Men rushed to the spot. From the upset carriage they dragged Inza
Burrage, somewhat hysterical, yet practically unharmed. Likewise they
pulled out the young chap who had tried to carry her off in such a
crazy manner. He had been stunned, and made no resistance.
It was Fred Fillmore.
The village constable came bustling up while men and boys were at work
extricating the uninjured horse.
“What’s this mean?” he demanded. “Who’s guilty of breakin’ the law
here? Somebody’s goin’ to git arrested.”
“I opine there’s your man, officer,” said Buck Badger, pointing at
Fillmore. “He’s either a criminal or a lunatic, and either way he
should be taken into custody. That’s whatever.”
Hodge tried to reach Fillmore.
“The whelp!” he cried. “He——”
The constable seized the desperate young man.
“I arrest you in the name of the law!” he cried.
“Where’s the driver?” was the cry.
But the wearer of the false whiskers had found an opportunity to slip
away and improved it.
* * * * *
The little church was beautifully decorated and fragrant with flowers.
It was well filled. There was a hush. The organ began to throb and a
thrill ran over every person present.
Down one of the aisles slowly advanced the minister, carrying a little
book in his hands. At a distance behind him came Frank Merriwell,
looking handsomer than ever before in his life, accompanied by the best
man, his bosom friend, Bart Hodge.
Merry’s heart was beating high with the mighty exultation of the
grandest moment of his life. He turned with Bart and followed the
minister toward the altar.
Suddenly the sound of the organ changed. The music became the “Wedding
March.”
Down the centre aisle came a vision of loveliness, Inza Burrage in
snowy white, with her veil flowing round her. She was somewhat pale,
but never had she looked sweeter, and a more bridelike bride-to-be the
sun could not shine on.
She was followed by a pretty girl friend, who was acting as bridesmaid.
Elsie Bellwood was not there. That was the only thing that marred the
occasion.
As Inza approached the altar Frank stepped out and met her.
A splendid couple they made. Many an eye grew dim as they stood there
hand in hand and the minister began the ceremony.
No one dreamed what was to happen.
The ceremony had progressed until the minister was on the point of
pronouncing Frank and Inza man and wife, when there came a startling
interruption.
A wild-eyed youth dashed down the aisle.
“Hold!” he shouted. “I forbid this marriage!”
It was Fred Fillmore, who had somehow managed to escape from custody.
The poor fellow was insane in his desire to stop the wedding. Indeed,
drink and his passion for Inza had quite upset his mental poise.
Of course, his appearance created consternation, and Inza nearly
swooned.
It happened that the constable and two deputies were close after
Fillmore. They reached the church as Hodge, Badger, and Browning rushed
Fillmore down the aisle to the door.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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