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Show II 230 THE MORMON LION harsh order and my warning of what disobedience would mean. As the minister rose to pray for Divine aid and guidance I left the camp and rode back to the city. Night had already fallen and there was much to be done before ten o'clock, when the moon would rise. CHAPTER XXIV WEDDED-TO PART I TOOK a roundabout route to the Senbys', where I tied my horse and stealthily entered the gate. At once Lucy's sweet voice murmured to me out of the darkness: "David! You've come!" " I have come, dearest," I said, and I took her into my arms. "To take me away? "she whispered, trembling at the thought. " Not yet ; but all is arranged. I came to tell you to make ready. I will return in an hour. I must first go to Chilcott." "To him!" " Yes, dearest. There is a Methodist minister with the emigrants. I will get a certificate from Chilcott. I cannot let you go from me on this long journey unless we are married. It may be months before I can follow you." She sou~ht to shrink from me. I held her fast. "You will marry me to-night at the camp, dearest," I urged. " They are good quiet people. But there are young men in the party, and your beauty-they might annoy you with their courting. A wedding ring would save that. Besides, I cannot let you go unless you marry me. God only knows what may ha)?pen here." '1 will do as you wish, David," she whispered. "Then tell your aunt, and make ready? I will return as soon as possible. There's no time to lose." I freed her, and started home afoot, leaving my horse tied near the Senby gate. 'l' |
