The Red Cloud chief. [volume] (Red Cloud, Webster Co., Neb.) 1873-1923, 1920-12-23
CHAPTER v.
The Wedding.

II was an exceedingly busy after
noon, so filled with details OF prepare
tion as to leave Shelby slight OppOr-
tunity for reflection. He had never
contemplated marriage. or imagined
himself benedict. He knew practi-
cally nothing as to the disposition and
character of the girl or what she might
require Of himself. He had no con-
cepti0n that ne loved her or that she
felt any especial affection for him.
His sudden action had been very large
~ Influenced by his controversy with
Cowan and she had quite frankly con-
fessed that her choice of him rested
entirely on the fact that he was not
q resident Of Ponca. There had been
no mention Of love between them.
merely a business.like arrangement,
unmarked by the slightest sentiment.
He was dimly aware that this made
Door foundation on which to build for
future happiness.
This peculiar situation was driven
home to him by q vivid recollection
Of what he was going to take her to
that desolate ranch out there on the
Cottonwood. Could she be satisfied
Gould she even bear with such condi-
tonsf
He saw Mccarthy and the preacher
from Buffalo Gap. first telling them
frankly the whole story and gravely
pledging both to secrecy. Refusing
firmly to receive cent Of the money
which Mac promptly offered. he left
these two to arrange oil details for
the wedding, confident Of their discre-
ti0n and good judgment. There was
no necessity for his seeing the girl
again, and, indeed. he felt no incllna-
ton to do so. He even shrank from
the thought Of seeing her, and was
profoundly thankful that everything
was so completely understood be-
tween them as to make another con-
ference entirely unnecessary. Satisfied
upon this point, he devoted the time
remaining at his disposal to purchas'
ing the variety OF articles made nee
essary by this sudden change In life
The blackboard was loaded until moth
ing remained unoccupied but the mar
row seat, n huge box, packed full, oc
cupying the rear portion, with bun
dies tied securely here and there
about the vehicle, wherever they wout
ride safely. Over all these he stretch
ed a tarpaulin to keep out the dust
strapping the latter firmly into place
The solemn injunction to secrec!
had prevented Ponca from making
~ onnniol nQtahro
ton, but, nevertheless. rumor hat
been sufficiently busy so as to proven
any strictly private ceremony. TIL
parlor of the hotel was already crowd
ed with unlimited guests when he FIN
ally arrived and there was also al
overflow meeting In the adjoining din
ing room. Shelby swore under hi
breath. but 1t was too late to protes
outwardly. as the Uride-to-be was al
ready waiting his arrival at the foo
Of the stairs.
In spite Of the doubts which ha
assailed him during the past FEY
hours, the sight of her thus awaitin
his coming, her eyes meeting his ow
frankly, sent a sudden thrill thrOug
his veins. She was chaperOned by tn
wife Of the principal storekeeper an
doubtless others among the few r.
spectacle women Of Ponca had con
bined their taste and possessions
properly At her out for the occasion
Just how the transformation had bee
accomplished Shelby. being a man wo
fully lacking In experience, did n
know, but he was wildly aware
the change In her appearance Ar
manner. She was dressed In gra
khe outer garment plainly fashion'
but fitting well. while a most becomiI
hat, rather cOquettish In Its shap
rested on soft. shining hair, fun,
out attractively, forming most agre
able frame for the young face. Il
cheeks flushed with excitement. Sh,