Repository: UIHistories Project: Illio - 1896 [PAGE 187]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

tfc ($tt£6tcnou6 (tttett of QBrer (Ra66it ano QBrer for.

Kl.K KABBIT and Brer Fox had become reconciled in each otiier again and were m a k i n g a long, roving tour over the country. Thev kept tliemselves h i d d e n d u r i n g t h e day, for Mr. Man had changed sadlv in these t u n e s , a n d t h e two cronies considered it t o h e t h e wisest plan for them to sally forth only in t h e d a r k n e s s . One a u t u m n a l evening, when t h e moonbeainH covered t h e earth with a pale, soft radiance, they concluded to rest awhile u n d e r a large, spreading t r e e which stood unite alone in t h e shadow of a great building. It seemed t<? be a quiet, secluded spot, a n d , feeling safe from harm, thev t h r e w themselves down delight* i l \ upon t h e grassy carpet. Suddenly, as if by magie, a bright light illumined t h e whole b u i l d i n g ; rays from t h e broad, low windows fell without warning upon Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox. Frightened out of their wits, they took to their heels and ran tar back into t h e d a r k e s t corner of the grounds. They listened and watched for awhile, but, seeing no signs of life any where, crept cautiously back to t h e t r e e . 11 1 'speck I'm nigh 'nutf, Brer Fox. I'm a mighty puny man, I am. You des skin up dat window and spy in, and I'll des broose 'roiin' yer fer you, Brer F o x , " whispered Brer Rabbit bravely, as, prepared for inBtant flight, he peered out from behind t h e t r e e . Brer Fox, t h u s adjured, raised himself stealthily up to the window and peeped slyly in. He looked upon a pcene which almost made his heart stop beating. "There was a vast room, its polished floor strewn with rich rugs; palms and flowers b a n k e d t h e windows and were scattered about the room. In one part were a n u m b e r of great, snowy tables laden with such a t e m p t i n g feast t h a t Brer f o x fairly groaned as he gazed at t h e m . T h e whole picture was one of e x t r e m e elegance, combined with good taste. B r e r F'ox came down reluctantly from his perch, and described t h e scene to his awed companion. J u s t t h e n t h e y h e a r d a great commotion, a n d , looking down t h e street, descried a n u m b e r of young persons becomingly attired in blue raiment and wearing white gloves. ' T h e y came hastening towards the doors. 11 Bless Grashus ! Brer Rabbit, w'at's dein tings a-lippin' down dis yer r o a d ? " whispered Brer Fox in an awe-struck t o n e , stepping back a pace or two. i< I Brer Rabbit gazed in perfect astonishment. 8ka8ely knows, B r e r Fox, I skasely knows; dey 'pears to feel mighty biggity. Des see 'em all kotching hoi' r er ban's an' scaddlin in de doors." After this the guests came in perfect streams. " D e r ' s er scrugius o n e , " Brer Rabbit continued, gleefully, as a meek little blue-coat, holding a timid lass by the hand, entered the door. Suddenly B r e r F o x ' s eves grew as round as saucers. A dignified young man, elegaiity dressed, was escorting a fair young lady through t h e door; others followed in rapid succession. Brer Rabbit could scarcely contain himself. He gave vent to little shrieks of joy, a n a would have jumped from his hiding place and have come to grief, if Brer Fox had not forcibly restrained him. " 0 , tirn me loose, lemme lone, will you. Des look at dem d e r , " was all he could gasp. After a time, when all the company had arrived, beautiful strains of music were wafted out upon the evening air. Brer Rabbit could stand it no longer. " Des sail up to dis yer window and gimme hist, Brer l o x , " he cried, excitedly. The two were soon gazing in upon the brilliant scene. 225