The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1886-01-14
Only a. Child.
BY ARTHUR W. NYoE.

t ing in March, 1885, osteuslbly
NS reading, in reality, listening Il
eco the battle of the elements
The heaviest storm of the winter
was rawing. The wind was howl
ing through the streets, the old
sign-boards we're creaking, shutters
banging, the air filed with a mix
ture of rain, hail and snow. l,
seemed as if Pandemonium had
been let loose. i laid my book
down, stirred the fire in the CRATE
and inwardly thanked Providence
that did not have to be abroad on
such terrible night.
Walking to the wiz dow l drew
the curtain aside and peered- out
into the street. ] could scarcely
see across the way. Presently
noticed the figure of q man envelop-
ed in large cloak, which he held
to his face to keep the hail off, stag
gering ap the street. Between the
wind and the ice on the sidewalk
it was as much as he could do to
keep his footing. In front of my
window was a street lamp; as he
reached this he stopped and glanc-
ed up at the number over the door
of my house, then assembled the
steps. A moment later and ] heard
the peal of the bell.
Opening my door 1 listened to
see if the girl would answer it and
what the business Of the stranger
was. In a few moments l heard
Sally come up the kitchen stairs
grumbling at being disturbed at
that hour of the night. She drew
the latch and inquired what was
wanted. l heard a voice, which
appeared familiar to me, say
is this the residence of the Rev.
Henry Cannon?'
Eyes sir, hut" began Sally.
"Show the gentlemaR into the IL
brary, Sally, 1 will be down in a
moment" l interrupted.
In a few minutes | was with my
visitor in the library. He had
thrown aside his cloak, which !
could see was of military cut. He
He was rather tall and well built.
He wore the SLOUGH hat of militia
ry officer, which set off to good ad-
vantage the frank, open face. His
eyes were gray and large. He look
ed somewhat embarrassed as l en-
tered and rose from his chair and
advanced to meet me, saying
"Mr. Cannon, l trust you will
forgive me for troubling you on
such a night, but the business is
very urgent-I might say case Of
life and death. Can you walk 6
few blocks with me to perform 6
marriage ceremony
Certainly, Mr."
"Col. Maplewood," said the gen.
tleman.
Certainly, Col. MapIepood, al
though it is a somewhat unusua
hour. will be ready in a few mo
ments."
1 returned shortly with my to[
coat and um brella, and having TOLD
Sally that would probably be gone
some time, / announced to Col. Ma
plewood that l was ready to accom-
pany him. He threw his cloak
about his shoulders and we Went
ont into the bowling tempest. The
storm, instead of diminishing in
force, seemed to have grown fercer
l remarked to my companion, by
way of opening conversation
at is a rough night, colonel"
Eyes sir; rough night to me il
more senses than one. may q!
well post you, Mr.. Cannon. This
marriage you are 10 perform is 6
death bed scene. Mr.. Henry Hill
ton is dying and wishes to see. hii
daughter and myself married be-
fore he dies. 1 have q license t,
obviate all trouble" said Col. Ma
plewoOd. D..
Every well, colonel. 1 am yer,
sorry to hear of Mr.. Hilton's illness
know him and his daughter quit,
well. They attend my church"
replied
Silence reigned between US dur
ing the balance Of the walk. 1 was
busy thinking about this strange
marriage. Cora Hilton was still
but a child, being only sixteen
while this broad-shouldered mar
by my side must be double tina
age. 1 had never heard or him be-
fore, though his voice had, as
have said, a strangely familia
ring.
We arrived at the house, and AZ
ter laying my top coat aside, l fol
lowed Col. Maplewood upstairs t.
the room in which Henry Hilton
lay on his death bed. Sitting besid
her father was Cora. She was
beautiful little creature, and on
whom any man might be proud t
! call wife. She looked grave an,
distressed. l heard a weak voic
come from the bed.
> "Ah, Mr.. Cannon, here at las
d Thank God! Now, Walter, hav
. the ceremony over as quickly a
, possible, for / am sinking fast"
!. From his pocket Col. Maplewoo
. produced the license which was
due form. 1 saw by it that Co
3 Maplewoed was in the service
= the United States army. went
h the bed and asked Mr.. Hilton if 8
IS this was at his desire. He said
!, Eyes, yes, Mr.. Cannon. Go G
it quickly. l want to see Cora lie
g in safe hands"
!. In a few minutes l had mao
: Col. Walter MapleWood and Co
Hilton husband and wife. l W;
preparing to take my leave when
heard Mr.. Hilton call me in 3 yves
voice. l FASTENED TO the side
. the bed, and he said to me in
: Whisper
: "Thank you, Mr.. Cannon, thai
yen. My dearest earnest wish b
: bean gratified. Now will you pr
2 for me?'
knelt and offered 8 prayer
5 the dying. When l rose l saw
was over. / soothed young ID
: Maplewood as best could a
: abortlv after left the house