The Press., 1892-08-11


 felt that prompt action was called for, and so. shouting to the team, lashed them into gallop. The white object disappeared from the rear horse, but it was most unaccountable incident. and might have had se- rious results. During the weeks and months in which saw but these two strange occurrences, others innu- merable were scared and frightened. until it would have been difficult to find native who would pass Jacks Flat after dark, while even the whites were more afraid than they admitted. Our wedding day at last came around, and all were pleased but my fatherin-law, who appeared to see our marriage as if it was his own execution.
 He had given a grulnbling consent, which was almost refusal, and now said no word. but sat gloomy and de- spondent in the large armchair on the stoop, gazing vacantly over the distant hills and valleys.
 We were married in the Dutch church at the Dorp, and on our return to the farm received no welcome from Hitges My bride and our friends went into the large front room to refresh. Meantime sat myself down by my father-in-law snd commenced at once to talk business but he paid not the least attention. In vain I strove to draw him into converse ton. So, making haste, I approached the main subject of my interview.
 "Meinheer! I am married to your daugh- ter, and we must live together. Now if she cannot stay here she must come to my house in the village. It is not very far away, and we will do the best we can. But if you are willing that we both should stay with you, why will sell my business for decent price, let my house for rent and come and live here with my wife. I can still make wagons, using the timber in your kloofs for that purpose; and will see that your farm produces twice as much as it does now.
 II have no parents, so you shall be my father as well as Katarina's."
 The old man appeared to awake from his lethargy at my mention of our living together; showed strange interest ill my remarks; got quite excited as pro- ceeded. till he finally jumped up from his chair, and seizing both my hands, said in his native Boer Dutch:
 "What! MT. Young, you want your wife to live with me and you to live here too? Why did you not say that before?'
 Because I could not talk about my wife until she was my wife"
 "Yes, I see; but now that she is your wife you wish to live with me. always thought you wanted to carry away my girl, like all the others did, and did not like you for wanting to do that. But now you say you want to stay with married you, and if you live with me you shall be my son and the best friend have in the world. Let us go in and drink healths."
 Here the old Boer took my hand, and leading me into the room, full of guests, said aloud, while his face beamed with pleasure, Health to all, for rejoice at the marriage of my daughter with MT. Young, and accept him as my son for ever."
 My young wife, who had kept a sort of reserve melancholy under her natural gladness all the day, sprang from her seat and with tears of joy embraced her father, saying, '.Now I am happy; all 1 Wdut0A WdS IOI yOu IO AhO ny AuoUbuu. The old. father kissed his child, and re- piled. II always respected your hus- band as good; worthy man, but could not like any man who was aiming to take my daughter from me-" Here my wife interrupted with, ''He never in tended to do so; was to have my own wish, and my wish is to always live in my dear fathers house" ''Ah!' said the old man, "Why did you not tell me be- fore? but, enough. My misery is turned into joy. This day is one of the happiest of my life. Music! Music! Dancei Dance! Welcome all the worldi For I shall not lose my girl, and have this day gained son." Here the music struck up. The large front kalner was cleared. and the fun and feasting, fast and furious, was kept up for two days and nights.
 ny Every one who could came from the village and the neighboring farms, most of them bringing either provisions or