Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1891-07-10
THE COWBOYS WEDDING.

the banks OF the Canaulan hlVer, uay
ride from Las Vegas. Two or three
dogs snarled anything but a Welcome,
and their growls brought to the door
of the cabin a tall, broad-shouldered
fellow.
Hello, neighbor! Can you keep a
man and his horse tonight and give
both snack of something to eatP"
"Whare be you from, and which
way be you goin'p"
I'm from no place in particular, but
I'm going to Las Vegas. Expected to
reach there to-day, but got off my way
on this side OF the river"
''You look all right, and 1 guess we
can fix you and the boss. Light and
come in. Here, Barney" as young
man appeared at the door, take the
strangers boss to the corral"
l turned Jack over to him and fol-
lowed into the cabin. The appoint
ments inside were little better than
is ordinarily found in the average set
tiers cabin. There was board floor
rather rough, to be sure. and the mud
walls were whitewashed. AS we en-
tered he called out cheerily to wom-
an standing by the fireplace.
Got visitor, Mary. Keep him over
night can't we? This is my wife,
mister. and there" as couple OF girls
came forward. lis my two darters. l
got two boys; one of 'em took your
boss, and the others gone out on
little business, and who shall we call
you while you stop"
The wife and girls welcomed me
pleasantly. and gave my name.
"Oh. I've heerd of you. You are
the chap that's doin' the surveying
around here for the government.
l acknowledged that was, and it
seemed to please him nightly.
I'm awful glad you dropped in,"
he continued. Were goin' to have
a little wedding here this evening.
My girl Annie there is going to be
married to \ right good chap; but
some of the neighbors have raised OBJ
jections, though it's really none of
their business. And to DO plain. mis-
ter. we expect little sort Of fuss, but
the ceremony is goin' on just the
same"
What sort of fuss do you expectp
Nothing serious, i hope"
1--WE can't tell; it may be awful ex-
citin' There is Teller out west
piece that's been maxim up sweet to
our Annie, but she didn't set much by
him; then there is another chap down
southeast that's been cow-punchin', he
come round and Annie took to him,
xv1n he ho1
objections to his takin' Annie l said
no, if he suited the girl. She was
suited, so that settled it and / seen
Steve had the call. Then Dan got
riled and swore he'd down Steve at
sight He hain't had chance to run
across Steve, but he says that he's
comm this way tonight and is goin'
to break up the festivities. My boy
Bob's gone out to invite few of the
boys, and Steve is going to bring a lot
of his friends, and I'm glad you come
along, for you'll make one more for our
side, won't your"
I looked over ut Annie, who was
looking at me rather anxiously, and her
pretty red checks decided me.
Eyes. sir, I'm on the side OF any
man who has honestly won a girl like
that"
Up to that time Annie had not said
anything. but she now came up and
took my hand. 'Oh. do thank you,
but am 80 worried. fearing someone
will be hurt. Steve is splendid man"
Cblushing), ''and / should feel so sorry
to have a fuss at my wedding"
l assured her that would deplore
any trouble; if there was any Steve
and her father could count on me.
The women and men from the neigh
boring ranches began to arrive, and
Bob returned with hall dozen friends.
Heavy shutters were put up to the win
dows and everything fixed more for a
siege than for wedding. Steve, tho
groom prospective. arrived with the
minister and fifteen of his cowboy
friends in gala dress and ready to
dance or shoot, or both. Steve was a
splendid fellow, and / did not blame
Annie for falling in love with him. He
almost mashed my poor fingers to q
Jelly. so cordial was his greeting.
I'm glad you're here. II there's
any trouble it's good to have United
States officer TO give an account of it. +"
was rather surprised that the an
ticipation of an invasion did not seem
to interfere with the preparation for
enjoyment. Everything was as brisk,
and everybody merry. The women
were busy preparing the supper and
the men sitting or standing around,
when a picket who was posted rushed
In shouting There they comet"
Everyone was quiet in an instant,
and the women were hustled into the
cabin. A party OF a dozen mounted
men rode up near the door.
"Steve Hays hereP" asked the lead
er.
'He is" answered Steve. stepping
out. What do you want of me, Dan
Miller?"
There's a gentleman here that
wants to see you; 1 think he's the
sheriff"
"Tm here IL he wants TO see me, f"
rerSied Stove. what do you want,
Mr.. Sheriff."