Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1872-01-17
An EXCITING WEDDING TOUR.

the world, Tor had L not thSt evening
clasped hands with the sweetest bride
that ever wore orange-blossoms, and
heard the holy mans blessings OH
our blithe faith?
OF course / had. .a..-.-
Yes, twas my wedding-night; and
Oft, while receiving the noisy con-
gratulations of relatives and friends,
my eyes had sought her beloved fea-
lures with pride and affection, and
INV heart had swollen with joy and
gladness at realizing my fendest
dreams. ..r
But the hourfor our departure drew
nigh, and allelse was forgotten in my
impatiencerto take my darling to my
home; and, amid the cheers of God
speed, placed my bride and her
mother in the sleigh, and gathering
the reins over the backs Of my noble
span of horses, who. seemingly feel
ing the joy aud impatience of the
moment, sprang like lightning to
the highway.
We had a ride of twenty miles
before us: but the air was keen and
bracing, the snow hard and well
beaten, and few hours would bring
us home.
Away we speed, and trees, rocks,
and snOw-drifts fed rapidly to our
rear, while the tinkling of the bells
chimcd a merry accompaniment to
our happy thoughts. We were too
full to speak-at least l was. Wha:
words could paint the cXtasics of a
lovcr-husband?
Full one-half of our journey was
accomplished when We reached the
forrest of Tohcrken, through which
nearly the balance of it lay. As we
dashed into it, and became involved
in its gloomy shades, an involuntary
shiver passed over me; but, though
tho darkness grew each moment more
intense, a kiss, snatched from the lips
of my bride reassured me.
We had travcrsed u considerable
portion of the forest, when a low
moaning murmer came wailing thro
the trees that sent n chill to my heart
that wcll-nigh stopped its beating.
l had heard that sound twice
before, while travelling in the North
and knew too well its fearful import
tightening the, rcins, struck my
gallant steeds with all my strength
and accompanied the blow with a CT!
that sent them OH the road with re
doubled speed,
"Why: Ivan, you are cruel" met
my ear, while at the same time came
the horrible sound-lomder, nearer.
Great God! She little dreamed o
the cruel necessity which prompted
again the lash applied TO the now ex
cited stecds; for they too, had heare
aid recognized the warning.
On, OH we flew-ycs flew, whei
again behind us, louder, nearer yet
came the dreadful sound.
1 was on my feet now, strainin.
every nerve to keep my horses Il
their work.
''What is it, darling?"
Nothing, pet"
"Apalimgly near came the deel
baving of the monsters 10 give M
the lie.
''Ivan, are they wolvcs!''
She had named the dreadful danger
Yes. the wolves had scented thei
prey, and were even now upon us.
My fathers house, my destination
lay just beyond the forest. Coult
we we reach the forrest. Could WI
reach it! On, Oh we flew; and bacl
of US, sweeping along like the dread
waters of the ocean, came a dense
dark wave of living fiends; and in {
moment more, countless balls of fire
cleaned around us.
With a low cry of terror, my brid'
sunk to the bottom of the sleigh, ant
covered her eyes to shut out the hOr
rid sight.
My pjstols-a shot-a pause, ant
OH they sweep. Another-a mo
mcnt only gained. With a curse,
fired the empty tubes at the ncares
brute, to be answered by hellisl
growl.
: only God! and must VIC dic?''
a shrill note Of terror from til,
horses told me it would soon b.
) over.
Terrible despair! A thousant
thoughts crossed my bcwilderet
; brain. My bride, my home, parents
happines, life-my mother-in-law!
Hah! my mother-in-law !! Lik'
tightening flashed through my min'
the question, of what earthly use i
a mother-in-law to young couple
and like inspiration flashed the all
j, swer, "Clearly, none at ALL" In
twinkling on an eye she was strug
ling with the angry pack, and nobl.
she contested with the hungry brutcs
, We are near our home. \ mOmen
is a life. But, alas! too soon, OH
saintcd mother-in-law is following Il
in pieccmeal. Almost there! Fiv
minutes, and We are safe. But OIL
: like avenging demons, come they
The horses stagger and reel. Agail
) around us leap the brutes, maddenc'
. by the taste of blood.
, l fling myself to the bottom of til
l sleigh, and pair OF arms are aroun
my neck, and warm kisses fall on m,
cheek.
"We will die together, darling"
''Ah, ah! What forl No, no!' In
, spiration again
And over the back of the sleigh
bundled my darling bride, and kiss
ing my hand to her, fell back uncon
sciOus.
Iawoke in the arms Of my anxiou
mother, aud to agonized inquire:
after my bride, could only respon'
} with a convulsive shudder:
''Chawed by the wolves, mamma
dear" ...