The Kendrick gazette. [volume] (Kendrick, Idaho) 1892-1968, 1906-03-09

and he was Just In time to catch the IL
o'clock express for Waterloo. On srriv-
ing at his destination, Captain Polling
ran his eyes rapidly down the cab rank
within the station, picked out the smart
est looking horse, sprang into the cab,
and called through the trap to the driver:
"A sovereign If you reach Bishopsgate
church by twenty minutes 10 lxr'
The horse justified his good opinion.
and the drive was accomplished in good
time. The church doors were open, and
four-wheeled cab was waiting outside
He crept in very quietly, and walked up
the aisle, not wishing to disturb the ser
vice, for he did not know what he was
there for save to see the brides face. He
judged rightly that his future conduct
was to be guided by that inspection.
The church was cold and gloomy this
miserable morning. and a few persons
were scattered here and there among the
seats, attracted possibly more by Curl
osity than interest.
As Polling advanced, he was struck
by the subdued richness of the brides
costume, and he was not little surpris-
ed at the absence Of the usual attend
ants-for the old lady standing behind
the bride evidently filed the office Of
pew opener. The bride and bridegroom
were fine couple, the man being quite
six feet high, while the lady was also
well proportional.
Polling went quietly along the chancel
until he reached the end nearest to the
altar, and then he waited for the bride
to turn her face toward him. The cler-
gyman's voice went on with the service:
"Wilt thou obey him and serve him,
love, honor and keep him in sickness
and in health, and, forsaking all other,
keep thee only unto him, 80 long as ye
both shall live"
Then, for the first time, she turned
toward Polling. Her expression was one
of unmixed rapture as she raised her eyes
to the bridegroom's, and her lips were
Enclosed to speak the words II will, y
when she became aware of Pelling's fixed
stare of horror. His gaze attracted her
involuntarily, and she looked instinctively
over Jacks shoulder in his direction.
Jack, wondering what was the matter
and fearing she was going to faint
prompted her with the short answer.
She did not speak, but continued to
gaze over his shoulder at the man who
had so unaccountably riveted her atten'
ton. Her under jaw dropped spasmod'
ically, her eyes became as fixed as those
she was gazing into, and every vestige OF
life and color left her face.
The next thing Jack seemed to realize
was that a gentleman wearing q lgiht
overcoat was speaking quietly to the as
tonished clergyman and suggesting thai
the lady should be taken to the vestry
as she was evidently very Ill.
The scattered congregation looked al
each other in wondering curiosity as thu
bridal party disappeared. They fingered
awhile until the cid pew opener returned
to close the church.
Pauline, with dull, dazed despair II
her eyes. sat in the vestry, listening to
without understanding, the conversation
Of the three men grouped around her.
II am extremely sorry" Polling said
in answer to the clergyman's request TO
an explanation; "but it would have beer
criminal to allow the matter to 60 fur
Their, for the lady is my wife"
Your wife?" echoed Jack, incredu
lousy.
Eyes, sir, my wife" Polling replied
with the least touch of hauteur. g
have believed her to be dead for the las
six years-in fact, l believed 1t SO thor
oughly that should not have believe
my eyes this morning If her own conduc
had not betrayed her. 1t is possible tina
she thought was dead, as 1 have bee
| In Central Africa for several years; and
understand the expedition of which I wa
a member has been three or -four time
reported in the newspapers as. complete
ly exterminated."
"And how came you to present your
self SO opportunity this morningT aske
the clergyman.
THAT Is more than l understand ms
self at present; but think it is due t
accidental discoveries made in Spain b
friend of mine who has gone hithe
on business of his own. How it happen
that have been led to believe in N
wife's death all, these years and neve
found out my mistake before l cannc
understand"
mis- Mailing took her mothers nam
when she inherited the estate; perhaT
that may explain Matters" put In Jacl
What estate?" asked Relling sharI
ly.
cit Is all too long to discuss now,
Jack answered.: ''but no doubt the chang
of name accounts for your ignorance (
your wifes existence"
Ito be continued.l
| Muat Have Eana