I saw them. Colton and Victor had already alighted and Miss Colton was descending from the tonneau. There were two other men in the car, beside Oscar, the chauffeur. “Who are those other people?” I asked. “I don't know,” whispered Sim, excitedly. “Stay where you be and I'll find out. I'll be right back, now. Don't you move.” I did not move, not because he had ordered me to stay where I was, but because I was curious. The spot where I stood was in shadow and I knew they could not see me. Colton and his daughter were talking with Victor, who remained by the step of the auto. “Well, Mabel,” observed “Big Jim,” “here we are, though why I don't know. I hope you enjoy this thing more than I am likely to.” “Of course I shall enjoy it, Father. Look at the decorations. Aren't they perfectly WONDERFUL!” “Especially the color scheme,” drawled Victor. “Mabel, I call your attention to the red, blue and purple lanterns. Some class? Yes? Well, I must go. I'll be back in a very short time. If Parker wasn't starting for Europe to-morrow I shouldn't think of leaving, but I'm sure you'll forgive me, under the circumstances.” “I forgive you, Victor,” replied the girl, carelessly. “But don't be too long.” “No, don't,” added her father. “I promised Mrs. Colton that I should not be away more than an hour. She's very nervous to-night and I may be sent for any time. So don't keep us waiting.” “No fear of that. I'll be back long before you are ready to go. I wouldn't miss this--er--affair myself for something. Ah, our combination friend, the undertaking postmaster.” Sim's hat was in his hand and he was greeting Mr. Colton. “Proud to see you amongst us, sir,” said Sim, with unction. “The Methodist folks are havin' quite a time to-night, ain't they?” “How d'ye do, Eldredge,” was the great man's salutation, not at all effusive. “Where does all this crowd come from? Didn't know there were so many people in the neighborhood.” “'Most everybody's out to-night. Church'll make consider'ble money. Good evenin', Miss Colton. Mr. Carver, pleased to meet you again, sir.” The young lady merely nodded. Victor, whose foot was on the step of the car, did not deign to turn. “Thanks,” he drawled. “I am--er--embalmed, I'm sure. All ready, Phil. Let her go, Oscar.” The auto moved off. Mr. Colton gave his arm to his daughter and they moved through the crowd, Eldredge acting as master of ceremonies. “It's all right, Elnathan,” ordered Sim, addressing the gate-keeper. “Don't bother Mr. Colton about the admission now. I'll settle with you, myself, later. Now, Mr. Colton, you and the lady come right along with me. Ain't met the minister yet, have you? He said you wan't to home when he called. And you let me get you some strawberries. They're fust-rate, if I do say it.”