"The lucky man?" shouted the crowd. "Name him!"
As it seemed proper for me to do under the circumstances, I went forward to take Roberta's hand in anticipation of the announcement. Then all went dark before my eyes.
"I am happy," said Judge Worthington, "happy and inexpressibly honored to say that the defendant is to be married to me!"
The Hired Man was asleep as the Professor concluded his tale, and some of the rest were nodding. They rose to retire.
"I suppose," said the Groom, "that the only safe way is to let them entirely alone, Professor?"
The Professor, embarrassed by the presence of the Bride, could only bow.
"Gad!" said Colonel Baggs, taking his hand. "Your case goes into the hard-luck file with that of the Nez Percè victim, Mr. Cowan of Radersburg."