the dining hall for darprat. As soon as the meal was over,
Seaton brought up the question of the double wedding that kokam, and the
Karfedix was overjoyed.

"Karfedix Seaton," he said earnestly, "nothing could please us more than
to have such a ceremony performed in our palace. Marriage between such
highly-evolved persons as are you four is wished by the First Cause,
whose servants we are. Aside from that, it is an unheard-of honor for
any ruler to have even one karfedix married beneath his roof, and you
are granting me the privilege of two! I thank you, and assure you that
we will do our poor best to make the occasion memorable."

"Don't do anything fancy," said Seaton hastily. "A simple, plain wedding
will do."

Unheeding Seaton's remark, the Karfedix took his wireless from its hook
at his belt and sent a brief message.

"I have summoned Karbix Tarnan to perform the ceremony. Our usual time
for ceremonies is just before koprat--is that time satisfactory to you?"

Assured that it was, he turned to his son.

"Dunark, you are more familiar than I with the customs of our
illustrious visitors. May I ask you to take charge of the details?"

While Dunark sent a rapid succession of messages, Dorothy whispered to
Seaton:

"They must be going to make a real function of our double wedding, Dick.
The Karbix is the highest dignitary of the church, isn't he?"

"Yes, in addition to being the Commander-in-Chief of all the Kondalian
armies. Next to the Karfedix he is the most powerful man in the empire.
Something tells me, Dottie, that this is going to be SOME ceremony!"

As Dunark finished telegraphing, Seaton turned to him.

"Dorothy said, a while ago, that she would like to have enough of that
tapestry-fabric for a dress. Do you suppose it could be managed?"

"Certainly. In all state ceremonials we always wear robes made out of
the same fabric as the tapestries, but much finer and more delicate. I
would have suggested it, but thought perhaps the ladies would prefer
their usual clothing. I know that you two men do not care to wear our
robes?"

"We will wear white ducks, the dressiest and coolest things we have
along," replied Seaton. "Thank you for your offer, but you know how it
is. We should feel out of place in such gorgeous dress."

"I understand. I will call in a few of our most expert robe-makers, who
will weave the gowns. Before they come, let us decide upon the ceremony.
I think you are familiar with our mar