Show Cling to Custom of 01 Carrying Off on Mates Males MatesA MalesA A curious marriage custom persists In a district of the Cau Cau- casus On the wedding day the bride withdraws to the darkest room of ot the house At dusk the bridegroom supported supported supported sup sup- ported by a bodyguard of ot friends all fully tully armed rides up to the house dismounts dismounts dis dis- mounts and hammers on the door with a dagger hilt The door opens to reveal the brides bride's male relatives just as ferociously equipped and the two parties promptly prompt prompt- ly Join In a mock combat Eventually the defenders retire the the bridegroom rushes In seizes his bride flings her across his shoulder and carrying her out leaps on his horse and gallops ot off with his capture to the accompaniment of at the victorious yells of his supporters Shortly after the defeated relatives of the bride mount their horses and give chase When the bridegrooms bridegroom's house Is reached both sides Join In a contest to see who can drink most wine I I girls dec decline lne to give up Ul the rite and few would accept any suitor who did not Intend to carry them off oft by force fo |