A thrill of vague terror, he knew not why, shot through his heart. He thought of Christie—lost, murdered Christie—and of that other bridal, which took place at night, in secrecy. But then, lifting his eyes, they fell on the gloriously beautiful face of her who stood before him, and all was forgotten once more but his bride.
The ceremony began, amid a breathless silence, as the vast concourse listened, with the eagerness they always do on such occasions. The questions were put and answered in the usual manner, when a slight tumult at the door broke for the first time the impressive silence.
The clergyman had almost concluded the ceremony, and the bridegroom was just putting the nuptial ring on the finger of the bride, with the words: "With this ring I do thee wed; with all my worldly goods I thee endow, in the name of——"
"Hold! I forbid the marriage!" cried a deep, stern voice, that rang through the church.
Every head was turned, every eye was riveted on the speaker, a tall, determined-looking man.
White with vague apprehensions, the bride and bridegroom turned round, while the bride-maids shrieked outright at the interruption.
Mr. Brantwell stood, like one thunderstruck, book in hand.
And the stranger, the cause of all this commotion, walked steadily up the aisle and stood before them.
"Who are you, sir?" was the amazed and angry question from the lips of Captain Campbell, who was the first to recover from his shock of astonishment at this astounding interruption.
"Sheriff Lawless, sir; and it is my painful duty to prevent this marriage."