Rhyl Journal

CHAPTER I am not the kin 1 of person," he re- sumed slowly, to cry when the milk has been spilt, nor will I go so far as to say that I regret any incident in my life" (here he spoke somewhat defiantly) though per- haps it may have fallen below Sunday school standard at times. But that is principally my own business, and I do not feel myself answerable to anyone else. My heart was never touched; and I have always been frankly selfish, as the surest road to happiness. But to come to the point, I am in such a state of health that it is unlikely that I shall con- tinue to cumber the earth much longer." The earl curled his !ip cynically. And one person has-late in the clay, perhaps- touched my heart very deeply. I refer, as you may guess, to yourcousin, Clodagh, whom I have made my sole legatee in my will. As you may know, some years ago the entail was broken off, and the Kilsavage estates are free to be left at my disposal, except for the heavy mortgages that your grandfather and I raised on them. Two clauses com- plete my will—the first, that anyone who marries Clodagh shall take the name of Cahil and secondly, that, if he wishes i-t, the suc- cessor to the title shall have the option to purchase the estates at such a price as will amply provide for Clodagh's future, taking over or paying off the mortgages at the same time. Between what the estates bring in and the interest on the mortgages there is a very narrow margin-such a narrow one, indeed, that it is hard work to keep two or three rooms in the castle going and two or three horses in the stable, and that has to be eked out by the constant cutting down of timber. So it would hardly seem worth the while of an ordinary person to buy the pro- perty, especially at the substantial figure I require as Clodagh's dowry. It may seem sentimental on my part—and I have never been accused of an excess of that quality," Lord Kilsavage noted parenthetically, but I must admit to being decidedly loth that after all these centuries the title and estates should be divorced. Therefore, I evolved a plan which has now come to a head, by which I hoped to make a more satisfactory arrange- ment and of late I have thought at times that it was working out as I wished." Here the earl paused to take breath, push- ing the decanter towards Roger. "When I wrote to your father, the idea mooted was a marriage between Clodagh and yourself, which has now become the one wish of my heart, since I grew fond of you, too, my dear boy. A typical Cahil in every re- spect, with no Colonial roughness—of which I must admit to having been afraid-there is no one better suited to succeed to the title and estates of vour ancestors. It was ar- ranged between your father and myself that the best way to consummate this common wish of ours was not to mention Clodagh or our hopes in this respect, but to leave it until you were personally acquainted and had learned to like each other. Then, if she and you thought that this arrangement and marriage would make you happy, by a mar- riage settlement of fifty thousand pounds on her-which I may tell you your father is quite willing to make—the Kilsavage estates would become yours with the title, and your father would further consent to pay off tha mortgages. W ith the place free and a fortune behind you, Clodagh and you, as the Eari and Countess of Kilsavage, would hold a posi- tion in Great Britain second to none with one of the grandest old family places in the world, and an estate which could be wonderfully developed with a little capital. Now, this is my wish and your father's, and the one and only way in which the title and estates could be satisfactorily united, as they have been since the twelfth century, while Clodagh would be provided for far better than I am person- ally able to do, though I make her my sole- legatee. Now, my dear Geoff," concluded the earl, calling him bv the affectionate diminutive for the first time, tell me what you think of the arrangement—which, if I mistake not, is nearer your own heart than anybody §lse's." During this long explanation of affairs Roger's feelings were indescribable and Tan- talus himself could scarcely have suffered such tortures. Here was a cup of joy held to his lips and he had with his own hand to dash it away. He had to appear indifferent, resort to subterfuge, and temporise even with his own disappointment. During his period of imposture he had been tried hardly on many occasions, but none could compare to this- to be offered Paradise, and to be forced to re- fuse it. He turned hot and cold, and his lower lip trembled involuntarily, while a tight band of iron seemed to compress his heart. He could hardly trust himself to speak, and he clenched his lists under the table. At last, summoning all his will power and concentrating it on his powers of speech, he spoke, but in a voice he hardly knew. This idea has come upon me very sud- denly," he said between his dry lips, almost choking with the endeavour to appear calm and natural. Ie But it is hardly unpleasant?" ques- tioned the earl, eyeing him closely. No, not that," responded Roger, master- ing himself with a superhuman effort, not that. But I must have time to think it over. Remember, it means all our lives to both of us." You have no love affair on hand ? went on the old man. No previous entangle- ment in the Colonies ? Tell me frankly." Oh, no; none whatever, sir," answered Roger, truthfully, none whatever, I can assure you. I only want time to think." Well, well," said the earl kindly, think it over while you are away, and give me your answer when you return to Kilsavage. Now go and join Clodagh on the terrace." Without another word Roger rose from the table and left the room by the long window, as bruised and battered mentally and morally as he had been physically ten days before. On the terrace he took a deep breath. II By gad he muttered to himself," Geof- frey Cahil will have to get himself out of this tangle by himself—curse him As he approached Clodagh, who was walk- ing up and down in the tnoonlight, building castles in the air round the old castle in Ire- land and crooning softly to herself over her sweet secret, Roger thought that she had never looked more charming than in her simple white dress, and his heart leapt in- voluntarily. Then he recalled himself, realis- ing his outcast position from the heaven of his hopes. Without a word he joined her, and side by side they began pacing the terrace in silence. At length Roger spoke. I am leaving to-morrow early," he said, simply. Yes," rejoined Clodagh softly, looking up into his face. But you will be coming back soon and you will think of—us and Kilsavage sometimes, won't you, Geoff ? I will," he answered, fervently and I will write." CorDe back so soon that there will be no need to write," said Clodagh, speaking low. Roger stopped abruptly, and lit a cigarette to cover his confusion, and Clodagh looked up in surprise. What a grand evening," he said. "1 shall never forget it," And without another word they moved to- wards the house to the world of common- places and coffee, both uncomfortable and disappointed. The next morning Roger left at seven but to his delight, painful though it was, Clodagh was up to pour out his coffee and drive him to the station, a little wan in face, and her gaiety a little forced. Good-bye she said at the station and come back soon." "()on. Good-bye said Roger. And the leisurely Irish train puffed slowly out of the station, as she turned away, unspeakably disappointed, but her proud little face sphinx-like in its rigidity. CHAPTER X. In the Agony Column. ROGER threw himself back on the dusty cushions with an aching void in his heart, tasting the bitterness of death and taking a glimpse into hell. He felt utterly done up by his strong mental effort, and his powers seemed one and all exhausted. He had an inclina- tion to cry like a child but his self-respect, threadbare as it was, would not allow him to do so. He was hardly conscious of the tedious journey to Dublin, s.tting with his face buried in his hands, and he could scarcely believe that he could have been the bright, light hearted undergraduate of three months before, worried by nothing worse than a batch of unpaid bills and importunate chins. He felt years and years old, and it seemed as though he had lived through a century of misery, which had turned him prematurely into an old and broken man. The last few weeks appeared to him to comprise his whole life, and nothing seemed left but a future barren of love and the right to love. His attitude was that of an Ishmael, his hand against every man, and every man's against him-except Clodagh, the one exception, of whom he dared not think. She was an episode, he told himself, an episode which would leave a life-long scar. Even Scobell, despite his kind- ness, he felt inclined to reproach bitterly but what was the good of kicking against the pricks ? It was not logic that was at fault, but circumstances, which inexorably upset the close reasoning and the best laid plans. Then, for a moment, he contemplated ending it all by a sudden jump from the train, or a leap over the side of the boat, under the cover of darkness, cutting, as it were, this bitter- sweet month out of his life, and reverting to the determination of that evening on the Embankment and the night when Giant Despair had been his bedfellow on the cold ground; but, reasserting himself, and summoning his remnants of courage, he dismissed the idea as unworthy —unworthy of the man Clodagh loved. And he fell again to thinking of her. Arriving late in Dublin in the afternoon, he became conscious of hunger for the first time, and he drove to the Shelbourne, the annual Mecca of the old Irish families, of which he had heard Lord Kilsavage talk. There he ordered a belated meal, and sat down to it in solitude. Sick of the companionship of his thoughts and the loneliness of the dining room, he sent the waiter for a paper. The man returned with the Times, and it struck Roger that this was the first paper he had troubled to look at since his arrival in Ireland. It lay before him neatly folded, in its original state, the deep lettering of the title facing him. He glanced at it idly, as he ate his chop and began inconsequently to read the "agony column." First without much interest he read that May still loved Phil," and that all would be forgiven and forgotten if somebody did something which did not interest him very niticli next he deciphered a simple code between n pair of transparent lovers, and then his attention was suddenly and abruptly concentrated upon the next paragraph. It ran Roger Kelvin, putative son of the late William Kelvin, of Middlestoke, will hear something greatly to his advantage by notifying his present address to Messrs. Brown and Blake, Middlestoke." He read it over carefully two or three times scarcely taking in its import, and then it gradually dawned upon him that the man whom he had regarded as his father for so many years, was dead. The late William Kelvin he murmured to himself. NVhy, he must be dead." He did not for an instant pretend to himself that this fact caused him any poignant grief. He had never cared for him in life, and had since his sudden departure from Middlestoke and the brutal revelation of his birth, grown to love him less and less. He was, however, shocked by the sudden announcement, and it took him a full minute to realise the full purport of the advertisement. Something greatly to my advantage," he quoted to himself in surprise. He can't have left me any money The very last words he said to me at our final interview were that he was going to cut me out of his will. Perhaps he repented and left me a pittance or a few pounds, but I don't want his hateful money." Then he sat and thought for a time, and it occurred to him that it would be better to take William Kelvin's money than Scobell's, especially as he did not intend at any cost to continue the imposture he had practically forced upon him. Money, especially if it were sufficient to give him independence, would help him considerably in the settlement of the matter, and there was nothing dishonourable in accept- ing money under William Kelvin's will. Probably the bequest, if it were money, would only amount to a paltry sum. Anyhow, he decided in his own mind, he wouJd break his journey at Middle- stoke on his way to London, as he would then know exactly how he stood. This decided, he left the hotel and sent a wire to Scobcll, saying that he would not be in London till the following afternoon, and then he walked about the streets of the Irish capital, noticing very little and thinking out the situa- tion. This unexpected news gave him fresh food for thought and turned his mind out of the melancholy, morbid groove of the earlier part of the day, and. to some extent, though a very small one, lie hoped that it might help him to solve the terrible problem in front of him and get clear of some of the. entanglements of his imposture. He decided to sleep at Chester and go on to Middlestoke by the early morning train, so that he could get through whatever business awaited him and catch the midday express to town. On the boat he slept, tired out, and realising his need of rest, and at Chester he snatched another hour or two. Between nine and ten the following morning he found himself back in Middlestoke, and proceeded direct to the solicitor's office. Here somewhat to his surprise he was wel- comed most effusively by Mri Blake, who came out into the office to meet him and rung his hand with the utmost cordiality. "Well, well, my dear Mr. -er- Kelvin, "the solicitor began, his slight pause revealing to Roger that he had some idea of how things stood," this is an unexpected pleasure, I must say. We had almost given you up, as our advertisement for you has remained unanswered for so many weeks." So many weeks ? echoed Roger in sur- prise. When did Mr. Kelvin die ? Why, on the very day of your sudden departure from Middlestoke, my dear sir," rejoined the old lawyer, unbosoming himself. He was found on his library floor suffering from an apoplectic stroke at lunch time, and he died that same evening. !'Ah I exclaimed Roger, and he remem- bered the thud on the floor which he had heard as he left the house, and had mistaken for a falling chair. The situation was becom-' ing clearer in his mind. I We attended to his funeral under the supervision of Miss Agatha and to the continued Mr. Blake, rubbing his hands toge- ther softly; "and then we awaited your in- structions, expecting you back every dayJ Then we took to advertising for you, at a loss- to discover you in any other way, and at last, he concluded, it seems that we have been successful." I have been buried in Ireland miles away from English papers," explained Roger perfunctorily, but what of the will ? Mr. Kelvin's last will and testament was made almost immediately after your mother's death and leaves you sole heir to his property, real and personal, except for a few bequests, including one of five thousand pounds to Miss Agatha." Oh," said Roger slowly, then he had no time to alter it ? ii W« h«ard nothing of any such int«ationi'3 replied. the lawyer a tritle stimy, ana tne wording could not have been more explicit, making the identity of the legatee unassail- able. It says To Roger, son of my wife, I Margaret Severn, generally known as Roger Kelvin, and my adopted son, etc., etc. i showing clearly that he wished no loophole for any dispute." I see," acquiesced Roger simplyj Then he added I would be obliged if as far as possible, you would keep this question of my birth a secret in the town." Of course, as far as lies in our power, we shall endeavour to do so," answered Mr. Blake pompously; but naturally Miss Agatha Kelvin knows, and I draw the infer- ence that she has not been as discreet as she might have been by rumours that have reached me. Somerset House, too, will reveal the secret of any will for the sum of a shilling." I know," said the young man curtly. In future I wish you to continue to speak of me in the neighbourhood as Mr. Kelvin for the sake of saving any unnecessary scandal, but all letters are to be addressed to Roger Severn, the name I have used since I left Middlestoke, as the result of Mr. Kelvin's revelation to me." Certainly," agreed the lawyer, certainly my dear sir, it shall be as you wish." What is the value of the inheritance ? asked Roger curtly, not responding to the attorney's effusiveness. Taking everything into consideration," answered Mr. Blake slowly, rolling out the words and dwelling on the surprise he had in store for his client with a feeling of magnani- mous delight, at a rough yet low valuation, I should assess the property of the deceased Mr. Kelvin, who was a far richer man than anyone—except, of course, his lawyers— suspected (he lived on a mere fraction of hi3 income) at one hundred and eighty-s«ven thousand pounds odd, which would leave you, after everything had been paid, the possessor of some hundred and eighty thous- and pounds at least." My God," muttered Roger, his brain in a whirl. Two ideas worked in and out through his mind in its confusion, the irony of being rich and yet driven to suicide from sheer starvation, and the possibility of Clodagh. He would pay Scobell back and make the best terms he could. The lawyer interrupted his thoughts. A very comfortable little fortune, I must say, my dear Mr. Severn, a very comfortable little fortune." But Roger was not responsive; he now understood Mr. Blake's genial effusiveness, which got on his nerves. I wish you, Mr. Blake," he began, speak- ing curtly, to sell everything connected with Middlestoke and settle up everything for me. I will communicate with you again in a few days' time, giving you an address, and I shall wish to see you and go into matters more fully in London. In the meantime, I want a thousand pounds to go on with." That can be managed at once, said the lawyer. If you will give me an acknow- ledgment, I will send one of my clerks up to the bank." Thank you," said Roger and I also want you to tell Miss Kelvin that you have seen me. Make my excuses to her and ex- plain that I was too pressed for time to-day to run up to see her. Please say that I hope to see her very shortly, and that I shall hope, if she will allow it, to make more adequate pro- vision for her, as I know Mr. Kelvin wished to do. I shall be greatly obliged if you will see to this personally, and draw up the deed of gift, making over thirty thousand pounds to Miss Kelvin." Certainly, my dear sir, certainly," ans- wered Mr. Blake, repeating his formula of delight, a trifle astounded at the munificence of what seemed to him a. quixotic present. Well then," concluded Roger rising, I will communicate with you." One more thing, my dear Mr. Severn," interjected the attorney, opening his safe, here are two letters specially entrusted to me for you—two letters from the dead." And Roger, recognising the writing of his mother and Mr. Kelvin, took them from, his hand and left the office without another word. CHAPTER XL Two Letters from the Dead. Once more Roger found himself in the train, the same express that had carried him up to London a few weeks before, full of hope for the future. This time he travelled first class instead of third, but hope was no longer his travelling companion. The events of the morning and the unex- pected acquisition of wealth had excited him considerably more than he would admit to himself, but he realised that under the circum- stances, fortune or no fortune, Clodagh was equally out of his reach, and he knew that, if he ever came to know his birth. Lord Kilsavage would not allow him even to speak to her. Therefore, his heart was heavy, and he felt that the crisp bundle of notes, the harbinger of many more, meant freedom to him in one respect alone. He lit a cigar to think the better, and then he decided to read the two letters he had re- ceived so unexpectedly. He drew them from his inner pocket. Both were somewhat bulky, especially his mother's, in large en- velopes, and the ink of the writing was faded The one addressed to My dear son, Roger," thrilled him with a strange emotion, as he recognised his mother's dearly loved writing, which had so regularly appeared on his plate at breakfast every day that he had been away from home during her life-time— at school, travelling, or in his early days at Oxford, whenever possible, and many a time they had contained a substantial enclosure, which aided many of his boyish schemes and delightsj The other simply bore the word Roger in the small handwriting of Mr Kelvin, whose letters had usually meant a parental wigging or a complaint against his conduct; With a reverent feeling of love he opened his mother's letter, laying the other on the seat beside him, and he began to read My own dearly loved boyi When this is in your hands I shall be only a memory of the past to you, perhaps a distant memory, as this is not to be given to you till the death of both my husband and myself. In it you will learn a secret which will affect your whole life, but you must try to forgive me, as I know you will, when you realise that I aim only the innocent cause of your disgrace. (To be continued.)

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Rhyl National Schools. DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES AND CERTIFICATES. The'^above annual event in connection with the Rhyl National Schools took place in the Church House last Friday afernoon. Mr W J P Storey, J.P., presided and was supported by Mrs Storey, the Rev T Lloyd (vicar), Mr J H Ellis, J P.; and Mrs Ellis, Mr G A Taverner, J.P., Mrs De Ranee, Mrs Lewis Jones, Mrs Richardson, Mrs Clark, Mrs Tilby, Miss Bayliss, Miss Mannix, and Mr W Silvester. The Chairman, after reading the Government and Diocesan reports, which were of an eminently satisfactory character, showing good progress in every department, congratulated the teaching staff upon the success that had attended their efforts during the past year. They had evident- ly spared no effort to make the schools second to none in the district, and the results reflected the highest credit upon them (applause). Mr Ellis, who was called upon to distribute the prizes and certificates —a task which he gracefully delegated to the ladies on his left— also offered his congratulations to the teachers and scholars upon the admirable progress they had made. He hoped that progress would I conL inue in every department. Education at the present day was conducted very differently from what was the case when he was a boy. In those days the education of the young was an object more or less often attained by the aid of a good cane. and he could assure the scholars present that the "stick" was very much in demand in the school he had the honour to attend (laughter). Interest in educational matters nowadays was of such a nature that no child was debarred from securing a first-class training. During the past year Parliament had been engaged in passing an Education Bill that would enable the rising generation without exception to aspire to the highest pinnacle that human nature could hope to attain. The opportunities thus afforded them he hoped none of those he had the pleasure of speaking to that day would fail to appreciate, and he trusted that there were many amongst them who would in the future aspire to represent the town on its governing body (applause). It was an honour that had been his for many years, and he sincerely hoped that there were in that afternoon's gathering many who meant to do their best in years to come for their fellow townspeople. He commended to them as an example the position their worthy master (Mr Tilby) had attained (applause). On him had been con- ferred the highest honour his fellow townsmen could bestow. He trusted that the boys especially would strive to emulate their master, and look to him as a living example of what a boy could do (applause). Concluding, Mr ] Ellis alluded to the generosity of their Chair- man, to whom they were indebted for prizes on that occasion. Mr Storey was not only generous in the matter of prizes he also devoted a great deal of time to the management of the schools, and no gentleman could follow more faithfully in the footsteps of the late Mr Roose than he was doing (applause). They were also indebted to other ladies and gentle- men, notably Miss Mannix, Mrs DeRance, Miss Stacy, Mr Silvester, and Mr Taverner, a gentleman whom they congratulated upon the honour just conferred on him by the Lord Chancellor in making him a magistrate for the county of Flint (applause). Lastly, he ex- pressed the hope that both boys and girls would attend school as regularly and as punctually as possible, for, said he, in that way they Aould not only give their teachers encouragement, but they would also assist materially in contributing to the maintenance of the schools (applause) The distribution of prizes and certificates was then proceeded with as follows Boys School. Attendance Prizes.—The following, whose attendance during the past year was perfect, were presented wit.h silver medals inscribed with the names of the recipients and the donor (Mr Storey): Edward Hornby, W H Joues, Thomas Shaw, John Bayliss, Star.ley 13e)], Thomas K-iyliss, Thomas H Herring, Harry Jones, W111 Manley, Wm Jones,and Helliwell Roberts. Mr Storey also presented a number of boys who had not missed more than five times out of every 100 each with a two-shilling piece. Besides those receiving medals the follow- ing make up the list of attendance prize winners; P DufB* kl, W Homan, H Williams, S Allison, D Ratcliffe, St Jones, P Wynne, P Newing, R Keen, R Edwards, G Jouea, Wm. St Jones, Thos. C Wynne, R Cookson, Rich. Roberts, N Templer, A Parry, Willie Jone". Charles Egert-on, S Harrison, A Hornby, W Allison, J Lamb, Wm. Alcock, Thos. Roberts, J Parry, Pat Jones, Percy Jones, Peter Lunt, A Keene, A Ellis, t. Pepper, Jno. Alcock, Wm. Polkinyhorne, H Templer, Jno. Morgan, S Pritchard, G Eg^rton, II Edge, W E Davie?, Alb. Evans, P Waters, Chas, Madey, Russell Jonts, Hugh Davison, Jno. 1) Roberts, Jack Jones, Arthur Williams, Fred Hubbard, Chas. Ratcliffe, Robt. Hughes. Progress Prizes.—Henry Williams, Stanley Allison, I'obert Edwards, Wm. Henry Jones, Siddall, John Birkinyer, Percy Jones, Peter Lunt, Jno. Alcock, Thos. liayliss, les Niditity, Harry Edge, Arthur Brough, Fred Hubbard. First prize for mapping, W111. Jones second, E Hornby. First prize for drawing, Thos. Peplow second, Francis Jones. First prize for best exercise book, David Llnyd. First prize for monitors, Henry Williams; second, Wm. JXtvison. First prize for good conduct, Morton Hall; second, George Hands; third, Wm Davies ilhams; fourth, Win Vickers. Scripture CerLifical.ts.-Bi-ek L Conde, C Riches, H Davison, H Edge, J D Roberts, J Alcock, H Roberts, C Manley. J H Petrio. Blue T Bxyliss, W Polkinghorue, L Yardley, IT Tem- pler, T H Herrins, J Wynne, W C Roberts. Red S Pepper, P Jones, E Divic-s, P Lunt, A Woodhouse, A Keene, A Ellis. Green A Conway, G Piatt, Wm. Roberts, A Brough, A Williams, Walter Roberts, J Jones, Jos. Williams, F Hubbard, C Ratcliffe, J H Evans, E Ellis. Gold A Parry, T Shaw, R Roberts, J Parrv, R Keene, W T Evans, E Hornby, C Harri- son, G Jones, W S Jones, P Newing, J Peplow, N Templer, Watkin Williams, P Wyuiie,T C Wynne, J H Williams, J Lam'), W Allison, S Harrison, A Hornby, J Birkmycr, W Alcock, T Roberts, J Bayliss, S Bell. Honours D Lloyd, F Insull, R Edwards, M Hall, R Cookson, P Duffield, W Homan, vV H J' nes, T Insull, W Pepper, Stanley ) Allison, H Williams, W Pickersgill, Ll. Lunt, David Ratcliffe. Scripture Prizes.—Richard Grosvenor, Charles Davies, James Pearson, Stephen Jones, Osborne Kirby, Robert Parry, William Davison, Francis Jones, Ernest D Jones, Thomas Peplow. Cirls' School. Attendance Prizes.-Cissifl Edwards, Mabel Holrnan, May Hubbard, Winnie Chudwick, May Jones (medalists), Daisy Saviker, Harriet Paynter, Louie Kirk, Dorothy Dyson, Ruth Thomas, Emily Williams, Bessie Williams, Maggie Thomas, Flo Williams, Bessie Williams, Gladys Jones. Special Prizes.—Class Matilda Manley, Cissio Edwards and Florence Smith. Good conduct, Dorothy Ellams. Map drawing: Mary Owen. Needlework Martha Welbourne. Scripture. Prizes: Maggie Bayhas, Bessie Miller, Dor. Pickersgill. Honours Hilda Edge, Matilda Manley, Fiorrie Ininan, Louie Kirk, Mary Owen. Gold: May Hubbard, Maggie Lunt, Gladys Norman, Daisy Saviker. Red Elsie Hood, Cissie Edwards. Blue Nancy Welbourne, Gladys Jones, Jennie Davies, Nana Jones, Myfanwy Williams. Green Dorothy Jones, Florence Williams, Mary J Evans, Alice Roberts, Annie Roberts, Grace Kirk, Mabel Allison, Mabel Jones, Muriel Williams. Black: May Jones, Dorothy Dyson, Maggie Thomas, Jennie Roberts, Harriet Ellen Jones, Elizabeth Thomas, Winnie Chadwick, Muriel Lloyd, Daisy Allison, Gertie Gratton, Mary Wilson. A very pleasant gathering terminated with the usual vote of thanks, proposed by the Vicar and seconded by Mr Silvester, and with cheers by the scholars.

Holywell. School Board Finances. For the past financial year the total receipts amounted to £ 2,237 !8s G 1, of which sum £ 605 w-is received in annual grant, and C997 was the product of an 8d rate. The expenditure amounted 10 £ 2,208 lGs. 9d, of which £ 1,100 represented teachers' salaries and £ 4G9 7s 2d repayments of loans and interest. The outstanding liabilities of the Board at the end of the year (loans) amounted to £ 6,691 8s 2d.

The Education Act in Flintshire. d Upon the application of the Flintshire County Council, the Board of Education have appointed September 30th as the provisional date for the Education Act to come into force iu the couuty.

Land and Property TO BE LET or SOLD BY illESSRS. GrREENHALGH & GEARY, Auctioneers arId Estates Agents, RHYL. IN WESTBOURNE PA UK. LAKE TOWER, Seabank Road; GRAS5VIERE VILLA, Westbourne Avenue; VICTORIA LODGE, Victoria Avenue. Two Entertaining and Five Bed Rooms, Box and Bath Ilkooins, highly finished, with every convenience, perfect sanitation South aspect sun all day uninterrupted view of the Vale of Clwyd two minutes' walk from the Marine Lake, five minutes from the Promenade, and eight minutes from Station and Town. zn Rent from X2,5 to £ 35 per annum. Also, To be Let, in Westbourne Park, VALUABLE FREEHOLD LAND, on the Banks of the Rhyl Marine Lake, Westbourne Avenue and Victoria Avenue sand and gravel sub-soil best roads and drainfall in Rhyl un- sutpassed view of the whole of the Vale of Clwyd, Bodelwyddan Marble Church, St. Asaph Cathedral, and Lhuddlan Church Great and Little Orme'g Ilead plainly to be seen the hills, dales, and the mountains of four counties. In winter the sun rises over Dyserth, and sets opposite Seabank Load and the Lake, so that the houses get about eight hours' sun. In summer the houses have the sun all day. Adjoining the Building Land, the finest JOINER'S SHOP in Wales. To Builders rent nominal. rpO BE LET.—No. 3 TUDOR BUILDINGS, Wellington Road, Commodious J- SHOP, WORKSHOP, Dining Room, Two Entertaining Rooms, Six Bedrooms, Kitchens, &c. rpO BE LE-r-No. I QUEEN STREET (facing the Market Square), JL Commodious SHOP, Entertaining Room, Six Bedrooms, Kitchens, &c. Apply GREENHALGH and GEARY, Market Street, Rhyl or J. S. GREENHALGH, Rydal Villa, Seabank Road, Westbourne Park. 359 r 'V.

The Late Mr Edmund Peel.! FUNERAL AT OVERTON. The interment of the remains of the late Mr Edmund Peel, J.P., of Brynypys, took place at the Overton Cemetery, near Wrexham, on Satur- day afternoon. At noon a private memorial service for the family was held at Overton Church, the officiating clergymen being the Revs G J Howson, Christ Church, Salford, and Hugh Hatimer, Wallington, Norfolk. A public service was also hpld in the same edifice at two o'clock, and subsequently a procession was formed, the cortege proceeding to the Overton Churchyard, where the interment took place. The chief mourners were the three sons, Mr Huyh Peel, Lieut. H Wicksted Ethelston, 3rd Grenadier Guards, and Mr E Ethelston Peel, whilst amongst those present were noolemen and gentry from far and near. Over 300 persons followed, and they included tenants, workmen, deputations from various societies and councils, servants, &c. The service at the graveside was conducted by the Bishop of Bangor (brother-in-law of the deceased), the Bishop of St Asaph, C".IlOIl Fletcher (vicar of Wrexham), and the Revs Hugh Hanmer aud G J Howson. A large number of floral tributes were sent by, among others, Lord Arthur Grosvenor, the Dowager Lady Williams Wynn, the Denbigh- shire and Flintshire Agricultural Society (of which he was president), the Brynypys, Wallington, and Llandrino tenants, Mr aud Mrs Philip Yorke, and three from Mr and Mrs Hugh Peel, Lieutenant. Ethelston, and Mr E Ethelston Peel, and the Missca Peel, which were lowered into the grave on the coffin.

IMPORTANT TO ALL. Every person's future is, to a certain ext-nt, in his own hand. Mauv a future which might have been brilhant has ben darkened by lack of the spirit of seif-iieli-i. Many a home. which might have been gladdened by life and health, and co in font, has b,'ea saddened by poverty, illness, aud death, in many oases wholly preventiblo. 'I'iit- spring arid summer months jire, from a sanitary point of view, aiuong the mo-t important of the year, Duo ea e may now mean a healthy and happy summer and autumn, and robust consti- tution to meet the trials of next winter. Neglect may now mean a j.'yltss summer, a trying liitumn, and a broken clnstitntinn to suciawnb under the attacks of any xceptional trial. There are, inde:d, few that Jo not feel the syst "11 needs recruiting after the trying winter they have passed through. With some it is "only a little cough, with others a tendency to bronchitis," with others not qrtito up to the mark," a sort of all-over siukiug feeling," "100 weak to do any- thing- about the house," these recurring head- aches," no appetite for my food," etc. Th. se and a dozen others are cimru .n expressions, wnieh all point co the urgent need of some good t.Hiic. What change of air can do for you in a few months' time-if you are no worse than you arc now — a course of some good tonic mixture, a reliable in dicine of established reputation and ot proved virtu will now do There are several tonic mixtures to be had, but none which have been so uniformly successful as (Jwilytu Evans' Quinine Bitters, The Vegetable Toni It li;t, never been known to fail send for a pamphlet of testimonials,, and read the voluntary testimony therein contained. Then get Gwilym E.au¡;' Quinine Bitters, which will prove to be your best self-help. We have no bympathy with those people who always complain of being ill and miserable and out of softs, when a course of Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters would soon set them right. Sold in bottles, 2s. 9d. and 4s (id. each, by ail chemists and patent medicine vendors, or direct from the proprietors The Quinine Bitters Manufacturing Company, Limited, Lbn- elly, South Wales, carriage free by parcel post. Beware of imitations. See the name of Gwilym Evans on label, stamp, and bottie and refuse any preparation offered as a substitute for GWILYM EVANS' QUININE BITTERS.

s L.C-I. Z It z GOUT PILLS The only remedy in the world for GOUT and RHEUMATISM that relieves and cures these complaints. Sure, safe, and effectual. The composition is purely vegetable. No restraint of diet during use. Ask for BLAIR'S GOUT and RHEUMATISM PILLS All and Stores at 1/1 t &; 2/9 per box 2

Hanmer. A Welsh Lady's Will. Probate of the will dated 28t.h January, 187S, of the Hon. Miss Henrietta Kenyon,of The Gelli, near Malpas, who died on the 20th January last, aged 63 years, daughter of the third Baron Kenyon, has been granted to her sister, the Hon. Miss Georgina Kenyon, and her brother, the Hon. Geo. Thomas Kenyon, of Llanerch Place, Ellesmere, and the testatrix, whose estate has been valued at £ 5,11,3 Is Id gross and £4,323 lis 3d net, left all of her property to her said sister.

I OOl'ONG—A JudicÍousB CIIU ol the Choicest TeaslsOd i per lb. Ceylon Tea Pure Fragrant, and Delicious atls per lb. 61b carriage paid to any address in the United. Kingdom.—Barber & Co (Established over a century), Lord St., Liverpool, &ud 103 Market St. MancheBte

Smart Capture of a Bicycle Thief. At the Town Hall, Rhyl, on Monday before Messrs \V Elwy Williams and J H Ellis, George Frederick Bleaze, described as an electrician, of Deg <vnwy, was brought up in custody charged with having on Saturday last stolen a bicycle valued at about £6, the property of the North Wales Cycle Company, Colvvyn Bay.—Thomas Henry Pincett, the company's mannger, stated that uii Saturday prisoner called at their Colwyn Bay sfhop and arranged to have a bicycle for the week-end. Prisoner told him that he had no money on him then, as lie had not yet drawn his wages, and it was a reed that he should pay 7s. 6d. for tho use of the machine upon returning it on Mon- day or Tuesday. —Charles Harold Connah, manager for Messrs Connah and Co., stated that on Saturday prisoner called at their shop in Queen Street, Rhyl, and offered to sell the machine (produced in court and identified as the property of the North Wales Cycle Company) for 32s. — Witness told him to call again in about half an hour, and in the meantime gave information to the police -l'.S. McWalrer stated that upon receipt of this informa- tion he kept a sharp look out for prisoner. Seeing him "biking" along Wellington Road, he approached him aud informed him that he believed he was trying to sell the machine. Prisoner replied that he was, and added that he got it from Abergele. In answer to further questions prisoner said the bicycle was his, he had had it tor over four months, and it cost him f;C), a receipt for that amount beinv, in his possession at home. Prisoner then asked witness whether his name was Joseph Evans, to which witness replied, No, I am a police officer." He then took possession of the bicycle and asked prisoner to accompany him to the police station. Immediately they got inside the yard prisoner turned back, saying ho would return in a minute. Instead, however, he commenced running, and witness followed him into Bod for Street. The witness Connah joined in the chase and captured prisoner in Kinmel Street. Upon their return to the police station prisoner was charged with the theft of the bicycle, and admitted the offence, stating that he had hired it from the North Wales Cycle Company and had tried to sell it because he wanted some money, having been out of work for several months.—Prisoner, who pleaded guilty and asked for lenience, stating that he was a married mm with two children, was sentenced to 23 days' hard labour, which the Bench considered was light punishment. When hiring the bicycle, it was stated, he gave a fictitious address. .P'

SVMiNûTlUfS !T!L.C. COFFEE JE* E* ESSENCE NEBE! & Chic.ry. PUr* cofrm A STIMULANTI A RESïORA TIVE I A CORRECTIVES ør REFUSE ALL. OTHERS. -V*

Pleasant Saturday Evening. The wisdom of securing the Town Hall for the concerts in connection with the above movement was again proved last Saturday evening, when Mr W Elwy Williams, J.P., presided over a crowded "house." A pianoforte duet by Miss Winnie Davies and Miss Jones (Albion Villa) was the first item, being followed by the singing of "Honour and Arms by Mr D M Jones (Cwm), whose rendering of it moved the audience to a high pitch- of enthusiasm. Master T H Jones' recitation,. "Curfew must not ring to-night," was even more effective so vociferous was the applause in fact that there was no appeasing the audience until they were assured; that this promising elocutionist would recite again later on. Mrs Freeman next sang in a pleasing manner The Dear Home Lai-id," following which the Rhuddlan Male Voice Choir (conductor, Mr Isaac Jones, Aquarium Street) gave a rendering of the chorus Dewrion Feibion Gwalia" (Sons of Wales). After a few remarks by the Chairman, who spoke of the useful purpose these Saturday night concerts served, Miss G Parker Davies recited The Jackdaw of Rheims," a piece that was deservedly encored. Miss Gertrude Hum- phreys' song, "Entreat me not to leave thee" (from "Ruth"), was followed by a mandoline duet by the Misses Popplewell and Edwards, after which the audience again had the pleasure of hearing Master T H Jones and the Rhuddlan Male- Voice Choir, the former reciting "Beddgelert'" and the latter singing Dr Parry's "Sailors' Chorus" (in memory of the composer). The Better Land" (with lantern illustrations) was sung by Miss Lizzie Middleton, and The Village Blacksmith" (also illustrated) by Mr R Jones (Cwm), who gained an undeniable encore. The concluding item was an instructive illustrated lecture on Weather Recording," by Ml J D Poikinghorne. The lantern was ably manipulated by Mr Ernest Jones. Miss Mabel Hughes again acted as accompanist. Mr A Lewis Jones ex- pressed the thanks of the audience to the Chair. man and performers, and the proceedings termina- ted with the singing of the National Anthem,