e bridal party had passed, people naturally looked for the
groom, and they wondered not to see him. Whispering occurred, and
inquiries were made without satisfactory response. Some thought that
there had been a mistake, and that the signal had been given to the
bride and her friends too soon. It was an awkward situation, because of
course, once having reached the altar, they could not turn and leave the
church again. Consequently they simply stood and waited. Every one at
length grew so nervous, that save for the organ, there gradually stole
over the whole edifice a solemn silence. People were awed, and fearing
at last as the minutes passed and still the groom did not appear, that
something dreadful either had or was about to occur, they almost held
their breaths. A few intimate friends went out on tip-toe, but the door
leading to the vestry-room was guarded by a man in livery, who would say
nothing but that no one could be admitted.

Meanwhile an exciting scene, though a brief one, was being enacted
behind that door. Just as the two parties were about to start on their
way to the altar, a carriage had driven up furiously, and from it had
alighted Mr. Barnes. He quickly entered the building, and went
straightway into the vestry-room, brushing aside the man at the door.
Once in the presence of the groom and his gentlemen attendants, he
astonished them by saying:

"Thank God, I am not too late."

"Are you quite sure?" said Mr. Mitchel, with provoking calmness.

"I have come here to stop this wedding," said the detective, a little
excited.

"You mean, to delay it. That you are doing now, as I should be on my way
to the altar to join my bride."

"I tell you, I come to stop this wedding altogether, and----"

"One moment, Mr. Barnes. There is no time to lose, and I do not wish you
to speak too openly. Let me talk for you. You have reasons, which I can
guess, for wishing me not to be married. Am I right?"

"I have said as much."

"If I can prove to you that you gain nothing by hindering this ceremony,
will you allow it to proceed, and then act as you may please afterward,
instead of now?"

"Of course, but that is impossible."

"Nothing is impossible, Mr. Barnes; read that if you please."

Taking from his pocket a folded paper, he handed it to Mr. Barnes, who
took it nervously, read it, and looked up amazed.

"This is an outrage, Mr. Mitchel, and----"

"And you have given me your word not to further interfere a