Towards evening the crowd began to increase, and Mr. Bradley, Arthur, two assistants and Checkers were all as busy as it was possible to be. Those who were being waited on took none the less time in making their purchases, because there were others awaiting their turn. As a consequence, there was chafing and grumbling among the procrastinators, who were now in a hurry. Uncle Jerry Halter, from the back woods--a character; shrewd, crabbed and as close as the next minute--was foremost among these, and at last he discovered our friend, Mr. Campbell, checked suit and all, returning from having washed his hands, after a not very successful attempt at filling a large brown jug with molasses. The old man crowded through to the counter, leaning over it expectantly, but Checkers passed him by unheeded, making his way toward a pretty girl. "Hey there!" exclaimed Uncle Jerry indignantly--his voice was loud and very nasal. "Hey! 'Checkers,' or whatever your name is--I'm in a hurry, and I want to go." Instantly there was a general laugh, and Checkers stopped and turned around. "Well, go if you want to--you're not tied down," he retorted, and the laugh was on Uncle Jerry. The old man colored to the roots of his hair. "You 're very fresh, young feller," he snarled. "Yes; warranted to keep in any climate," said Checkers, smiling good-naturedly at him. Arthur happened along just then, and soothed and waited upon Uncle Jerry, getting him peaceably out of the store. In the morning at breakfast he related the incident to Mr. Kendall, who he knew would appreciate it. "There is only one man about here meaner than old Jerry Halter," said Mr. Kendall, addressing Checkers, "and that is the father of Arthur's little friend, Miss Barlow. I once heard a friend of mine say of him that 'he wouldn't smile unless it was at another man's expense,' and I quite believe it. Arthur could tell you no end of humorous things about him, if he only would. But I suppose he does n't want to relate what may some day be family secrets. How is that, Arthur?" Arthur looked annoyed, but did not reply to this bit of parental humor. "As soon as Pert and Sadie come home you must take Mr. Campbell to call on them, Arthur," said Aunt Deb. "They are two lovely girls," she continued, turning to Checkers. "They 've been away to school; to a seminary up in Illinois. School's out now, of course, but they 're visiting somewhere--in St. Louis, I believe. They 're expected home this week, though; so you 'll have the pleasure of meeting them soon." "Sisters?" asked Checkers. "No; not sisters, but cousins, and almost inseparable. Sadie is n't as pretty as Pert, but she 's just as sweet as sweet can be, and a perfect treasure about a house. Are you fond of young ladies, Mr. Campbell?"