Oblivion; An Episode (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1885. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIV. THE SONG OF NORMANDY THE supper-tables--long, heavy planks laid on rough trestles and covered with sheets--were spread in an outer shed-room which had been cleared of everything except the big loom, with its top hamper of strings and sticks and party-colored threads; and even that was utilized, for Coon had nailed bits of shingles against the posts to form brackets for guttering tallow candles stuck in bottles. In one corner stood a barrel on which were placed two demijohns, flanked by glasses and tin cups, over which impromptu bar Coon Thrasher presided and dispensed hospitality. Towards the group which surrounded this particular spot Murray deftly made his way, slipping through the crowd with accustomed ease, and leaving Seaton standing in the doorway in everybody's way, too intent on discovering Lady's whereabouts to heed the people pushing. "Looking for anything?" inquired a voice at his elbow, genially. "If it's vittles, you'd better come outside an' let me wait on you. They're like the flies in Egypt in here, 'grevious and in great swarms;' they've skeersly room to breathe, much less to eat. Dancin's hungry work, an' gettin' married's hungrier;" and the voice rolled into laughter deep and mellow, with rich organnotes in it. Seaton laughed too for very sympathy with the other's amusement, and turned himself about to view the speaker. It was the handsome mountaineer they had noticed in the dancingroom. He held two plates of food in his hands, and had knives and forks and a great hunk of bread sticking out of his coat-pocket. Seaton flattened himself obligingly against the door-post and made room for him to pass. "I don't know whether you can get me what I want or not," he said pleasantly, " but I'll try you. I want an introduction to the ...