The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1891-05-15
A NARROW ESCAPE.

Some men get through life with lit
tie or no obstacles to contend with;
others are continually having trouble,
while occasionally we come in contact
with individuals who are the victims
of misplaced confidence and the sub
jects of much humiliation. OF this
latter class we have gentleman in
view who merits particular attention.
The FREE PRESS had occasion to note
the marriage on Wednesday of Mr..
Geo. Hughes, editor of the Redwood
Falls Reveille to an estimable lady of
Marshall. The wedding was to occur
at o'clock in the evening, and the
young couple were to take the Il
o'clock train for St. Paul. Mr..
Hughes friends had noticed that a
rather unusual nervousness possessed
his person, but had full confidence
that it was nothing more than will
occasionally take hold of young men
when about to assume the responsible
ity of a household, and so thinking,
discharged the matter from their
minds. But later on it developed in
to a more serious complication and
George was subjected to a severe trial.
He had evidently for the time being
lost his mental equilibrium. The
guests being gathered at the home of
the bride, and the contracting par
ties being flushed with pardonable
pride as they gaZed into each others
eyes from out which flashed the hid
den secret of the heart, all waited
with blissful expectancy for the SUI
preme moment to arrive 1t came.
The solemn faced minister who was
to tie the knot with "neatness and
dispatch" presented himself to the
groom as the clock struck 9. "Bro.
Hughes" remarked the divine,
''please let me see your license"
George cast troubled look about as
if for PHYS sake, grew pale-even to
palid-his knees knocked together and
his teeth chartered. His eyes assum-
ed that far away, wistful, vacant
stare which indicated distraction.
With clenched fists and quivering
voice sshe stammered: I'll have for
forgot forgotten to g-get one."
For the time being the event was
''laid over" A friend grasped Hughes
by the hand and pulling him to a near
corner of the room whispered words of
consolation. The two excused them
selves, and hastily repaired to the
home of the Clerk of Courts to get the
necessary permit. A summons at the
door brought the information that
the official was in Cottonwood county
on business. "HereS pretty mess"
calculated the respondent groom.
what can [ do? / can't stand this
strain much longer without going
mad" and be bit his auburn NOUS
tache until the s.tonsorial artists en-
| Delislments had been entirely obl1ter-
ated, and large, round drops of perspi-
ration stood out on his feverish brow
One more hope remained. The Dep
uty Clerk must be found. After a
brief search it was ascertained that
he, too, was out of the city, and would
not be home until late. The suspense
was terrible, but it had to be endured
The friend who was assisting George
despaired not, and by his kindly en-
couragement kept the young man
from swooning. At IL O'Clock the
Deputy returned and broke the spell.
The license was procured and the
bride and groom soon made one. The
wedding feast was partaken of by the
guests, but the birds had flown. They
were forced to hurry to the train, and
did so bearing with them the best
wishes of all.
Bro. Hughes declares that the next
time he has like job to perform he
will not forget the legal document.
1t was narrow escape.