his certain knowledge that the bills in question had been paid, and the
jury, without leaving their seats, returned a verdict for the defense.

Then rose cheer upon cheer, as our friends crowded about us and offered
their congratulations. Our home was saved, and Lawyer Douglass had won a
reputation for eloquence and sterling worth that stood undimmed through
all his long and prosperous career.

The next ripple on the current of our lives was sister Martha's wedding
day. Possessed of remarkable beauty, she had become a belle, and as
young ladies were scarce in Kansas at that time, she was the toast of
all our country round. But her choice had fallen on a man unworthy of
her. Of his antecedents we knew nothing; of his present life little
more, save that he was fair in appearance and seemingly prosperous. In
the sanction of the union Will stood aloof. Joined to a native intuition
were the sharpened faculties of a lad that lived beyond his years.
Almost unerring in his insight, he disliked the object of our sister's
choice so thoroughly that he refused to be a witness of the nuptials.
This dislike we attributed to jealousy, as brother and sister worshiped
each other, but the sequel proved a sad corroboration of his views.

Nature seemed to join her protest to Will's silent antagonism. A
terrific thunder-storm came up with the noon hour of the wedding.
So deep and sullen were the clouds that we were obliged to light the
candles. When the wedding pair took their places before Hymen's altar, a
crash of thunder rocked the house and set the casements rattling.

The couple had their home awaiting them in Leavenworth, and departed
almost immediately after the ceremony.