The Clio messenger., 1921-05-12
CHAPTER v.
The Wedding.

TIC Wcuuin0.
II was an exceedingly busy after
noon. so filled with details Of prepara-
ton as to leave Shelby slight oppor-
tunity for reflection. He had never
contemplated marriage. or imagined
himself a 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-
ception that he loved her or that she
felt any especial affection for him.
His sudden action had been very large
ly 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 a
Door 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
that desolate ranch out there on the
Cottonwood. Could she be satisfied?
Gould she even bear with such condi-
tionsa
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 all details for
the wedding, confident Of their discre-
tion and good judgment There was
no necessity for his seeing the girl
again, and, indeed, he felt no inclina-
tion 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 nec-
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 bum
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 an
overflow meeting in the adjoining din
ting room. Shelby swore under his
breath, but II 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 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 At her out for the occasion.
Just how the transformation had been
accomplished Shelby, being man woe
fully lacking In experience, did not
know. but he was vividly aware of
the change In her appearance and
manner. She was dressed In gray,
the outer garment plainly fashioned
bst fitting well, while a most becoming
hat. rather coquettish In its shape,
rested on soft, shining hair, fiuffed
out attractively, forming a most agree
able frame for the young face, the
ehsaks flushed with excitement. Shell