The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-01-24
SECOND CHOICE.
By RELLE MANIATEs.

Copyright. 1905, Daily Story Pub. Co.) Rufus winslow was the fac simile or his twin brother Dick in. face and hg- ure, but in temperament and disposi- tion they were opposites. They both came to love Kate Laurel the prettiest girl in Yorkville; Dick, with warm, winning affection; Rufus with jeal- ous. -exacting intensity.
 As for Kate, when she was with Dick her fancy wandered to Rufus, and when in the presence of the latter she Ionged for the former. Her fiekle fancy wavered like a weathercock un- til one day after witnessing Rufus conquer an unmanageable horse, she flew in fear to the willing, open arms ot Dick. When Rufus heard of their engagement, he became gloomy and morose and swore to himself that he would still woo and win Kate.
 Judge Laurel, father of the fair Kate. drowned upon the attachment and for bade Dick tile house. To complicate matters. war with Spain was declared and Dick and Rufus. who were ser geants in the National Guard, must perforce Aerve their country. They marched away with their company to join the regiment, at rendezvous camp, leaving Kate disconsolate. One day when her father was absent from home. she went to the camp and spent a sadly happy day with Dick.
 Kate" he said, when bidding her goodbye, "why can't we be married before I go to war? Then nothing could part us. will. you, Kate?'
 Kate would and they arranged that week from that night she should Dick would get few hours leave, and meet her there with a minister and a license. As the marriage was to be a secret one on account of Kates cruel parent, they decided to meet on the edge of a grove in the outskirts of the town. You'll surely come, Kate. You, will not fail me?"
 Nothing can keep me from coming. And you, Dick?"
 Nothing shall keep me from com- ing" he also vowed.
 Alas for the plans of mice and men!-- especially soldier men On the night set for the wedding. which was the last night the company would remain In camp, Dick was detailed on special duty and could not get relieved. He groaned to think how Kate would watch and wait and wonder at his non- appearance. In his extremity be was obliged to confide in Rufus.
 You can get off, Rufe. Won't you go and explain to Kate that I cannot leave without dishonor. Here I have the license and minister engaged. but the captain is inexorable. He would not let me off if were to tell him the real reason."
 Yes" said Refus, thoughtfully. "IH go and explain to her and bring you a message"
 Good for you, old man, and, say, start early enough to see the county clerk and tell him I can't use the H. cense. I left it in his keeping, and go to the minister, Rev. Samuel Gridley, Unitarian Church, and call him off. too"
 Rufus obtained leave and started for town. On the way thither he laid a plan of action which was to make good his assertion that Kate should wed him. He went to the county clerk, who easily believed him to be Dick, got the license, changed the name and then, at the hour appointed by Dick, called for the minister, young man who thought the secret, war marriage very romantic, If irregular. The fee would be also very acceptable to him, his sal ary being in the usual arrears. It was the darkest of nights, and the young minister regretted that he was
 
 slight girlish figure in waiting. Dick" she half whispered.
 Kate. darllng!" he replied in a per- feet imitation of his brothers dulcet tones. The minister suggested a lantern and withdrawal into the grove where the light would not be observed from the street. but both the parties objected.
 We must hurry!' said the prospec- tive bride. 'Pappa suspects. and may have followed"
 So in the darkness, the minister hur- ried1y spoke the words of the cere- mony, Rufus responding in strong, | earnest voice, listening with rapture to the faint whispers of the trembling girl. When they were pronounced man and wife. Rufus folded her in his arms and kissed her.
 I'll keep the certificate, Kate. It'll be safer from your fathers eyes" Yes" replied the girl, but I must go. I am so afraid. Goodbye, Dick, D and she vanished in the darkness. well, Dick" said Rufus, the next | C------ =------