“And the man will keep his word,” added Goldsborough.
“And I have an old mother, and sisters also, as you suggested, depending on me for support. So I must do the bidding of this man. And besides, my dear young lady, as you are in the power of these men, it is far better that you should be lawfully married to their leader. If one of my young sisters were in your place, unless she could be immediately rescued, I should thank the first one in authority to lawfully marry her to her captor.”
“Come, then! Stop this nonsense, and go on! or we will find a way to quicken your motions!” thundered Goldsborough.
Thus strongly urged, the poor preacher once more opened his book, found the place, and commenced the marriage ceremony.
The rites proceeded quietly enough, for Elfie’s hands were held too fast, and her lips were covered too closely, for her to offer any successful resistance.
When the bridegroom was asked:
“‘Wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife?’”
Goldsborough answered in a loud, firm, sonorous voice:
“‘I will.’”
When the similar question was put to the bride, Mutchison clapped his hand upon Elfie’s head and bent it down in assent.