Morning came, and she ate Mrs. Jackson's carefully prepared breakfast, assiduously waited on by that pleasant-voiced woman. Irene noticed that no man entered the room. Mr. Jackson came to the door occasionally, to bring wood or water for his wife, but never entered. From the sound of voices without, she knew that there must be a dozen or more men about the house, yet she saw none save the red-headed Mr. Jackson, who was evidently on his best behavior, and never approached the cabin door without removing his cap. Though her comfort was carefully provided for, Irene saw that her every movement was watched and guarded. There was no possible chance of escape, surrounded by a guard so vigilant. About the middle of the afternoon, Oleah, who had evidently been away, returned, and with him came a man dressed in citizen's garb, with a meek face and frightened air, and the same four cavalrymen who had accompanied them the previous day. The man in citizen's garb, she was sure, must be a prisoner. Oleah approached the door with the meek-looking, timid stranger, and both entered. At a motion the four cavalrymen followed. "Irene," began Oleah, "it is necessary, in these troublesome times, that I have the right to protect you. This is a clergyman. We will be married now." "I will never marry you, Oleah," said Irene, firmly, her beautiful hazel eyes flashing fire on her determined lover. Without another word, Oleah forcibly took her right hand in his, then he turned to the clergyman and said: "You know your duty, sir; proceed." "But, sir, if the young lady is unwilling--if she refuses----" "She will not--does not," said Oleah. "I do! I do! I do!" cried Irene, struggling to free her hand. "Go on, sir!" said Oleah, sternly. The four cavalrymen ranged themselves behind their master, and the poor clergyman cast about him one desperate glance, and then, in faltering tones, began the marriage ceremony. Oleah's responses came deep and low, but Irene's "No, no, never!" rang out loud and clear. At a sign from the young captain, one of the tall cavalrymen quickly stepped behind her and forced her to bow assent. The minister stopped, aghast. "Go on, sir; go on!" thundered Oleah, his eyes gleaming. The terrified clergyman concluded the ceremony, pronouncing them man and wife, and then, burying his face in his hands, burst into tears. Immediately upon conclusion of the marriage ceremony, Oleah obtained a certificate of marriage from the minister, who was then allowed to depart under the escort of the faithful four, and Mrs. Jackson followed, them from the room, leaving Oleah alone with his reluctant bride. "Irene, my Irene," said Oleah, in his low, thrilling tones, "this was my only hope. In peaceful times I might have pressed my suit as others do--I might have wooed and waited; but to wait now was to lose you. Will not my wife forgive me?" he cried, imploringly.