The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-04-19

placed, and the important part which
be was to play. As the appointed hour
drew near he grew more and more e1'
cited. The moments dragged on like
hours, and in his impotence he arose
and paced the room, until approaching
footsteps were followed by loud rap
on the door. Putting on resolute ar,
he arose and admitted his new-found
friend.
Come, the priest has arrived and
they are all ready and waiting. The
old mansion is lit up from garrett to
cellar. l just ran in on my way down.
Come on, if you're ready"
81 must be resigned to my fate, sup
pose," he murmured, as he followed his
guide down the stairs. -.
The latter looked surprised at this
sentiment. The drummer had hoped
that his two unwelcome acquaintances
below might have taken their departure
but they still sat watching for their
prey, and Story saw them exchange
meaning glances as he passed through
the room. 1t was but q short walk 70
the house where the marriage was 10 De
celebrated; but as they approached 1t
the mind Of our young adventuTer Ge,
came filled with q new alarm. Would
he be able to carry out the desperate
part he was playing? He mighsindee
successfully eyade all questioning, and
his close resemblance to the bridegroom
might deceive Ned Talbot, but it seemed
hardly possible the bride could fail to
detect the deception. He was not a
believer in the ancient adage that"Love
is blind" His fears proved groundiess'
however, for the next moment ne was
ushered into the presence OF the gay
throng, and was warmly welcomed by
all.
"Am | dreaming, or have | really
turned into somebody else z thought
the perplexed drummer, more and more
amazed and mystifed by his strange
surroundings.
He looked around the room. Bril-
liant chandeliers hung from the ceiling,
. elegant paintings adorned the walls, and
the furniture was Of the most costly
kind. Evidently it was the abode OF
wealth and luxury. He ventured to
glance toward the bride. Ned Talbot
had not been too extravagant in his
glowing description Of Rose Thornton.
James Story thought her the most
beautiful woman he had ever seen, and
he inwardly wished he was in realty
the happy bridegroom. But the time
was approaching Tor the ceremony, and
the young drummer now found 1t was
not so delightful task to reveal him
self as he had imagined it would be.
Did he not risk being dragged from The
presence OF the bride and hustled into
the street as a base impostor? His re-
Elections were cut short by a summary
call to take his position. With tremb-
ling hands he led forward the bride.
Everything was ready, and the minister
arose. A cold perspiration stood upon
the brow Of the bridegroom. The
moment for confession had arrived but
his lips were sealed And yet he must
not allow the ceremony to proceed.
He meditated rushing for the door; but
glance killed all hope. The door was
guarded by strong men. Escape was
impossible. In another moment it
would he too late.
Hold" shouted the bridegroom,
frantically.
The reverend man dropped the book
in astosishment.
"Holdr was echoed from without,'I
forbid the marriage !!
All eyes were turned toward the DOR,
as a young man burst into the midst OF
the assembled company and took lis
place by the side OF the bride. tx
CARNATIONS Of establishment burst from
every lip in the room. The bridegroom
turned pale, the bride shrieked, the mn
lister looked on in dismay. James
Story beheld before him his exact com-
terpart
"What in the name of Heaven does
this mean ?" exclaimed Thornton
senior. .-...
ut means that this man is an impts-
tor, replied the newcomer, with look
of hatred at the drummer.
81 demand an explanation" roapd
the old gentleman, growing very redin
the face, and the junior Thorntns
crowded around.
"Tll give you an explanation, ssd
the newcomer. This knave stole nv
clothes, and is now endeavoring to PR
senate me"
The truth flashed upon the mind of
the drummer at once. The mystery Of
the clothes was explained. In the bus
tie and confusion at " he had
changed bags with his marriageably-n-
clined friend.
In an instant James Story decided to
boldly face his accuser, and beat down
the charges against him.
81 am neither a thief nor an impss-
tor" he replied, Indignantly.
which one of you is James StoryY
demanded Mr.. Thornton, after careful
scrutiny of both.
81 am" declared the new-comr,
triumphantly.
a am" responded the drummer
de6antly.
"But which is the bridegroom-tie
one to whom I promised Rose2'
81 am" declared James Story No. 9,
emphatically.
"Then you're our man. exclaimeda
gruff voice at the door
Major Hart and his companion broke
through the circle of astonished guests,
and confronted the one who had de-
clared himself to be the bridegroom.
"Who are you, sir, and what means
this intrusion p demanded Mr.. Thorn.
ton, Indignantly,