to have you
all; but Pert said 'two,' and what Pert says goes. Now, how shall we
decide it?"

"Why not match for it!" suggested one of them.

"Good idea!" exclaimed Checkers; "you four match nickels, odd man out.
until two are left--come on, get busy."

On the first trial, two called "heads," and two "tails." "No
business," said Checkers. On the second trial, three called "heads"
and one "tails." "Tough luck, old man," said Checkers to the one; "I
wanted you particularly." At the first essay of the three remaining,
all showed "heads" up; at the second two of them "switched" to "tails,"
while the third kept "heads"--thus deciding the matter.

"Well, that settles that," said Checkers; "but groomsmen or not, we 'll
all be there, and I hope we'll all have a good time."

It was in "the wee, sma' hours" when the party broke up, and Checkers
and Arthur, after seeing their guests safely out, sought their rooms,
and quickly tumbled into bed. Checkers, however, took occasion to
thank Arthur warmly for his kindness, and to express a hope that an
opportunity might soon occur for him to requite it. The next afternoon
saw them back in Clarksville.

The few intermediate days passed quickly. Sadie's supper was a
success, as such things go; the ceremony was rehearsed, and all was in
readiness for the great event.

The wedding morning dawned, as bright and beautiful a winter's day as
nature ever vouchsafed a happy bridal pair. Checkers was up with the
lark. He felt the weight of the nations upon his shoulders. All day
he was back and forth between house and church, anxious that nothing
should be overlooked; suggesting and helping until late in the
afternoon, when Arthur laid violent hands upon him, and insisted upon
his taking a rest before making a toilet for the evening.

Promptly at six, to the Lohengrin March on a cabinet organ, the bridal
party came slowly down the aisle, the two ushers first, and following
them, the two bridesmaids. After these came Sadie, alone, with a huge
bouquet of roses, and lastly leaning upon her father's arm, came Pert,
in a simple white gown, her veil wreathed with orange blossoms and
pinned with a diamond star, one of Checkers' gifts.

Every neck was craned, and every eye fastened upon her in breathless
admiration, for she was beautiful.

From behind a screen at the side, Checkers and Arthur came forth, and
met them at the altar. The service was simple, but solemn and
impressive