"It is Stephen Nuckles," Bim answered.
"Hello, Steve!" the young soldier called.
"Howdy, boy!" said the old minister. "That ar creek is b'ilin' over. I reckon you'll have to swim the hosses."
"They're young city horses and not broke to deep water but we'll try them," said Bim.
They tried but Bim's horse refused to go beyond good footing.
"You kin light at that ar house an' spend the night but the folks have gone erway," the minister called.
"I guess you'll have to marry us right here and now," Harry proposed. "Night is coming and that house is our only refuge."
"Poor boy! There seems to be no escape for you!" Bim exclaimed with a sigh. "Do you really and honestly want to marry me? If there's any doubt about it I'll leave the horses with you and swim the creek. You could put them in the barn and swim with me or spend the night in the cabin."
He embraced and kissed her in a way that left no doubt of his wishes.
"It's a cool evening and the creek is very wet," he answered. "I'm going to take this matter in my own hands."