Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1897-07-15
CHAPTER VI.
1T WILL GO HARD THES, But WILL HAVE
YOUR HAND

1T WILL GO HARD THES, But WILL HAVE
YOUR HAND"
The last day of May arrived and found
all preparations completed for the two
marriages which were to take place
the evening of the ensuing day.
Mr.. Lloyd and Fannie were to come
down on the Sunshi9e, which had been
especially chartered to convey both
themselves and friends of the contract
ing parties to Orion.
Clarence Hill was happy lark, and
Fannie, who would soon be his bride,
was not less so.
Clara had not looked back since
plighting her troth to the banker, nor
would she fhave recalled her pledge
could she really have done so.
AS to the banker, he was very happy
in his quiet way; very proud of the
splendid girl who would so soon become
mistress of his home and heart. But
his mind was sometimes filled with mis-
givings as he thought of the difference
| between their ages, and he asked him
self the question::
''Am I doing this yonng girl an in
justice in making her my wife? Can
| she be happy as the wife OF a man so
many years her senior?''
Never did he question if he should be
happy He doubted not his happiness.
1t would lie in contributing to that OF
| his fair young bride. an6, knowing the
| high character of Clara. he was salts
fed thatshe would not marry where she
| feared for the happiness of the future.
Abner Hill was well satisfied with the
outlook for his son and daughter, and
n1a ,ho,. ol, II
| were happy.
| Clara had written a letter that day
| that she was very anxious Fannie should
receive before coming down the river
on the morrow, and at five o'clock she
| had her pony saddled and brought to the
| door, and she was soon mounted and
cantering in the direction of the land
| ing, with the idea that she would be
able to intercept the Sunshine. which
she knew was down the river, and
| should be coming back at this time,
| but to her disnay the Sunshine passed
| up without halting, when she was yet
| several hundred yards from the wharf.
| Clara was about to turn back, when
| she noticed the sails Qof a schooner.
| tapping almost idly in the-air oppo-
site the wharf.
| she thought, as she fastened down.
Arrived at the landing she recognized
the Clara Belle, and, as the schooner
was but 40 or so yards out in the stream,
| the form of Angus Bruce upon the deck.
There waseno air stirring, and the
| tide. being at low ebb, they were Ee-
Gained and making no Roadway. An
| gus evidently recognized Clara as she
| rode upon the dock, for he raised his
hat.
Clara hesitated about signaling him,
| believing it aot well that they should
| meet again. But this letter." she
thought, "Inust reach Fannie, and this
may be my last opportunity. 1 must
| the mate or one of his sailors ashore -
She waved handkerchief, boat was
| lowered from the schooner and Angus
| descended into it, accompanied by two
| sailors, who speedily pulled awayfo the
| landing, and he was soon standing by
the side of the girl he loved.
Clara had dismounted and was hold
| ing the rein OF Club in one hand, and
her letter in the other.
Good evening. Miss Hill; it was a
| pleasure to receive your signal"
Thanks, my brave rescuer; almost
feared to signal you, for fear 1 should
detain you. but was so anxious that
Fannie Lloyd should have this letter
| tonight. or at early dawn tomorrow,
and the Sunshine escaped my vigilance %
II am truly glad it did, Miss Hill.
Please do not think me bold, but it