Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-06-19
NEWS OF THE WEEK LLLUSTR A7ED

grant snip bound tor America appeared
ct the mouth Of the river.
Ola packed together his few traps and
went up to Oestruo's TO say goodby. He
met Bright In the birch grove behind the
barn. II was the time when the buds
were bursting and tho swallows had
Just returned.
We'll, Ola, where are you going?"
she asked, as she saw him coming with
bundle and staff in hand.
Ito America"
"America." she cried. American
The answer seemed 10 brighten her.
Sne turned pale and caught hold of
birch tree for support. he watched her
narrowly.
What are you going to do in Aneri-
ca, OLAF" she asked softly.
Change my skin, he replied. with
vigor that startled her. ''And II como
back within FIVE years with changed
skin will you promise to wait for mey'
II promise" she whispered. weeping
quietly upon his shoulder.
Five years from that day q young man
was seen Fastening up the hillside to
Oestruo. He had big SLOUGH hat on
his head and he was well dressed.
His face was strong, square and de-
termined, his eyes danced VITA 10Y, for
in his pocket he had royal marriage
license, with which he meant to surprise
somebody up at Oestruo's farm 1t was
five years to'ay since he eft her, and it
was i've years she had promised TO wait
| for him.
For this hour he had toiled, saved and
| suffered for five long weary years. He
| had been a silver miner in Leadville
when the place was yet new, and he had
sold his claim for $50, 900.
AS he was hurrying along, an old
woman, who was sitting by the road
side. hailed him.
"Gentlefolks ont walking todayY' she
yaid, holding out her hand for penny.
"Gentlefolkss" he cried, with happy
laugh: "Why, Gurid, ] am Ola who
ascd to herd cattle at Oestruo's dairy"
You, Ola! who was on tho parish:
Then you must have changed your
skin"
THAT was what went to America
for," he answered, laughing.
The church lay half way up the hill
side. There Ola sat down to rest, for
he had walked far and was tired. Pres.
emily he heard music up under the
ledge Of the forest; there was one clar.
met and several 6ddles.
| 1w;I II -
bride, with silver crown upon her head
and shining brooches upon her bosom.
The procession came nearer. Now thu
master of the ceremonies opened the
church doors wide and went to meet the
bride and groom.
Ola sat still like a rock; but Q strange
numbness came over him. As the party
drew near to the gate Of the churchyard
he arose and stood, tall and grave, in thu
middle of the road. Then came Birgi,
Oestruo and Thorger Sletten. Sh,
looked pale and sad, he defiant.
"You didn't expect me to your wed
ding, Bright Oestruoy' he said, and
stared hard at her. She gave . scream
the crown fell from her head; abe rushst
forward and flung her arms about hi
neck.
Now come" he cried, 'swhoeve1
dares, and I'll make merry bridal"
Jeus Oestruo stepped forward and
spoke. His voice shook with wrath and
the veins swelled upon his brow.
) "Here am" he said. IF you wan
the girl you shall fight for her."
, L 90 old -
Ola; "but with Thorger I'll fight. lie
J him come forward"
The bridal guests made q ring on til.
green and the bridegroom came slowl,
; forward.
Hard luck," be said, '.to have to fgh
J for your bride on your wedding day."
Fight? Bright, who in her happiness
J had been blind and deaf, woke up Will
start. She unwound her arms from
Ola's neck and stepped up between th'
two mon.
J "Oh. do not fight. do not fightl' sh'
; entreated, holding ont her hands first Z,
one claimant and then TO the other.
"You know father, for whom l hav,
waited for these Eve years. You know
whom have loved since I was . child
J But you used force against me ans
; threats. Now he has come back. an
! no longer afraid Of you"
Whoever will be my wedding CUES
! let him follow" shoptcd Ola. ''for
have in my hand . royal license 70 b
married TO Bright, Jeus Oessruo's dsngh
ter"
IAN that money can buy you shall
, have he added. .Ill make . wed
ding the fame Of which shall Be hear.
in seven parishes around"
! He took the brides arm and MARCHES
! boldly into the church
The wedding guests looked It Jeu
Oestruo, who was venting his wrstl
, upon the groom.
+ You covardr he yelled, "you le
, the girl be snatched away before you
very nose. am glad enough to he ri
: Of such son-in-law. Come. folks: vel
have our wedding yet. A girl belong
: 10 him who can catch her
With a wrsshfnl snort he staIked ii
thrcugh the open church door. and n
! wedding guests slowly followed. Dos
ton Globe.
rrs. Cesrsesy.
-<ae n =