The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1886-12-31

and sharp contrast on either side as
though placed there to hold the ribbon
fast. Presently black spot seemed to
start from the top of the hill and fairly
lily toward the shop. AS it came nearer
old Hank Remarked:
Somebody slidin' down hill"
The next instant Tommy Remarked:
There's two of 'em on the sled"
THAT mans Lutte Briggs or I'm .
gOphcr!" exclaimed Hank.
can I'll bet my best leg the gals
''Rushy Bennett" said Tommy.
The two people on the hand-sled had
raced with the wind and were the win
ners, for they made the half-milc slope
in less than minute. and the next in
slant, with very red cheeks, with water
streaming from their eyes-the speed
had been SO great-and with unmistak-
able signs of nervousness in their man
ner. they entered the shop together.
Il told you it was case of life or
death" as he led his lady-love in, IAN
now we want You to marry us right of.
You're the only man in town who can
do it an there's nothin' to bender your
dom it,
Both Tommy and Hank were speech
less with amazement. and Tommy was
about to offer some objection when
Rusty said: You're justice of the
peace and you can DO this for us, sure.
Please hurry up. cause we amt got
much time to spare.
and" continued Lutte. '.Nr. Steele,
there. can be the witness"
II 10
Steele, ''if the marriage ID be 'cordin'
to law; but l don't want to git in no
trouble
Il never 90 any thing gin the law"
replied old Tommy. "but l want to
know first. before do this thing. is
there any thing to prevent this mar
riage."
Course there isn't" said Rusty,
.'less it is my father and that little
preacher. Lutte an ! love each other.
and you're a justice"
.'And you both know us well, and
know we wouldn't lie.' said Lutte.
Better 90 ahead" remarked Yank.
''Stan' up" said Tommy, as he look
ed out of the window rs though trying
to think of the form for the marriage
service. 81 can't think what to say"
he remarked.
"Say anything" cried Lutte and
Rusty, impatiently.
AN be quick bout it, cause there
comes another siidin' -down-hill party"
remarked Hank.
Sure enough. looking mp the hill. the
group in the little shoe shop and hall of
justice could sec second hand-sled
Just starting from the top OF the hill
1ear the church. and, as well rs could
be distinguished ut such distance.
the occupants were Bildad and the
preacher.
..Do you. Luther Briggs and Jerusha
Bennett, citizens OF Steele's Landing,
- and for this county," said old Tom
NJ, as he placed the girls hand in her
lover hand take each other for man
and wife to have and to hold as man
and wife and stick together forever in
and for this county,
I'VE do" came the response in uni
son from the parties to the contract.
Then l, Tommy Cassel. justice of the
peace, in and for said county. declare
YOU are man and wife. and"-implant-
ing kiss on the brides brow-"may
God bless YOU both for ever"
..Amen!' sad Mr.. Steele, as he shook
Lute's hand.
The next instant Bildad and the
preacher rushed in upon the little
group, Bildad remarking: Il command
you TO ste this thing!'
You're Just trltlc late, pa" smil-
ingly remarked Rusty, as she leaned
on her husbands arm.
you've no authority to do this thing.
SIR" said Rev. &. Banks Rice, as he
confronted old Tommy.
Il haven't. hey" said Tommy, as ne
began searching at the rear end of his
shop. When next lie faced his visitors
re exhibited his certificate of qualiica-
ton rs justice of the peace. lin and for
said county," and exclaimed: III Just
bet my best leg have!'-DetroN Free
Press.