were busy together, and had left word they weren't to be disturbed for a
couple of hours on any account. Could Pete hang about the door of the
room, so as to see him as soon as possible?--he was his brother. Well,
yes; the landlord thought there wouldn't be any harm in that.

The unscrupulous Peter put his eye to the keyhole; he saw the sheriff
daintily dressed, and as pretty a lady as ever was, in spite of her
short hair; he heard the judge say:

"By virtue of the authority in me vested by the State of Iowa, I
pronounce you man and wife;" and then, with vacant countenance, he
sneaked slowly away, murmuring:

"_That's_ the sort of reward he got, is it? And," continued Pete, after
a moment, which was apparently one of special inspiration, "I'll bet
that's the kind of _deer_ he said he was goin' fur on the morning after
the chase."

[Illustration]




MAJOR MARTT'S FRIEND.


East Patten was one of the quietest places in the world. The
indisposition of a family horse or cow was cause for animated general
conversation, and the displaying of a new poster or prospectus on the
post-office door was the signal for a spirited gathering of citizens.