The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-06

1 bread that Katie looked around two or three times to see if he was still there, and the last time she did it Skeezicks fixed her with his serious eyes. q say. Katie" he suddenly demanded, 'are you going to get married or just elope?"
 In place of answering this welghty ques- ton with the grave deliberation it de- manded Katie unexpectedly blushed. The painful red flush mounted from her cheeks to her temples and was visible far back among the roots of her flaxen hair; even her ears and neck were crimson.
 Well, sakes alivel" stammered Katie, after slammng an oven door and whisk- ing half a dozen innocent utensils about to get free from her confusion What ever put such a queer notion into your head?"
 "Oh just wondered, that's all, he re- plied glancing thoroughly out of the door and not noticing her commotion. Uncle Joe says that eloping is really the best way"
 "Oh, it was MT. Freeman, then" laughed Katie, relieved. Sure. he's full of his fun. He's no more than a boy most times, though they do say he's such a smart business man. "Yes, ma'am," perfunctorily agreed
  with his little wedding cake wrapped up nicely in a napkin. he was still deeply thoughtful. He was thoughtful all through luncheon, and still thoughtful when he swung up the street and over on the adjoining avenue to the home Of Dr. Terrence.
 Miss Ethel aged ', and Miss Dot, aged 5, were in the side yard. patiently trying to make small dog, dressed up in a az1It 1fA -ti1 f,, hot mn be swung to sleep; but at Skeezicks' call they came running to the gate, the dog and his awkward cloak trailing after them.
 Come on and play go to visit in- vited Ethel "I'll be mama and Rags will be the baby, and you and Dot will be MT and Mrs Tucker. and I'll say were not at home."
 "No" said Skeezicks, we're going to elope over to MT. Persons and get mar ried."
 "All right" agreed Ethel snapping up the suggestion with alactrity. "Tn go in and tell mamma
 Well. she ought to be told" halted Skeezicks, weighing the problem Judicial ly, Out we mustn't tell her till after we get back. Uncle Joe says that the way is , not to tell anybody
 Ethel looked doubtfully at the house She had been spanked for independent trips of at least equal importance with the one Sweezicks proposed, but If Uncle Joe was authority for the programme it must be all right Skeezck's Uncle Joe was an oracle among the small folk of this suburb. She marched outside the gate and carefully closed it after her. Small Dot climbed up on the gate with her chubby round face close to the bold Lochinvar.
 q want to lope!' she wistfully an nounced.
 "All right" acquiesced Skeezicks. ''Un- cle Joe said to take witness or so along and you can be it.' Shell tell anyhow Ethel philosophic- ally remarked.
 A few minutes later MT. Pearson's Nora admitted the eloping party and. with the strict impartialty of her orders, con- ducted them into the parlor
 Well, we'll" exclaimed the hearty Mir Pearson, joining them presently. This is indeed a pleasant visit. What can I do for you ladies and gentlemen"
 'We are eloping, sir" explained Skee- zicks rising to respond with manly vigor to the minister's cordial handshake.
 "Oh. I see," replied MT. Pearson, grasp ing nasty grip on the gravity which the occasion demanded. And which is the fortunate young ladyY
 Miss Ethel was busily engaged in plait- ing her pinafore over and over and over on her knee She was looking shyly up- ward through her lashes at MT. Pearson, deciding that, after all, it was not worth while crying just yet a bit.
 Dot, however, was not so nervous. I'm ,lop,ng. too" she announced, swinging her fat legs vigorously.
 "But she's only the witness, hastily obiected Skeezicks, pained lest an error he made. This is the one,' and he laid his hand on Etheps arm. That young lady promptly gggled, and then, embar- rassed at the sound, drew down her face and made a small round 'o' with her