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

embarrassed attempt at ulgntys ohee zicks alone was calm
 MT. Pearson sat down in order the better to enjoy his visitors and dispose of his problem. His plump shoulders had an almost irresistible temptation to jerk up and down, and in his chest he felt s queer fulness of breath that he had tc stifle lest it become a laugh and offend the sentiments which had actuated this small gentleman. In common with Uncle Joe and few others, MT. Pearson held a strange theory that Che thoughts of children "are long, long thoughts and are worthy of study, even of respect.
 'I don't believe that I quite place you, ' he stated, to gain time. "What is your name, please?"
 Freeman, sir, replied Skeezickts Charles Edward Freeman"
 "Ohl" said the minister. 'I should know you very we'll indeed. Why, I am to have the pleasure of officiating at your Uncle Josephs wedding. And these young ladies?
 "This is Ethel and this is Dot" an nounced Skeezcks. "Dr. Terrence said could have my pick of his girls and picked Ethel"
 "Oh," said MT. Pearson again. "I con- mend your choice, although of course either young lady and he made them
 
 screwing her pretty face into hideous knots and suddenly holding out her hand that he might admire her new ring. Dot merely grinned engagingly and went on swinging her legs.
 By the way" continued the minister, 'you won't-er-mnd my mentioning bus mess matters before the ladies, will you?'
 "No, sir" wonderingly replied Sker- zicks.
 Well, then, while dislike to mention such things, I must remind you that there is little-er--fee connected with this ceremony, and it occurred to me that perhaps you might have forgotten to bring the money with your
 MT. Pearson smoothed his knees with satisfaction. He had found the way al- though he was beginning to regret having carried the joke so far.
 How much does it cost?" asked Skee- zcks, faintly. It was dreadfully em- barrassing.
 Well, I usually receive from $5 up- ward" was the reluctant reply, "but have officiated for as low as s2"
 "Oh, said Skeezicks, T was afraid fl was more,' and between the eloping couple there was an immediate whispered conference whereat MT. Pearson grew somewhat alarmed. It suddenly struck him that they might possibly be able to raise the money.
 By the way" he interrupted struck by final happy idea there is another little matter that must be looked after. Did you think to bring the license with your"
 NO sir What is it?" replied Skeezicks, with slight trace of worry,
 ''Why, a license from the courthouse" ha xxrao inf tsGinoa x,ni1 ca cured it, I can, of course, do nothing, as you can see for yourself. It is against the law to marry couples, eloping or otherwise, without a license, and I am quite sure that you will not be able to get one until you begin to buy your own clothes and are able to button your own standing collar So, if I were you, would wait a bit. If you will come back to me after a while, say in about 15 or % years. I shall be most happy indeed to marry you"
 Skeezicks arose with manful resigna- ton.
 T guess we will go home" he decided. "Thank you sir"
 Don't be in hurry.'' invited his host, very much relieved that this conversa- tion, over which he was beginning to have certain moral qualms, had termin- ated. 'I believe that we have some ice cream left from luncheon, and you would do me a favor by helping us to get rid of it. You won't mind, will you?''
 "Oh no!' an instant chorus assured him.
 ''Very well, then; I'll see if can find some cake to go with It.
 .sWe've got some cake, sir," said Skee- zicks opening the now soiled napkin. "Its our wedding, cake that we brought along to eat"
 ''Very thoughtful, I'm sure" said the minister, with another struggle for grav~ ity Just let me have 1t and ! will see that it Is cut UT, nicely for you.''
 Outside in the hall he leaned against the newel post of the stairway and all