i tell you man's dying over on the plains he went limp as a rag then i could feel his heart leap and struggle feebly there's a man dying here said david brower in a low tone you needn't rub no more more. He's dead, Elizabeth whispered, holding his hand tenderly and looking into his half-closed eyes. Then for a moment she covered her own with her handkerchief, while David, in a low, calm tone that showed the depth of his feeling, told us what to do.

Starting point is 04:59:19 Uncle Ebb and I watched that night while Tip Taylor drove away to town. The body lay in the parlor, and we sat by the stove in the room adjoining. In a half-whisper, we talked of the sad event of the day. Never oughta gone out on a day like this, said Uncle Ebb. Don't take much to freeze an old man. Got to thinking of what happened yesterday and forgot the cold, I said. Bad day to be absent-minded, whispered Uncle Ebb as he rose and tiptoed to the window and peered. through the frosty panes. May you got faint or something. Old Huss brought him right here.

Starting point is 05:00:04 Been here so often with him. He took the lantern and went out a moment. The door creaked upon its frosty hinges when he opened it. Thirty below zero, he whispered as he came in. Wind's gone down a little bit, maybe. Uncanny noises broke in a little. upon the stillness of the old house. Its timbers, racked in the mighty grip of the cold, creaked and settled. Sometimes there came a sharp breaking sound, like the crack of bones.

Starting point is 05:00:40 If any man ought to go to heaven, he had, said Uncle Ebb as he drew on his boots. Think he's in heaven? I asked. Ain't a doubt of it, said he, as he chewed a moment, preparing for expectoration. what kind of a place do you think it is i asked for one thing he said deliberately nobody'll die there lest it ought to don't believe there's going to be any need of swearing or quarrelling to my way of thinking it'll be a good deal like dave brower's farm nice smooth land and no stun on it and hills and valleys and white clover a plenty and we corn higher in a man's head no bull-thistles no hard winters no narrow contracted fools no long faces and plenty of work folks saying how do you do stead o good-bye all the while comin stead o gain it's gonna be some kind of fun there i ain't no idea what tis folks like it and i kind o believe it when god's given a thing to everybody, he thinks pretty middle and well of it.

Starting point is 05:02:00 Anyhow, it seems a hard thing to die, I remarked. Seems so, he said thoughtfully. Just like everything else. Them it knows much about it, don't have a great deal to say. Looks to me like this. I calculate a man has on the average ten things his heart is sought on, what is the word I want? treasures i suggested that's it said he every one has about ten treasures some have more some less

Starting point is 05:02:37 say one's his strength one's his plan the rest is them he loves and the more he loves the better tis for him well they begin to go one by one some die some turn aginem finds it hard to keep his allowance when he's only nine he's got exactly one-tenth of his dread a-dion by and by he counts up one two three four five and that's all there is left he figures it up careful his strength is gone his plans a failure maybe and this one's dead and that one's dead and t'other one better be. Then it's about half-ways with him. If he lives till the ten treasures is all gone, God gives him one more, that's death. And he can swap that off and get back all he's lost. Then he begins to think it's a pretty dumb good thing after all. Pretty good thing, after all, he repeated, gaping as he spoke. He began nodding shortly, and said, soon he went asleep in his chair.

Starting point is 05:03:57 End of Chapter 19. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 20 of Eben Holden. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. Eben Holden, a tale of the North Country by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 20. We went back to our work again shortly,

Starting point is 05:04:27 the sweetness and the bitterness of life fresh in our remembrance. when we came back hook and line for another vacation the fields were aglow with color and the roads where dr bigsby had felt the sting of death that winter day were now drifted with meadow music and the smell of clover i had credibly taken examination for college where i was to begin my course in the fall with a scholarship hope had made remarkable progress in music and was soon going to ogdensburg for instruction A year had gone nearly since Jedfiry had cautioned me about falling in love. I had kept enough of my heart about me to do business with, but I had continued to feel an uncomfortable absence in the region of it. Young men at Hillsborough, many of whom I felt sure had a smarter look than I, had bid stubbornly for her favor.

Starting point is 05:05:27 I wondered often it did not turn her head, this tribute of rustle. admiration but she seemed to be all unconscious of its cause and went about her work with small conceit of herself many a time they had tried to take her from my arm at the church door a good-natured phrase of youthful rivalry there in those days but she had always said laughingly no thank you and clung all the closer to me now jed feary had no knowledge of the worry it gave me or of the peril it suggested i knew that if i felt free to tell him all he would give me other counsel i was now seventeen and she a bit older and had i not heard of many young men and women who had been engaged i even married at that age well as it happened a day before she left us to go to her work in ogdensburg where she was to leave her work in augensburg where she was to live with her uncle, I made an end of delay. I considered carefully what a man ought to say in the circumstances, and I thought I had near an accurate notion. We were in the garden, together, the playground of our childhood. "'Hope, I have a secret to tell you,' I said. "'A secret?' she exclaimed eagerly. "'I love secrets.'

Starting point is 05:06:54 "'A great secret,' I repeated. "'I repeated.' as I felt my face burning. Why, it must be something awful. Not very, I stammered. Having missed my cue from the beginning, I was now utterly confused. William, she exclaimed, what is the matter of you?

Starting point is 05:07:16 I am in love, said I, very awkwardly. Is that all? She answered, a trace of humor in her tone. i thought it was bad news i stooped to pick a rose and handed it to her well she remarked soberly but smiling a little as she lifted the rose to her lips is it any one i know i felt it was going badly with me but caught a sudden inspiration you have never seen her i said if she had suspected the truth i had turned the tables on her her, and now she was guessing. A quick change came into her face, and for a moment it gave me confidence. "'Is she pretty?' she asked, very seriously, as she dropped the flower and looked down, crushing it beneath her foot. "'She is very beautiful. It is you, I love, hope!'

Starting point is 05:08:18 A flood of color came into her cheeks then, as she stood a moment looking down at the flower in silence. i shall keep your secret she said tenderly and hesitating as she spoke and when you are through college and you are older and i am older and you love me as you do now i hope i shall love you too as i do now her lips were trembling as she gave me that sweet assurance dearer to me far dearer than all else i remember of that golden time and tears were coursing down her cheeks for myself i was in a worse plight of emotion i dare say she remembered also the look of my face in that moment do not speak of it again she said as we walked away together on the shorn sod of the orchard meadow now soon with apple blossoms, until we are older, and if you never speak again, I shall know you, you do not love me any longer. The dinner horn sounded, we turned and walked slowly back. Do I look all right? she asked, turning her face to me and smiling sweetly. All right, I said. Nobody would know that anyone loved you, except for your beauty,

Starting point is 05:09:46 and that one tear track on your cheek. She wiped it away as she laughed. Mother knows anyway, she said, and she has given me good advice. Wait, she added, stopping and turning to me. Your eyes are wet. I felt from my handkerchief. Take mine, she said.

Starting point is 05:10:11 Elder Whitmarsh was at the house, and they were all sitting down to dinner as we came. in. "'Hello!' said Uncle Ebb. "'Here's a good-looking couple. "'We've got a chicken pie and a Baptist minister for dinner, and both good. "'Take your pew next to the minister,' he added, as he held the chair for me. "'Then we all bowed our heads, and I felt a hearty amen for the elder's words. "'Oh, Lord, may all our doing and saying and eating and drinking of this day be done,

Starting point is 05:10:44 as in thy sight for our eternal happiness and for thy glory. Amen. End of chapter 20. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 21 of Eben Holden. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. Eben Holden, a tale of the North Country by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 21 We have our secrets, but guard them as we may.

Starting point is 05:11:23 may, it is not long before others have them also. We do much talking without words. I once knew a man who did his drinking secretly and his reeling in public, and thought he was fooling everybody. That shows how much easier it is for one to fool himself than to fool another. What is in a man's heart is on his face, and is shortly written all over him. Therein is a mighty lesson. of all people i ever knew elizabeth brower had the surest eye for looking into one's soul and i myself have some gift of penetration

Starting point is 05:12:04 i knew shortly that mrs brower wise and prudent woman that she was had suspected my love for hope and her love for me and had told her what she ought to say if i spoke of it the maturity of judgment in hope's answer must have been the result of much thought and counsel, it seemed to me. "'If you do not speak again, I shall know you do not love me any longer,' she had said. They were brave words that stood for something very deep in the character of those people, a self-repression that was sublime often in their women. As I said them to myself, those lonely summer days and far away, I saw in their sweet significance no hint of the bitterness they were to bring. but god knows i have had my share of pleasure and no more bitterness than i deserved it was a lonely summer for me i had letters from hope ten of them which i still keep and read often with something of the old pleasure

Starting point is 05:13:10 girlish letters that told of her work and friends and gave me some sweet counsel and much assurance between the lines i travelled in new roads that vacation time politics and religion as well as love began to interest me slavery was looming into the proportion of a great issue and the stories of cruelty and outrage on the plantations of the south stirred my young blood and made it ready for the letting of battle in god's time the speeches in the senate were read aloud in our sitting-room after supper the day the tribune came and all lent a tongue to their discussion jed feary was with us one evening i remember when our talk turned into long ways the end of which i have never found to this day elizabeth had been reading of a slave who according to the paper had been whipped to death if god knows that such things are being done why don't he stop him david asked can't very well said jed feary can if he's omnipotent said david that's a bad word a dangerous one said the old poet dropping his dialect as he spoke it makes god responsible for evil as well as good the word carries us beyond our depth. It's too big for our boot. I'd rather think he can do what's doable and knows what's knowable. In the beginning he gave laws to the world, and these laws are unchangeable,

Starting point is 05:14:53 or they are not wise and perfect. If God were to change them, he would thereby acknowledge their imperfection. By this law men and races suffer as they struggle upward. But if the law is unchangeable. Can it be changed for a better cause, even than the relief of a whipped slave? In good time, the law shall punish and relieve. The groans of them that suffer shall hasten it, but there shall be no change in the law. There can be no change in the law. Little hard to tell just how powerful God is, said Uncle Ebb. Good deal like trying to way Lake Champlain with a quart pail and a pair of steel yards. If God's laws are unchangeable, what is the use of praying? I asked.

Starting point is 05:15:46 He can give us the strength to bear, the will to obey him, and like to guide us, said the poet. I've written out a few lines to read to Bill here, for he goes off to college. They have something to say in this subject. The poem hints at things he had ought to learn. pretty soon if he don't know him now the old poet felt in his pockets as he spoke and withdrew a folded sheet of straw-colored wrapping paper and opened it i was bill plain bill to everybody in that country where as you increased your love of a man you diminished his name i had been called willie william and billy and finally when i threw the strong man of the township in a wrestling match they gave me this fail token of confidence i bent over the shoulder of jed feary for a view of the manuscript closely written with a lead pencil and marked with many erasures let's hear it said david brower then i moved the lamp to his elbow and he began reading a talk with william brower on the occasion of his going away to college and writ out in rhyme for him by his friend Jedediahferi to be a token of respect.

Starting point is 05:17:10 The man that loses faith in God, you'll find out every time, has found a faith in his own self that's mighty nigh sublime. He knows as much as all the saints and calls religion flighty, and in his narrow world assumes the place a God Almighty. But don't expect too much a God, it wouldn't be quite fair, if for everything you wanted you could only swap a prayer i'd pray for yours and you for mine and deacon henry hosper he wouldn't have a thing to do but lay a bed and prosper if all things come so easy bill they'd have but little worth and someone with a gift of prayer and maybe own the earth it's the toil you give to get a thing the sweat and blood and trouble we reckon by and every tear will make its value double there's a money o the soul my boy you'll find in after years its pennies are the sweat drops and its dollars are the tears

Starting point is 05:18:22 and love is the redeeming gold that measures what they're worth and you'll get as much in heaven as you've given out on earth for the record of your doing i believe the soul is planned with an automatic register to tell just how you stand, and it won't take any ciphering to show that fearful day if you've multiplied your talents well or thrown them all away. When your feet are on the summit and the wide horizon clears and you look back on your pathway winding through the veil of tears, when you see how much you've trespassed and how fur you've gone astray you'll know the way of providence ain't apt to be your way god knows as much as can be known but i don't think it's true he knows of all the dangers in the path of me and you if i shut my eyes and hurl a stone that kills the king as i am the chances are that god'll be as much surprised as i am if you pray with faith believing why you'll certainly receive but that God does what's impossible is more than I'll believe.

Starting point is 05:19:37 If it grieves him when a sparrow falls, it sure is anything, he'd have turned the arrow if he could that broke the sparrow's wing. You can read old nature's history that's written rocks and stones. You can see her throbbing vitals and her mighty rack of bones.

Starting point is 05:19:57 But the soul of her, the living God, a little child may know, No lens or rule of ciphering can ever hope to show. There's a part of God's creation very handy to your view. All the truth of life is in it, and remember, Bill, it's you. And after all your science, you must look up in your mind and learn its own astronomy, the star apiece, to find. There's good old Aunt Samantha Jane that all her journey long

Starting point is 05:20:29 has led her heart to labor with a revely of song her folks have robbed and left her but her faith in goodness grows she hasn't any learning but i tell you bill she knows she's had her share of troubles i remember well the day we took her to the poor house she was singing all the way you needn't be afraid to come where stormy jordan flows if all the learning you can get has taught you half she knows. I give this crude example of rustic philosophy, not because it has my endorsement. God knows I have ever felt it far beyond me, but because it is useful to those who may care to know the man who wrote it. I give it the poor fame of these pages with keen regret that my friend is now long past the praise or blame of this world. End of Chapter 21. Recording by Roger Maline.

Starting point is 05:21:38 Chapter 22 of Eben Holden. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. Evan Holden, a tale of the north country by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 22 The horse played a part of no small importance in that country. He was the coin. of the realm, a medium of exchange, a standard of value, an exponent of moral character.

Starting point is 05:22:08 The man that traveled without a horse was on his way to the poor house. Uncle Ebb or David Brower could tell a good horse by the sound of his footsteps, and they brought into St. Lawrence County the Hottie Morgan's from Vermont. There was more pride in their high heads than in any of the good people. A northern Yankee, who was not carried away with a fine horse, had excellent self-control. Politics and the steed were the only things that ever woke him to enthusiasm, and there a man was known as he traded. Uncle Ebb used to say that one ought always to underestimate his horses a little for the sake of a reputation.

Starting point is 05:22:52 We needed another horse to help with the haying, and Bob Dean, a tricky trader, who had heard of it, drove in after supper one evening, and offered a rangy brown animal at a low figure. We looked him over, tried him up and down the road, and then David, with some shrewd suspicion, as I divined later, said I could do as I pleased. I bought the horse and led him proudly to the stable. Next morning, an Irishman, the extra man for the haying, came in with a worried look to breakfast. "'That new horse has a chitterin' kind of cough,' he said. "'A cough?' said I.

Starting point is 05:23:35 "'Tain't just a cough, neither,' he said, "'but a kind of tomb!' With the last word he obligingly imitated the sound of the cough. It threw me into perspiration. "'Sounds bad,' said Uncle Ebb, as he looked at me and snickered. fraid bill ain't much of a jockey said david smiling got a grand appetite that hoss has said tip taylor after breakfast uncle ebb and i hitched him to the light buggy and touched him up for a short journey down the road in five minutes he had begun to heave and whistle i felt sure one could have heard him half a mile away uncle ebb stopped him and began to laugh

Starting point is 05:24:24 a whistler said he sure's yer born he ain't woth a bag o beans but don't ye never let on when you get licked you mustn't never find fault if anybody asks you bout em tell him he's all ye expected we stood waiting a moment for the horse to recover himself a team was nearing us there's bob dean uncle ebb whispered the darn scala wag don't ye say a word now good mornin said dean smiling as he pulled up beside us nice pleasant mornin said uncle ebb as he cast a glance into the sky what you standin here for dean asked uncle ebb expectorated thoughtfully jest a lookin at the scenery said he pretty country right here always liked it nice lookin hoss you got there said dean grand hoss said uncle ebb surveying him proudly most remarkable hoss good step or two said Dean soberly. Splendid, said Uncle Ebb. Can go a mile without catching his breath.

Starting point is 05:25:48 That's so, said Dean. Good deal like Lucy Purvis, Uncle Ebb added. She can save the whole multiplication table and only breathe once. You can learn something from a huss like that. He's good as a district school, that huss is. yes sir that huss is all right said dean as he drove away writer and i expected uncle ebb shouted and then he covered his mouth shaking with suppressed laughter skunk he said as we turned the animal and started to walk him home don't mind bein beat but i don't like to have a man rub it in on me i'll get even with him maybe and he did it came about in this way we turned our new purchase into the pasture and uncle ebb and i drove away to pot's dam for a better nag we examined all the horses in that part of the country at last we chanced upon one that looked like the whistler save that he had a white stocking on one hind foot

Starting point is 05:26:59 same age too said uncle ebb as he looked into his mouth can pass anything on the road said his owner can he said uncle ebb who had no taste for slow going hitch him up and let's see what he can do he carried us faster than we had ever ridden before at a trot and coming up behind another team the man pulled out let the reins loose on his back and whistled if anyone had hit him with a log chain the horse could not have moved quicker he took us by the other team like a flash on the dead run and three in the buggy he'll do all right said uncle ebb and paid for the horse it was long after dark when we started home leading him behind and near midnight when we arrived in the morning i found uncle ebb in the stable she was long after dark when we started home leading him behind and near midnight when we arrived in the morning i found uncle ebb in the stable she showing him to the other help. To my surprise, the white stocking had disappeared. Didn't just like that white stocking, he said as I came in. Wondered how he'd look without it.

Starting point is 05:28:13 They all agreed this horse and the whistler were as much alike as two peas in appearance. Breakfast over, Uncle Ebb asked the Irishman to hitch him up. Come, Bill, said he. Let's take a ride. dean'll be comin along by and by on his way to town with that trottery hisn rather like to meet em i had only a faint idea of his purpose he let the horse step along at top speed going up the road and when we turned about he was breathing heavily we jogged him back down the road a mile or so and when i saw the blazed face of dean's mare in the distance we pulled up and shortly stopped him dean came along in a moment nice mornin said he grand said uncle ebb lookin at the landscape again yes i've just begun to see what a pretty country this is said uncle ebb how's the huss splendid gives you time to think and see what you're passing like to set and think once in a while we don't do enough thinking you're

Starting point is 05:29:29 here in this part of the country. It ought to buy this mare and learn how to ride fast, said Dean. That one, said Uncle Ebb, squinting at the mayor. Why, she can't go fast enough. She can't, eh? said Dean, bridling with injured pride. I don't think there's anything in this town can head her. Thunder, said Uncle Ebb. I can go.

Starting point is 05:29:59 buy her with this old plug easy twixt here in our gate you didn't know what he was selling if ye pass her once i'll give her to you said he mean it said uncle ebb certain said he a little redder in the face and if i don't i'll give you the whistler said uncle ebb as he turned about the mare went away under the whip before we had fairly started she was goin a fifty shot but in a moment we were lapping upon her hind wheel dean threw a startled glance over his shoulder then he shouted to the mare she quickened her pace a little but we kept our position uncle ebb was leaning over the dasher his white locks flying he had something up his sleeve as they say and was not yet ready to use it then dean began to shear over to cut us off a nasty trick of the low horseman i saw uncle ebb glance at the ditch ahead i knew what was coming and took a firm hold of the seat the ditch was a bit rough but uncle ebb had no lack of courage he turned the horse's head led up on the reins and whistled i have never felt such a thrill as then our horse leaped into the deep grass running like a wild deer hi there hi there uncle ebb shouted bouncing in his seat as we went over stones and hummocks going like the wind go ye brown devil he yelled his hat flying off as he shook the reins the mare lost her stride we flashed by and came up into the road looking back i saw her jumping up to the road looking back i saw her jumping up

Starting point is 05:31:54 up and down a long way behind us, and Dean whipping her. Uncle Ebb, his hands over the dasher, had pulled down to a trot. Ahead of us we could see our folks, men and women, at the gate looking down the road at us, waving hats and handkerchiefs. They had heard the noise of the battle. Uncle Ebb let up on the reins and looked back snorting with amusement. In a moment we pulled up at our gate. dean came along slowly that's a pretty good mare said uncle ebb you're welcome to her said dean sullenly wouldn't have her said uncle ebb

Starting point is 05:32:38 why not said the trader a look of relief coming over his face can't go fast enough for my use uncle ebb answered you can just hitch her in here a while and the first day you come over with a hundred dollars you can have her and the whistler both on em that whistler's a grand huss can hold his breath longer in any huss i ever knew the sum named was that we had paid him for the highly accomplished animal dean had the manhood to pay up then and there and said he would send for the other horse which he never did guess he won't bother us any more when we stop to look at the scenery said uncle ebb, laughing as Dean drove away. Kind of risky business buying hosses, he added. Got to judge the owner as well as the hoss. If there's anything to matter with his conscience, it'll come out in the hoss somewhere, every time.

Starting point is 05:33:43 Never knew a mean man to own a good hoss. Remember, boy, it's a lame soul that drives a limping hoss. No use talking. Bill ain't no judge of a horse, said David Brower. He'll have to have an education, or he'll get to the poorhouse someday certain. Well, he's a good judge of gals anyway, said Uncle Ebb. As for myself, I was now hopelessly confirmed in my dislike of farming, and I never traded horses again.

Starting point is 05:34:20 End of Chapter 22. Recording by Roger Maline. this librivox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline ebbin holden a tale of the north country by irving bachelor chapter twenty three late in august uncle ebb and i took our black hawk stallion to the fair in hillsborough and showed him for a prize he was fit for the eye of a king when we had finished grooming him that morning and led him out rearing in play his eyes flashing from my eyes flashing from a prize he was fit for the eye of a king when we had finished grooming him that morning and led him out rearing in play his eyes flashing from under his broad plume so that all might have a last look at him. His arched neck and slim barrel glowed like satin as the sunlight fell upon him. His black mane flew. He shook the ground with his hoofs, playing at the halter's end.

Starting point is 05:35:23 He hated a harness, and once in it lost half his conceit. But he was vainest of all things in far away when we drove off with him that morning. All roads led to hill. hillsborough fair time up and down the long hills we went on a stiff jog passing lumber wagons with generations enough in them to make a respectable genealogy the old people in chairs light wagons that carried young men and their sweethearts backwoodsmen coming out in ancient vehicles upon reeling creaking wheels to get food for a year's reflection all thickening the haze of the late summer with the dust of the roads and hillsborough itself was black with people the shouts of excited men the neighing of horses the bellowing of cattle the wailing of infants the howling of vendors the pressing crowd had begun to sow the seed of misery in the minds of those accustomed only to the peaceful quietude of the farm the staring eye the palpitating heart the aching head were successive stages in the doom of many The fair had its floral hall carpeted with sawdust and redolent of cedar, its dairy house, its mechanics hall, sacred to farming implements,

Starting point is 05:36:46 its long sheds full of sheep and cattle, its dining hall, its temporary booths of rough lumber, its half-mile track and grandstand. Here voices of beast and vendor mingled in a chorus of cupidity and distress. In floral hall, Saul Rowland was on exhibition. He gave me a cold nod, his lips set for a tune as yet inaudible. He was surveying sundry examples of rustic art that hung in the circular railing of the gallery and trying to preserve a calm breast.

Starting point is 05:37:23 He was looking at Susan Baker's painted cow that hung near us. Very descriptive, he said when I pressed him for his notion of it. "'Rod Baker's sister, Susan, made that cow. "'Gets $2.50 every fair time. "'Wish I was doing as well.' "'That's one of the most profitable cows in this country,' I said. "'Looks a good deal like a new breed.' "'Yes,' he answered soberly.

Starting point is 05:37:55 "'Then he set his lips, "'threw a sweeping glance into the gallery and passed on. Susan Baker's cow was one of the permanent features of the county fair, and was indeed a curiosity not less remarkable than the sacred ox of Mr. Barnum. Here also I met a group of the pretty girls who had been my schoolmates. They surrounded me chattering like magpies. There's going to be a dance at our house tonight, said one of them, and you must come.

Starting point is 05:38:29 I cannot, I must go home. i said of course said a red-cheeked saucy miss the stuck-up thing he wouldn't go anywhere unless he could have his sister with him then they went away laughing i found ab thomas at the rifle range he was whittling as he considered a challenge from tip taylor to shoot a match he turned and hefted the rifle silently and then he squinted over the barrel to shoot a match he turned and hefted the rifle silently and then he squinted over the barrel to or three times. Don't know, but what I'll try you once, he said presently. Just to see. Once started, they grew red in their faces and shot themselves weary in a reckless contest of skill and endurance.

Starting point is 05:39:19 A great hulking fellow, half drunk and a bit quarrelsome, came up presently and endeavored to help Abbe hold his rifle. The latter brushed him away and said nothing for a moment. but every time he tried to take aim the man jostled him on looked up slowly and calmly his eyebrows tilted for his aim and said go off i tell you then he set himself and took aim again let me hold it said the man reaching for the barrel shoot better if i do the aimin a laugh greeted this remark ab looked up again there was a quick start in his great slouching figure take your hand off of that he said a little louder than before the man aching for more applause grew more impertinent ab quietly handed the rifle to its owner then something happened suddenly it was so quickly over i am not quite sure of the order of business but anyhow he seized the intruder by the shoulders flinging him down so heavily it knocked the dust out of the grass.

Starting point is 05:40:35 A fight! Somebody shouted, and men and boys came running from all sides. We were locked in a pushing crowd before I could turn. The intruder lay stunned a moment. Then he rose, bareheaded, his back covered with dust, pushed his way out and ran. Abb turned quietly to the range.

Starting point is 05:41:00 Hadn't order to come and try to do my aimin, he said mildly by way of protest. I won't have it. Then he inquired about the score and calmly took aim again. The stallion show came on that afternoon. They can't never beat that, Hoss, Uncle Ebb had said to me.

Starting point is 05:41:23 Afraid they will, I answered. They're better hitched for one thing. But they ain't got the ginger in them, said he or the get up and get if we can show what's in him the hawk'll beat em easy if we won i was to get the prize but i had small hope of winning when i saw one after another prance out in sparkling silver harness adorned with rosettes of ribbon light-stepping beautiful creatures all of them i could see nothing but defeat for us indeed i could see we had been been too confident. I dreaded the moment when Uncle Ebb should drive down with Blackhawk in a plain leather harness drawing a planer buggy. I had planned to spend the prize money taking hope to the harvest ball at Rickards, and I had worked hard to put the hawk in good

Starting point is 05:42:20 fettle. I began to feel the bitterness of failure. Black Hawk! Where is Blackhawk? said one of the judges loudly. owned by david brower afar away said another looking at his card where indeed was uncle ebb i got up on the fence and looked all about me anxiously then i heard a great cheering up the track somebody was coming down at a rapid pace riding a splendid moving animal a knee rising to the nose at each powerful stride his head in flying mane obscured the ride his head in flying mane obscured the ride but i could see the end of a rope swinging in his hand there was something familiar in the easy high stride of the horse the cheers came on ahead of him like foam before a breaker upon my eyes it was black hawk with nothing but a plain rope halter on his head and uncle ebb riding him along there he shouted swinging the halter stale to the shining flank get along there he shouted swinging the halter stale to the shining flank get along there and he went by like a flash the tail of black hawk straight out behind him its head feathering in the wind it was a splendid thing to see that white-haired man sitting erect on the flying animal with only a rope halter in his hand every man about me was yelling i swung my hat shouting myself hoarse when uncle ebb came back the hawk was walking quietly in a

Starting point is 05:44:03 crowd of men and boys eager to feel his silken sides. I crowded through and held the horse's nose while Uncle Ebb got down. Thought I wouldn't put no leather on him, said Uncle Ebb. God's giving him a good enough harness. The judges came and looked him over. Guess he'll win the prize all right, said one of them. And he did. When we came home that evening, every horse on the road thought himself a trotter and went speeding to try his pace with everything that came up beside him and many a man afar away that we passed sent up a shout of praise for the black hawk but i was thinking of hope and the dance at rickards i had plenty of money now and my next letter urged her to come home at once end of chapter twenty-three recording by roger maline Chapter 24 of Eben Holden This Libravox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 05:45:18 Recording by Roger Maline Eben Holden, A Tale of the North Country by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 24 Hope returned for a few days late in August. Invitations were just issued for the harvest dance at Rickards. You must take her, said Uncle Ebb the day she came. she's a pretty dancer as a man ever see prance right up and tell her she must go don't want to let any one get ahead of you of course i will go she said in answer to my invitation i shouldn't think you were a beau worth having if you did not ask me the yellow moon was peering over woody ledge when we went away that evening i knew it was our last pleasure-seeking in far-away and far-away and

Starting point is 05:46:12 and the crickets in the stubble filled the silence with a kind of mourning. She looked so fine in her big hat and new gown, with its many dainty accessories of lace and ribbon, adjusted with so much patting and pulling, that as she sat beside me, I hardly dared touch her for fear of spoiling something. When she shivered a little and said it was growing cool, I put my arm about her,

Starting point is 05:46:39 and, as I drew her closer to my side, she turned her hat obligingly and said it was a great nuisance. I tried to kiss her then, but she put her hand over my mouth and said sweetly that I would spoil everything if I did that. I must not let you kiss me, William, she said. Not for all in the world. I'm sure you wouldn't have me do what I think is wrong, would you? There was but one answer to such an appeal.

Starting point is 05:47:13 and i made myself as happy as possible feeling her head upon my shoulder and her soft hair touching my cheek as i think of it now the trust she put in me was something sublime and holy then i shall talk about-about our love i said i must do something promised i wouldn't let you she said then she added after a moment of silence i'll tell you what you may do Tell me what is your ideal in a woman, the one you would love best of all. I don't think that would be wicked, do you? I think God would forgive that, I said. She must be tall and slim, with dainty feet and hands, and a pair of big eyes, blue as a violet, shaded with long dark lashes. And her hair must be wavy and light with a little tinge of gold in it.

Starting point is 05:48:14 and her cheek must have the pink of the rose and dimples that show in laughter and her voice that must have music in it and the ring of kindness and good nature and her lips let them show the crimson of her blood and be ready to give and receive a kiss when i meet her she sighed and nestled closer to me if i let you kiss me just once she whispered you will not ask me again will you no sweetheart i will not i answered then we gave each other such a kiss as may be known once and only once in a lifetime what would you do for the love of a girl like that she whispered i thought a moment sounding depths of undiscovered woe to see if there were anything i should hesitate to suffer and there was nothing i'd lay me down and die i said and i well remember how when i lay dying and i lay dying and i'd lay dying and i'd lay down and die i said and i well remember how when i lay dying as i believed in rain and darkness on the bloody field of bull run i thought of that moment and of those words i cannot say such beautiful things as you she answered when i asked her to describe her ideal he must be good and he must be tall and handsome and strong and brave then she sang a tender love ballad i have often shared the pleasure of thousands under the spell of her voice but i have never heard her sing as to that small audience on far-away turnpike

Starting point is 05:49:59 as we came near rickard's hall we could hear the fiddles and the calling off the windows on the long sides of the big house were open long shafts of light shot out upon the gloom it had always reminded me of a picture of noah's ark that hung in my bedroom and now it seemed to be floating with resting oars of gold in a deluge of darkness we were greeted with a noisy welcome at the door many of the boys and girls came from all sides of the big hall and shook hands with us enous brown whose long forelocks had been oiled for the occasion and combed down so they touched his right eyebrow was panting in a jig that jarred the house his trouser legs were caught on the tops of his fine boots he nodded to me as i came in snapped his fingers and doubled his energy it was an exhibition both of power and endurance he was damp and apologetic when at length he stopped with the mighty bang of his foot and sat down beside me he said he was badly out of practice when i offered congratulations the first fiddler was a small man with a short leg and a character that was minus one dimension it had length and breadth but no thickness he sat with his fellow-player on a little platform at one end of the room he was an odd man who wandered all over the township with his fiddle he played by ear and i have seen baby smile and old men dance when his bow was swaying. I remember that when I heard it for the

Starting point is 05:51:49 first time, I determined that I should be a fiddler if I ever grew to be a man. But David told me that fiddlers were a worthless lot, and that no wise man should ever fool with a fiddle. One is lucky, I have since learned, if any dream of yesterday shall stand the better light of today or the more searching rays of tomorrow choose your partners for money musk the caller shouted hope and i got into line the music started the circles began to sway darwin powers an old but frisky man stood up beside the fiddlers whistling with sobriety and vigor as they played it was a pleasure to see some of the older men in the neighborhood join the dizzy riot by skipping playfully in the corners they tried to rally their unwilling wives and generally a number of them were dancing before the night was over the life and color of the scene the fresh young faces of the girls some of them models of rustic beauty the playful antics of the young men the merry-making of their fathers the laughter the airs of gallantry the glances of affection there is a magic in the thought of it all that makes me young again there were teams before and behind us when we came home late at night so sleepy that the stars went reeling as we looked at them

Starting point is 05:53:24 this night is the end of many things i remarked and the beginning of better ones i hope was her answer yes but they are so far away i said you leave home to study and i am to be four years in college possibly i can finish in three perfectly terrible she said and then she added the favorite phrase and tone of her mother we must be patient i am very sorry of one thing i said what's that i promised not to ask you for one more kiss well then said she you-you needn't ask me and in a moment i helped her out at the door end of chapter twenty-four recording by roger maline chapter twenty five of ebbin holden this libervox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline ebbin holden a tale of the north country by irving bachelor chapter twenty five david brower had prospered as i have said before and now he was chiefly concerned in the welfare of his children so that he might give us the advantages of the town he decided either to lease or sell his farm by far the handsomest property in the township i was there when a buyer came in the last days of that summer we took him over the smooth acres from lone pine to woody ledge from the top of bowman's hill to tinky brook in the far valley he went with us through every tidy room of the house he looked over the stock and the stables well what's it worth he said at last as we stood looking down the fair green acres sloping to the sugar bush

Starting point is 05:55:40 david picked up a stick opened his knife and began to whittle thoughtfully a familiar squint of reflection in his face i suppose he thought of all it had cost him the toil of many years the strength of his young manhood the youth and beauty of his wife a hundred things that were far better than money fifteen thousand dollars he said slowly not a cent less the man parleyed a little over the price don't care to take any less to-day said david calmly no harm done how much down david named the sum and possession next week everything as it stands everything as it stands except the bed's and betting here's some money on account he's said. We'll close tomorrow. Close tomorrow, said David, a little sadness in his tone as he took the money.

Starting point is 05:56:49 It was growing dusk as the man went away. The cricket sang with a loud, accusing clamor. Slowly we turned and went into the dark house, David whistling under his breath. Elizabeth was resting in her chair.

Starting point is 05:57:06 She was humming an old hymn as she rocked. "'Zol the farm, mother,' said David. She stopped singing, but made no answer. In the dusk, as we sat down, I saw her face leaning upon her hand. Over the hills and out of the fields around us came many voices, the low chant in the stubble, the baying of a hound in the far timber, the cry of the tree-toed. A tiny drift of odd things, like that one's

Starting point is 05:57:38 he's at sea on the deep eternal silence of the heavens. There was no sound in the room, save the low creaking of the rocker in which Elizabeth sat. After all the going and coming and doing and saying of many years, here was a little spell of silence, and beyond lay the untried things of the future. For me, it was a time of reckoning. "'Been hard at work here all these years, mother, said David, ought to be glad to get away. Yes, said she, sadly. It's been hard work. Years ago I thought I never could stand it, but now I've got kind of used to it. Time you got used to pleasure and comfort, he said. Come kind of hard at first, but you must try to stand it. If we're going to have such Flynn in

Starting point is 05:58:38 heaven, as Deacon Hesper tells on, we ought to begin to practice, or will be shamed of ourselves. The worst was over. Elizabeth began to laugh. At length, a strain of song came out of the distance. Max Welton's Brays or Bonnie, where early falls the dew. It's hope and Uncle Ebb, said David, while I went for the lantern. Wonder what kept them so late? When the lamps were lit, the old house seemed suddenly to have got a sense of what had been done. The familiar creek of the stairway, as I went to bed, had an appeal and a protest. The rude chromo of the voluptuous lady, with red lips and the name of spring, that had always hung in my chamber, had a mournful, accusing look. The stain upon her cheek that had come one day

Starting point is 05:59:34 from a little leak in the roof looked now like the path of a teardrop. and when the wind came up in the night and i heard the creaking of lone pine it spoke of the doom of that house and its own that was not far distant we rented a new home in town that week and were soon settled in it hope went away to resume her studies the same day i began work in college end of chapter twenty five recording by roger maline chapter twenty six of ebbin holden this liver vogueau's is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline Eben Holden, A Tale of the North Country by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 26

Starting point is 06:00:28 Not much in my life at college is essential to this history, save the training. The students came mostly from other and remote parts of the north country, some even from other states. Coming largely from towns and cities, they were shorn of those simple and rugged traits that distinguish the men of far away, and made them worthy of what poor fame this book may afford. In the main they were like other students the world over, I take it, and mostly,

Starting point is 06:01:01 as they have shown, capable of whiling their own fame. It all seemed very high and mighty and grand to me, especially the names of the courses. I had my baptism of sophomoric scorn and many a heated argument over my title to life, liberty, and the pursuit of learning. It became necessary to establish it by force of arms, which I did decisively, and with as little delay as possible. I took much interest in athletic sports, and was soon a good ball-player, a boxer of some skill, and the best wrestler in college. Things were going on comfortably, when an upper-classman met me and suggested that on a coming holiday, the freshmen ought to wear stove-pipe hats.

Starting point is 06:01:51 Those hats were the seed of great trouble. Stove-pipe hats, I said thoughtfully. They're a good protection, he assured me. It seemed a very reasonable, not to say a necessary precaution. A man has to be young and innocent sometime, or what would become of the devil. i did not see the stove-pipe hat was the red rag of insurrection and when i did see it i was up to my neck in the matter you see the soffs are apt to be very nasty that day he continued i acknowledged they were quite capable of it and they don't care where they hit he went on i felt of my head that was still sore from a forceful argument of the preceding day and admitted there was a good ground for the assertion when i met my classmen that afternoon i was an advocate of the stove pipe as a means of protection there were a number of husky fellows in my class who saw its resisting power and second

Starting point is 06:02:58 seconded my suggestion we decided to leave it to the ladies of the class and they greeted our plan with applause so that morning we arrayed ourselves in high hats heavy canes and fine linen marching together up college hill we had hardly entered the gate before we saw the soffs forming in a thick rank outside the door prepared as we took it to resist our entrance they outnumbered us us and were in the main heavier but we had a foot or more of good stiff material between each head and arm of just what befell us when we got to the enemy i have never felt sure of the total inefficiency of the stove-pipe hat as an article of armor i have never had the slightest doubt since then there was a great flash and rattle of canes then the air was full of us in the heat of it all prudence went to the winds we hit out right and left on both sides smashing hats and bruising heads and hands the canes went down in a jiffy and then we closed with each other hip and thigh collars were ripped off coats were torn shirts were gory from the blood of noses and in this condition the most of us were rolling and tumbling on the ground i had flung a man heavily and broke away and was tackling another when i heard a hush in the tumult and then the voice of the president he stood on the high steps his gray head bare his right hand lifted it must have looked like carnage from where he stood young gentlemen he called cease i command you if we cannot get along without this thing we will shut up shop

Starting point is 06:04:55 well that was the end of it and came near being the end of our careers in college we looked at each other torn and panting and bloody and at the girls who stood by pale with alarm then we picked up the shapeless hats and went away for repairs i had heard that the path of learning was long and beset with peril but i hoped not without reason the worst was over as i went off the campus the top of my hat was hanging over my left ear my collar and cravat were turned awry my trousers gaped over one knee i was talking with a fellow-sufferer and patching the skin in my knuckles when suddenly i met uncle by the lord harry he said looking me over from top to toe teacher up there must be pretty harsh it wasn't the teacher i said must have fit then fit hard i answered laughing try to walk on you tried to walk on me took several steps too i said stooping to brush my trousers eh guess he found it rather bad walking didn't he my old friend inquired little bit roughin spots little bit rough uncle ebb that's certain better not go home he said a great relief in his face looks as if you've been chopped down and sawed and split and throw it in a pile i'll go and bring over some things for you i went with my friend who had suffered less damage and uncle ebb brought me what i needed to look more respectable than i felt the president great and good man that he was forgave us finally after many interviews and such wholesome reproof as made us all ashamed of our folly

Starting point is 06:07:01 in my second year at college hope went away to continue her studies in new york she was to live in the family of john fuller a friend of david who had left far away years before and made his fortune there in the big city her going filled my days with a lingering and pervasive sadness i saw in it sometimes the shadow of a heavier loss than i dared to contemplate she had come home once a week from ogdensburg and i had always had a letter between times she was ambitious and i fancy they let her go so that there should be no danger of any turning aside from the plan of my life or of hers for they knew our hearts as well as we knew them and possibly better we had the parlor to ourselves the evening before she went away and i read her a little love-tale i had written especially for that occasion it gave us some chance to discuss the absorbing and forbidden topic of our lives he's too much afraid of her she said he ought to put his arm about her waist in that love scene like that i said suiting the action to the word about like that she answered laughing and then he ought to say something very very nice to her before he proposes something about his having loved her for so long you know and how about her i asked my arm still about her waist if she really loves him hope answered she would put her arms about his neck and lay her head upon his shoulder so and then he might say what is in the story she was smiling now as she looked up at me

Starting point is 06:08:59 and kiss her and kiss her she whispered and let me add that that part of the scene was in no wise neglected and when he says will you wait for me and keep me always in your heart what should be her her answer, I continued. Always, she said. Hope, this is our own story, I whispered. Does it need any further correction? It's too short, that's all, she answered, as our lips met again. Just then Uncle Eb opened the door suddenly. Tut-tut, he said, turning quickly about.

Starting point is 06:09:43 "'Come in, Uncle Ebb,' said Hope. "'Come right in. We want to see you.' In a moment she had caught him by the arm. "'Don't want to break up the meeting,' said he, laughing. "'We don't care if you do know,' said Hope. "'We're not ashamed of it. "'A ain't got no cause to be,' he said. "'Go it while you're young and full of vinegar.

Starting point is 06:10:11 "'That's what I say every time. "'It's the best fun there is. "'I thought I'd like to have you both come up to my room for a minute, "'for your mother and father come back,' he said in a low tone "'that was almost a whisper. "'Then he shut one eye, suggestively, and beckoned with his hand, "'as we followed him up the stairway to the little room in which he slept. "'He knelt by the bed and pulled out the old skin-covered trunk

Starting point is 06:10:39 "'that David Brower had given him soon after we came. He felt a moment for the keyhole, his hand trembling, and then I helped him open the trunk. From under that sacred suit of broadcloth, worn only on the grandest occasions, he fetched a bundle about the size of a man's head. It was tied in a big red handkerchief. We were both sitting on the floor beside him. Heft it, he whispered. I did so and found it heavier than I expected.

Starting point is 06:11:11 What is it? I asked. Spondulix, he whispered. Then he untied the bundle, a close-packed horde of bank bills, with some pieces of gold and silver at the bottom. He ain't never had no use for it, he said, as he drew out a layer of green backs and spread them with trembling fingers.

Starting point is 06:11:36 Then he began counting them slowly and carefully. There, he whispered, when at length he had counted a hundred dollars. There's hope. Take that and put it away in your wallet. Might come handy when you're away from home. She kissed him tenderly. Put it in your wallet and say nothing, not a word to nobody, he said. Then he counted over a like amount for me. Say nothing.

Starting point is 06:12:10 he said, looking up at me over his spectacles. You'll have to spoil a suit of clothes pretty often if them fellows keep a fightin' of you all the time. Father and mother were coming in below stairs, and, hearing them, we helped Uncle Ebb tie up his bundle and stow it away. Then we went down to meet them. Next morning we bade hope good-bye at the cars and returned to our home with a sense of loss that for long lay heavy upon us all. End of Chapter 26.

Starting point is 06:12:46 Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 27 of Eben Holden. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. Eben Holden, a tale of the North Country by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 27. Uncle Ebb and David were away buying cattle, half the week, but elizabeth brower was always at home to look after my comfort she was up at times in the morning and singing at her work long before i was out of bed

Starting point is 06:13:26 when the breakfast was near ready she came to my door with a call so full of cheerfulness and good nature it was the best thing in the day and often at night i have known her to come into my room while i was lying awake with some hard problem to see that i was properly covered or that my window was not open too far as we sat alone together of an evening i have seen her listen for hours while i was committing the odes of orris with a curiosity that finally gave way to resignation sometimes she would look over my shoulder at the printed page and try to discern some meaning in it when uncle ebb was with us he would often sit a long time his head turned attentively as the lines came rattling off my tongue. Curious talk, he said one evening as I paused a moment, while he crossed the room for a drink of water. Don't seem to make no kind of sense. I can make out a word here and there,

Starting point is 06:14:28 but for good sound common sense, I call it a pretty thin crop. Hope wrote me every week for a time. A church choir had offered her a place soon after she went to the big city. She came home intending to surprise us all the first summer, but unfortunately I had gone away in the woods with a party of surveyors and missed her. We were a month in the wilderness and came out a little west of Albany,

Starting point is 06:14:57 where I took a boat for New York to see hope. I came down the North River between the great smoky cities on either side of it one damp and chilly morning. The noise, the crowds, the immensity of the town, appalled me. At John Fullers, I found that Hope had gone home, and while they tried to detain me longer, I came back on the night boat of the same day. Hope and I passed each other in that journey, and I did not see her until the summer preceding my third and last year in college, the faculty having allowed me to take two years in one. Her letters had come less frequently, and when she came, I saw a grand young lady of fine manners,

Starting point is 06:15:41 her beauty shaping to an ampler mold, her form straightening to the dignity of womanhood. At the depot, our hands were cold and trembling with excitement. Neither of us, I fancy, knowing quite how far to go in our greeting. Our correspondence had been true to the promise made her mother. There had not been a word of love in it, only now and then a suggestion of our tenderer.

Starting point is 06:16:08 feeling. We hesitated only for the briefest moment. Then I put my arm about her neck and kissed her. "'I am so glad to see you,' she said. Well, she was charming and beautiful, but different, and probably not more different than was I. She was no longer the laughing, simple-mannered child of Faraway, whose heart was as one's hand before him in the daylight. She had now a bit of the woman's reserve, her prudence, her skill in hiding the things of the heart. I loved her the more than ever, but somehow I felt it hopeless, that she had grown out of my life. She was much in request among the people of Hillsborough, and we went about a good deal and had many callers. But we had little time to ourselves. She seemed to avoid

Starting point is 06:17:05 that and had much to say of the grand young men who came to call on her in the great city anyhow it all hurt me to the soul and even robbed me of my sleep a better lover than i would have made an end of dallying and got at the truth come what might but i was of the puritans and not of the cavaliers and my way was that which god had marked for me albeit i must own no man had ever a keener eye for a lovely woman or more heart to please her. A mighty pride had come to me, and I had rather have thrown my heart to vultures than see it an unwelcome offering. And I was quite out of courage with hope. She, I dare say, was as much out of patience with me.

Starting point is 06:17:55 She returned in the late summer, and I went back to my work at college, in a hopeless fashion that gave way under the whip of a strong will. I made myself as contented as possible. I knew all the pretty girls and went about with some of them to the entertainments of the college season. At last came the long look-for day of my graduation,

Starting point is 06:18:19 the end of my student life. The streets of the town were thronged, every student having the college colors in his coat lapel. The little company of graduates trembled with fright as the people crowded into the church, whispering and faring themselves in eager anticipation. As the former looked from the two-side pews where they sat, many familiar faces greeted them,

Starting point is 06:18:45 the faces of fathers and mothers aglow with the inner light of pride and pleasure. The faces of many they loved come to claim a share in the glory of that day. I found my own, I remember, but none of them gave me such help as that of Uncle Ebb. However I might fare, none would feel the pride or disgrace of it more keenly than he. I shall never forget how he turned his head to catch every word when I ascended the platform. As I warmed to my argument I could see him nudging the arm of David, who sat beside him, as if to say,

Starting point is 06:19:24 "'There's the boy that came over the hills with me in a pack-basket.' when i stopped a moment groping for the next word he leaned forward embracing his knee firmly as if intending to draw off a boot it was all the assistance he could give me when the exercises were over i found uncle ebb by the front door of the church waiting for me willie you done noble said he did my very best uncle ebb i replied liked it grand i did certain glad you liked it uncle ebb showed great learning who was the man that gave out the pitchers he meant the president who had conferred the degrees i spoke the name deceiving lookin-looking man ain't he seen him often but never took no particular notice of him before how deceiving i inquired talked so kind of plain he replied i could understand him as easy as though he'd been swapping husses but when you got up bill why you just rise right up in the air and there couldn't no dumb fool tell what you was talking about whereat i concluded that i concluded that Uncle Ebb's humor was as deep as it was kindly, but I have never been quite sure whether the remark was a compliment or a bit of satire.

Starting point is 06:20:59 End of Chapter 27. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 28 of Eben Holden. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Malene. Eben Holden, A Tale of the North Country, by Irving Bachelor. chapter twenty eight the folks of far away have been carefully if rudely pictured but the look of my own person since i grew to the stature of manhood i have left wholly to the imagination of the reader i will wager he knew long since what manner of man i was and has measured me to the fraction of an inch and knows even the colour of my hair and eyes from having been so long in my company if not well i shall have to write him

Starting point is 06:21:56 a letter. When Uncle Ebb and I took the train for New York that summer in 1860, some fifteen years after we came down Paradise Road with the dog and wagon and pack-basket, my head, which in that far day, came only to the latitude of his trouser pocket, had now mounted six inches above his own. That is all I can say here on that branch of my subject. I was leaving to seek my fortune in the big city. Uncle Ebb was off for a holiday, and to see hope and to bring her home for a short visit. I remember with what sadness I looked back that morning at mother and father, as they stood by the gate, slowly waving their handkerchiefs. Our home at last was emptied of its young, and even as they looked, the shadow of old age

Starting point is 06:22:51 must have fallen suddenly before them. I knew how they would go back into that lonely room and how, while the clock went on with its ticking, Elizabeth would sit down and cover her face a moment, while David would make haste to take up his chores. We sat in silence a long time after the train was off, a mighty sadness holding our tongues. Uncle Ebb, who had never ridden a long journey on the cars before,

Starting point is 06:23:20 had put on his grand suit of broadcloth. The day was hot and dusty, and before we had gone far, he was sadly soiled. But a suit never gave him any worry once it was on. He sat calmly, holding his knee in his hands and looking out of the open window, a squint in his eyes that stood for some high degree of interest in the scenery. What do you think of this country? I inquired.

Starting point is 06:23:50 looks pretty fair said he as he brushed his face with his handkerchief and coughed to clear his throat of the dust but tain't quite so pleasant to the taste as some other parts of the country i rather like the flavor of st lawrence all through but jefferson is a little gritty he put down the window as he spoke a little tobacco'll improve it some he added as his hand went down for the old silver box the way these cars do rip along consarned if it ain't like flyin kinda makes me feel like a bird the railroad was then not the familiar thing it is now in the north country the bull in the fields had not yet come to an understanding of its rights and was frequently tempted into argument with the locomotive bill fountain who came out of a back township one day had even tied his faithful hound to the rear-pole platform. Our train came to a long stop for wood and water near midday, and then we opened the lunch basket that Mother had given us. "'Nabor!' said a solemn-faced man who sat in front of us. Do you think the cars are again the Bible? Do you think a Christian ought to ride on him?' "'Certain,' said Uncle Ebb, "'less the constable's after him. Then I think he ought to be on a

Starting point is 06:25:18 bulky horse. "'Wife and I, he's talked it over a good deal,' said the man. "'Some says it's again the Bible. "'The minister at preaches over in our neighborhood says, "'if God had wanted men to fly, he'd had given him wings. "'Suppose if he'd ever wanted him to skate, "'he'd had him born with skates on?' said Uncle Ebb. "'Don't know,' said the man.

Starting point is 06:25:45 "'It behooves us all to be careful. The Bible says, Go not after new things. My friend, said Uncle Ebb Between bites of a donut. I don't care what I ride in So long as taint a hearse. I want something that's comfortable

Starting point is 06:26:04 And pretty middle and spry. It'll do us good up here to get jerked a few hundred miles And back every little while. Keep our joints limber. We'll live longer for it, And that'll please God, sure. because I don't think he's hankering for our society, not a bit. Don't make no difference to him whether we ride in a spring wagon or on the cars,

Starting point is 06:26:28 so long as we're right side up and moving. We need more steam. We're too dumb slow. Kind of think a little more steam in our religion wouldn't hurt us a bit. It's pretty far behind. We got to Albany in the evening, just in time for the night boat. uncle ebb was a sight in his dusty broadcloth when we got off the cars and i know my appearance could not have been prepossessing once we were aboard the boat and had dusted our clothes and bathed our hands and faces we were in better spirits con sarnet said uncle ebb as we left the washroom let's have a darn good supper i'll stand treat comes a little bit high he said as he paid the bill but i don't care if it does before we left i says to myself uncle ebb says i you go right in for a good time and don't you count the pennies everybody's a right to be reckless once in seventy-five year

Starting point is 06:27:34 we went to our state-room a little after nine i remember the berths had not been made up and removing our boots and coats we lay down upon the bare mattresses even then i had a lurking fear that we might be violating some rule of steamboat etiquette when i went to new york before i had dozed all night in the big cabin a dim light came through the shutter door that opened upon the dining saloon where we went to new york before i had dozed all night in the big cabin a dim light came through the shutter door that opened upon the dining saloon where the rattle of dishes for a time put away the possibility of sleep i'll be awful glad to see hope said uncle ebb as he lay gaping guess i'll be happier to see her than she will to see me i said what put that in your head uncle ebb inquired afraid we've got pretty far apart said i shame on you bill said the old gentleman if that's so ye ain't done right hadn't a letter girl like that get away from you they ain't another like her in this world i know it i said but i can't help it somebody's cut me out uncle ebb tain't so he said emphatically you want to prance right up to her i'm not afraid of any woman i said with a great air of bravery but if she don't care for me i ought not throw myself at her jerusalem said uncle ebb rising up suddenly what have i gone and done he jumped out of his berth quickly and in the dim light i could see him reaching for several big sheets of paper adhering to the back of his shirt and trousers

Starting point is 06:29:27 i went quickly to his assistance and began stripping off the broadsheets which covered with some strongly adhesive substance had lain a firm hold upon him i rang the bell and ordered a light consarn it all what be they plasters said uncle ebb quite out of patience pieces of brown paper covered with west india molasses i should think said i west injgy molasses he exclaimed by mighty that makes me hotter in a pancake what's it on the bed fur to catch flies i answered and catched me said uncle ebb as he flung a sheet he was examining into a corner my extra good suit too he took off his trousers then holding them up to the light they're spoilt said he mournfully had him for more than ten year too that's long enough i suggested got kind attached to em he said he mournfully looking down for more'n ten year too that's long enough i suggested got kind attached to em he said looking down at them and rubbing his chin thoughtfully then we had a good laugh you can put on the other suit i suggested and when we get to the city we'll have these fixed little sorry though said he cause that other suit don't look real grand this here one has been pretty pretty scrumptious in its day if i do say it you look good enough in anything that's respectable i said kind o wanted to look a little extra good as you might say said uncle ebb groping in his big carpet bag

Starting point is 06:31:19 hope she's terrible proud and if they should have a little fiddlin an dancing some night we'd want to be as stylish as any on em believe i'll go an get me a spang brand-new suit anyway fore we go up to fullers as we neared the city we both began feeling a bit doubtful as to whether we were quite ready for the ordeal i ought to i said those i'm wearing aren't quite stylish enough i'm afraid they're handsome said uncle ebb looking up over his spectacles but maybe they ain't just as splendid as they ought to be how much money did david give you one hundred and fifty dollars i said thinking at a very grand sum indeed tain't enough said uncle ebb bolting up at me again leastways not if you're gonna have a new suit i want you to be spick and span picked up his trousers then and took out his fat leather wallet lock the door he whispered pop goes the weasel he exclaimed good-naturedly and then he began counting the bills i'm not going to take any more of your money uncle ebb i said tut tut said he don't you try to interfere what do you think they'll charge in the city for a real splendid suit he stopped and looked up at me. Probably as much as fifty dollars, I answered.

Starting point is 06:32:58 Fee-hew, he whistled. Pretty steep, that is certain. Let me go as I am, said I. Time enough to have a new suit when I've earned it. Well, he said, as he continued counting, I guess you've earned it already. You've studied hard and took first. honors and you're goin where folks are pretty middle and proud and haughty i want you to be a regular high-stepper with a nice slick coat there he whispered as he handed me the money take that and don't you never tell it i ginn it to you

Starting point is 06:33:39 i could not speak for a little while as i took the money for thinking of the many many things this grand old man had done for me do you think these boots'll do he asked as he held up to the light the pair he had taken off in the evening they look all right i said ain't got no decent squeak to em now and they seem to look kind o clumsy how er yorne he asked i got them out from under the berth and we inspected them carefully deciding in the end they would pass muster the steward had made up our berths when he asked he came and lit our room for us our feverish discussion of attire had carried us far past midnight when we decided to go to bed suppose we mustn't talk to no strangers there in new york said uncle ebb as he lay down i've read in the tribune how they'll pretend to be friends and then grab your money and run like sam hill if i meet any of them fellers they're gonna find me pretty middle and poor company we were up and on deck at daylight viewing the palisades the lonely feeling of an alien hushed us into silence as we came to the noisy and thickening river craft at the upper end of the city countless window panes were shining in the morning sunlight this thought was in my mind that somewhere in the innumerable host on either side was the one deer to me than any other we inquired our way at the dock and walked to french's hotel on printing-house square after breakfast we went and ordered all the grand new things we had planned to get

Starting point is 06:35:30 they would not be ready for two days and after talking it over we decided to go and make a short call hope who had been up and looking for us a long time gave us a greeting so hardy we began to get the first feeling of comfort since landing she was put out about our having had breakfast i remember and said we must have our things brought there at once i shall have to stay at the hotel a while i said thinking of the new clothes why said mrs fuller this girl has been busy a week fixing your rooms and planning for you we could not hear of your going elsewhere it would be downright ingratitude to her a glow of red came into the cheeks of hope that made me ashamed of my remark i thought she looked lovelier in her pretty blue morning gown covering a broad expanse of crinoline than ever before and you've both got to come and hear me sing to-night at the church said she i wouldn't have agreed to sing if i had not thought you were to be here we made ourselves at home as we were most happy to do and that afternoon i went down town to present to mr greely the letter that david brower had given me end of chapter twenty eight recording by roger malin chapter twenty nine of ebon holden this librivox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline ebbin holden a tale of the north country by irving bachelor chapter twenty nine i came down broadway that afternoon aboard a big white omnibus that drifted slowly in a tide of many vehicles those days there were a goodly show of trees on either side of the thoroughfare elms with here and there a willow

Starting point is 06:37:38 a sumach or a mountain ash the walks were thronged with handsome people dandies with high hats and flunting neckties and swinging canes beautiful women each covering a broad circumference of the pavement with a cone of crinoline that swayed over dainty feet from grace church down it was much of the same thing we see now with a more ragged skyline many of the great buildings of white and red sandstone had then appeared but the street was largely in the possession of small shops oyster houses bookstores and the like not until i neared the sacred temple of the tribune did i feel a proper sense of my own littleness there was the fountain of all that wisdom which had been read aloud and heard with reverence in our household since a time i could but dimly remember there sat the prophet who had given us so much his genial views of life and government his hopes his fears his mighty wrath at the prospering of cruelty and injustice i would like to see mr horace greely i said rather timidly at the counter walk right up those stairs and turn to the left said a clerk as he opened a gate for me ascending i met a big man coming down hurriedly and with heavy steps we stood dodging each other a moment with that unfortunate coordination of purpose men sometimes encounter when passing each other suddenly the big man stopped in the middle of the stairway and held both of his hands above his head in god's name young man said he take your choice he spoke in a high squeaky voice that cut me

Starting point is 06:39:31 with the sharpness of its irritation. I went on past him and entered an open door near the top of the stairway. Is Mr. Horace Greeley in? I inquired of a young man who sat reading papers. Back soon, said he, without looking up, take a chair. In a little while I heard the same heavy feet

Starting point is 06:39:56 ascending the stairway two steps at a time. Then the man I had met came home. hurriedly into the room. This is Mr. Greeley, said the young man who was reading. The great editor turned and looked at me through gold-rimmed spectacles. I gave him my letter out of a trembling hand. He removed it from the envelope and held it close to his big, kindly, smooth-shaven face. There was a fringe of silky, silver hair streaked with yellow

Starting point is 06:40:27 about the lower part of his head from temple to temple. also encircled his throat from under his collar. His cheeks were full and fair as a lady's, with rosy spots in them, and a few freckles about his nose. He laughed as he finished reading the letter. "'Are you David Brower's boy?' he asked in a drawing falsetto, looking at me out of gray eyes and smiling with good humor. "'By adoption,' I answered, He was an almighty good rassler, he said deliberately, as he looked again at the letter. What do you want to do? he asked abruptly. Want to work on the Tribune, I answered.

Starting point is 06:41:16 Good Lord, he said. I can't hire everybody. I tried to think of some argument, but what with looking at the great man before me and answering his question, and maintaining a decent show of dignity I had enough to do do you read the Tribune he asked read it ever since I can remember what do you think of the administration lot of dough faces I answered smiling as I saw he recognized his own phrase he sat a moment tapping the desk with his penholder there's so many liars here in New York, he said. There ought to be room for an honest man. How are the crops? Fair, I answered.

Starting point is 06:42:10 Big crop of boys every year. And now you're trying to find a market, he remarked. Want to have you try them, I answered. Well, said he, very seriously, turning to his desk that came up to his chin as he sat beside it go and write me an article about rats would you advise i started to say when he interrupted me the man that gives advice is a bigger fool than the man that takes it he fleered impatiently go and do your best before he had given me this injunction he had dipped his pen and begun to write hurriedly if i had known him longer i should have known that while he had been talking to me that tireless mind of his had summoned him to its service. I went out in high spirits

Starting point is 06:43:05 and sat down a moment on one of the benches in the little park nearby to think it all over. He was going to measure my judgment, my skill as a writer, my resources. Rats, I said to myself thoughtfully. I had read much about them. They infested the ships, they overran the wharves, They traversed the sewers.

Starting point is 06:43:31 An inspiration came to me. I started for the waterfront, asking my way every block or two. Near the East River, I met a policeman, a big, husky, good-hearted Irishman. Can you tell me, I said, who can give me information about rats? Rats? he repeated. What do you want to know about them? Everything, I said. said. They've just given me a job on the New York Tribune, I added proudly. He smiled good-naturedly.

Starting point is 06:44:06 He had looked through me at a glance. Just say Tribune, he said. You don't have to say New York Tribune here. Come along with me. He took me to a dozen or more of the dockmasters. Give him a lift, my hearty, he said to the first of them. He's a green. i have never forgotten the kindness of that irishman whom i came to know well in good time remembering that day and others i always greeted him with a hearty god bless the irish every time i passed him and he would answer amen and save your reverence he did not leave me until i was on my way home loaded with fact and fable and good dialect with the savor of the sea in it hope and uncle ebb were sitting together in his room when i returned guess i've got a job i said trying to be very cool about it a job said hope eagerly as she rose where with mr horace greeley i answered my voice betraying my excitement jerusalem said uncle ebb is it possible

Starting point is 06:45:26 that's grand said hope tell us about it then i told them of my interview with the great editor and of what i had done since you done wonderful said uncle ebb and hope showed quite as much pleasure in her own sweet way i was for going to my room and beginning to write at once but hope said it was time to be getting ready for dinner when we came down at half-past six we were presumed to be getting ready for dinner when we came down at half-past six we were presumed presented to our host and the guests of the evening handsome men and women in full dress and young mr livingstone was among them i felt rather cheap in my frock coat although i had thought it grand enough for anybody on the day of my graduation dinner announced the gentleman rose and offered escort to the ladies and hope and mrs fuller relieved our embarrassment by conducting us to our seats women are so deft in those little difficulties the dinner was not more formal than that of every evening in the fuller home for its master was a rich man of some refinement of taste and not all comparable to the splendid hospitality one may see every day at the table of a modern millionaire but it did seem very wonderful to us then with its fine-mannered servants its flowers its abundant silver hope had written much to her mother of the details of deportment at john fuller's table and elizabeth had delicately imparted to us the things we ought to know we behaved well i have since been told although we got credit for poorer appetites than we possessed uncle ebb took no chances and refused everything that had a look of mystery and a suggestion of peril dropping a droll remark betimes that sent a ripple of amusement around the table

Starting point is 06:47:24 john trumbull sat opposite me and even then i felt a curious interest in him a big full-bearded man quite six feet tall his skin and eyes dark his hair iron-gray his voice deep like david's i could not get over the impression that i had seen him before a feeling i have had often facing men i could never possibly have met no word came out of his firm mouth unless he were addressed and then all in hearing listened to the little he had to say it was never more than some very simple remark in his face and form and voice there was abundant heraldry of rugged power and ox-like vitality i have seen a bronze head of daniel webster which with a full blond beard and an ample covering of gray hair would have given one a fairly perfect idea of the look of john trumbull imagine it on a tall and powerful body and let it speak with a voice that has in it the deep and musical vibration one may hear in the lewing of an ox and you shall see as perfectly as my feeble words can help you to do this remarkable man who must hereafter play before you his part compared to which mine is as the prattle of a child in this drama of god's truth you have not heard said mrs fuller addressing me how mr trumbull saved hope's life saved hope's life i exclaimed saved her life she repeated there isn't a doubt of it we never sent word of it for fear it would give you all needless worry it was a day of last winter fell crossing broadway a dangerous place

Starting point is 06:49:21 he pulled her aside just in time the horse's feet were raised above her she would have been crushed in a moment he lifted her in his arms and carried her to the sidewalk not a bit the worse for it seems as if it were fate said hope i had seen him so often and wondered who he was i recall a night when i had to come home alone from rehearsal i was horribly afraid i remember passing him under a street lamp if he had spoken to me then i should have dropped with fear and he would have had to carry me home that time it's an odd thing a girl like you should ever have to walk home alone said mr doesn't speak well for our friend livingston or burnham there or dobs mrs fuller doesn't give us half a chance said livingstone she guards her day and night it's like the monks and the holy grail hope is independent of the young men said mrs fuller as we rose from the table if i cannot go with her myself in the carriage i always send a maid or a man-servant to walk home with her but mr fuller and i were out of town that night and the young men missed their great opportunity had a different way of sparkin years ago said uncle ebb didn't never have a please anybody but the girl then if you liked a girl you went and sawed up with her and givin her a smack and told her right of it out plain and square what you wanted. And that settled it one way or t'other. And her mother, she step in the next room, with the door half open and never paid no tension.

Starting point is 06:51:16 Recollect one cold night when I was sparking, the mother hollered out of bed, Lucy, have you got anything around you? And she hollered back, yes, mother. And she had, too, but twarn't nothing but my arm. They laughed merrily over the the quaint reminiscence of my old friend and the quainter way he had of telling it the rude dialect of the backwoodsman might have seemed oddly out of place there but for the quiet unassuming manner and the fine old face of uncle ebb in which the dullest eye might see the soul of a gentleman what became of lucy mr fuller inquired laughingly you never married her lucy died he answered soberly that was long long ago then he went away with john trumbull to the smoking-room where i found them talking earnestly in a corner when it was time to go to the church with hope end of chapter twenty nine recording by roger maline Chapter 30 of Eben Holden. This Libravox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 06:52:37 Recording by Roger Maline. Eben Holden, A Tale of the North Country, by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 30. Hope and Uncle Ebb and I went away in a coach with Mrs. Fuller. There was a great crowd in the church that covered with sweeping arches, an interior more vast than any I had ever entered. Hope was gowned. in white silk, a crescent of diamonds in her hair, a birthday gift from Mrs. Fuller,

Starting point is 06:53:09 her neck and a part of her full breast unadorned by anything save the gifts of God, their snowy whiteness, their lovely curves. First, Henry Cooper came on with his violin, a great master as I now remember him. Then Hope ascended to the platform, her dainty kid's slippers showing under her gown, and the odious Livingston escorting her. I was never so madly in love or so insanely jealous. I must confess it, for I am trying to tell the whole truth of myself. I was a fool.

Starting point is 06:53:46 And it is the greater folly that one says ever, I was, and never I am in that plea. I could even see it myself then and there. But I was so great a fool, I smiled and spoke fairly to the young, man, although I could have wrung his neck with rage. There was a little stir and a passing whisper in the crowd, as she stood waiting for the prelude. Then she sang the ballad of Old Robin Gray, not better than I had heard her sing it before, but so charmingly there were murmurs of delight going far and wide in the audience when

Starting point is 06:54:24 she had finished. Then she sang the fine melody of Angels Ever Bright and Fair. and again the old ballad she and i had heard first from the violin of poor nick goodall by yon bonny bank and by yon bonny bonny brie the sun shines bright on loclamonde where me and me true love wherever won't if gay on the bonny bonny bank of lock lemond great baskets of roses were handed to her as she came down from the platform and my confusion was multiplied by their number for I had not thought to bring any myself. I turned to Uncle Ebb, who now and then had furtively wiped his eyes. "'My stars!' he whispered. "'Ain't a remarkable grand. Never heard nor seen nothing like that in all my born days.

Starting point is 06:55:22 And to think it's my little hope!' He could go no further. His handkerchief was in his hand while he took refuge and sighed. silence. Going home, the flowers were heaped upon our laps, and I, with hope beside me, felt some restoration of comfort. Did you see Trumbull, Mrs. Fuller asked. He sat back of us and did seem to enjoy it so much, your singing. He was almost cheerful. Tell me about Mr. Trumbull, I said. He is interesting. speculator, said Mrs. Fuller, a strange man, successful, silent, unmarried, and, I think, in love.

Starting point is 06:56:10 Has beautiful rooms, they say, on Gramercy Park, lives alone with an old servant. We got to know him through the accident. Mr. Fuller and he have done business together, a great deal of it since then, operates in the stock market. A supper was waiting for us at home, and we sat a long time at the table. I was burning for a talk with hope, but how was I to manage it? We rose with the others, and went and sat down together in a corner of the great parlor. We talked of that night at the White Church and Faraway,

Starting point is 06:56:49 when we heard Nick Goodall play, and she had felt the beginning of a new life. I've heard how well you did last year, she said, and how nice you were to the girls. A friend wrote me all about it. How attentive you were to that little Miss Brown. But decently polite, I answered. One has to have somebody, or be a monk. One has to have somebody, she said quickly,

Starting point is 06:57:20 as she picked at the flower on her bosom and looked down at it soberly. That is true, one has to have somebody, and, you know, i haven't had any lack of company myself by the way i have news to tell you she spoke slowly and in a low voice with a touch of sadness in it i felt the color mounting to my face news i repeated what news hope i am going away to england she said with mrs fuller if-if mother will let me i wish you would write and ask her to her to let me go. I was unhorsed. What to say, I knew not. What it meant, I could vaguely imagine. There was a moment of awkward silence. Of course, I will ask her, if you wish to go, I said. When do you sail? They haven't fixed the day yet. She sat looking down at her fan, a beautiful, filmy thing between

Starting point is 06:58:29 braces of ivory. Her knees were crossed, one dainty foot showing under ruffles of lace. I looked at her a moment, dumb, with admiration. What a big man you have grown to be, Will, she said presently. I am almost afraid of you now. She was still looking down at the fan, and that little foot was moving nervously. Now was my time. I began frown. I began frown. screaming in a vowel. I felt a wild impulse to throw my strong arms about her and draw her close to me and feel the pink velvet of her fair face upon mine. If I had only done it! But what with the strangeness and grandeur of that big room, the voices of the others who were sitting in the

Starting point is 06:59:19 library nearby, the mystery of the spreading crinoline that was pressing upon my knees, I had not half the courage of a lover. my friend writes me that you are in love she said opening her fan and moving it slowly as she looked up at me she is right i must confess it i said i am madly hopelessly in love it is time you knew it hope and i want your counsel she rose quickly and turned her face away do not tell me do not speak of it again i forbid you she answered coldly then she stood silent i rose to take her hand and ask her to tell me why a pretty rankling in my heart soft footsteps and the swish of a gown were approaching before i could speak mrs fuller had come through the doorway come hope she said i cannot let you sit up late you are worn out my dear then hope bade us both good-night and went away to her room if i had known as much about women then as now i should have had it out with short delay to some understanding between us but in that subject one loves and learns and one thing i have learned is this that jealousy throws its illusions on every word and look and act

Starting point is 07:00:52 i went to my room and sat down for a bit of reckoning hope had ceased to love me i felt sure and how was i to win her back after all my castle building what was i come to i heard my door open presently and then i lifted my head uncle ebb stood near me in his stocking feet and shirt-sleeves in trouble he whispered in trouble i said bout hope it's about hope don't be hasty hope i'll never go back on you he whispered she doesn't love me i said impulsively she doesn't care the snap of her finger for me don't believe it he answered calmly not a single word of it that woman she's trying to keep her away from you but twon't make no difference not a bit i must try to win her back some way somehow i whispered gin ye the mitten he asked that's about it i answered going possibly too far in the depth of my feeling whew he softly whistled well it takes two mittens to make a pair you'll have to ask her again yes i cannot give her up i said decisively i must try to win her back it isn't fair i have no claim upon her but i must do it concern it women like to be chased he said it's their nature what do they fix up so for diamonds and silks and satins if it ain't to set a man chasing of em

Starting point is 07:02:52 you ought to enjoy it stick to her just like a puppy to a root that's my advice hope has got too far ahead of me i said she can marry a rich man if she wishes to and i don't see why she shouldn't what am i anyhow but a poor devil just out of college and everything to win it makes me miserable to think here in this great house how small i am there's things goin if happen uncle ebb whispered i can't tell you what or when but they're goin if happen and they're goin if change everything we sat thinking a while then i knew what he meant that i was to conquer the world somehow and the idea seemed to me so absurd i could hardly help laughing as melancholy as i felt now you go of bed he said rising and gently touching my head with his hand there's things goin to happen boy take my word for it i got in bed late at night but there was no sleep for me in the still hours i lay quietly planning my future for now i must make myself worth having and as soon as possible some will say my determination was worthy of a better lover but bless you i have my own way of doing things and it has not always been so unsuccessful end of chapter thirty recording by roger maline chapter thirty one of ebbin holden this librivox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline

Starting point is 07:04:46 ebbin holden a tale of the north country by irving bachelor chapter thirty one hope was not at breakfast with us the child is worn out said mrs fuller i shall keep her in bed a day or two couldn't i see her a moment i inquired dear no said she the poor thing is in bed with a headache if hope had been ill at home i should have felt free to go and sit by her as i had done more than once it seemed a little severe to be shut away from her now but mrs fuller's manner had foreanswered any appeal and i held my peace having no children of her own she had assumed a sort of proprietorship over hope that was evident that probably was why the girl had ceased to love me and to write to me as of old a troop of mysteries came clear to me that morning through many gifts and favors she had got my sweetheart in a sort of bondage and would make a marriage of her own choosing if possible is there anything you would like particularly for your breakfast mrs fuller inquired ain't no way particular said uncle ebb i generally eat buckwheat pancakes and maybe sugar with a good strong cup of tea mrs fuller left the room a moment dunno but i'll go out in the bar in a minute and take a look at the hosses he said when she came back the stable is a mile away she replied smiling grand good team you drove us out with last night he said had a chance to look em over a little there at the door the off hoss has puffed some forward but if your husband'll put on a cold bandage of

Starting point is 07:06:44 night, it'll make them legs smoother in a hound's tooth." She thanked him and invited us to look in at the conservatory. "'Where's your husband?' Uncle Ebb inquired. "'He's not up yet,' said she. "'I fear he did not sleep well.' "'Now, Miss Fuller,' said Uncle Ebb, as we sat waiting, "'if there's anything I can do to help, just let me know what tis. she said there was nothing presently uncle ebb sneezed so powerfully that it rattled the crystals on the chandelier and rang in the brass medallions

Starting point is 07:07:26 the first and second butlers came running in with a frightened look there was also a startled movement from somebody above stairs i do sneeze powerful sometimes said uncle ebb from under his red bandana "'It's enough if scare anybody.' They brought in our breakfast, then, a great array of tempting dishes. "'Just have four pancakes and a boiled egg,' said Uncle Ebb as he sipped his tea. "'Grand tea,' he added. "'Strong enough to float in a silver dollar, too.' "'Mrs. Fuller,' I said, rising, when we had finished, "'I thank you for your hospitality, but as I shall have to work nights, probably,

Starting point is 07:08:12 I must find lodgings near the office. You must come and see us again, she answered cordially. On Saturday I shall take hope away for a bit of rest to Saratoga, probably, and from there I shall take her to Hillsborough myself for a day or two. Thought she was going home with me, said Uncle Ebb. Oh, dear, no, said Mrs. Fuller. She cannot go now. the girl is ill and at such a long journey.

Starting point is 07:08:45 The postman came then with a letter for Uncle Ebb. It was from David Brower. He would have to be gone a week or so buying cattle and thought Uncle Ebb had better come home as soon as convenient. They're lonesome, he said thoughtfully after going over the letter again. They're no wonder, they're getting old. Uncle Ebb was a little. older than either of them, but he had not thought of that.

Starting point is 07:09:15 Let's see. About eight o'clock, said he presently. I've got to go and tend to some business of my own. I'll be back here sometime a day, Miss Fuller, and I'll have to see that girl. You mustn't never try to keep me away from her. She's sat on my knee too many year for that, altogether too many. We arranged to meet there at four. then a servant brought us our hats i heard hope calling as we passed the stairway won't you come up a minute uncle ebb i want to see you very much then uncle ebb hurried upstairs and i came away i read the advertisements of board and lodging a perplexing task for one so ignorant of the town after many calls i found a place to my liking on monkey hill near printing-house

Starting point is 07:10:11 square. Monkey Hill was the east end of William Street, and not in the least fashionable. There were some neat and cleanly looking houses on it of wood and brick and brownstone inhabited by small tradesmen, a few shops, a big stable, and the chalet sitting on a broad, flat roof that covered a portion of the stable yard. The yard itself was the summit of Monkey Hill. It lay between two brick buildings, and up the hill from the walk, one looked into the gloomy cavern of the stable, and under the low roof, on one side, there were dump carts and old coaches in varying stages of infirmity.

Starting point is 07:10:55 There was an old iron shop that stood flush with the sidewalk, flanking the stable yard. A lantern and a mammoth key were suspended above the door, and hanging upon the side of the shop was a wooden stair, ascending to the chalet. The latter had a sheathing of weather-worn clapboards. It stood on the rear end of the brick building, communicating with the front rooms above the shop. A little stare of five steps ascended from the landing to its red door that overlooked an ample yard of roofing, adorned with potted plants. The main room of the chalet, where we ate our meals

Starting point is 07:11:35 and sat and talked of an evening, had the look of a ship's cabin. There were stationary seats along the wall covered with leather cushions. There were port and starboard lanterns and a big one of polished brass that overhung the table. A ship's clock that had a noisy and cheerful tick

Starting point is 07:11:56 was set in the wall. A narrow passage led to the room in front and the latter had slanting sides. A big wind, window of little panes on its further end led in the light of william street here i found a home for myself humble but quaint and cleanly a thrifty german who having long followed the sea had married and thrown out his anchor for good and all now dwelt in the chalet with his wife and two boarders both newspaper men the old shopkeeper in front once a sailor himself had put the place in ship-shape and leased it to them. Mine host bore the name of Opper,

Starting point is 07:12:41 and was widely known as All right, Opper, from his habit of cheery approval. Everything and everybody were all right to him, so far as I could observe. If he were blessed or damned, he said, All right! To be sure, he took exceptions on occasions, but even then the affair ended

Starting point is 07:13:03 with his inevitable verdict of, all right every suggestion i made as to terms of payment and arrangement of furniture was promptly stamped with this seal of approval i was comfortably settled and hard at work on my article by noon at four i went to meet uncle ebb hope was still sick in bed and we came away in a frame of mind that could hardly have been more miserable i tried to induce him to stay a night with me in my new quarters i mustn't he said cheerfully for long i'm comin down again but i can't fool round no longer now i'll just go and get my new clothes and put for the steamboat want you to go and see hope to-morrow she's comin up with miss fuller next week i'm goin to find out what's the matter of her then somethin's wrong somewhere don't know what tis she's all upset poor girl it had been almost as heavy a trial to her as to me cutting me off as she had done remembrances of my tender devotion to her in all the years between then and childhood must have made her sore with pity i had already determined what i should do and after uncle ebb had gone that evening i wrote her a long letter and asked her if i might not still have some hope of her loving me i begged her to let me know when i might come and talk with her alone with what eloquence i could bring to bear i told her how my love had grown and laid hold of my life i finished my article that night and in the morning took it to mr greely

Starting point is 07:14:54 he was at his desk writing and at the same time giving orders in a querulous tone to some workman who sat beside him he did not look up as he spoke he wrote rapidly his nose down so close to the straggling wet lines that i felt a fear of its touching them i stood by waiting my opportunity a full-bearded man in his shirt-sleeves came hurriedly out of another room mr greeley he said halting at the elbow of the great editor yes what is it the editor demanded nervously his hand wobbling over the white page as rapidly as before his eyes upon his work another man garrotted this morning on south street better write a paragraph he said his voice snapping with impatience as he brushed the full page aside and began sewing his thoughts on a another. "'Warn our readers! Tell him to wear brass collars with spikes in him till we get a new mayor!' The man went away laughing. Mr. Greeley threw down his pen, gathered his copy, and handed it to the workman who sat beside him. "'Proof ready at five!' he shouted as the man was going out of the room. "'Hello, Brower,' he said, bending to his work again.

Starting point is 07:16:20 thought you'd have blown out the gas somewhere. Waiting until you reject this article, I said. He sent a boy for Mr. Otterson, the city editor. Meanwhile, he had begun to drive his pen across the broadsheets with tremendous energy. Somehow it reminded me of a man plowing black furrows behind a fast-walking team in a snow flurry. His mind was straddle the furrow when Mr. Otterson. came in. There was a moment of silence in which the latter stood scanning a page of the herald he had brought with him.

Starting point is 07:16:59 "'Oderson!' said Mr. Greeley, never slacking the pace of his busy hand, as he held my manuscript in the other. Read this. Tell me what you think of it. If good, give him a show. "'The staff is full, Mr. Greeley,' said the man of the city desk. His words cut me with disappointment. The editor of the Tribune halted his hand an instant, read the last lines, scratching a word and underscoring another. Don't care, he shrilled as he went on writing. Used to slide down hill with his father. If he's got brains, we'll pay him eight dollars a week. The city editor beckoned to me, and I followed him into another room. If you will leave your address, he said,

Starting point is 07:17:50 i will let you hear from me when we have read the article with the hasty confidence of youth i began to discount my future that very day ordering a full dress suit of the best tailor hat and shoes to match and a compliment of neckwear that would have done credit to beau brummel it gave me a start when i saw the bill would empty my pocket of more than half its cash but i had a stiff pace to follow and every reason to look my best end of chapter thirty one recording by roger maline chapter thirty two of ebbin holden this librivox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline ebbin holden a tale of the north country by irving bachelor chapter thirty two i took a walk in the long twilight of that day i took a walk in the long twilight of that evening as it began to grow dark i passed the fuller house and looked up at its windows standing under a tree on the opposite side of the avenue i saw a man come out of the door and walk away hurriedly with long strides i met him at the next corner good evening he said i recognized then the voice and figure of john trumbull been to fullers said he how is hope i asked better said he walk with me with pleasure said i and then he quickened his pace we walked awhile in silence going so fast i had hardly time to speak and the darkness deepened into night we hurried along through streets and alleys that were but dimly lighted

Starting point is 07:19:51 coming out at length on a wide avenue passing through open fields in the upper part of the city lights in cabin windows glowed on the hills around us i made some remark about them but he did not hear me he slackened pace in a moment and began whispering to himself i could not hear what he said i thought of bidding him good-night and returning but where were we and how could i find my way we heard a horse coming presently at a gallop at the first loud whack of the hoofs he turned suddenly and laying hold of my arm began to run i followed him into the darkness of the open field it gave me a spell of rare excitement for i thought at once of highwaymen having read so much about them in the tribune he stopped suddenly and stooped low his hands touching the grass and neither spoke until the the horse had gone well beyond us. Then he rose stealthily and looked about him in silence, even turning his face to the dark sky where only a few stars were visible. Well, said he with a sort of grunt, Beats the devil! I thought it was a wonderful thing was happening in the sky.

Starting point is 07:21:13 A great double moon seemed to be flying over the city hooded in purple haze. A little spray of silver light broke out of it as we looked and shot backward and then floated after the two shining disks that were falling eastward in a long curve. They seemed to be so near I thought they were coming down upon the city. It occurred to me they must have some connection with the odd experience I had gone through. In a moment they had passed out of sight.

Starting point is 07:21:45 We were not aware that we had witnessed a spectacle the like of which had not been seen in centuries, if ever, since God made the heavens, the great meteor of 1860. "'Let's go back,' said Trumbull. "'We came too far. I forgot myself.' "'Dangerous here?' I inquired. "'Not at all,' said he, "'but a long way out of town. Tired?'

Starting point is 07:22:14 "'Rather,' I said, grateful for his evident desire. to quiet my alarm. Come, said he as we came back to the pavement, his hand upon my shoulder. Talk to me. Tell me. What are you going to do? We walked slowly down the deserted avenue, I, meanwhile, talking of my plans. You love hope, he said presently.

Starting point is 07:22:43 You will marry her? If she will have me, said I. you must wait he said time enough he quickened his pace again as we came in sight of the scattering shops and houses of the upper city and no other word was spoken on the corners we saw men looking into the sky and talking of the fallen moon it was late bedtime when we turned into grammarsie park come in said he as he opened an iron gate i followed him up a marble stairway and a dottering old english butler opened the door for us we entered a fine hall its floor of beautiful parquetry muffled with silk and rugs high and spacious rooms were all aglow with light he conducted me to a large smoking-room its floor and walls covered with trophies of the hunt antlers and the skins of carnivora here he threw off his coat and bade me be at home as he lay down upon a wicker divan covered with the tawny skin of some wild animal he stroked the fur fondly with his hand hello jock he said a greeting that mystified me tried to eat me he added turning to me then he bared his great hairy arm and showed me a lot of ugly scars i besought him to tell the story

Starting point is 07:24:15 I was a worry. Killed him, he answered. With a gun? No, with my hands. And that was all he would say of it. He lay facing a black curtain that covered a corner. Now and then I heard a singular sound in the room, like some faint, far night cry,

Starting point is 07:24:36 such as I have heard often in the deep woods. It was so weird I felt some wonder of it. Presently I could tell it came from behind the curtains where also I heard an odd rustle like that of wings I sat in a reverie looking at the silent man before me and in the midst of it he pulled a cord that hung near him and a bell rang luncheon he said to the old butler who entered immediately then he rose and showed me odd things carved out of wood by his own hand as he told me and with a delicate art he looked at one tiny thing and laid it aside quickly can't bear to look at it now he said gibbet i inquired give it he answered it was a little figure bound hand and foot and hanging from the gallows tree burn it he said turning to the old servant and putting it in his hands luncheon had been set between us the while and as we were eating it the butler opened a big couch and threw snowy sheets of linen over it and silken covers that rustled as they fell you will sleep here said my host as his servant laid the pillows and well i hope i thought i had better go to my own lodgings too late too late said he and i leg-weary and half asleep accepted his proffer of hospitality

Starting point is 07:26:17 then having eaten he left me and i got into bed after turning the lights out something woke me in the dark of the night there was a rustling sound in the room i raised my head a bit and listened it was the black curtain that hung in the corner i imagined somebody striking it violently i saw a white figure standing near me in the darkness it moved away as i looked at it at it a cold wind was blowing upon my face i lay a long time listening and by and by i could hear the deep voice of tremble as if he were groaning and muttering in his sleep when it began to come light i saw the breeze from an open window was stirring the curtain of silk in the corner i got out of bed and peering behind the curtain saw only a great white owl caged and staring out of wide eyes that gleamed fiery in the dim light. I went to bed again, sleeping until my host woke me in the late morning. After breakfasting, I went to the chalet. The postman had been there, but he had brought no letter from hope.

Starting point is 07:27:36 I waited about home, expecting to hear from her all that day, only to see it end in bitter disappointment. End of Chapter 32. by Roger Maline. Chapter 33 of Eben Holden. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. Eben Holden, A Tale of the North Country, by Irving Bachelor.

Starting point is 07:28:12 Chapter 33. That very night I looked in at the little shop beneath us, and met Riggs. It was no small blessing, just as I was entering upon dark and unknown ways of life, to meet this hoary-headed man with all his lanterns. He would sell you anchors and fathoms of chain and rope enough to hang you to the moon, but his lights were the great attraction of Riggs's. He had every kind of lantern that had ever swung on land or sea. After dark, when light was streaming out of its open door and broad window,

Starting point is 07:28:51 Riggs'es looked like the side of an old lantern itself. It was a door, lowly, lowly. and wide for a time when men had big round bellies and nothing to do but fill them and heads not too far above their business it was a window gone blind with dust and cobwebs so it resembled the dim eye of age if the door were closed its big brass knocker and massive iron latch invited the passer an old ship's anchor and a coil of chain lay beside it blocks and heavy bolts steering wheels old brass compasses coils of rope and rusty chain lay on the floor and benches inside the shop there were rows of lanterns hanging on the bare beams and there was rigs he sat by a dusky desk and gave orders in a sleepy drawling tone to the lad who served him an old dutch lantern its light softened with green glass sent a silver beam across the gloomy upper air of the shop that evening.

Starting point is 07:30:01 Riggs held an old urn lantern with little streams of light bursting through its perforated walls. He was blind. One would know it at a glance. Blindness is so easy to be seen. Riggs was showing it to a stranger. Turn down the lights, he said, and the boy got his step-ladder and obeyed him. then he held it aloft in the dusk and the little lantern was like a castle tower with many windows lighted and when he set it down there was a golden sprinkle on the floor as if something had plashed into a magic pool of light there in the darkness riggs lifted the lantern presently and stood swinging it in his hand then its rays were sown upon the darkness falling silently into every nook and corner of the gloomy shop and breaking into flowing down on the wall see how quick it is said he as the rays flashed with the speed of lightning that is the only traveler from heaven that travels fast enough to ever get to earth then came the words that had a mighty fitness for his tongue hail holy light offspring of heaven first born his voice rose and fell writing the mighty rhythm of inspired song as he stood

Starting point is 07:31:25 swinging the lantern then he reminded me of a chanting priest behind the censor. In a moment he sat down, and, holding the lantern between his knees, opened its door and felt the candle. Then, as the light streamed out upon his hands, he rubbed them a time silently, as if washing them in the bright flood. "'One dollar for this little box of daylight,' he said. "'Blind!' said the stranger. as he paid him the money.

Starting point is 07:31:57 No, said Riggs. Only dreaming as you are. I wondered what he meant by the words, dreaming as you are. Went to bed on my way home to Mary, he continued, stroking his long white beard, and saw the lights go out and went asleep, and it hasn't come morning yet.

Starting point is 07:32:18 That's what I believe. I went into a dream. Think I'm here in a shop talking, but I'm really in my bunk on the good ship Ariel coming home. Dreamed everything since then, everything a man could think of. Dreamed I came home and found Annie dead, dreamed of blindness, of old age, of poverty, of eating and drinking and sleeping,

Starting point is 07:32:46 and of many people who passed like dim shadows and speak to me. You are one of them. And sometimes I forget I am dreaming, and am miserable, and then I remember, and I'm happy. I know when the morning comes I shall wake and laugh at all these phantoms, and I shall pack my things and go up on deck, for we shall be in the harbor, probably. Aye, maybe Annie and mother will be waving their hands on the dock.

Starting point is 07:33:16 The old face had a merry smile as he spoke of the morning, and all it had for him. Seems as if it had lasted a hundred. thousand years he continued yawning and rubbing his eyes but i've dreamed the like before and my god how glad i felt when i woke in the morning it gave me an odd feeling this remarkable theory of the old man i thought then it would be better for most of us if we could think all our misery a dream and have his faith in the morning that it would bring back the things we have lost i had come to buy a lock for my door but i forgot my errand and sat down by rigs while the stranger went away with his lantern you see no reality in anything but happiness i said it's all a means to that end he answered it is good for me this dream i shall be all the happier when i do wake and i shall love annie all the better i suppose i wish i could take my ill-luck as a dream and have faith only in good things i said all that is good shall abide said he stroking his white beard and all evil shall vanish as the substance of a dream

Starting point is 07:34:40 in the end the only realities are god and love and heaven to die is just like waking up in the morning but i know i'm awake i said you think you are that's a part of your dream sometimes i think i'm awake it all seems so real to me but i have thought it out and i am the only man i meet that knows he is dreaming when you do wake in the morning you may remember how you thought you came to a certain shop and made some words with the man as to whether you were both dreaming and you will laugh and tell your friends about it hold on i can feel the ship lurching i believe i'm going to wake he sat a moment leaning back in his chair with closed eyes and a silence fell upon us in which i could hear only the faint ticking of a tall clock that lifted its face out of the gloom beyond me you there he whispered presently i am here i said odd he muttered i know how it will be i know how it has been before generally come to some high place and a great fear seizes me i slip i fall Fall, fall, fall, and then I wake. After a little silence I heard him snoring heavily.

Starting point is 07:36:11 He was still leaning back in his chair. I walked on tiptoe to the door where the boy stood looking out. Crazy? I whispered. Deno, said he, smiling. I went to my room above and wrote my first tale, which was nothing more or less than some brief account. of what I had heard and seen down at the little shop that evening. I mailed it next day to the Knickerbocker, with stamps for return, if unavailable.

Starting point is 07:36:46 End of Chapter 33. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 34 of Eben Holden. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. Eben Holden, A Tale of the North Country, by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 34. New York was a crowded city even then, but I never felt so lonely anywhere outside a camp in the big woods. The last day of the first week came, but no letter from hope. To make an end of suspense, I went that

Starting point is 07:37:32 Saturday morning to the home of the Fullers. The equation of my value had dwindled sadly that week. Now a small fraction would have stood for it. Nay, even the square of it. Hope and Mrs. Fuller had gone to Saratoga, the butler told me. I came away with some sense of injury. I must try to be done with Hope. There was no help for it. I must go to work at something and cease to worry and lie awake of nights.

Starting point is 07:38:05 But I had nothing to do but read and walk and wait. No word had come to me from the Tribune. evidently it was not languishing for my aid. That day my tale was returned to me with thanks, with nothing but thanks, printed in black type on a slip of paper, cold, formal, prompt, ready-made thanks. And I, myself, was in about the same fix, rejected with thanks, politely, firmly, thankfully rejected.

Starting point is 07:38:38 For a moment I felt like a man falling. I began to see there was no very clamorous demand for me in the great emporium, as Mr. Greeley called it. I began to see, or thought I did, why Hope had shied at my offer and was now shunning me. I went to the Tribune office. Mr. Greeley had gone to Washington. Mr. Otterson was too busy to see me. I concluded that I would be willing to take a place on one of the lesser journals. I spent the day going from one office to another, but was rejected everywhere with thanks.

Starting point is 07:39:17 I came home and sat down to take account of stock. First, I counted my money, of which there were about fifty dollars left. As to my talents, there were none left. Like the pies at the Hillsborough Tavern, if a man came late to dinner, they were all out. I had some fine clothes, but no one. more use for them than a goose for a peacock's feathers. I decided to take anything honorable as an occupation, even though it were not in one of the learned professions.

Starting point is 07:39:53 I began to answer advertisements and apply at business offices for something to give me a living, but with no success. I began to feel the selfishness of men. God pity the warm and tender heart of youth when it begins to harden and grow chill as mine did then, to put away its cheery confidence forever, to make a new estimate of itself and others. Look out for that time, O ye good people, that have sons and daughters. I must say for myself that I had a mighty courage and no small capital of cheerfulness. I went to try my luck with the newspapers of Philadelphia, and there one of them kept me in suspense a week to no purpose.

Starting point is 07:40:40 when i came back reduced in cash and courage hope had sailed there was a letter from uncle ebb telling me when and by what steamer they were to leave she will reach there a friday he wrote and would like to see you that evening at fullers i had waited in philadelphia hoping i might have some word to give her a better thought of me and that night after such a climax of ill luck well i had need of prayer for a wayward tongue i sent home a good account of my prospects i could not bring myself to report failure or send for more money i would sooner have gone to work in a scullery meanwhile my friends at the chalet were enough to keep me in good cheer there were william mcclingon a scotchman of great gift of dignity and a nickname inseparably connected with its fame he wrote letters for a big weekly and was known as waxy m'clingen to honor a pale ear of wax that took the place of a member lost nobody could tell how he drank deeply at times but never to the loss of his dignity or self-possession in his cups the natural dignity of the man grew and expanded one could tell the extent of his indulgence by the degree of his dignity then his mood became at once didactic and devotional indeed i learned in good time of the rumor that he had lost his ear in an argument about the scriptures over at edinburgh i remember he came an evening soon after my arrival at the chalet when dinner was late his dignity was at the full he sat a while in grim silence while a sense of injury grew in his bosom

Starting point is 07:42:36 mrs opper said he in a grandiose manner and voice that nicely trilled the ars in the fourth chapter and ninth verse of lamentations you will find these words here he raised his voice a bit and began to tap the palm of his left hand with the index finger of his right continuing they that be slain with the sword are better than they that be slain with hunger for these pine away stricken through want of the fruits of the field upon my honor as a gentleman mrs opper i was never so hungry in all my life the other border was a rather frail man with an easy cough and a confidential manner he wrote the obituaries of distinguished persons for one of the daily papers somebody had told him once his head resembled that of washington he had never forgotten it as i have reasoned remember. His mind lived ever among the dead. His tongue was pickled in maxims. His heart sunk in the brine of recollection. His humor, not less unconscious and familiar than that of an epitaph. His name was Lemuel Franklin Force. To the public of his native city, he had introduced Webster one fourth of July, a perennial topic of his lighter moments.

Starting point is 07:44:08 i fell an easy victim to the obituary editor that first evening in the chalet we had risen from the table and he came and held me a moment by the coat lapel he released my collar when he felt sure of me and began tapping my chest with his forefinger to drive home his point i stood for quite an hour out of sheer politeness by that time he had me forced to the wall a god's mercy for there i was got some sense of relief in the legs his gestures an imitation of the great webster put my head in some peril meanwhile he continued drumming upon my chest i looked longingly at the empty chairs i tried to cut him off with applause that should be conclusive and satisfying but with no success it had only a stimulating effect i felt somehow like a cheap hired man badly overworked. I had lost all connection. I looked and smiled and nodded and exclaimed and heard nothing. I began to plan a method of escape. McClinging, the great and good waxy McClinging, came out of his room presently and saw my plight. "'What is this?' he asked, interrupting. "'A serial story?'

Starting point is 07:45:33 getting no answer he called my name and when force had paused he came near in the sixth chapter and fifth verse of proverbs said he it is written deliver thyself as a row from the hand of the hunter and as a bird from the hand of the fowler deliver thyself brower i did so ducking under force's arm and hastening to my chamber ye have a brawling busy tongue man i heard mcclingon saying by the lord ye should know a dull tongue is sharper than a serpent's tooth you are a meddlesome fellow said force if i were you said mcclingon i would go and get for myself the long ear of an ass and empty my memory into it every day try it man give it your confidence exclusively believe me my mind my dear force, you would win golden opinions. It would be better than addressing an ear of wax, said force, hurriedly withdrawing to his own room. This answer made MacLingan angry. Better an ear of wax than a brain of putty, he called after him.

Starting point is 07:46:53 Blessed is he that hath no ears when a fool's tongue is busy, and then strode up and down the floor, muttering ominously. i came out of my room shortly and then he motioned me aside pull your own trigger first man he said to me in a low tone when you see he's going to shoot pull your own trigger first go right up of him and tap him on the chest quitty and say my dear force i have a glorious story to tell you and keep tapping him his own trick you know and he can't complain now he is a weak cheque cheque weak chest and when he begins to cough man you are saved our host opper entered presently and in removing the table-cloth inadvertently came between us mcclingen resented it promptly mr hopper said he leering at the poor german as a matter of personable obligement will you cease to interrupt us all right all right gentlemen's he replied and then fearing that he had not quite squared himself turned back at the kitchen door and added excuse me mcclingon looked at him with that leering superior smile of his and gave him just the slightest possible nod of his head mcclingon came into my room with me awhile then he had been everywhere it seemed to me and knew everybody worth knowing i was much interested in his anecdotes of the great men of the time

Starting point is 07:48:34 unlike the obituary editor his ear was quite as ready as his tongue though i said little save now and then to answer a question that showed a kindly interest in me i went with him to his room at last where he besought me to join him in drinking confusion to the enemies of peace and order on my refusing he drank the toast alone and shortly proposed death to slavery this was followed in quick succession by death to the arch traitor buchanan peace to the soul of john brown success to honest abe and then came a hearty hears to the protuberant abdomen of the mayor i left him at midnight standing in the middle of his room and singing the land of the leal in a low tone savored with vast dignity end of chapter thirty four recording by roger maline chapter thirty five of ebbin holden this libervox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline ebbin holden a tale of the north country by irving bachelor chapter thirty five i was soon near out of money and at my wits end but my will was unconquered in this plight i ran upon fogerdy the policeman who had been the good angel of my one hopeful day in journalism. His manner invited my confidence.

Starting point is 07:50:19 What luck, said he. Bad luck, I answered. Only ten dollars in my pocket and nothing to do. He swung his stick thoughtfully. If I was you, said he, I'd take anything honest. Upon me word, I'd rather pound rocks than lay idle. so would i would you said he with animation as he took my measure from head to foot i'll do anything that's honest aha said he rubbing his sandy chin-whiskers don't seem like you'd been used of hard work but i can do it i said he looked at me sternly and beckoned with his head come along said he said he said he

Starting point is 07:51:10 he took me to a gang of irishmen working in the street nearby boss mcornermick he shouted a hearty voice answered aye aye councillor and mccormick came out of the crowd using his shovel for a staff a happy day f'ye f'ye said fogertie same of yous and many of em said mccormick you'll give me one if you do me a favor said fogerty you'll give me one if ye do me a favor said fogerty and what said the other a job for this lad will you do it i will said mccormick and he did i went to work early the next morning with nothing on but my underclothing and trousers save a pair of gloves that excited the ridicule of my fellows with this livery and the righteous determination of earning two dollars a day i began the inelegant task of pounding rocks no merry occupation i assure you for a hot summer's day on manhattan island we were paving park place and we had to break stone and lay them and shovel dirt and dig with a pick and crowbar my face and neck were burned crimson when we quit work at five and i went home with a feeling of having been run over by the cars i had a strong sense of soul and body the latter dominated by a mighty appetite mcclingen viewed me at first with suspicion in which there was a faint flavor of envy he invited me at once to his room and was amazed at seeing it was no lark i told him frankly what i was doing and why and where i would not mind the loaning of a few dollars he said as a matter of personal

Starting point is 07:53:08 obligement, I would be most happy to do it, most happy, Brower, indeed, I would. I thanked him cordially, but declined the favor, for at home they had always taught me the danger of borrowing, and I was bound to have it out with ill luck on my own resources. "'Greely is back,' said he, and I shall see him to-morrow. I will put him in mind of you. i went away sore in the morning but with no drooping spirit in the middle of the afternoon i straightened up a moment to ease my back and look about me there at the edge of the gang stood the great horace greely and waxy mcclingon the latter beckoned me as he caught my eye i went aside to greet them mr greely gave me his hand do you mean to tell me you'd rather work than beg or borrow," said he.

Starting point is 07:54:09 That's about it, I answered. And ain't ashamed of it? Ashamed? Why? said I, not quite sure of his meaning. It had never occurred to me that one had any cause to be ashamed of working. He turned to Maclingon and laughed. I guess he'll do for the Tribune, he said. Come and see me at me at twelve to-morrow and then they went away if i had been a knight of the garter i could not have been treated with more distinguished courtesy by those hard-handed men the rest of the day i bade them good-bye at night and got my order for four dollars one pad devlin a great-hearted irishman who had shared my confidence and some of my doughnuts on the curb at luncheon time i remember best of all

Starting point is 07:55:05 you'll never forget the time we worked together under boss mccormick said he and to this day whenever i meet the good man now benton gray he says always good day if you mr brower do you mind the time we pounded the rock under boss mccormick mr greeley gave me a place at once on the local staff and invited me to dine with him at his home that evening meanwhile he sent me to the headquarters of the republican central campaign committee on broadway opposite the new york hotel lincoln had been nominated in may and the great political fight of eighteen sixty was shaking the city with its thunders i turned in my copy at the city desk in good season and although the great editor had not yet left his room i took her car at once to keep my appointment a servant showed me to a seat in the big back parlor of mr greely's home where i spent a lonely hour before i heard his heavy footsteps in the hall he immediately rushed upstairs two steps at a time and in a moment i heard his high voice greeting the babies he came down shortly with one of them clinging to his hand thunder said he i had forgotten all about you let's go right into dinner he sat at the head of the table and i next to him i remember how wearied by the day's burden he sat lounging heavily in careless attitudes he stirred his dinner into a hash of eggs potatoes squash and parsonips and ate it leisurely with a spoon his head braced often with his left forewere his head braced often with his left forewere his head braced often with his left form arm, its elbows resting on the table.

Starting point is 07:56:59 It was a sort of letting go, after the immense activity of the day, and a casual observer would have thought he affected the uncouth, which was not true of him. He asked me to tell him all about my father and his farm. At length I saw an absent look in his eye and stopped talking, because I thought he had ceased to listen. Very well! very well said he i looked up at him not knowing what he meant go on tell me all about it he added i like the country best said he when i had finished because there i see more truth than things here the lie has many forms unique varied ingenious the rusion powder on the lady's cheek they are lies both of them

Starting point is 07:57:54 the baronial and ducal crests are lies and the fools who use them are liars the people who soak themselves in rum have nothing but lies in their heads the multitude who live by their wits and the lack of them and others they are all liars the many who imagine a vain thing and pretend to be what they are not liars every one of them it is bound to be so in the great cities and it is a mark of decay the skirts of elegabulus the wigs and rouge pots of madame popadour the crucifix of machiavelli and the innocent smile of fernando wood stand for something horribly and vastly false in the people about them for truth you've got to get back into the woods you can find men there a good deal as god made them genuine strong and simple when those men cease to come here you'll see grass growing in broadway i made no answer and the great commoner stirred his coffee a moment in silence vanity is the curse of cities he continued and flattery is its handmaiden vanity flattery and deceit are the three disgraces i like a man to be what he is out and out if he's ashamed of himself it won't be long before his friends'll be ashamed of him there's the trouble with this town many a fellow is pretending to be what he isn't a man cannot be strong unless he is genuine one of his children a little girl came and stood close to him as he spoke he put his big arm around her and that gentle permanent smile of his, broadened as he kissed her and patted her red cheek.

Starting point is 07:59:56 "'Anything new in the South?' Mrs. Greeley inquired. "'Worse and worse every day,' he said. "'Serious trouble coming. The Charleston dinner yesterday was a feast of treason and a flow of criminal rhetoric. The union was the chief dish. Everybody slashed it with his knife and jabbed it with his fork. it was slaughtered roasted made into mincemeat and devoured one orator spoke of rolling back the tide of fanaticism that finds its roots in the conscience of the people their metaphors are as bad as their morals he laughed heartily at this example of fervid eloquence and then we rose from the table he had to go to the office that evening and i came away soon after dinner

Starting point is 08:00:51 i had nothing to do and went home reflecting upon all the great man had said i began shortly to see the truth of what he had told me men licking the hand of riches with the tongues of flattery men so stricken with the itch of vanity that they grovelled for the touch of praise men even who would do perjury for applause i do not say that most of the men i saw were of that ilk but enough to show the tendency of life in a great town i was filled with wonder at first by meeting so many who had been everywhere and seen everything who had mastered all sciences and all philosophies and endured all philosophies and endured all many perils on land and sea. I had met liars before. It was no Eden there in the North country, and some of them had attained a good degree of efficiency, but they lacked the candor and finish of the Metropolitan School. I confess they were all too much for me at first. They borrowed my cash, they shared my confidence, they taxed my credulity, and I saw the truth at all. I saw the truth at last.

Starting point is 08:02:07 Tom's breaking down, said a co-laborer on the staff one day. How is that? I inquired. Served me a mean trick. Indeed. Deceived me, said he sorrowfully. Lied, I suppose? No, he told the truth, as God's my witness. Tom had been absolutely relinquency.

Starting point is 08:02:35 liable up to that time. End of Chapter 35. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 36 of Eben Holden. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. Eben Holden, a tale of the North Country, by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 36.

Starting point is 08:03:09 Those were great days in mid-autom. The Republic was in grave peril of dissolution. liberty that had hymned her birth in the last century now hymned her destiny in the voices of bard and orator crowds of men gathered in public squares at bulletin boards on street corners arguing gesticulating exclaiming and cursing cheering multitudes went up and down the city by night with bands and torches and there was such a howl of oratory and applause in the lower half of manhattan island that it gave the reporter no rest william h seward charles sumner john a dix henry ward beecher and charles o'connor were the giants of the stump there was more violence and religious fervor in the political feeling of that time than had been mingled since seventy-six a sense of outrage was in the hearts of men honest abe lincoln stood as they took it for their homes and their country for human liberty and even for their country and even for their God. I remember coming into the counting room late one evening. Loud voices had halted me as I passed the door. Mr. Greeley stood back of the counter, a rather tall, wiry, gray-headed man before it.

Starting point is 08:04:35 Each was shaking a right fist under the other's nose. They were shouting loudly as they argued. The stranger was for war, Mr. Greeley for waiting. The publisher of the Tribune stood beside. The publisher of the Tribune stood beside. the latter smoking a pipe a small man leaned over the counter at the stranger's elbow putting in a word here and there half a dozen people stood by listening mr greeley turned to his publisher in a moment rhodes said he i wish ye'd put these men out they holler and yell so i can't hear myself think then there was a general laugh i learned to my surprise when they had gone that the tall man was william h seward the other john a dix then one of those fevered days came the prince of wales a godsend to allay passion with curiosity it was my duty to handle some of the latest news by magnetic telegraph and help to get the plans and progress of the campaign at headquarters the printer as they called mr greeley was at his desk when i came in at noon never leaving the office but for dinner until past midnight those days and he made the tribune a mighty power in the state his faith in its efficacy was sublime and every line went under his eye before it went to his readers i remember a night when he called me to his office about twelve o'clock he was up to his knees in the rubbish of the day newspapers that he had read and thrown upon the floor his desk was littered with proofs

Starting point is 08:06:19 go and see the prince of wales he said that interesting young man had arrived on the harriet lane that morning and ridden up broadway between cheering hosts i've got a sketch of him here and it's all twaddle tell us something new about him if he's got a hole in his sock we ought to know it mr dana came in to see him while i was there look here dana said the printer in a rasping humor by the gods of war here's two columns about that performance at the academy and only two sticks of the speech of seward at st paul i'll have to get some one to go and burn that theatre and send the bill to me in the morning mayor wood introduced me to the duke of newcastle who in turn presented me to the prince of wales then a slim blue-eyed blue-eyed youngster of nineteen, as gentle-mannered as any I have ever met. It was my unpleasant duty to keep as near as possible to the royal party in all the festivities of that week. The ball, in the prince's honor at the Academy of Music, was one of the great social events of the century. No fair of vanity in the Western Hemisphere ever quite equaled it. The fashions of the French court had taken the city,

Starting point is 08:07:43 as had the prince by unconditional surrender not in the palace of versailles could one have seen a more generous exposure of the charms of fair women none were admitted without a low-cut bodice and many came that had not the proper accessories but it was the most brilliant company new york had ever seen too many tickets had been distributed and soon there was an elbow on every rib and a heel on every toe as mr greely put it every miss and her mamma tiptoed for a view of the prince and his party who came in at ten taking their seats on a dais at one side of the crowded floor the prince sat with his hands folded before him like one in a reverie beside him were the duke of newcastle a big stern man with an aggressive red beard the blithe and sparkling earl of st germain then steward of the royal household the curly major teesdale the gay bruce a major general who behaved himself always like a lady suddenly the floor sank beneath a crowd of people who retired in some disorder such a compression of crinoline was never seen as at that moment when periphery pressed upon periphery and held many a man captive in the cold embrace of steel and whalebone the royal party retired to its rooms again and carpenters came in with saws and hammers the floor repaired an area was roped off for dancing, as much as could be spared.

Starting point is 08:09:25 The Prince opened the dance with Mrs. Governor Morgan, after which other ladies were honored with his gallantry. I saw Mrs. Fuller in one of the boxes and made haste to speak with her. She had just landed, having left hope to study a time in the Conservatory of Leipzig. Mrs. Livingstone is with her, said she, and they will return together in April. mrs fuller did she send any word to me i inquired anxiously did she give you no message none she said coldly except one to her mother and father which i have sent in a letter to them i left her heavy-hearted went to the reporter's table and wrote my story very badly i must admit for i was cut deep with sadness then i came away and walked for hours not caring with her a great homesickness had come over me i felt as if a talk with uncle ebb or elizabeth brower would have given me the comfort i needed i walked rapidly through dark deserted streets a steeple

Starting point is 08:10:39 clock was striking too when I heard someone coming hurriedly on the walk beside me. I looked over my shoulder, but could not make him out in the darkness, and yet there was something familiar in the step. As he came near, I felt his hand upon my shoulder. Better go home, Brower, he said, as I recognized the voice of Trumbull. You've been out a long time. Past you before to-night. Why didn't you speak? You were preoccupied. Not keeping good hours yourself, I said.

Starting point is 08:11:18 Rather late, he answered, but I am a walker, and I love the night. It is so still in this part of the town. We were passing the five points. When do you sleep, I inquired. Never sleep at night, he said, unless i'm commonly tired out every night more or less sleep two hours in the morning and two in the afternoon that's all i require seen the hands of that clock yonder on every hour of the night he pointed to a lighted dial in a near tower stopping presently he looked down at a little waif asleep in a doorway a bundle of evening papers under his arm he lifted him tenderly here boy he said dropping coins in the pocket of the ragged little coat i'll take those papers you go home now we walked to the river passing few save members of the force who always gave trumbull a cheery hello cap

Starting point is 08:12:23 we passed wharves where the great sea-horses lay stalled with harnesses hung high above them their noses nodding over our heads we stood a while looking up at the sea-horse's lay stalled with harnesses hung high above them their noses nodding over our heads we stood a while looking up at the the looming masts, the lights of the river craft. "'Guess I've done some good,' said he, turning into peck's slip. "'Save two young women, took them off the streets. Fine women now, both of them, respectable, prosperous, and one is beautiful.' "'Man who's got a mother or a sister can't help feeling sorry for such people. We came up Frankfurt to William Street, where we shook hands and parted. and I turned up Monkey Hill.

Starting point is 08:13:09 I had made unexpected progress with Trumbull that night. He had never talked to me so freely before, and somehow he had let me come nearer to him than I had ever hoped to be. His company had lifted me out of the slew a little, and my mind was on a better footing as I neared the chalet. Riggs's shop was lighted, an unusual thing at so late an hour.

Starting point is 08:13:34 Peering through the window, I saw Riggs sleeping at his desk. An old tin lantern sat near, its candle burning low with a flaring flame that threw a spray of light upon him as it rose and fell. Far back in the shop, another light was burning dimly. I lifted the big iron latch and pushed the door open. Riggs did not move.

Starting point is 08:13:59 I closed the door softly and went back into the gloom. The boy was also, sound asleep in his chair. The lantern light flared and fell again, as water leaps in a stopping fountain. As it dashed upon the face of Riggs, I saw his eyes half open. I went close to his chair. As I did so, the light went out and smoke rose above the lantern with a rank odor. Riggs! I called, but he sat motionless and made no answer. The moonlight came through the dusty window, lighting his face and beard. I put my hand upon his brow and withdrew it quickly.

Starting point is 08:14:44 I was in the presence of death. I opened the door and called the sleeping boy. He rose out of his chair and came toward me, rubbing his eyes. "'Your master is dead,' I whispered. "'Go and call an officer.' Riggs's dream was over. had waked at last. He was in port, and I doubt not Annie and his mother were hailing him on the shore, for I knew now they had both died far back in that long dream of the old sailor.

Starting point is 08:15:20 My story of Riggs was now complete. It soon found a publisher because it was true. All good things are true in literature, said the editor after he had read it. Be a servant of truth always, and you will be success. successful. End of Chapter 36. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 37 of Eben Holden. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. Eben Holden, A Tale of the North Country, by Irving Bachelor.

Starting point is 08:16:05 Chapter 37 As soon as Lincoln was elected, the attitude of the South showed clearly that the irrepressible conflict of Mr. Seward's naming, had only just begun the herald gave columns every day to the news of the coming revolution as it was pleased to call it there was loud talk of war at and after the great pine street meeting of december fifteenth south carolina seceded five days later and then we knew what was coming albeit we saw only the dim shadow of that mighty struggle that was to shake the earth for nearly five years the printer grew highly irritable those days and spoke of buccannin and davis and tombs in language so violent it could never have been confined in type but while a bitter foe none was more generous than he and when the war was over his money went to bail the very man he had most roundly damned i remember that one day when he was sunk deep in composition a negro came and began with grand airs to make a request as delegate from his campaign club the printer sat still his eyes close to the paper his pen flying at high speed

Starting point is 08:17:28 the colored orator went on lifting his voice in a set petition mr greeley bent to his work as the man waxed eloquent a nervous movement now and then betrayed the printer's irritation he looked up shortly his face kindling with anger help for god's sake he shrilled impatiently his hands flying in the air the printer seemed to be gasping for breath go and stick your head out of the window and get through he shouted hotly to the man he turned to his writing a thing dearer to him than a new bone to a hungry dog then you may come and tell me what you want he added in a milder tone those were days when men said what they meant and their meaning had more fight in it than was really polite or necessary fight was in the air and before i knew it there was a wild devastating spirit in my own bosom insom insomuch that i made haste to join a local regiment it grew apace but not until i saw the first troops on their way to the war was i fully determined to go and give battle with my regiment The town was a fire with patriotism. Sumter had fallen. Lincoln had issued his first call.

Starting point is 08:18:51 The sound of the fife and drum rang in the streets. Men gave up work to talk and listen or go into the sterner business of war. Then one night in April, a regiment came out of New England on its way to the front. It lodged at the Astor House to leave at nine in the morning. long before that hour the building was flanked and fronted with tens of thousands crowding broadway for three blocks stuffing the wide mouth of park row and braced into vizzi and barday streets my editor assigned me to this interesting event i stood in the crowd that morning and saw what was really the beginning of the war in new york there was no babble of voices no impatient call

Starting point is 08:19:42 no sound of idle jeering such as one is apt to hear in a waiting crowd it stood silent each man busy with the rising current of his own emotions solemnified by the faces all around him the soldiers filed out upon the pavement the police having kept away clear for them still there was silence in the crowd save that near me i could hear a man sobbing a trumpeter lifted his bugle and sounded a bar of the revely the clear notes clove the silent air flooding every street about us with their silver sound suddenly the band began playing the tune was yankee doodle a wild dismal tremulous cry came out of a throat near me it grew and spread to a mighty roar and then such a shout went up to heaven as i had never heard and as i know full well i shall never hear again it was like the riving of thunderbolts above the roar of floods elemental prophetic threatening ungovernable it did seem to me that the holy wrath of god almighty was in that cry of the people it was a signal it declared that they were ready to give all that a man may give for that he loves his life and things far dearer to him than his life after that they and their sons begged for a chance to throw themselves into the hideous ruin of war i walked slowly back to the office and wrote my article when the printer came in at twelve i went to his room before he had had time to begin work mr greeley i said here is my resignation i am going to the war his habitual smile gave way to a sober look as he turned to me his big white coat on his arm

Starting point is 08:21:43 he pursed his lips and blew thoughtfully then he threw his coat in a chair and wiped his eyes with his handkerchief well god bless you my boy he said i wish i could go too End of Chapter 37. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 38 of Eben Holden. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. Eben Holden, a tale of the North Country, by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 38.

Starting point is 08:22:28 I worked some weeks before my regiment was sent forward. I planned to be at home for a day, but they need. me on the staff, and I dreaded the pain of a parting, the gravity of which my return would serve only to accentuate. So I wrote them a cheerful letter and kept at work. It was my duty to interview some of the great men of that day as to the course of the government. I remember Commodore Vanderbilt came down to see me in shirt-sleeves and slippers that afternoon, with a handkerchief tied about his neck in place of a collar. A blizzard. A blizzard. A blizzard. man of simple manners and a big heart one who spoke his mind in good plain talk and i suppose he got along with as little profanity as possible considering his many cares

Starting point is 08:23:22 he called me boy and spoke of a certain public man as a big sucker i soon learned that to him a sucker was the lowest and meanest thing in the world he sent me away with nothing but a great admiration of of him. As a rule, the giants of that day were plain men of the people, with no frills upon them, and with a way of hitting from the shoulder. They said what they meant, and meant it hard. I have heard Lincoln talk when his words had the whizz of a bullet and his arm the jerk of a piston. John Trumbull invited MacLan, of whom I had told him much, and myself to dine with him an evening that week. I went in my new dress. suit, that mark of sinful extravagance for which fate had brought me down to the pounding of rocks under Boss McCormick. Trumbull's rooms were a feast for the eye, a glow with red roses.

Starting point is 08:24:21 He introduced me to Margaret Hull and her mother, who were there to dine with us. She was a slight woman of thirty, then, with a face of no striking beauty, but of singular sweetness. Her dark eyes had a mild and tender light in them, her voice, a plaintive, gentle tone, the like of which one may hear rarely, if ever. For years she had been a night worker in the missions of the lower city, and many an unfortunate had been turned from the way of evil by her good offices. I sat beside her at the table,

Starting point is 08:24:57 and she told me of her work, and how often she had met Trumbull in his night walks. Found me a hope of her. heathen he remarked to save him i had to consent to marry him she said laughing who hath found love is already in heaven said mcclingen i have not found it and i am in he hesitated as if searching for a synonym a boarding-house on william street he added the remarkable thing about margaret hull was her simple faith it looked to no glittering generality for its reward such as the soul's highest good much talked of in the philosophy of that time she believed that for every soul she saved one jewel would be added to her crown in heaven and yet she wore no jewel upon her person her black costume was beautifully fitted to her fine form but was almost severely plain it occurred to me that she did not quite understand her own heart and for that matter who does but she had somewhat in her soul that passeth all understanding i shall not try to say what with so little knowledge of those high things save that i know that it was of god to what patience and unwearying effort she had schooled herself i was soon to know

Starting point is 08:26:25 can you not find any one to love you she said turning to mcclingon you know the bible says it is not good for man to live alone it does madam said he but i have a mighty fear in me remember remembering the twenty-fourth verse of the twenty-fifth chapter of proverbs it is better to dwell in the corner of the housetops than with a brawling woman in a wide house we cannot all be so fortunate as our friend trumbull but i have felt the great passion he smiled at her faintly as he spoke in a quiet manner his ars coming off his tongue with a stately roll his environment and the company had given him a fair degree of stimulation There was a fine dignity in his deep voice, and his body bristled with it, from his stiff and heavy shock of blonde hair parted carefully on the left side to his high-heeled boots. The few light hairs that stood in lonely abandonment on his upper lip, the rest of his lean visage always well shorn, had no small part in the grand effect of Maclingon. "'A love story,' said Miss Hull. I do wish I had your confidence. I like a real, true love story. A simple story it is, said McClinging, and I am proud of my part in it. I shall be glad to tell the story if you were to hear it.

Starting point is 08:27:57 We assured him of our interest. Well, said he, there was one Tom Douglas at Edinburgh, who was my friend and classmate. We were together a good bit of the time, and was a good bit of the time, and was a little bit of the time, and when we had come to the end of our course we both went to engage in journalism at glasgow we had a mighty conceit of ourselves you know how it is brower with a green lad but we were a mind to be modest with all our learning so we made an agreement i would blow his horn and he would blow mine we were not to lack appreciation he was on one paper and i on another and every time he wrote an article i I went up and down the office, praising him for a man a mighty skill, and he did the same for me. If anyone spoke of him in my hearing, I said every word of flattery at my command. "'What, Tom Douglas?' I would say.

Starting point is 08:28:57 The man of the herald that's written those wonderful articles from the law court? A genius, sir, an absolute genius. Well, we were rapidly gaining reputation. one of those days I found myself in love with as comely a lass as ever a man courted. Her mother had a proper curiosity as to my character. I referred them to Tom Douglas of the Herald. He was the only man there who had known me well. The girl and her mother both went to him.

Starting point is 08:29:31 "'Your friend was just here,' said the young lady, when I called again. "'He is a very handsome man.' and a noble man i said and didn't i hear you say that he was a very skilful man too a genius i answered an absolute genius mcclingen stopped and laughed heartily as he took a sip of water what happened then said miss hull she took him on my recommendation he answered she said that while he had the handsomer face i had the more eliz tongue and they both won for him and upon me on her as a gentleman it was the luckiest thing that ever happened to me for she became a brawler and a scold my mother says there is no the like of her in scotland i shall never forget how fondly margaret hall patted the brown cheek of trumbull with her delicate white hand as we rose we all have our love stories said mcclingon mine is better than yours she answered but it shall never be told except one little part of it said trumbull as he put his hands upon her shoulders and looked down into her face it is the only thing that has made my life worth living then she made us to know many odd things about her work for the children of misfortune inviting us to come and see it for ourselves we were to go the next evening

Starting point is 08:31:08 i finished my work at nine that night and then we walked through noisesome streets and alleys new york was then far from being so clean a city as now to the big mission house as we came in at the door we saw a group of women kneeling before the altar at the far end of the room and heard the voice of margaret hull praying a voice so sweet and tender that we bowed our heads at once and listened while it quickened the life in us she pled for the poor creatures about her to whom christ gave always the most abundant pity seeing they were more sinned against than sinning there was not a word of cant in her petition it was full of a simple unconscious eloquence a higher feeling than i dare try to define and when it was over she had won their love and confidence so that they clung to her hands and kissed them and-and-and-and-one and when it was over she had won their love and confidence so that they clung to her hands and kissed them and and wet them with their tears. She came and spoke to us presently in the same sweet manner that had charmed us the night before.

Starting point is 08:32:15 There was no change in it. We offered to walk home with her, but she said Trumbull was coming at twelve. "'So, that is the little mother of whom I have heard so often,' said MacLingan as we came away. "'What do you think of her?' I inquired. "'Wonderful woman,' he said. i never heard such a voice it gives me visions every other is as the crackling of thorns under a pot i came back to the office and went into mr greeley's room to bid him good-bye

Starting point is 08:32:52 he stood by the gas jet in a fine new suit of clothes reading a paper while a boy was blacking one of his boots i sat down awaiting a more favorable moment a very young man had come into the room and stood timidly holding his hat. "'I wish to see Mr. Greeley,' he said. "'There he is,' I answered. "'Go and speak to him.' "'Mr. Greeley,' said he, "'I have called to see if you can take me on the Tribune.' The printer continued reading as if he were the only man in the room.

Starting point is 08:33:30 The young man looked at him and then at me, with an expression that moved me to a fellow feeling. He was a country-boy. boy, more green and timid even than I had been. He did not hear you, try again, I said. Mr. Greeley, said he, louder than before, I have called to see if you can take me on the Tribune. The editor's eyes glanced off at the boy and returned to their reading.

Starting point is 08:34:00 No, boy, I can't, he drawled, shifting his eyes to another article, and the boy who was called to the service of the boy, of the paper in time, but not until after his pen had made him famous, went away with a look of bitter disappointment. In his attire Mr. Greeley wore always the best material that soon took on a friendless and dejected look. The famous white overcoat had been bought for five dollars of a man who had come by chance to the office of the New Yorker years before, and who considered its purchase a great favor. That was a time, when the price of a coat was a thing of no little importance to the printer.

Starting point is 08:34:44 Tonight there was about him a great glow, such as comes of fine tailoring and new linen. He was so preoccupied with his paper that I went out into the big room and sat down, awaiting a better time. "'The printer's going to Washington to talk with the president,' said an editor. Just then Mr. Greeley went running hurriedly up the spiral stair on his way to the type-room. Three or four compositors had gone up ahead of him.

Starting point is 08:35:15 He had risen out of sight when we heard a tremendous uproar above stairs. I ran up, two steps at a time, while the high voice of Mr. Greeley came pouring down upon me like a flood. It had a wild, fleering tone. He stood near the landing, swinging his arms and swearing like a boy

Starting point is 08:35:36 just learning how. In the middle of the one-year-old, once immaculate shirt-bosom was a big yellow splash something had fallen on him and spattered as it struck we stood well out of range looking at it undeniably the stain of nicotine in a voice that was no encouragement to confession he dared the drooling idiot to declare himself in a moment he opened his waistcoat and surveyed the damage look at that he went on complainingly ugh the reeking filthy slobbering idiot i'd rather be slain with the jaw-bone of an ass you'll have to get another shirt said the pressman who stood near you can't go to washington with such a breast-pin i'd breast-pin him if i knew who he was said the editor a number of us followed him downstairs and a young man went up the Bowery for a new shirt. When it came, the printer took off the soiled garment, flinging it into a corner, and I helped him to put himself in proper fettle again. This finished, he ran away

Starting point is 08:36:52 hurriedly with his carpet bag, and I missed the opportunity I wanted for a brief talk with him. End of Chapter 38, recording by Roger Malene. Chapter 39 of Eben Holden. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. Eben Holden, a tale of the North Country by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 39 My regiment left New York by night in a flare of torch and rocket.

Starting point is 08:37:34 The streets were lined with crowds, now hardened to the sound of fife and drum and the pomp of military preparation. I had a very high and high, and mighty feeling in me that wore away in the discomfort of travel. For hours after the train started, we sang and told stories, and ate peanuts, and pulled and hauled at each other in a cloud of tobacco smoke. The train was sidetracked here and there, and dragged along at a slow pace. Young men, with no appreciation, as it seemed to me,

Starting point is 08:38:09 of the sad business we were off upon, went roistering up and down the aisles, drinking out of bottles and chasing around the train as it halted. These revelers grew quiet as the night wore on. The boys began to close their eyes and lie back for rest. Some lay in the aisle, their heads upon their knapsacks. The air grew chilly, and soon I could hear them snoring all about me and the chatter of frogs in the near marshes. I closed my eyes and vainly courted sleep.

Starting point is 08:38:44 a great sadness had lain hold of me i had already given up my life for my country i was only going away now to get as dear a price for it as possible in the hood of its enemies when and where would it be taken i wondered the fear had mostly gone out of me in days and nights of solemn thinking the feeling i had with its flavor of religion is what has made the volunteer the mighty soldier he has ever been i take it since nazaby and marston moore the soul is the great captain and with a just quarrel it will warm its sword in the enemy however he may be trained to thrust and parry in my sacrifice there was but one reservation i hoped i should not be horribly cut with a sword or a bayonet i had written a long letter to hope who was yet at leipzig i wondered if she would care what became of me i got a sense of comfort thinking i would show her that i was no coward with all my littleness i had not been able to write to uncle ebb or to my father or mother in any serious tone of my feeling in this enterprise i had treated it as a kind of holiday from which i should return shortly to visit them all about me seemed to be sleeping some of them were talking in their dreams as it grew light one after another rose and stretched himself rousing his seat companion the train halted a man shot a musket voice in at the car door it was loaded with the many syllables of annapolis junction we were pouring out of the train shortly to bivouac for breakfast in the depot yard

Starting point is 08:40:34 so i began the life of a soldier and how it ended with me many have read in better books than this but my story of it is here and only here we went into camp there on the lonely flats of east maryland for a day or two as we supposed but really for quite two weeks in the long delay that followed my way traversed the dead levels of routine when southern sympathy had ceased to wreak its wrath upon the railroads about baltimore we pushed on to washington there i got letters from uncle ebb and elizabeth the former i have now in my box of treasures a torn and faded remnant of that dark period dear sir pen in hand to hat you know that we are all well also that we was sorry you could not come home. They took on terrible. Hope, she wrote a letter, said she had not heard from you. Also, that somebody wrote to her, you was going to be married. You had ought to write her a letter, Bill. Looks to me so you hain't used her right. She's a come home in July. Sowed corn today in the garden. David is off buying cattle. I hope God'll take care of.

Starting point is 08:42:01 you boy so good-bye from yours truly ebb and holden i wrote immediately to uncle ebb and told him of the letters i had sent to hope and of my effort to see her late in may after virginia had seceded some thirty thousand of us were sent over to the south side of the potomac where for weeks we tore the flowery fields lining the shore with long entrenchments meantime i wrote three letters to mr greeley and had the satisfaction of seeing them in the tribune i took much interest in the camp drill and before we crossed the river i had been raised to the rank of first lieutenant every day we were looking for the big army of beauregard camping below centreville some thirty miles south almost every night a nervous picket set the camp in uproar by challenging a phantom of his imagination we were all impatient as hounds in leash since they would not come up and give us battle we wanted to be off and have it out with them and the people were tired of delay the cry of steboy was ringing all over the north they wanted to cut us loose and be through with dallying well one night the order came we were to go south in the morning thirty thousand of us and put an end to the war we did not get away until afternoon it was the sixteenth of july when we were off horse and foot so that i could see miles of the blue column before and behind me i felt sorry for the mistaken south on the evening of the eighteenth our campfires on either side of the pike at centreville glowed like the lights of a city we knew the enemy was near and began to feel a tightening of the nerves

Starting point is 08:44:03 i wrote a letter to the folks at home for post-mortem delivery and put it into my trousers pocket a friend in my company called me aside after mess feel of that he said laying his hand on a full breast feathers he whispered significantly balls can't go through em you know better an a steel breastplate want some don't know but i do said i we went into his tent where he had a little sack full and put a good wad of them between my two shirts i hate the idea of being hit in the heart he said that's too awful i nodded my assent shouldn't like to have a ball in my lungs either he added tain't necessary for a man to die if he can only breathe if a man gets his leg shot off and don't lose his head and keeps drawing his breath right along smooth and even i don't see why he can't live taps sounded we went asleep with our boots on but nothing happened three days and nights we waited some called it a farce some swore some talked of going home i went about quietly my bosom under its pad of feathers the third day an order came from headquarters. We were to break camp at 1.30 in the morning

Starting point is 08:45:36 and go down the pike after Beauregard. In the dead of the night, the drums sounded. I rose half asleep and heard the long roll far and near. I shivered in the cold night air as I made ready. The boys about me buckled on knapsacks, shouldered their rifles, and fell into line. Muffled in darkness there was an odd silence in the great caravan, forming rapidly and waiting for the word to move.

Starting point is 08:46:07 At each command to move forward, I could hear only the rub of leather, the click-click of rifle-rings, the stir of the stubble, the snorting of horses. When we had marched an hour or so, I could hear the faintest rumble of wagons far in the rear. As I came high on a hilltop, in the bending column, the moonlight fell upon a league of bayonets. shining above a cloud of dust in the valley, a splendid picture, fading into darkness and mystery. At dawn we passed a bridge and halted some three minutes for a bite.

Starting point is 08:46:45 After a little march, we left the turnpike, with hunter's column bearing westward on a crossroad that led us into thick woods. As the sunlight sank in the high treetops, the first great battle of the war began. Away to the left of us, a cannon shook the earth, hurling its boom into the still air. The sound rushed over us, rattling in the timber like a fall of rocks. Something went quivering in me. It seemed as if my vitals had gone into a big lump of jelly that trembled every step I took.

Starting point is 08:47:22 We quickened our pace. We fretted. We complained. The weariness went out of our legs. Some wanted to run. before and behind us men were shouting hotly run boys run the cannon roar was now continuous we could feel the quake of it when we came over a low ridge in the open we could see the smoke of battle in the valley flashes of fire and hoods of smoke leaped out of the far thickets left of us as cannon roared going at double quick we began loosening blankets and haversacks tossing them into heaps along the line of march without halting in half an hour we stood waiting in battalions the left flank of the enemy in front we were to charge at a run half-way across the valley we were to break into companies and advancing spread into platoons and squads and at last into line of skirmishers lying down for cover between rushes forward was the order and we were off cheering as we ran oh it was a grand sight our colors flying our whole front moving like a blue wave on a green immeasurable sea and it had a voice like that of many waters out of the woods ahead of us came a lightning flash a ring of smoke reeled upward then came a deafening crash of thunders one upon another and the scream of shells overhead

Starting point is 08:49:01 something stabbed into our column right beside me many went headlong crying out as they fell suddenly the colors seemed to halt and sway like a tree-top in the wind then down they went squads and colors and we spread to pass them at the order we halted and laid down and fired volley after volley at the gray coats in the edge of the thicket a bullet struck in the grass ahead of me throwing a bit of dirt into my eyes another brushed my hat off and i heard a wailing death yell behind me the colonel rode up waving a sword get up in charge he shouted on we went cheering loudly firing as we ran bullets went by me hissing in my ears and i kept trying to dodge them we dropped again flat in our faces a squadron of black horse cavalry came rushing out of the woods at us the riders yelling as they waved their swords fortunately we had not time to rise a man near me tried to get up. Stay down, I shouted. In a moment I learned something new about horses. They went over us like a flash. I do not think a man was trampled. Our own cavalry kept them busy as soon as they had passed. Of the many who had started, there was only a ragged remnant near me. We fired a dozen volleys lying there.

Starting point is 08:50:38 The man at my elbow rolled upon me, writhing like a worm in the fire. We shall all be killed, a man shouted. Where is the colonel? Dead, said another. Better retreat, said a third. Charge, I shouted as loudly as ever I could, jumping to my feet and waving my saber as I rushed forward. Charge!

Starting point is 08:51:06 It was the one thing needed. They followed me. In a moment we had heard. ourselves upon the gray line thrusting with sword and bayonet they broke before us some running some fighting desperately a man threw a long knife at me out of a sling instinctively i caught the weapon as if it had been a ball hot off the bat in doing so i dropped my sabre and was cut across the fingers he came at me fiercely clubbing his gun a raw-boned swarthy giant broad as a barn door i caught the barrel as it came down he tried to wrench it away but i held firmly then he began to push up to me i let him come and in a moment we were grappling hip and thigh he was a powerful man but that was my kind of warfare it gave me comfort when i felt the grip of his hands i let him tug a jiffy and then caught him with the old hip-lock and he went under me so hard i could hear the crack of his bones our support came then we made him prisoner with some two hundred other men reserves came also and took away the captured guns my comrades gathered about me cheering

Starting point is 08:52:30 but I had no suspicion of what they meant. I thought it a tribute to my wrestling. Men lay thick there, back of the guns, some dead, some calling faintly for help. The red puddles about them were covered with flies. Ants were crawling over their faces. I felt a kind of sickness and turned away. What was left of my regiment formed in fours

Starting point is 08:52:58 to join the advancing column. horses were galloping riderless rain and stirrup flying some horribly wounded one hobbled near me a front leg gone at the knee shells were flying overhead cannon balls were ricocheting over the level valley throwing turf in the air tossing the dead and wounded that lay thick and helpless some were crumpled like a rag as if the pain of death had withered them in their clothes some swollen to the girth of horses some bent backward with arms outreaching like one trying an odd trick some lay as if listening eagerly an ear close to the ground some like a sleeper their heads upon their arms one shrieking loudly gesturing with bloody hands lord god almighty have mercy on me i had come suddenly to a new world where the lives of men were cheaper than blind puppies i was a new sort of creature and reckless of what came careless of all i saw and heard a staff officer stepped up to me as we joined the main body you've been shot young man he said pointing to my left hand before he could turn i felt a rush of air and saw him fly into pieces some of which hit me as i fell backward i did not know what had happened i know not now more than that i have written i remember feeling something under me like a stick of wood bearing hard upon my ribs i tried to roll off it but somehow it somehow it's a thing under me-like a stick of wood bearing hard upon my ribs

Starting point is 08:54:39 i tried to roll off it but somehow it was tied to me and kept hurting i put my hand over my hip and felt it there behind me my own arm the hand was like that of a dead man cold and senseless i pulled it from under me and it lay helpless it could not lift itself i knew now that i too had become one of the bloody horrors of the battle i struggled to my feet weak and trembling and sick with nausea i must have been lying there a long time the firing was now at a distance the sun had gone half down in the sky they were picking up the wounded in the near field a man stood looking at me good god he shouted and then ran away like one afraid there was a great mass of our men back of me some twenty rods i staggered toward them my knees quivering i can never get there i heard myself whisper i thought of my little flask of whisky and pulling the cork with my teeth drank the half of it that steadied me and i made better headway i could hear the soldiers talking as i neared them look o there i heard many saying see em come my god look at em on the hill there the words went quickly from mouth to mouth in a moment i could hear the murmur of thousands i turned to see what they were looking at across the valley there was a long ridge and back of it the main position of the southern army

Starting point is 08:56:33 a gray host was pouring over it thousand upon thousand in close order debushing into the valley a big force of our men lay between us and them as i looked i could see a mighty stir in it every man of them seemed to be jumping up in the air from afar came the sound of bugles calling retreat the shouting of men the rumbling of wagons it grew louder it grew louder an officer rode by me hatless and halted, shading his eyes. Then he rode back hurriedly. Hell has broke loose, he shouted as he passed me. The blue-coated host was rushing towards us like a flood. Artillery, cavalry, infantry, wagon-trained. There was a mighty uproar in the men behind me, a quick stir of feet.

Starting point is 08:57:31 Terror spread over them like the travel. of fire. It shook their tongues. The crowd began caving at the edge and jamming at the center. Then it spread like a swarm of bees shaken off a bush. Run! Run for your lives! was a cry that rose to heaven. Halt, you cowards! an officer shouted. It was now past three o'clock. The raw army had been on its feet since midnight. for hours it had been fighting hunger a pain in the legs a quivering sickness at the stomach a stubborn foe it had turned the flank of boregard victory was in sight but lo a new enemy was coming to the fray innumerable unwearied eager for battle the long slope bristled with his bayonets

Starting point is 08:58:28 our army looked and cursed and began letting go the men near me were pausing on the brink of awful rout in a moment they were off pell-mell like a flock of sheep the earth shook under them officers rode around them cursing gesticulating threatening but nothing could stop them half a dozen trees had stood in the center of the roaring mass now a few men clung to them a remnant of the monster that had torn away but the greater host was now coming the thunder of its many feet was near me a cloud of dust hung over it a squadron of cavalry came rushing by and broke into the fleeing mass heavy horses cut free from artillery came galloping after them straps flying over foamy flanks two riders clung to the back of each lashing with one whip and rain. The ruck of wagons came after them, wheels rattling, horses running, voices shrilling in a wild hoot of terror. It makes me tremble even now as I think of it, though it is muffled under the cover of nearly forty years. I saw they would go over me. Reeling as if drunk, I ran to save myself. Ziegzagging over the field, I came upon a gray-bearded

Starting point is 08:59:56 soldier lying in the grass and fell headlong. I struggled madly but could not rise to my feet. I lay, my face upon the ground, weeping like a woman. Save I be lost in hell, I shall never know again the bitter pang of that moment. I thought of my country. I saw its splendid capital in ruins, its people surrendered to God's enemies. The rout of wattle. had gone by. I could now hear the heavy tramp of thousands passing me, the shrill voices of terror.

Starting point is 09:00:35 I worked to a sitting posture somehow. The effort nearly smothered me. A massive cavalry was bearing down upon me. They were coming so thick, I saw they would trample me into jelly. In a flash, I thought of what Uncle Ebb had told me once. I took my hat and covered my face quickly, and then uncovered it as they came near. They sheared away as I felt the foam of their nostrils. I had split them as a rock may split the torrent. The last of them went over me, their tails whipping my face. I shall not soon forget the look of their bellies or the smell of their wet flanks.

Starting point is 09:01:20 They had no sooner passed than I fell back and rolled half over like a log. i could feel a warm flow of blood trickling down my left arm a shell shot at the retreating army passed high above me whining as it flew then my mind went free of its trouble the rain brought me to as it came pelting down upon the side of my face i wondered what it might be for i knew not where i had come i lifted my head and looked to see a new dawn possibly the sea city of God itself. It was dark, so dark I felt as if I had no eyes. Away in the distance I could hear the beating of a drum. It rang in a great silence. I have never known the like of it. I could hear the fall and trickle of the rain, but it seemed only to deepen the silence. I felt the wet grass under my face and hands. Then I knew it was. was night and the battlefield where I had fallen. I was alive and might see another day. Thank God.

Starting point is 09:02:35 I felt something move under my feet. I heard a whisper at my shoulder. Thought you were dead long ago, it said. No, no, I answered. I am alive. I know I'm alive. This is the battlefield. Fraid I ain't going to live, he said. got a terrible wound wish it was mornin dark long i asked for hours he answered don't know how many he began to groan and utter short prayers oh my soul waiteth for the lord more than they that watch for the morning i heard him cry in a loud despairing voice then there was a bit of silence in which i could hear him whispering of his home and people presently he began to sing guide me o thou great jehovah pilgrim through this barren land i am weak but thou art mighty his voice broke and trembled and sank into silence i had business of my own to look after perhaps i had no time for my own to look after perhaps i had no time to lose, and I went about it calmly. I had no strength to move and began to feel the nearing of my time.

Starting point is 09:04:05 The rain was falling faster. It chilled me to the marrow as I felt it trickling over my back. I called to the man who lay beside me. Again and again I called to him, but got no answer. Then I knew that he was dead, and I alone. long after that in the far distance I heard a voice calling. It rang like a trumpet in the still air. It grew plainer as I listened. My own name. William Brower?

Starting point is 09:04:39 It was certainly calling to me, and I answered with a feeble cry. In a moment I could hear the tramp of someone coming. He was sitting beside me presently, whoever it might be. i could not see him for the dark his tongue went clucking as if he pitied me who are you i remember asking but got no answer at first i was glad then i began to feel a mighty horror of him in a moment he had picked me up and was making off the jolt of his step seemed to be breaking my arms at the shoulder as i groaned he ran i could see nothing in the darkness but he went ahead never stopping save for a moment now and then to rest i wondered where he was taking me and what it all meant i called again who are you but he seemed not to hear me

Starting point is 09:05:41 my god i whispered to myself this is no man this is death severing the soul from my body the voice was that of the good god then i heard a man hailing near by help help i shouted faintly where are you came the answer now further away can't see you my mysterious bearer was now running my heels were dragging upon the ground my hands were brushing the grass-tops i groaned with pain halt who comes there a picket called then i could hear voices did you hear that noise said one somebody passed me so dark can't see my hand before me darker than hell said another voice it must be a giant i thought who can pick me up and carry me as if i were no bigger than a house cat that was what i was thinking when i swooned from then till i came to myself in the little church at centreville i remember nothing groaning men lay all about me others stood between them with lanterns a woman was bending over me i felt the gentle touch of her hand upon my face and heard her speak to me so tenderly i cannot think of it even now without thanking god for good women i clung to her hand clung with the energy of one drowning while i suffered the merciful torture of the probe the knife and the needle and when it was all over and the lantern lights grew pale in the dawn i fell asleep

Starting point is 09:07:37 but enough of blood and horror war is no holiday my merry people who know not the mighty blessing of peace counting the cost let us have war if necessary but peace peace if possible end of chapter thirty nine recording by roger maline chapter forty of ebbin holden this librivox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline ebbin holden a tale of the north country by irving bachelor chapter forty but now i have better things to write of things that have some relish of good in them i was very weak and low from loss of blood for days and suddenly the tide turned i had one recognition for distinguished gallantry they told me that day they took me to washington i lay three weeks there in the hospital as soon as they heard of my misfortune at home uncle ebb wrote he was coming to see me i stopped him by a telegram assuring him that i was nearly well and would be home shortly my term of enlistment had expired when they let me out a fine day in mid-august i was going home for a visit as sound as any man but in the hoarse talk of faraway i had a little blemish on the left shoulder uncle ebb was to meet me at the jersey city depot before going i with others who had been complimented for bravery went to see the president there were some twenty of us summoned to meet him that day it was warm and the great lincoln sat in his shirt-sleeves at a desk in the middle of his big office he wore a pair of brown carpet slippers the rolling collar and black stock now made so familiar in print his hair was tumbled

Starting point is 09:09:50 he was writing hurriedly when we came in he laid his pen away and turned to us without speaking there was a careworn look upon his solemn face mr president said the general who had come with us here are some of the brave men of our army whom you wish to see he came and shook hands with each and thanked us in the name of the republic for the example of courage and patriotism we and many others had given to the army he had a lean tall ungraceful figure and he spoke his mind without any frill or flourish he said only a few words of good plain talk and was done with us which is brower he inquired presently i came forward more scared than ever i had been before my son he said taking my hand in his why didn't you run didn't dare i answered i knew it was more dangerous to run away than to go forward reminds me of a story said he smiling years ago there was a bully in sangamon county illinois that had the reputation of running faster and fighting harder than any man there everybody thought he was a terrible fighter he'd always get a man on the run then he'd catch up and give him a licking one day he tatted a lame man the lame man licked him in a minute why didn't you run somebody asked the victor didn't dasse said he run once when he tackled me and i've been lame ever since how did you manage to lick em said the other well said he i had to and i'd done it easy that's the way it goes said the immortal president you'd do it easy if you have to

Starting point is 09:11:53 he reminded me in and out of horace greeley although they looked no more alike than a hawk and a hand saw but they had a like habit of forgetting themselves and of saying neither more nor less than they meant they both had the strength of an ox and as little vanity mr greeley used to say that no man could amount to anything who worried much about the fit of his trousers neither of them ever encountered that obstacle early next morning i took a train for home i was in soldier clothes and i had with me no others and all in the car came to talk with me about the now famous battle of bull run the big platform at jersey city was crowded with many people as we got off the train there were other returning soldiers some with crutches some with empty sleeves a band at the further end of the platform was playing and those near me were singing the familiar music john brown's body lies a moldering in the grave somebody shouted my name then there rose a cry of three cheers for brower it's some of the boys of the tribune i thought i could see a number of them in the crowd one brought me a basket of flowers i thought they were trying to have fun with me thank you said i but what is the joke no joke he said it's to honor a hero oh you wish me to give it to somebody i was warming with embarrassment we wish you to keep it he answered in accounts of the battle i had seen some notice of my leading a charge but my fame had gone farther much farther indeed than i knew

Starting point is 09:13:45 i stood a moment laughing an odd sort of laugh it was that had in it the salt of tears and waving my hand to the many who were now calling my name in the uproar of cheers and the uproar of cheers and waving of cheers and waving of handkerchiefs i could not find uncle ebb for a moment moment when i saw him in the breaking crowd he was cheering lustily and waving his hat above his head his enthusiasm increased when i stood before him as i was greeting him i heard a lively rustle of skirts two dainty gloved hands laid hold of mine a sweet voice spoke my name there beside me stood the tall erect figure of hope our eyes met and before Before there was any thinking of propriety, I had her in my arms and was kissing her, and she was kissing me. It thrilled me to see the splendor of her beauty that day. Her eyes wet with feelings, as they looked up at me, to feel again the trembling touch of her lips.

Starting point is 09:14:50 In a moment I turned to Uncle Ebb. "'Boy!' he said. "'I thought you—' And then he stopped and began brushing his coat-sleeve. come on now he added as he took my grip away from me we're gonna have a grand good time i'll take you all to a splendid tavern somewhere and i ain't gonna count the cost neither he was determined to carry my grip for me hope had a friend with her who was going north in the morning on our boat we crossed the ferry and took a broadway omnibus while quarry followed quarry makes me feel like a flapjack to ridein them things said uncle ebb as we got out he hired a parlor and two bedrooms for us all at the st nicholas pretty midland steep he said to me as we left the office it is certain but i don't care not a bit when folks has to have a good time they've got to have it

Starting point is 09:15:57 we were soon seated in our little parlor there was a great glow of health and beauty in hope's face it was a bit fuller but had nobler outlines and a coloring as delicate as ever she wore a plain gray gown admirably fitted to her plump figure there was a new and splendid dignity in her carriage her big blue eyes her nose with its little upward slant she was now the well-groomed young woman of society in the full glory of her youth uncle ebb who sat between us pinched her cheek playfully a little spot of white showed a moment where his fingers had been then the pink flooded over it never see a girl such a smack as you did he said laughing well said she smiling i guess i gave as good as i got served him right he said you kissed back good and hard grand sport he added turning to me best i ever had was my humble acknowledgment seldom ever see a girl kissed so powerful he said as he took hope's hand in his now if the bible said when a body kissed you on one cheek you must turn the other i wouldn't find no fault but there's a heap of difference between a whack and a smack when we had come back from dinner uncle ebb drew off his boots and sat comfortably in his stocking feet while hope told of her travels and i of my soldiering she had been at the conservatory nearly the whole period of her absence and hastened home when she learned of the battle and of my wound she had landed two days before hope's friend and uncle ebb went away to their rooms in good season then i came and sat beside hope on the sofa

Starting point is 09:17:59 let's have a good talk i said there was an awkward bit of silence well said she her fan upon her lips tell me more about the war tired of war i answered love is a better subject she rose and walked up and down the room a troubled look in her face i thought i had never seen a woman who could carry her head so proudly i don't think you are very familiar with it said she presently i ought to be i answered having loved you all these years but you told me that-that you loved another girl she said her elbow leaning on the mantel her eyes looking down soberly when where i asked in mrs fuller's parlour hope i said you misunderstood me i meant you she came toward me then looking up into my eyes i started to embrace her but she caught my hands and held them apart and came close to me did you say that you meant me she asked in a whisper i did why did you not tell me that you not tell me that night because you would not tell me that night because you would not listen to me and we were interrupted well if i loved a girl she said i'd make her listen i would have done that but mrs fuller saved you you might have written she suggested in a tone of injury i did and the letter never came just as i feared she looked very sober and thoughtful then you know our understanding

Starting point is 09:20:00 standing that day in the garden, she added. If you did not ask me again, I was to know you, you did not love me any longer. That was long, long ago. I never loved any girl but you, I said. I love you now, Hope, and that is enough. I love you, so there is nothing else for me. You are dearer than my life. It was the thought of you that made me brave in battle. I wish I could be as brave here but i demand your surrender i shall give you no quarter now i wish i knew she said whether whether you really love me or not don't you believe me hope yes i believe you she said but but you might not know your own heart it longs for you i said it keeps me thinking of you always once it was so easy to be happy since you have been away it has seemed as if there were no longer any light in the world or any pleasure it has made me a slave i did not know that love was such a mighty thing love is no cupid he is a giant she said her voice trembling with emotion as mine had trembled i tried to forget and he crushed me under his feet as if to punish me

Starting point is 09:21:30 she was near to crying now but she shut her lips firmly and kept back the tears god grant me i may never forget the look in her eyes that moment she came closer to me our lips touched my arms held her tightly i have waited long for this i said the happiest moment of my life i thought i had lost you what a foolish man she whispered i have loved you for years and years and you-you could not see it i believe now she hesitated a moment her eyes so close to my cheek i could feel the beat of their long lashes that god made you for me she added love is god's helper i said he made us for each other i thank him for it i do love you so she whispered the rest is the old old story they that have not lived it are to be pitied when we sat down at length she told me what i had long suspected that mrs fuller wished her to marry young livingstone but for uncle ebb she added i think i should have done so for i had given up all hope of you good old uncle ebb i said let's go and tell him he was sound asleep when we entered his room but woke as i lit the gas what's the matter he whispered lifting his head congratulate us i said we're engaged have you conquered her he inquired smiling love has conquered us both i said

Starting point is 09:23:26 well i swan is that so he answered guess i won't fool away any more time here in bed if you children'll go into the other room i'll slip into my trousers and then you'll hear me talk some conversation beats the world he continued coming in presently buttoning his suspenders i thought most likely you'd hitch up together some time tain't often ye can find a pair so well matched the same style and gaited just about alike when you're goin to get married she hasn't named the day i said sooner the better said uncle ebb as he drew on his coat and sat down used to be so when a young couple had set up and held each other's hands a few nights they was ready for the minister wished you could fix it for about christmas time by jingo these other things goin to happen then suppose you're happy now you can stand a little bad news i've got to tell you david's been losing money hain't ever wrote you about it not a word cause i didn't know how twas comin out how did he lose it i inquired well you know that ow barker runs a hardware store in migleville he sold him a patent right figured and argued and argued night and day for more than three weeks. It was a newfangled wash boiler. David, he thought he'd see a chance if put out agents and make a great deal of money. It did look just as easy as sliding downhill, but when we

Starting point is 09:25:11 come slide, well, we found out he was at the bottom of the hill, stood at the top, and it wasn't real good sliding. He paid five thousand dollars for the right of ten counties. Then buy him by, Barker, he wanted him to go security for fifteen hundred boilers that he was having made. I told David he hadn't better go in deeper, but Barker, he promised big things, and seemed to be such a nice man, that finally David he up and done it. Well, he's had him to pay for, and the fact is it costs so much to sell him, it eats up all the profits. Looks like a swindle, I said.

Starting point is 09:25:56 indignantly. "'No,' said Uncle Ebb. "'Tain't no swindle. Barker thought he had a grand good thing. He got fooled, and the fool complaint is very catching. Got it myself years ago, and I've been doctorin' for it ever since.' The story of David's undoing hurt us sorely. He had gone the way of most men who left the farm late in life with unsatisfied ambition.

Starting point is 09:26:26 they shall never want for anything so long as i have my health i said i have four hundred dollars in the bank said hope and shall give them every cent of it tain't nothin to worry over said uncle ebb if i don't never lose more'n a little money i shan't feel terrible bad we're all young yet got more'n a million dollars worth a good health right here in this room so well I'm shamed of it. Man's more decent if he's a little bit sickly. And that there girl, Bill's agreed to marry you. Why, d'rother have her in this whole city in New York? So had I, was my answer. Well, you ain't no luckier than she is, not a bit, he added. A good man's better in a gold mine every time. Who knows, said Hope. He made. He made a man. He made a good man's better, said hope he may be president some day there's one thing i hate uncle ebb continued that's the idea havin the woodshed and barn and garret full of them infernal wash-boilers you can't take no decent care of a huss there in the stable they're so piled up one of em tumbled down top o me t'other twoulda been a panthered twoulda bein't me so mad i took a club an knock that boiler into a cocked hat

Starting point is 09:27:55 tain't right i'm sick o the sight of em they'll make a good bonfire some day said hope don't believe they'd burn he answered sorrowfully their tin couldn't we bury them i suggested be a pretty costly funeral he answered thoughtfully you'd have to dig a hole deeper in tupper's dingle couldn't you give them away i inquired wow said he helping himself to a chew of tobacco we've tried that giving em to everybody we know but there ain't folks enough there such a slew of them boilers we could give one to every man woman and child and far away and have enough left to fill an acre lot dan perry drove in t'other day with a double buggy we gidd'n him one for his own family it was heavy to carry and he didn't seem to like the looks of it some way then i asked him if he wouldn't like one for his girl she ain't married says he she will be some time says i take it along so he put in another you've got a sister over on the turnpike hain't ye says i yes says he well i says don't want to have her feel slighted she won't know bout my havin em says he lookin as if he'd had enough yes she will i says she'll hear of it an mebbe make a fuss then we piled in another look here i says after that there's your brother bill up there above you take one along for him no says he i don't tell everybody but bill and i ain't on good terms we ain't spoke for more'n a year

Starting point is 09:29:55 knew he was lying uncle ebb added with a laugh i'd seen him talking with bill a day or two before whew he whistled as he looked at his big silver watch i declare it's most one o'clock there's just one other piece of business to come before this meeting double or single want you both promise me to be home for christmas we promised now children said he's time to go to bed believe you'd stand there swapping kisses till you was knee sprung if i didn't tell you to quit hope came and put her arms about his neck fondly and kissed him good-night did bill prance ride up like a man he asked his hand upon her shoulder did very well said she smiling for a man with a wooden leg uncle ebb sank into a chair laughing heartily and pounding his knee it seemed he had told her i was coming home with a wooden leg that is the reason i held your arm she said i was expecting to hear it squeak every moment as we had told her i was coming home with a wooden leg that is the reason i held your arm she said i was expecting to hear it squeak every moment as we left the depot but when i saw that you walked so naturally i knew uncle ebb had been trying to fool me pretty good sort of a lover ain't he said he after we were done laughing he wouldn't take no for an answer she answered he was always a gritty cuss said uncle ebb wiping his eyes with the big red handkerchief as he rose to go.

Starting point is 09:31:38 "'You'd ought to be mighty happy, and you will, too. There ain't no doubt of it, not a bit. Trouble with most young folks is they want to fly too high these days. If they'd only fly close enough to the ground so they could always touch one foot, they'd be all right. Glad ye ain't that kind. We were off early on the boat, as fine a summer morning as ever dawn, What with the grandeur of the scenery and the sublimity of our happiness, it was a delightful journey we had that day.

Starting point is 09:32:14 I felt the peace and beauty of the fields, the majesty of the mirrored cliffs and mountains, but the fair face of her I loved was enough for me. Most of the day Uncle Ebb sat near us, and I remember a woman evangelist came in and took a seat beside him a while, talking volubly of the scene. my friend said she presently are you a christian for i answer i'll have to tell you story said uncle ebb i recollect a man by the name of ranny over in vermont he was a pious man got into an argument and a feller slapped him in the face ranny turned t'other side and then t'other and the feller kept a slapin hot and heavy it was jest like strapping a-ha-ha-ha-ha-it was just like strapping a-raiser for half a minute. Then Ranny sailed in, giving him the worst lickin' he ever had. "'I declare,' says another man, after t'was all over,

Starting point is 09:33:16 "'I thought you was a Christian.' "'Am, up to a certain point,' says he. "'Can't go too far, not in these parts. Men are too powerful. "'T'n't do unless you want to die sudden. When he'd begun pounding of me, I see I wasn't exactly prepared. Freed us a good deal that way with most of us. We're Christians up to a certain point. For one thing, I think if a man stands still

Starting point is 09:33:46 and see himself knocked into the next world, he's a little too good for this. The good lady began to preach and argue. For an hour, Uncle Ebb sat listening, unable to get in a word. When at last she left him he came to us a look of relief in his face. "'I believe,' said he,

Starting point is 09:34:09 "'if Balam's ass had been rowed by a woman, "'he never'd have spoke.' "'Why not?' I inquired. "'Never have had a chance,' Uncle Eb added. "'We were two weeks at home with Mother and Father and Uncle Eb. "'It was a delightful season of rest, "'in which Hope and I went over the sloping roads of far away, and walked in the fields and saw the harvesting.

Starting point is 09:34:38 She had appointed Christmas Day for our wedding, and I was not to go again to the war, for now my first duty was to my own people. If God prospered me, they were all to come to live with us in town, and, though slow to promise, I could see it gave them comfort to know we were to be for them ever a staff and refuge.

Starting point is 09:35:01 And the evening before we came back to town, jed feary was with us and uncle ebb played his flute and sang the songs that had been the delight of our childhood the old poet read these lines written in memory of old times in faraway and of hope's girlhood the red was in the clover and the blue was in the sky there was music in the meadow there was dancing in the rye and i heard a voice a callin to the flocks of faraway and its echo in the wooded hills good day good day good day oh fair was she my lady love and lithe as the willow-tree and i my heart remembers well her parting words to me and i was sad as a beggar man but she was blithe and gay and i think o her as i call the flocks good-day good-day good-day her cheeks they stole the dovers red her lips the odoured air and the glist of the morning sunlight she took away in her hair her voice had the meadow music her form in her laughing eye have taken the blue of the heavens and the grace of the bending rye my love has robbed the summer day the field the sky the dell she has taken their treasures with her she has taken my heart as well and if ever in the further fields her feet should go astray may she hear the the good God calling her. Good day, good day, good day.

Starting point is 09:36:42 End of Chapter 40. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 41 of Eben Holden. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline. Eben Holden, a tale of the North Country by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 41. I got a warm welcome on Monkey Hill.

Starting point is 09:37:14 John Trumbull came to dine with us at the chalet, the evening of my arrival. McGlingon had become editor-in-chief of a new daily newspaper. Since the war began, Mr. Force had found ample and remunerative occupation, writing the obituaries of distinguished persons. He sat between Trumbull and McGlingon at table, and told again of the time he had introduced the late Daniel Webster to the people of his native town. reciting a passage of the immortal senator he tipped his beer into the lap of mcclingon he ceased talking and sought pardon it is nothing force nothing said the scotchman with great dignity as he wiped his coat and trousers you will pardon me if i say that i had rather be drenched in beer than soaked in recollections that's all right said mr opper handing him a new napkin yes in the midst of such affliction i should call it excellent fun mcclingon added if you ever die force i will preach the sermon without charge on what text the obituary editor inquired there remaineth therefore a rest for the people of god quoth mcclingon solemnly hebrews fourth chapter ninth verse if i continue to live with you i shall need it

Starting point is 09:38:43 said force and if i endure to the end said mcclingon i shall have excellent christian discipline i shall feel like opening my mouth and making a loud noise mcclingen changed his garments and then came into my room and sat with us awhile after dinner one needs ear lappers and a rubber coat at that table said he and a chest protector i suggested remembering the finger of force "'I shall be leaving here soon, Brower,' said Maclingon, as he lit a cigar. "'Where shall you go?' I asked. "'To my own house.' "'Going to hire a housekeeper?' "'Going to marry one,' said he. "'That's funny,' I said.

Starting point is 09:39:36 "'We're all to be married, every man of us.' "'By Jove!' said McClainon. "'This is a time.' for congratulations. God save us and grant for us all the best woman in the world. End of Chapter 41. Recording by Roger Maline. Chapter 42 of Eben Holden. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Roger Maline.

Starting point is 09:40:12 Eben Holden, A Tale of the North Country, by Irving Bachelor. Chapter 42. For every man he knew and loved, Mr. Greeley had a kindness that filled him to the fingertips. When I returned, he smote me on the breast, an unfailing mark of his favor, and doubled my salary. If he ever smite you on the breast, McClingon had once said to me, turn the other side, for man, your fortune is made.

Starting point is 09:40:45 And there was some truth in the warning. He was writing when I came in. A woman sat beside him talking. an immense ham lay on the marble top of the steam radiator a basket of eggs sat on the floor near mr greely's desk all sorts of merchandise were sent to the tribune those days for notice and sold at auction to members of the staff by mr dana yes yes madame go on i hear you said the great editor as his pen flew across the white page she asked him then for a loan of money he continued writing but presently his left hand dove into his trousers pocket coming up full of bills take what you want said he holding it toward her and please go for i am very busy whereupon she helped herself liberally and went away seeing me mr greeley came and shook my hand warmly and praised me for a good soldier going down town he said in a moment drying on his big white overcoat walk along with me won't you we crossed the park he leading me with long strides as we walked he told how he had been suffering from brain fever passing st paul's churchyard he brushed the iron picket

Starting point is 09:42:12 with his hand as if to try the feel of them many turned to stare at him curiously he asked me soon if i would care to do a certain thing for the tribune stopping to looking at a shop window as i answered him i waited while he did his errand at a broadway shop then we came back to the office the publisher was in mr greely's room where's my ham dave said the editor as he looked at the slab of marble where the ham had lain don't know for sure said the publisher it's probably up at the house of the editor by this time what did you go and give it to him for drawled mr greeley in a tone of irreparable injury i wanted that ham for myself i didn't give it to him said the publisher he came and helped himself said he supposed it was sent in for notice the infernal thief mr greeley piped with a violent gesture i'll swear if i didn't keep my shirt button tight they'd have that too the ham was a serious obstacle in the way of my business and it went over until evening but that and like incidents made me to know the man as i have never seen him pictured a boy grown old and gray pushing the power of manhood with the ardors of youth i resumed work on the tribune that week my first assignment was a mass meeting in a big temporary structure then called a wigwam over in brookland my political life began that day and all by an odd chance the wigwaxe

Starting point is 09:44:02 the wigwam was crowded to the doors the audience had been waiting half an hour for the speaker the chairman had been doing his best to kill time but had run out of ammunition he had sat down to wait an awkward silence had begun the crowd was stamping and whistling and clapping with impatience as i walked down the center aisle to the reporter's table they seemed to mistake me for the speaker instantly a great uproar began it grew louder every step i took i began to wonder and then to fear the truth as i neared the stage the chairman came forward beckoning to me i went to the flight of steps leading up to that higher level of distinguished citizens and halted not knowing just what to do he came and leaned over and whispered down at me i remember he was red in the face and damp with perspiration. What is your name? he inquired. Brower, said I in a whisper. A look of relief came into his face,

Starting point is 09:45:15 and I am sure a look of anxiety came into mind. He had taken the center of the stage before I could stop him. Ladies and gentlemen, said he, I am glad to inform you that General Brower has at last arrived. i remembered then there was a general brower in the army who was also a power in politics in the storm of applause that followed this announcement i beckoned him to the edge of the platform again i was nearer a condition of mental panic than i have ever known since that day i am not general brower i whispered what said he in amazement

Starting point is 09:46:00 i am not general brower i said great heavens he whispered covering his mouth with his hand and looking very thoughtful you'll have to make a speech anyway there's no escape i could see no way out of it and after a moment's hesitation ascended the platform took off my overcoat and made a speech fortunately the issue was one with which i had been long familiar i told them how i had been trapped the story put the audience in good humor and they helped me along with very generous applause and so began my career in politics which has brought me more honor than i deserved although i know it has not been wholly without value to my country it enabled me to repay in part the kindness of my former chief at a time when he was sadly in need of friends i remember meeting him in washington a day of that exciting campaign of seventy-two i was then in congress i thank you for what you have done brower said he but i tell you i am licked i shall not carry a single state i am going to be slaughtered he had read his fate and better than he knew in politics he was a great profit end of chapter forty two recording by roger maline chapter forty three of ebbin holden this libravox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline ebbin holden a tale of the north country by irving bachelor chapter forty three the north country lay buried in the snow that christmas time here and there the steam plough had thrown its furrows on either

Starting point is 09:48:08 side of the railroad high above the window line the fences were muffled in long ridges of snow their stakes showing like pins in a cushion of white velvet some of the small trees on the edge of the big timber stood overdrifted to their boughs i have never seen such a glory of the morning as when the sun came up that day we were nearing home and lit the splendor of the hills there in the land i love the frosty nap of the snow glowed far and near with pulsing glints of pale sapphire we came into hillsborough at noon the day before christmas father and uncle ebb met us at the depot and mother stood waving her handkerchief at the door as we drove up and when we were done with our greetings and were standing damp-eyed to warm ourselves at the fire uncle ebb brought his palms together with a loud whack and said look here lizabeth brower i want to have you tell me if you ever see a likelier pair of coals she laughed as she looked at us in a moment she ran her hand down the side of hope's gown then she lifted a fold of the cloth and felt of it thoughtfully how much was that a yard she asked a dreamy look in her eyes why why she continued as hope told her the sum terrible steep but it does fit splendid oughta wear well too wish you'd put that on if you go to church next sunday oh mother said hope laughing i'll wear my blue silk

Starting point is 09:49:59 come boys and girls said elizabeth suddenly dinner's already in the other room beats the world said uncle ebb as we sat down at the table ye do look grand to me remarkable grand both of you take a premium in any fare you would certain has he won your affections said david laughing as he looked over at hope he has said she solemnly affections are a singular kind of property said uncle ebb ain't good for nothin till you've given em away then like as not they get very valuable good deal that way with money too said elizabeth brower i recollect when hope was a little bit of a girl said uncle ebb she used to say it when she got married She was going to have her husband rub my back for me when it was lame. I haven't forgotten it, said Hope, and if you will all come, you will make us happier. Good many mouths to feed, Uncle Eb remarked.

Starting point is 09:51:17 I could take in sewing and help some, said Elizabeth Brower, as she sipped her tea. There was a little quiver in David's underlip as he looked over at her. you ain't able to do hard work any more mother said he she won't never have to neither said uncle ebb don't never pay to go lookin for trouble it's too easy to find there ain't no such thing's trouble in this world lest you look for it happiness won't have nothin to do with a man that likes trouble minute a man stops looking for trouble happiness'll look for him things come pretty nice ye like em here in this world hot or cold or only midland you can neither laugh or cry or fight or fish or go to meetin if you don't like every one you can find fault i'm on the lookout for happiness suits me best some way and don't hurt my feelings a bit every day's a kind of a circus day with you holdin said david brower always havin a good time you can have more fun with yourself than any man i ever see if i have as much hereafter as i've had here i ain't a goin to find no fault said uncle ebb's a real splendid world god's fixed it up so everybody can have a good time if they'll only have it once i heard of a poor man it had a bushel o corn give to em he looked up kind of sad and asked if they wouldn't please shell it then they took it away

Starting point is 09:53:02 god's given us happiness in the ear but he ain't a-goin to shell it for us you and lisabeth oughta be very happy look at them two children there came a rap at the door then david put on his cap and went out with uncle ebb it's somebody for more money elizabeth whispered her eyes filling i know tis or he would have asked him in we're goin to lose our home her lips quivered she covered her eyes a moment david ain't well she continued worries night and day over money matters. Don't say much, but I can see it's always on his mind. Woke up in the middle of the night a while ago. Found him sitting by the stove. Mother, he said, we can't never go back to farming. I've plowed furrows enough to go around the world. Couldn't never go through it again. Well, said I, if you think best, we could start over see how we get along. I'm willing to try it.

Starting point is 09:54:14 "'No, we're too old,' he says. "'That's out of the question. "'I've been thinking what'll we do there with Bill and Hope "'if we go to live with them. "'Don't suppose they'll have any husses to take care of "'or any wood to chop. "'What we'll have to do is more than I can make out. "'We can't do nothing.

Starting point is 09:54:37 "'We've never learned how. "'We've thought that all over,' I said. "'We may have a place in the country with a big garden. "'Well,' said she, "'I'm very well, if I am over sixty. "'I can cook and wash and mend and iron "'just as well as I ever could.'

Starting point is 09:55:00 "'Uncle Ebb came to the door then. "'Bill,' he said, "'I want you and hope to come out here "'and look at this young colt of mine. "'He's playful as a kitten.' "'We put on our wraps, and when to the stable. Uncle Eb was there alone. "'If you brought any Christmas presents,' he whispered,

Starting point is 09:55:23 slip him into my hands. "'I'm going to run the circus tomorrow, and if we don't have fun a plenty, I'll miss my guess.' "'I'll lay them out in my room,' said Hope. "'Be sure and put the names on them,' Uncle Eb whispered, as Hope went away. "'What have you done with the boilers?' i inquired sold em said he laughing barker never kept his promise heard they'd gone over to the burg and was trying to sell more territory

Starting point is 09:55:58 i says to dave you let me manage em and i'll put em out of business here in this part of the country so i rid out an advertisement for the paper read about this way for sale twelve hundred patented suction wash boilers any one a can't stand prosperity and is learning to swear will find em a great help if he don't he's a bigger foolin i am nothin in em but tin that's worth somethin warranted to hold water well you know how that editor talks tweren't a day before the head man of the boiler business came and bought em and the advertisement was never put in guess he wasn't hankering to have his business ter'n't a day before the head man of the boiler business came and bought him and the advertisement was never put in guess he wasn't hankering to have his business spilt. Uncle Ebb was not at the supper table that evening. "'Where's Holden?' said Elizabeth Brower. "'Don't know,' said David. "'Going after Santa Claus, he told me.' "'Never see the beat of that man,' was the remark of Elizabeth, as she poured the tea.

Starting point is 09:57:10 "'Just like a boy, every Christmas time. "'Been so excited for a week, couldn't hardly contain himself. catched him out in the barn the other day laughing like a fool said david thought he was crazy we sat by the fire after the supper dishes were put away talking of all the christmas days we could remember hope and i thought our last and far away best of all and no wonder for we had got then the first promise of the great gift that now made us happy elizabeth sitting in her easy-chair told us of christmas in the olden time when her father had gone to the war with the british david sat near me his face in the firelight the broad brow wrinkled into furrows and framed in locks of iron gray he was looking thoughtfully at the fire uncle ebb came soon stamping and shaking the snow out of his great fur coat cold night he said warming his hands then he was carried his coat and cap away, returning shortly with the little box in his hand. "'Just thought I'd buy this for fun,' said he, holding it down to the firelight.

Starting point is 09:58:32 "'Dumbed if I ever saw the like of it! Whoa!' he shouted as the cover flew open, releasing a jumping jack. "'Quicker in a grasshopper!' "'You ever see such a sassy little critter?' then he handed it to elizabeth wish ye merry christmas dave brower said he ain't as merry as i might be said david know what's the matter with you said uncle ebb searching after trouble that's what you're doin finding lots of it right there in the fire trouble is goin to get mighty scarce around here this very self-same night ain't goin to be nobody lookin for it that's why for years you've been takin care o somebody and i'll take care o you long as you live certain sure folks they said you was fools when you're you took em in man said i was a fool once always had a pretty fair idea of myself since then when some folks call you a fool so rather good sign you ain't you've waited a long time for your pay ain't much longer to wait now

Starting point is 09:59:49 there was a little quaver in his voice we all looked at him in silence uncle ebb drew out his wallet with trembled hands, his fine old face lit with a deep emotion. David looked up at him as he wondered what joke was coming until he saw his excitement. Here's twenty thousand dollars, said Uncle Ebb. A real genuine bank check. Just as good as gold. Here tis. A Christmas present for you and Elizabeth. And may God bless you both. David looked up incredulously. Then he took the bit of paper. A big tear rolled down his cheek. Why, Holden, what does this mean? he asked.

Starting point is 10:00:43 At the Lord pays his debts, said Uncle Eb. Read it. Hope had lighted the lamp. David rose and put on his spectacles. One eyebrow had lifted a-up. above the level of the other. He held the check to the lamplight. Elizabeth stood at his elbow. "'Why, mother!' said he. "'Is this from our boy? From Nehemiah? Why, Nehemiah is dead,' he added, looking over his spectacles at Uncle Ebb. "'Neumaya is not dead,' said the latter.

Starting point is 10:01:25 "'Neumaya not dead,' he repeated, looking down. at the draft they turned it in the light reading over and over again the happy tidings pinned to one corner of it then they looked into each other's eyes elizabeth put her arms about david's neck and laid her head upon his shoulder and not one of us dare trust himself to speak for a little uncle ebb broke the silence got another present he said it's a good deal better in gold or silver. A tall, bearded man came in. Mr. Trumbull, Hope exclaimed, rising.

Starting point is 10:02:08 David and Elizabeth Brower, said Uncle Ebb. The dead has come to life. I give you back your son, Nehemiah. Then he swung his cap high above his head, shouting in a loud voice, Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! that followed I shall not try to picture. It was so full of happiness that every day of our lives since then has been blessed with it, and with a peace that has lightened every sorrow. Of it, I can truly say that it passeth all understanding. Look here, folks, said Uncle Ebb after a while, as he got his flute.

Starting point is 10:02:54 My feelings have been touched hard. If I don't have some jolification, I'll bust. bill brower limber up your leather a little bit end of chapter forty three recording by roger maline chapter forty four of ebbin holden this librivox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline ebbin holden a tale of the north country by irving bachelor chapter forty four neomiah whom i had known as john trumbull sat a long time between his father and mother holding a hand of each and talking in a low tone while hope and i were in the kitchen with uncle ebb now that father and son were side by side we saw how like they were and wondered we had never guessed the truth do you remember said nehemiah when we returned do you remember when you were a little boy coming one night to the old log house on bowman's hill with uncle ebb i remember it very well i answered that was the first time i ever saw you he said why you are not the night man i was the night man he answered i stared i stared at it-a'-man he answered i stared at it and with something of the old familiar thrill that had always come at the mention of him years

Starting point is 10:04:33 agone. He's grown a little since then, said Uncle Ebb. I thought so the night I carried him off the field at Bull Run, said Nehemiah. Was that you? I asked eagerly. It was, he answered. I came over from Washington that afternoon. Your colonel told me you had done. been wounded. Wondered who you were, but I could not get you to answer.

Starting point is 10:05:06 I have to thank you for my life. Hope put her arms about his neck and kissed him. Tell us, said she, how you came to be the nightman. He folded his arms and looked down and began his story. Years ago, I had a great misfortune. I was a mere boy at the time. I was a mere boy at the By accident I killed another boy in play. It was an old gun we were playing with, and nobody knew it was loaded. I had often quarreled with the other boy, that is why they thought I had done it on purpose. There was a dance that night. I had got up in the evening, crawled out of the window, and stolen away. We were in Rickard's stable. I remember how the people ran out with lanterns. They would have hung me, some of them, or given me the blue beach, if a boyfriend had not hurried me away. It was a terrible hour. I was stunned. I could say nothing. They drove me to the burg, the boy's father, chasing us. I got over into Canada, walked to Montreal, and there went to sea.

Starting point is 10:06:23 It was foolish, I know, but I was only a boy of fifteen. I took another name. i began a new life neomiah brower was like one dead in friscoe i saw ben gilman he had been a schoolmaid in far away he put his hand on my shoulder and called me the old name it was hard to deny it the hardest thing i ever did i was homesick i wanted to ask him about my mother and father and my sister who was a baby when i left i would have given my life to talk with him but i shook my head no i said my name is not brower you are mistaken then i walked away and neme brower stayed in his grave well two years later we were cruising from sydney to van deemons land one night there came a big storm a shipmate was washed away in the dark we never saw him again they found a letter in his box that said his real name was nehemiah brower son of david brower of faraway new york u s a i put it there of course and the captain wrote a letter to my father about the death of his son my old self was near done for and the man trumbull had a new lease of life you see in my madness i had convicted and executed myself

Starting point is 10:07:58 he paused a moment his mother put her hand upon his shoulder with the word of gentle sympathy then he went on well six years after i had gone away one evening in midsummer we came into the harbor of quebec i had been long in the southern seas when i went ashore on a day's leave and wandered off in the fields and got the smell of the north i went out of my head went crazy for a look at the hills afaraway and my own people nothing could stop me then i drew my pay packed my things in a bag and off i went left the berg afoot the day after got to faraway in the evening it was beautiful the scent of the new hay that stood in cocks and rose on the hill the noise of the crickets the smell of the grain the old house just as i remember them, just as I had dreamed of them a thousand times. And when I went by the gate, Boney, my old dog, came out and barked at me, and I spoke to him, and he knew me, and came and licked my hands, rubbing upon my leg.

Starting point is 10:09:15 I sat down with him there by the stone wall, and the kiss of that old dog, the first token of love I had known for years, called back the dead and all that had been his. I put my arms about his neck and was near crying out with joy. Then I stole up to the house and looked in at a window. There sat father at a table, reading his paper, and a little girl was on her knees by mother saying her prayers. He stopped a moment, covering his eyes with his handkerchief.

Starting point is 10:09:52 "'That was hope,' I whispered. that was hope he went on all the king's oxen could not have dragged me out of far away then late at night i went off into the woods the old dog followed to stay with me until he died if it had not been for him i should have been hopeless i had with me enough to eat for a time we found a cave in a big ledge over back of bull pond its mouth was covered with me to eat for a time we found a cave in a big ledge over back of bull pond its mouth was covered with briars it had a big room and a stream of cold water trickling through a crevice i made it my home and a fine place it was cool in summer and warm in winter i caught a cub panther that fall and a baby coon they grew up with me there and were the only friends i had after bony except uncle ebb uncle ebb i exclaimed you know how i met him he continued well he won my confidence i told him my history i came into the clearing almost every night met him often he tried to persuade me to come back to my people but i could not do it i was insane i feared something i did not know what sometimes i doubted even my own identity many a summer night i sat talking for hours with uncle ebb at the foot of lone pine oh he was like a father to me god knows what i should have done without him

Starting point is 10:11:35 well i stuck to my life or rather to my death out there in the woods getting fish out of the brooks and game out of the forest and milk out of the cows in the pasture sometimes i went through the woods to the store at tifton for flour and pork one night uncle ebb told me if i would go out among men to try my hand at some sort of business he would start me with a thousand dollars well i did it i had also a hundred dollars of my own i came through the woods afoot bought fashionable clothing at eutica and came to the big city you know the rest among men my fear has left me so i wonder at it i am a debtor to love the love of uncle ebb and that of a noble woman i shall soon marry it has made me whole and brought me back to my own people and everybody knew he was innocent the day after he left said david three cheers for uncle ebb i demanded and we gave them i declare said he in all my born days never see such fun it's tremenges i tell ye then that takes care of others'll be took care of lest they do it a purpose and when the rest of us had gone to bed uncle ebb sat awhile by the fire with david late at night he came upstairs with his candle he came over to my bed on tiptoe he came over to my bed on tiptoe to see if I were awake, holding the candle above my head.

Starting point is 10:13:25 I was worn out and did not open my eyes. He sat down, snickering. Tell you one thing, Dave Brower, he whispered to himself as he drew off his boots. When some folks call you a fool, it's a pretty good sign you ain't. End of Chapter 44. Recording by Roger Maline.

Starting point is 10:13:56 Chapter 45 of Eben Holden. this librivox recording is in the public domain recording by roger maline ebbin holden a tale of the north country by irving bachelor chapter forty five since that day i have seen much coming and going we are now the old folks margaret and nehemiah and hope and i those others with their rugged strength their simple ways their undying youth are of the past. The young folks, they are a new kind of people. It gives us comfort to think they will never have to sing in choirs or pound the rock for board money, but I know it is the worst luck for them.

Starting point is 10:14:50 They are a fine lot of young men and women, comely and well-mannered, but they will not be the pathfinders of the future. What with balls and dinners and quills, clubs and theatres they find too great a solace in the rear rank nearly twenty years after that memorable christmas coming from buffalo to new york one summer morning my thoughts went astray in the north country the familiar faces the old scenes came trooping by and that very day i saw the sun set in hillsborough as i had often those late years mother was living in the old home alone with a daughter of grandma bisnet it was her wish to live and die under that roof she cooked me a fine supper with her own hands and a great anxiety to please me come willie said she as if i were a small boy again you fill the wood box and i'll get supper ready lucindy you clear out

Starting point is 10:15:58 she said to the hired girl good-naturedly you dunno how to cook for him i filled the wood-box and brought a pail of water and while she was frying the ham and eggs read to her part of a speech i had made in congress before thousands i had never felt more elation at last i was sure of winning her applause the little bent figure stood thoughtfully turning the ham and eggs she put the spider aside to stand near me her hands upon her hips there was a mighty pride in her face when i had finished i rose and she went and looked out of the window grand she murmured wiping her eyes with the corner of her handkerchief glad you like it i said with great satisfaction oh the speech she answered her elbow resting on the window sash her hand supporting her head i liked it very well but-but i was thinking of the sunset how beautiful it is i was weary after my day of travel and went early to bed there in my old room i left her finishing a pair of socks she had been knitting for me lying in bed i could hear the creak of her chair and the low sung familiar words on the other side of jordan in the sweet fields of eden where the tree of life is blooming there is rest for you late at night she came into my room with a candle i heard her come softly to the bed where she stood a moment leaning over me then she drew the quilt about my shoulder with a gentle hand poor little orphan said she in a whisper that trembled

Starting point is 10:17:59 she was thinking of my childhood of her own happier days then she went away and i heard in the silence a ripple of measureless waters next morning i took flowers and strewed them on the graves of david and uncle ebb there hope and i go often to sit for half a summer day above those perished forms and think of the old time and of those last words of my venerable friend now graven on his tombstone i ain't afraid shamed a nothin i ever done i always kept my tugs tight never swore lest was necessary never catched a fish bigger an it was or lied in a huss trade or shed a tear i'd e'er i'd e'n't didn't have to. Never cheated anybody, but Eben Holden. Going off somewheres. Bill to know the way, another to know if it was east or west or north or south, or road or trail. But I ain't afraid. End of Chapter 45.

Starting point is 10:19:13 End of Eben Holden, a tale of the North Country, by Irving Bachelor.

Classic Audiobook Collection - Eben Holden by Irving Bacheller ~ Full Audiobook [family]

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