of Rev. Dr. Warner's study. The air was growing chill in the room. Still, the old pastor, who had looked after the village flock

e last line ere he heard a w

his chair, crossed the ro

d Adam, the village sexton and grave digger, who al

e up to the fire and warm yourself; it's a wild ni

that I left my own fireside myself. I had an errand at the other end of the village. The weather caught me returning-a regular blizzard

at moment both men heard distinctly the sound of carriage

ir wonderment there was a lou

eman answered the

woman, a slender figure wearing a long dark cl

and their hats pulled low over their fac

the gentlemen. The minister bowed in the affir

your services. Can you perform a wedding ceremony in the old chapel across the way? Our time is limited.

ways pleased to join two souls in holy matrimony. Step in; t

arked the man who had spoken up to this point. "The lady is

he said, quietly: "Will you step over to the church, Adam, bru

had scarcely completed his task when the b

n the aisle, both men still supporting the sl

with the severe cold of the pla

igure to the other. The man toward the left of the girl dropped

ought for an instant found lodgment in his mind whether or no they could be fictitious. Then

it which somehow jarred on the good minister's sensitive nerve

on occurrence. Few brides

almost inaudibly. Again it was the stranger to the left who complied with his request, but for one instant both the clergyman and the old sexton caught sight of a face white as death, yet beautiful as

by uttering the words: "Then I pronounce you man and wife,

lver, which had been pressed steadily to the girl's throbbing heart by the

he girl swooned in his arms, but, turning quickly with her, he hurried forward into the den

imself from shouting aloud,

rth a million of money. When we are out of hearing of the old parson I will give three rousing cheers to ce

hind to adjust the little matters that needed att

now, Halloran?" he exclaimed, as that individual sprang

ey choose to call it hereabouts. I understand there is one some five mil

he order to get to the hostelry as soon as the driver can make it. Anything will suit

ed his companion, givi

ing. The puny little dear has swooned again. Didn't yo

h kid gloves," remarked Halloran. "Fainting when anyt

that kind of thing!" exclaimed Armstrong, as he

of the money," warned Halloran. "Remember you are playing for a great stak

style, and I have little patience with her. There was a decided feeling of antagonism between us from the start, and then my forcing her to go through the ceremony

ys goeth before a fall, you know. You haven't the money in your

n hour or more; then sudd

rses cannot go any further; they are d