White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1858-02-18
WHITE CLOUD, KANSAS, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 49, 1855

her aunt came in to superintend her toilets she
seemed to revive, and. with an effort, rose from
her chair and welcomed her with smile-but
one like sunbeam on q Eintry day, cold and
shuddering to look upon. From this moment,
however, she was more Ike herself, though at
times the muscles Of the mouth would witch
convulsiveiy. At other times she would turn
away her head, and an expression of heart
breaking NO would shoot across her counte-
nance; but on meeting her aunt's eye once more
she would essay again to smile.
A few moments before the ceremony was TO
begin, they left her alone for moment. She
was standing before the mirror, with her eyes on
the reflection of her form.
"The sacrifice will soon be complete" she
said bitterly. ''God forgive me-yet surely
am doing no wrong. Oh: that could weep
but there is load here" and she pressed both
hands on her breast, "that keeps back the tears.
1t is like burning fire."
Who could have believed that this CHASTITY
face was the once radiant one of Kate Now
bray7
Her father stood near the door as she enter
ed. He was struck with the dry, stony express
sion Of her face, and started forward to her
side. He spake in a whisper, but with startling
earnestness.
81 adjure you, my daughter" he said, "tell
me-are you willing to go on with this matter7
Say but word, and it shall be broken off,"
Kate lifted her eyes to his with a sudden
movement, and the glance was full of unuttera-
bic love. 1t was such, if we might say so with
out presumption, martyred spirit might have
turned to Heaven from the stake. It thrilled
every nerve in that fathers frame. That same
sad, sweet smile, too, was on her face, as she
placed her hand in his and said:
"Let it go on, dear father. / am only faint
and nervous. shall soon be better" All
better in the grave.
His doubts were only half resolved. but he
could say no more, and together they advanced
to the temporary altar, where the bridegroom and
priest stood awaiting them.
Kate felt choking in the throat as her Is
first fell on Major Lindsay, and itseemed to her,
for an instant, as If her knees were failing her.
But she remembered that her fathers eyes were
bent anxiously upon her, and from that moment
there was no longer any faltering on her part.
The buzz which attended her entrance had
now subsidized, and a deep hush fell on the room.
Every car was stiaened 10 catch the first sound
Of the minister's voice. A watch might have
been heard to tick.
"Dearly beloved" began the minister, in the
time followed form of the Episcopal Church,
eve are gathered together here in the sight Of
GOd"-
He had proceeded thus far, when such sud-
den and startling burst Of tumult arose from the
distant street that he raised his eyes, with a
look of alarm, from his book. Il was like the
confused ringing of bells, half drowned in the
shouts of the people. All at once the town-bell
itself, close at hand, took up the uproar, and
its iron tongue was heard changing hurriedly
and fercly on the night.
The male part of the company sprung to their
feet.
clark ~ said Col. Campbell, ''can it be the
town on fret"
"There it goes, louder and louder - exclaim.
ed second; ait must be an Instruction"
The women now lent their shrieks to the tn.
multi The officers, with their hands on theil
swords, rushed towards the door. The divine
had dropped his prayer book, and his looks were
full of Enquiry and establishment. Kate, with a
quick look of alarm, shrank back to her fathers
side. All was wonder, terror and dismay.
The uproar without Increased. Louder and
fercer the alarm-bell rang; steps were heard
hurrying to and fro, and at length distant
shouts, mingled with the report of firearms
came to the ear. Then drums were heard beat
ing hastily to arms, and at this signal, every
military man present rushed into the air.
''Be not alarmed said the bridegroom, turn.
ing to Kate; SGT is only false alarm or drunk.
en- mutiny. viii soon be back" And with
these words he sprang after his companions
The females were now left alone, excepting the
minister and Mr.. MoWbray. But the tumuii
was obviously no triHing one. The shouts
seemed to approach and grow louder; a rushing
sound, as Of an advancing crowd, was heard, the
!
rattle of firearms Was almost continuous, and
seemed closer at hand each moment, and still
louder and more hurriedly the call to arms was
beaten, Ehile fercer and fercer the alarm-bell
in its neighboring cupola, clamored over th'
din. A broad light now cleaned across the
windows from the darkness outside, and cries o.
terror increased every moment
Mr.. MoWbray handed Kate to her aunt, anC
hurrying to the easement, hungit open. Attht
the confused sounds without assumed more dis
tinctness, and grew louder. He looked out
"Itis Marion and his menr' he cried, exult
:. ingly. "Hark. here they come"
With Wild cry at these words Of promised
deliveranee, Kate sprang to her fathers sid
and looked out. At the lower end Of the vii
, lage one or two houses were in flames, and thei
bright glance lit up the otherwise black prospect
, Close at hand, and retreating toward her in dis
order, was a company ofthe royal soldiers, anon
whom were the largest portion Of the officer
lately assembled in that apartment. She coul
distinguish among them Col. Campbell and Ma
ior Lindsay, sword in hand, endeaTOring 10 rail-
, the men.
But further down the street was speetacl
s that filed her bosom with The widest and mos
tumultuous joy. Here the way was blocked W
: from side to side, by press Of assailants, VIII
: wore the uniform of Marion's brigade, and Wb
: LII, ioud shouts CHARGING cor