Cavalier County farmers press. (Langdon, N.D.) 1920-1921, 1920-12-23

character of the girl or what she might
require of himself. He had no con-
ception that he 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 an the fact that he was not
| a resident of Ponca. There had been
no mention of love between them.
merely q husiness-like arrangement,
unmarked by the slightest sentiment.
He was dimly ware that this made a
poor foundation on which to build for
future happiness.
This peculiar situation was driven
home to him by a vivid recollection
of what he was going to take her to-
i that hes"late ranch out there on the
Cottonwood. Gould she be satisfied?
Could she even bear with such condi-
tions?
He saw Mccarthy and the preacher
from Buffalo Gap, first telling them
frankly the whole story and gravely
pledgins both to secrecy. Refusing
firmly to receive a cent of the money
which Mac promptly offered, he left
these two to arrange all details for
the wedding, confident of their discre-
ton and good judgment. There was
no necessity for his seeing the girl
again, and, indeed. he felt no inclina-
ton to do So. He ever 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, a huge box, packed full, oc-
cupying the rear portion, with bun
dies tied securely here and there
about the vehicle, wherever they would
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 secrecy
had prevented Ponca from making
this occasion one Of special celebra-
ton, but, nevertheless. rumor had
been sufficiently busy so as to prevent
any strictly private ceremony. The
parlor Of the hotel was already crowd
ed with unlimited guests when he fin
ally arrived and there was also a n
overflow meeting in the adjoining din
ing room. Shelby swore under his
breath, but it was too late to protest
outwardly. as the Dride-to-be was al
ready waiting his arrival at the foot
of the stairs.
In spite of the doubts which had
assailed him during the past few
hours, the sight of her thus awaiting
his coming, her eyes meeting his own
frankly, sent a sudden thrill through
his veins. She was chaperoned by the
wife Of the principal storekeeper and
doubtless others among the few re-
| Spectacle women of Ponca had COM
bined their taste and possessions to
properly fit her out for the occasion.
Just how the transformation had been
accomplished Shelby, being a man woe
fully lacking in experience, did not
know. but he was wildly aware of
the change in her appearance and
n She was dressed in gray,
the outer garment plainly fashioned
h11t fittipr u,o1l xr,1i1n n r,no+ hnonp,inr
hat. rather coquettish in its shape,
rested on soft, shining hair, fuffed
out attractively. forming a most agree
able frame for the young face, the
cheeks flushed with excitement. Shell
by stood before her %tongue-tied. unable
to find words of greeting. painfully
conscious of his own awkwardnesS.
The embarrassment, however, "a but
for the instant, for the preacher had
been waiting his entrance, eager to
begin the ceremony.
What occurred during the next few
moments was never wholly clear in
Shelby's mind. He did mechanically
whatever he was told, but without
comprehension. He remembered walk
ing between rows of curious faces. oc-
~casionally recognizing a familiar
c~ountenance. clear across that crowded
pnrlor to the further wall, which
seemed TO be decorated profusely with
sprays of evergreen. He seemed to
recall that the girl Joined him. stand
ing at his left, and that she had adj
vanced to his side guided by Dan Nc
Carthy. It was all vague, misty, un-
certain, and the next moment all he
saw was the f1eshy figure of the Buff
falo Gap preacher standing there i'm
mediately before him. his hands up
lifted and his sonorous voice uttering
words that sounded like a PRAYER.
Then Dan came forward again and
he felt her hand resting in his. real
izing how soft and, small it was. He
remembered a question was asked him
and he answered Eyes" and then he
seemed to hear her whisper a similar
response. The preacher said some
thing. using some strange words, and
turning nee to face the silent crowd