When the minister, proceeding with the ceremony, inquired:
“‘Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?’”
Mutchison answered, in a bold voice:
“‘I do.’”
The ring was then forced upon the bride’s finger, and the marriage ceremony was concluded in the usual manner.
“And now take notice that I have done this deed under compulsion! I wash my hands of the sin, and cast it upon the backs of those to whom it belongs!” said the persecuted preacher, turning to leave the hut.
“Exactly! our backs are broad enough to bear it,” laughed Albert Goldsborough. Then turning to Mutchison, he said: “Go after him, and make him a tumbler of milk punch to set him up again. And leave me alone with my wife, that I may reconcile her to her husband.”
CHAPTER XXII.
THE MARCH.
Come away! come away!
Hark to the summons!