Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1876-12-20
ing for moment across the sand. and

ing for a moment across the sand. and
then slipping into the cool wave and
riding upon its crest. Jack himself,
as he entered the water farther down
the beach. dressed in baggy blue shirt
and trousers. was scarcely so pictur-
esque. AT the waters edge stood the
terrible maiden aunt, and in a carriage
near at hand sat the two military
gentlemen. Clara was certainly tax
ing her bath in presence of a yigilant
assembly.
"Now them" thought Jack, there
we are. What's to be done next"
AS he padded further out int the
surf, he saw, slowly swimming down
the beach. outside the first line of
breakers, a straw bathing-hat, which
rose and fell upon the huge rollers, and
occasionally disappeared entirely. As
the hat came nearer, a human head be-
came visible beneath it, and on reach
ing point near Clara, it stopped and
evidently addressed her. The lady on
the beach and the gentlemen in the
carriage became restless. So did Jack,
and he swan toward the two figures
IN the water. who now appeared to be
in earnest conversation.
Bless me" exclaimed Jack, as he
came nearer. Il believe its Gray
son"
The water where they stood was
nearly shoulder deep, and each huge
rollerthat came in from seaward lift
ed them from their feet and rendered
conversation somewhat difficult.
We must hurry up this business, +"
said Grayson, as Jack arrived. 1--we
explained it all to Miss Monteith, and
oldwhat' shis-name there in the car
riage and the lady's aunt will be wit
neSSes.'
He removed his scoop-shaped bath
ing-hat, and took therefrom small
book, which he held at arms length
above his head. Jack OWNED his in
tention at once, and selling Clara S
hand beneath the water, pressed it to
his heart. AT that moment a
huge wave swept over him, and the
entire party disappeared from view.
Dearly beloved" said Grayson,
spluttering, and reading from the
book, which he still held in his hand,
though it was now reduced nearly to a
pulp, dearly beloved, we are gathered
together herein the face of--this
company, to join--together this man
and this woman in holy matrimony."
He paused until the next wave
passed, and then proceeded.
If any man can show Just cause
why-they may not lawfully be joined
together there goes my hiatt let him
now speak, or else hereafter forever
hold his peace.
The wild wash of the sea was the
only answer to this challenge, although
Clara's friends on shore were gesticu-
lating violently. They were out of
hearing, however, and Grayson con-
tinued:
John Henry Turner, wilt thou
have this woman to be thy welded
wife, to live-tug-gug- gug--"
The Rev. Mr.. Grayson's mouth was
full of salt water, and the rest of the
sentence was indistinguishable.
II Will" yelled Jack, leaping into
the air 10 avoid the next roller that
broke over them.
CLARA Monteith, wilt thou have
this man to be thy welded husband,
(we'll have to shorten this, for I'm
getting chilly?")
Il WILL" said Clara.
"Who giveth this woman to be mar
ried to this man. asked Grayson,
looking toward the shore, where the
two old gentlemen, who had descended
from their carriage, were ranged with
the maiden aunt along the edge Of the
water, gesticulating in the most fran
TIC manner, like the brigands IN the
opera.
"You do, ell p he said. Then. turn-
ing to Jack and Clara, he continued I:
Then pronounce your man and wife,
and may
A monstrous billow struck the Rev.
Grayson in the small of the back and
launched him on all fours toward the
beach. When he emerged, Clara and
Jack had disappeared.
Keep the book" he said, handing
it to Jack, as he and his bride strug-
ged to their feet; the marriage GER
tifcate is in it. Now let us make
peace with your father, Miss Mon
teith, and your husband that was to
be"
1t was not very promising task,
for the former gentleman, who seemed
to have gained an inkling of what had
been going on, was stamping up and
down the beach in a perfect fury. En-
couraged by GraysOn's presence, how
ever, Jack and Clara knelt before him.
" Allow me to present to you Mr..
and Mrs. John Turner" said Mr..
Grayson.
"Clara, go to your clearinghouse
and dress, this instant, exclaimed
the old gentleman, fiercely. what
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