St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1897-01-02
she asked, as she saw him coming with
bundle and staff in hand.
sSTo America"

bundle and staff in hand.
ITO America"
"America." she cried. "America!"
The answer seemed to frighten her.
She turned pale and grssped hold of .
birch tree for support. He watched
her narrowly.
what are you going to do in Amer
lea. Ola ?" she asked. softly.
Change my skin," he replied, with .
vigor that startled her.
'tOh, it is I who have put you up to
this. OLA" she whispered, tremulously-
"Yes, thank Godi it was you," ht
cried, drawing her close up to him;
land If I come back within five years,
with . changed skin, will you promise
to wait for me?"
Il promise" she whispered, weeping
quietly upon his shoulder.
''Then may God bless you, Birgit," he
cried, gazing into her face with radiant
eyes. "for you have saved me from
hell!"
Five years from that day a young
man was seen Fastening up the hill
sides to Oestmo. He had big slouck
hat on his head. and he was well
dressed. His face was strong, SQUARE
and dctermined; his eyes danced with
Joy, for in his pocket he had = royal
marriage license with which he meant
10 surprise somebody on the Oestmc
farm. 1t was five years to-day since he
left her, and it was five years she had
promised to wait for him. For this
hour he had toiled, saved and suffered
for five long and weary years. He had
been q 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 wom-
an who was sitting by the roadside
hailed him.
'Gentlefolks out walking to-day r
she said, holding out her hand for .
penny.
''Gentlefolks!" he cried, with a happy
laugh. 'Gentlefolks did you say,
Gurid?"
Yes, said gentlefolks," said the old
woman, gazing with big eyes at the dol.
lar he had flung into her hand.
''Why, Gurid, am Ola, who used to
herd cattle at the Oestmo saeter."
"You. Ola! who was on the parish
Then you must have changed your
skin"
THAT was what 1 went to Americ
for" he answered, laughing.
The church stood half way up the hile
eide. There Ola sat down to rest, for he
haA walked far and was tired. Present
~ he heard music up under the edge
Of the forest; there were one clarionet
and several fiddlcs. A bridal party!
Yes, there was the bride, with the silver
crown upon her head and shining
brooches upon'her bosom. Pistol shots
were heard, and singing and laughter.
The procession came nearer. The birds
few up frightened along the roadside,
and the squirrels climbed chattering
into the tops Of the firtreee. Now the
master of ceremonies opened the church
doors wide, and went to meet the bride
and groom. Ola sat still, like . rock;
but strange numbness came over him;
the ground heaved under his feet. Al
the party drew near to the gate Of the
churchyard, I've arose and stood, tall and
grave. in the middle Of the road. The
fiddlers stared at him, and stepped
aside. Then came Bright Oestmo and
Thorger Sletten. She looked pale and
sad; he defiant.
"You didn't expect me ut your wed.
ding, Birgit Oestmo?' he said, and
stared hard at her. She gave scream;
the crown fell from her head; she
rushed forward and flung her arms
around his neck. He held her long and
close.
Now, come" he cried, whoever
dares, and I'll make q merry bridal!"
Jens Oestmo stepped forward and
spoke. His voice shook with wrath,
and the veins swelled upon his brow.
Here am" he said; ''if you want
the girl, you shall fight for her"
Not with you, old man." retorted
Ola, "but with Thorger I'll fight. Let
him come on"
The bridal guests made = ring on
the green. and the bridegroom came
slowly forward.
Hard luck" he said, ''to have to
fight for your bride on your wedding
day."
Fight? Bifgit. who in her happiness
had been blind and deaf. woke up with
= start. She unwound her arms from
sol16 neck and stepped between the two
do not fight, do not iRght!" she
entreated, holding out her hands first
to the one claimant and then to the
other.
''Out OF the way, girl, out Of the
way!" shouted her father, seizing her
by the arm.
NO." she cried, II shall stand where
l stand. You know, father, for whom
I have waited these five years. You
know whom have loved since was
child. But you used force against
me, and threats. Now he has come
back. I am not afraid Of you any
longer!"
whoever will be my wedding guest,
let him follow" shouted Olns ''for here
I have in my hand a royal license to be
married to Birgit. Jens Oestmo's
daughter"
He pulled the paper from his pocket
and swung it above his head.
"All that money can buy you shall
have" he added. I'll make wedding
the fame of which shall be heard in
seven parishes round!"
He took the brides arm and marched
boldly into the church. The wedding
guests looked at Jens Oestmo, who was
venting his wrath upon the groom.
@You coward" he yelled, you let
the girl be snatched away before your
very nose and do not strike blow for
her! am glad to get rid Of such a
bon-in-law. Come, folks! Wen have