The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1876-12-16


her bathing. house and running across the
beach, stopping for moment to play with
her little white feet in one OF the pools that
the rcceding tide had LETT, and then plunging
geefully into Tie surf, was Il picture Tor 4
painter. Clad in Il hcwi,chtng bathing-cos.
tune of white and scarlet, and with her bead
tirnl vrllou hair streaming over her Shout.
ders She looked to Jack Turner, pecping
throurh the round window Of his bathing.
house, Ike the poetic embodiment OF summer
sunshine glaucng for moment across me
sand, then slipping into the cooi wave and
riding upon its crest. Jack himself, as ne
entered the wafer further down the beach,
dressed in bagfy blue shirt and trousers, was
curcely 50 picturesque. At the waters edge
stood the terrible maiden aunt, and in a car.
rage near at hand sat the two military gen.
tlemen. Clara was certainly taking her bath
in presence Of vigllant assembly.
"Now, them" thought Jack, here we are.
What's to be done neXt:'
AS he padded further out into the surf, he
saw, slowly swimming down the beach out
side the first line OF breakers, straw bathing
hat, which rose and fell upon the hugh roll
ers and occasionally disappeared entirely AS
the bat came nearer human head became
visible beneath It, and, on reaching point
near Clara, it stopped and evidently addressed
her The lady on the beach and the gentle
men 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, believe it's Grayson."
The water where they stood was nearly
shoul ier.deep, and each hugh roller that came
from seward lifted them from their feet and
rendered conversation somewhat difficult
1--WE must hurry up this business" said
GraysOn, as Jack arrived; I've explained 1t
all to Miss Mon.0lth, and old-what s-his-name
there in the carriage and the lady's aunt will
DC Witnesses"
He removed his scoop.shaped bathing hat,
and took therefrom a small book, which he
held at arms length above his head. Jack
OWNED his intention at once, and, Selling
Clara's hand beneath the water, pressed 1t to
his heart. AT that moment huge wave swept
over HIM, and the entire party disappeared
from view.
Dearly beloved" said Grayson, sputter.
ing, and reading from The book, which he
still held IN his hand, though twas now re.
duced nearly to pulp, dearly beloved, wei
are gathered together herein the face of
this company to jOin-together this man and
this woman in holy matrimony."
lie paused until the next wavepassed, and
then proceeded.
If any man can show just cause why
they mag not lawfully be joined together
there goes my ha), let him nov speak, orI
Gle hereafter forever hold his peace"
The wild wash Of the sea wasthc only an
swcr to this challenge, although Clara's
friends on shore were gesiculatihg violently. |
They were out Of hearing, however, and Gray |
son continued:
John Henry Turner, wilt th,u have this
woman to be thy welded wife, t'live-gug-
gug-gug-'
The Rev Mr.. Graysons mouth was full OF
saltwater and the rest Of the @ntencc was
81 will" yelled Jack, leapiny into the air
10 avoid the next roller that brose over them.
"Clara Monleith, wilt thou hive this man
10 be thy welded husband (we'll lRYe to short.
IN this, for Pm getting chllly)Y|
a. Will" said Clara.
"Who giveth tins woman to b, married to
this man? asked Gcayson, looking toward the
shore, where the two old gentleman, who had
descended from their carriage, wee ranged,
with the maiden aunt, along the edge OF the
water, Ceslculating in the most frantic man
ner, like the brigands in the opera.
"Iou do, eh:' he said. Then, tuning to
Jack and Clara, he continued: Thin pro.
bounce you man and wife, and may"
\ monstrOus billow struck the Reverend
iraysun in the small Of the back, andlaunch.
I'd him upon al! tours towards the beach.
When he emerged, Clara and Jack lad dis |
Keep the book" he said, handing it TO
Jack, as ne and his bride slruggledto their
feet; "th" marriage certificate is il i. Now
let US make peace with your fathfr, Miss
and your husband that wa to be"
II was not IA very promising task for the
former gentleman, who seemed to have gain,
I'd an mixing of what had been golni on, was
up and down the beach ina perfect
fury. Encouraged by Graysons presence
however, Jack and Clara knelt befor HIM.
"Allow me TO present to you Mr.. and Mrs
John Turner" said Mr.. Grayson.
Clara, 90 to your clearinghouse md dress,
his instant exclaimed the old gnleman,
lercely. "What tomioolery is allthis, sir,
md who the devil are you?'
"Who the devil am r. asked Gny.on
"Ycs, SIR, who the devil are you z repeated
Mr. Monleith, llvid with rage.
My name is Grayson, sir, and Ihavc just
married your daughter to Mr. Turler, and
nope he will show more affection or her as
lcr husband than her father has IS her par.
mt" replied GraySOn, with some warmth.
Yes, father" said Clara we ar married,
,! father, forgive US, for | love linn and
lara twincd her wet arms around Jacks
lecl, and laid her head on his shoulder.
Mr.. Monteith was speeches. lis face be.
,ame purple, white, and red, by tuns, and he
staggered rs If about to fall. Theother old
gentleman slapped him denly orthe shout
ler {
Hang me if don't like the giis spirit
ne said, and the young fellows audaciiy.
Ny boy turning TO Jack l. II eve up my !
lain TO you. think you've earndl it. Now,
\1ontcith, make up your mind tomakc the ,
Iesl of it. They've outwilted you,so let them ,
20 and get on some dry clothes, ard well all
70 to my house 10 dinner, and the wedding
hall come OFT tomorrow in public only with
change of bridegrooms" |,
Graysou seized the old gentleman by the
land Clara kissed her father. That indi.
rdual became by degrees somewhat molll.
led, and all left the beach together ,
0rk NCrcEyy. II
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