stood Young Zeb.

It took everybody's breath away, and he walked up the nave between
silent men and women. His eyes were fastened on Ruby, and she in turn
stared at him as a rabbit at a snake, shrinking slightly on her father's
arm. Tresidder's jaw dropped, and his eyes began to protrude.

"What's the meanin' o' this?" he stammered.

"I've come to marry your daughter," answered Zeb, very slow and
distinct. "She was to wed Zebedee Minards to-day, an' I'm Zebedee
Minards."

"But--"

"I've a note to hand to each of 'ee. Better save your breath till
you've read 'em."

He delivered the two notes, and stood, tapping a toe on the tiles, in
the bridegroom's place on the right of the chancel-rails.

"Damnation!"

"Mr. Tresidder," interrupted the parson, "I like a man to swear off his
rage if he's upset, but I can't allow it in the church."

"I don't care if you do or you don't."

"Then do it, and I'll kick you out with this very boot."