Welsh Newspapers
Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles
10 articles on this Page
Hide Articles List
10 articles on this Page
. --------THE r T>tervening…
News
Cite
Share
THE r T>tervening Sea By DAVID LYALL. t CHAPTER I. THE PARTING OF THE WAYS. ► 'It seems easy and clear while you are speaking, Digby, There was a world of longing in the tono, and the young, handsome, eager face up- turned to his companion's was full of ques- tioning. It was a summer evening, and the two men, Evan Holt and Laurence Digby, were drifting idly in a boat on one of the loveliest reaches of the Thames at Oxford. It was the beginning of Commemoration week, and though the night was darkening down, the soft air was full of laughter, and in th3 laden boats darting to and fro winsome eyes made havoc of hearts supposed to be given to graver matters. But these two seemed unconscious of it alL The absorbing nature of their theme held them—they talked of the soul's immortality. and of the things pertaining to their eternal peace. Digby's was the older faoo, full of oare and thought; experience had drawn the lines about his mouth, and given dispth to his penetrating eyes. It was a good. even a strong faoo, and at that moment it wore an expression of deep tenderness. 'You are not far from the Kingdom, Evan,' be replied. 'Soon the light 'will shine through the open door.' 'I am quite clear that I want to live the higher life,' said the young man earnestly. The trouble is that I have not the joy you feel, and I want it.' 'It will come. Evan. It is an experience f which can neither be explained nor passed "r^' on. As a matter of fact some never ex- perience it. Grace is a matter of growth with them. There is temperament, too. Don't forget the difference in temperament. I am excitable—emotional, if you will—you are made of sterner stuff. You'll do grand work yet, Evan; I'm convinced of it.' 'You excitable!' exclaimed the lad in simple wonder. 'I have never seen it, and I don't believe it for a moment, either.' Difrby laughed. 'It's there all the same. I sometimes wish it were less obvious. It is tlirough the affections that all belief is won or lost, Evan. It is well to remember that when we judp-e ourselves or others.' 'I only half understand you,' said Holt vaguely. 'I wish this wcio not'Commemor- ation, and that my mother and Evelyn were not due in half an hour.' 'You will be happy when they do 000Tle, Evan and at this particular crisis I am glad they are coming.' 'You don't know my sister. Digby; she won't give me a moment for serious thought.' 'So much the better for you. just at pres- ent. Your mind is weary, your heart con- fused. I wish I could help you, Evan, but it is impossible. There are many lonely moments in a man's life. but he is never more alone than in his soul's conflict. The battle must be lost or won in a solitary pkioa.' As he spolc?, Digby steered the boat to the shallow brim of the river and lightly sprang ashore. He made it fast while Holt stoed idly by. with the listless yet eager look on his faoa which filled Digby's heart with a mother's tenderness. How he yearned over that young soul he dare not say: he had wrestled in prayer for him, but the light of dawn had not 3131 dispelled the mists of per- plexity and doubt. They spoke but little as they walked brisk- ly through the byways to the station. As they neared it. however. Digby turned to him with a smile. 'You mustn t meet your mother and sister with a face like that, or they will bring me to task. I think I am more interested in your mother than in any P* tfon in the world just at present. Holt smiled, but faintly. 'I wonder if she would approvo of the talks we have had in the last t3W days? I 8Tn not sure of it.' 'The day will come, Evan it is for you to compel thorn to come in,' said Digby quietly, at the same time keeping his ey>3 keenly on his companion's face. Holt started and gave a quick glance round, but made no answer. They came in silence to the station, and, Punctual to the moment, the last London train rushed up to the platform. Then Holt's listlessness vanished, and he was all eager- noss to welcome those lie loved. At the foment of greeting Digby stood backhand a singular and oppressive sense of loneliness suddenly encompassed him. He had no ties himself, and his heart cried out for the bless- ing of kith and kin, for the warm near touch of his own blood. In that solitary moment, while he stood a-part, he was able to take quiet survey of Holt's mother and sister, and to form his own opinion concerning them. It was an opinion h3 had no occasion afterwards to cpango. Mrs Holt was a person of no dis- tinction—short, stout, motherly-looking, Soaring her expensive clothes without grace, her every gesture, even before be heard her speak, proclaiming her origin. Yet her face was one to win. A very different personal- ity was h3r daughter Evelyn. Tall and slim, she carried herself with a matchless grace, with a touch of hauteur, indeed which amazed Digby. He was nobly born himself and was quick to recognise distinction of birth and breeding in others. The question tvo asked himself was, how had Evelyn Holt inherited or acquired it? She interested him beyond measure, and attracted him, too. more than any woman had done in his thirty years of life. 'Here's DibY, mother. He's boon awfully good to mo, cried Evan, signing to his friend- to como forward. My mother and 8 is tor, Laurenoe. Of course, they know you from my letters.' Mrs Holt instantly extended a motherly -1 f r1 band, and her kind face smiled delightedly. Til always be grateful, Mr Digby, for your kindness to my la/d; coom, Evelyn, and shake hands with Mr Digby.' Evelyn w&s J>8stowing her attention on her dress-basket being dragged from the luggage van, but thus enjoined she turned to Digby and bowed graciously. 'Of oourse we know you. Mr Digby. Evan's letters of late have contained little There was an acrid touch in her Speech, and her sweet lips curled with just a suspic- ion of scornful banter, which amused Digby. His quiet eyes took in everything and accurately judged Evelyn Holt's power, and her limitations, while she. perhaps, imagined him irresistibly attracted. "Do help us, Evan, to get our luggage out. Mamma is so tired, and I am cvut of sorts,' she said, with just a touch of peevishness in her tone. It is the cross jourr/ey,' she oondesoended to explain to Digby. w« had some shopping to do in London. It 18 too much for one day.' It didn't ought to be. for a young strong Woman, Ewy,' said Mrs Holt, with her good- natured smiloe. Evelyn shrugged her shoul- ders, and again gave her attention to the luggage. She had decided that Digby was a oerson of small importance, but she did not liVid to be called Ewy before him. When the luggage was secured, and they were seated in the hotEõl omnibus. Digby raised kis bat to say good-night 'Won't you ooffne down to The Randolph and have a bit of supper with us, Laurence asked Holt eagerly. Mr Digby; it ain't late for a summer night,' said Mrs Holt persuasively; but iHgbv shook his head. Til call in the morning if I may, but 1 know you have all sorts of nome news to disettss. It was very good of Evan to let nip ooane to the station with him.' So saying, he smiled pleasantly and strode away. 'A very civil-srvoken young man, Evan,' oteeTved his mother approvingly. "What polite he has. to be sure.' Tie Soeen't look very interesting,' said lyn shortly. paraJron is disap- nting, Evan. And how badly dressed he Digby can afford to be indifferent to his slothes,* said Holt lightly. TBesidea, be can't afford to be a dandy.' He looks hard UP. Papa wouldnT: atp- DrOVie of him. I doubt. He wan ted you to "'takA distinguished friends a.t Oxford^ said BJvelyn, with a suspicion of laughter in her Digby is very distinguished. I assure vou answered Holt quietly. 1 QD&J wish I had his bniD8! 'i bn pkswd to hecsr thai you are intimate with the son of a live lord,' pursued Evelyn mischievously. 'I am sure he expected it.' Holt laughed, but there was no mirth in tha sound. 'Perhaps Digby will do. He has an uncle in the peerage, and his father was a bishop.' 'Oh,' said Evelyn, rather taJken back. 'Who would have thought it 'Fine feathers make fine birds to look at, but they don't promise that they'll taste good. That's what I'm always telling you, lass,' said Mrs Holt. nodding her head to emphasise her knowledge oi the world. 'You look thin, now we've time to see you. Evan. Sure, you must have been working hard to make you look like that.' 'I havs been working pretty fair, mother,' he answered, and Evelyn observed the re- straint of his tone. She drew her own con- clusions from it, but they were very wide of the mark. They talked on liotme matters until they reached the hotel, where they had engaged rooms. and where.supper waited. Money being plentiful in the Holt manage, they had a private sitting-room. which at Oxford in Commemoration week is ocnly for those who have a full purse. Immediately alter supper Evelyn went to her own room, pleading headache and fatigue, and Evan was left with his mother. Ho loved her dearly, and her little peculiari- ties of speech and manner, which were at times a. bone of contention at home, never irritated him. The fact that his mother had been a worker in his father's mill when he married her did not trouble Evan Holt in the Least, though his father himself was not able to forget it. In private conversation he had been known to allude to it as the mistake of his life, a breach of good feeling and taste which nothing could excuse. No man or woman should lift the veil from their inner sanctuary unless in an hour of des- perate need, and then only to a proven friend. To babble of it as a mistake is to stamp the babbler at once, and to proclaim to tlio world his own full share in that mis- take. Mrs Holt was supposed to be a per- son of no importanoe and of little discern- ment. but none save the God in whom she implicity trusted knew of her bitter moments and how she resented the lack of proper re- spect and consideration in the quarter where she had most right to expect it. Evan was her younger son, lusr Benjamin, who had been brought uj) at her knee. Raymond, the elder, was like fags father, cold, selfish, domineering, and inordinately ambitious. Etrilyn she only partly understood, though she was always kind. It is a pathetic pic- ture, this. and often seen in these modern days, the attitude of children towards the parent who have reared and suffered for them. Often the toil-worn mother has to stand aside, and know herself belittled and despised. Sooner or later, it may If), her children awaken to the enormity of their folly and sin. then no atonement will seem sufficient. No such treani?nt had Mrs Holt received from Evan, and when they were left alone he busied himself with her comfort. As he placed a cushion at her back, and a stool at her feet, 'her eves filled with sudden tears. Tm gond en oof for thee. lad,' she said. as her hand fell on his bent head. Thoul t never think shame on t'owd mother.' It was only in moments of doop feeling that she went back into the vernacular of her youth. Evan understood her at onoe, and guessed she had missed him in the past year. But hn would not ask a single ques- tion. the subject was too sore. 'Ashamed of her?—why should I be. and she looking so young and bright?' he asked in the happiest voioe. 'Why. you are twenty years youngpr since I saw you last.' She smiled, welt pleased, not at the words. v-hich only reached the surface, but at the Sweetness of his kindly thought. With Evan 1,t) felt strong and unashamed, and always appeared at her best. Nothing is so para- lysing as to live in an atmosphere of petual blame, yet such had been poor Mrs Holt's lot during the whole period of hi3r married life. Tv-mv I want to hear all about everything. ■n1^v,.nr I suppose father and Ray are all right p' Hay's gone to the Paris Exhibition, Evan.' He sat down before her, and both prepared themselves for a long and confidential talk. CHAPTER n. HIS OWN FOTIK. Tather all right?' asked Evan again, not without a furtive touch of anxiety. 'He's quite well lad, but worried, always worried over business. Oh. Evan. I can't help thinkin' it's sinful to worry as ho does, 'im got so much. Sometimes I says ta myself that riches is nothing but a curse.' 'But I thought things were going OIl very well just now. Ray told me so when 1;0 was here Last month.' They have to go mighty well to satisfy folks nowadays,' she said sadly. 'It ain't common profits that will satisfy them. And Ray said they was going well, did he? Well, I'm glad h3 admitted as much. His father never does. It's always hard times with him.' 'So Ray has gone to Paris; what for, mother ?' Mrs Holt smiled. 'I'm supposed to see nothing, but I can put two an' two together as well as most folks. Ray has gone to Paris because Miss Vanstone is there with her aunt.' Evan stanxl. Do you mean to say that Ray is in love with Miss Vanstone?' 'I do, and I was fain glad to see it. It 11 give him stimmat to think on "besides hiss-en,' she said, with quite unusual acerbity. 'And doea she—<loes she—think of him in that way?' a.s13d Evan. still in the utmost surprise. that I canna tell. She's a main sweet las3, an' a beauty. Maybe the Squire ud like her to do better^ but money is money nowadays, an' the quality ain't got it all their own way as they used.' Evan smiled at the shrewd observation. 'So Ray has gone courting to Paris. Well, it would be a big thing for him to marry Miss Vanstone. I wonder if she would take him.' 1 don't think it has got so far as that. She do look sweryt, lad. but her pride is high. they say. I've never spoke to her.' 'She can't beat our Evelyn for looks, mother,' said Evan quickly. 1 couldn't take my eyes off her at the station. She might have been a Tudor, every inch of her. Of course I haven't seen Miss Vanstone for five years, and the memory of her is some- what shadowy. I daresay it is a match that would please father immensely.' he has never named it to m»; but coom, lad, let's hear a.boot thvsen. You do look pale and dweeble. This college learn- ing is too mooch.' 'It isn't that. mother, and I feel fit enough.' There's a summat, lad—a mother's e'en canna be blinded. Maybe thou'rt goin' a-courtin' too. Well, it's but natural in a yoong lad. an' if she's only good, lad, I'd never say a word.' It's nothing of that kind, and nnoorgrad has no business to let his thoughts dwell on matrimony. I have been working pretty hard. mother, and you oan tell dad I expect to oome out well. What did you think of Digby ? You liked him, didn't you ?' ryes, I tbowt him a civil-spoken lad. And ba's been kind to thee. Ask him to ooom to the Court in t' holidays.' Td like to. He's an awfully good chap, mother, how good I could never tell you. Now never think, to look at him, that 00 is more interested in religion than in anything it ain't usual for young men nowa- days. They coont theirsens aboove it.' 'You're right, but Digby isn't like tliat. He thinks nothing else matters, and that everything ought to be consecrated in this life to the service of God. Intellect, money, position, influence, be savs they are just so many gifts to b3 used for God s glory. knd the good of ones fellow men. 'He's main right, lad, it's the Saviours own teaching,' she answered with an air of quiet conviction that thrilled Holt. Per- hans here, at his own mothers k^oe the final mists might roil away, and all things be macUj plain. „ T 'We've had a lot of talk, mother, and I want to see things as he sees tbom. 1 am convinoed it is the only right way. Mrs Holt sat silsnt A moment, and on her homely faae there seemed a new light, lixe ,&e^d*wa of some lovely and unexpected « Thou'rt right, 1a.d. it ia tho ly way the way of the Cross.' 'But. mother, something seems to hold back. I want to believe, and I do believe, but there is no nearness, none of that deep quiet joy which shines out of Digby at all sorts of unexpected moments.' She sat up and looked at him steadily, and with a. great yearning in her kind eytes. Here she was on sure ground, where none could make her ashamed. 'My son, thou'rt like many another, want- ing to do soimthing, to save thysen, as it wiere. It canna be done. The Saviour is a free gift, without money and without price. Mind what lie said to Thomas the doubter. It's upon the nailprint we mun look an' live.' 'I'm not doubting it. mother, but I want to fael it.' Tve never held wi' them revival feelin's, as they call them. Ten to one they don't last. Believe an' liva an' work, lad. that's the religion for wear. Anybody can talk.' Holt was almost persuaded. Whatever his mother might lack which the worldly- minded prized, be knew her rich in spiritual faith and experience, better fitted even than Digby to guide him at this crisis in his life. "Was this why thou wert so main anxious for me to ooom now, my son ? They didna understand it at Bartley. an' your feyther said I'd better stop at home, but I said "No. if the lad wants me, then I'm goin', Oxford or no Oxford," an' here I 1 did want you, mother, and that was the reason,' Holt answered, and already the cloud lifted from his brow. 1 know what's troublin' thee. lad. it's what troubled me five-and-twenty years ago, afore thou wert born. The proud spirit in thee wants to pay for the gift. Tak^ first and pay after, the Lord says. Thou'rt young. lad, an' if God spares thee, what a work waits for thee, ev'n at Bart1.ey! Many a time it lies heavy on my own 'I will try to loavo it like that, mother,' said Holt in a low voice. 'And when I como home you must help to do the Lord's work.' Tears sprang in her eyes. and the soft, white, motherly hands trembled on her lap. It's the answer to many pravers, lad. Praise God, I winna be so lonesome now at Bartley.' Holt could not speak. Her words sank almost painfully into his heart. They seemed to reveal all the nathoo of the years. 'I may as wcel tall thee frankly, lad. this winna please thy feyther. He's all tlie world yet. He hasna heard God's voioo bid- ding him look higher. An' he has had a. very high pride in thee. Evan, h3 will take the disappointment badly.' mother,' said Holt, struck by her words, 'why should it make any differenoe If religion is anything at all. it should help a man to life the ordinary duties of life on to a higher plane. It will never drag him down.' f:N'O', but will make him stand in matters of conscience in business; it will touch his pocket, lad, at every turn. He will be at war wi' the world, tha flesh an' the devil. Won't he1' At leasts that's my idea of what religion—the right sort, at least—should do wi' a man's life.' 'Then you think my father will be op- posed to my ideas ?' 'We've got to hear thorn first, lad,' she answered shrewdly. my advice, Evan, an' go quietly at first, an' dinna vex or cross thy feyther. He's been a good feyther to thno, la.d. and deserves to be kindly treated. I have often to speak to Ray be- cause he is wantin' in respect to us, that have made him what he is. You will not forget, Evan. that the same book that offers the free gift says. "Children, obey your pa.ren ts Holt listened, silenced and rebuked. He had all too fiery impatience of youth and a generous nature's intolerance of injustice wherever found. 'I canna think what young folks nowadays are oomin' to. They think tbeirsens far above them as has loved an' suffered for them. As I said to Ray the other day. maybe some day, when lie has children of his own. lie will know what a sting it is to see contempt in their 'Ray doesn't mean anything, dear mother. He is proud and ambitious and a. bit hard,-but I am sure he really loves 'He doesll11 show it as he should,' she re- plied. and would have pursued the subject, but Holt tried gently to lead her from it. He knew what rankled in her heart. From the days when he had first begun to under- stand things lie had ressnted the little re- spect paid to his mother in the great house in which she had never felt at home. And even then, in his young boyhood, he had mgistared a. vow that lie would act different- Iv. that he would make it the business of his life to surround her with an atmosphere of kindness and consideration, because she was his mother. His opportunities as yet had fewer than his brother's. He had spent several years at a publio school, and had been two terms at Oxford; but there was the time to come. 'You look tired, mother,' he said. with a groat gentleness. 1 had better go now and let you get to bed. There will be lots of time to talk to-morrow.' Wei, perhaps I will. I'm not so young as I was. lad, and London tired m)0. But Evvy would go her own ways, and she spent a bit o' mon-ey. Her feyther is lavish wi' her, Evan, as "he has been wi' Ye" all. He's been a good feyther, diuna forget it.' There was a significance underlying the words it was impossible to ignore. Evan knew that she foresaw the coming conflict, tlie clashing of opinion and will, and that she was appealing to him to make it smooth. 'The Lord's religion is a religion of psace, so far as a man's own heart is she went on. more to herself than to him. he said, "I conM not to bring peace but a sword." But it is a holy r, and tlie Lord Ilimson will bear the banner. hall we kneel down, lad. side by side, an ask Him to guide us and go with us, and show us what to do?' r Evan knelt by Iter at tne couch, and for the first time in many years lizard his mother pray. The wealth of her outpouring amazed him. It seemed as if the heart. long pent in uncongenial channels. found fullest vent. There was no hesitation, no fear or misgiving. she spoke to God as a near and heavenly friend who held her and hers in the hollow of His hand. It was a porienoo for Holt, kneeling there in a hotel sitting-room, so iv-ar all the stir and btismes- of life, which took small cognisance of higher things. His heart ftirred imnTeasiirably when she prayed for him, that his way t, be owned up and that he mig.it be kep guided and made an instrument in a nig hand for untold good. In the midst of her prayer she reached out her hand and gia^pe-c his. as if to keep him at her side, and to Holt the years scorned to roll back ana tie was a child a.gain. lisping childish prayers a her knee. No further word passed between them; a silent kiss, a pressuio of the hand. a look which spoke volumes, and he was gone. 1 When Mrs Holt went up to her room she found Evelyn fast asleep. Very fair sk looked, with the pink flush on her cheek and the bright brown hair lying loosely on the pillow, which was not whiter than the skIll it ffouched. Sh3 was not less dear than he who had gone, nay, there must ever be in a mother's heart for her woman-child a tender, ness. a yearning which cannot lo uttered. Vgam she red and Evelyn Holt in her sleep, half conscious of the love en compassing. Meanwhile Holt. like one a dream, walked tho streets of the fauiniar city. the ohaos of his thoughts forbidding the idea. of sleep. It was now late, and tbo stir of the day was stilled, the quiet only disturbed by the roll of wheels which bore scmn pleasure-seekers home to rest. He came by-and-by to the pleasant readies of the river, where the moonbeams lay white and soft on the swiftly-flowing tide. The plam, and the solemn influences of the hour soothed him, and filled him with an inex- plicable nearness to the Unseen. It was Borne in upon him theM, in the stillness, that his quiet lours were ahncst oyer, that soon the stress of life would hold him, and call for all his strength of mind and will. He lea.ned his arms cm the parapet of thi3 bridge, and watched the river's flow for many minutes, thinking unspeakable thoughts. Suddenly ho lifted his eyes to the "heavens, which proclaimed the glory of the Lord. The stars drew him. he seemed to see pitying. Divine eyos in their shining. I beliewSj' was his soul's cry. TJelp t Thou mine unbelief.' X* h* nuetL
l/l ' .4J; '"..:, I U ; \…
News
Cite
Share
l/l .4J; I U î A t ROOM. BY JOHN CLARKE. THE offices in which I was employed were found too small for our business, so new premises were engaged. The contractors had undertaken to have them ready for occupation by Michaelmas but it was, in fact, the latter part of Pecember before we were enabkd to take possession. A few days before the end of the month the interior fittings were completed, and on Christmas Eve the removal of our impediiiienta was accom- plished, after business hougt somewhat more quickly than I had anticipated. Oil reaching the new offices, I found the secretary, Mr. J-, awaiting my arrival with some impatience. Ah Mr. M he said, I am glad yon have ccme, for I must be off. When the F and K' boxes are brought in, just see their contents placed in the safe; that done, there will be nothing to detain you further." Have you seen the strong-room yet, Mr. M- ? asked one of the junior clerks. No," I replied where is it ? At the end of the basement passage," re- joined the lad. Do come and have a look at it. It is such a jolly place." s- was a favourite of mine, and mere to please him than myself I acceded to his request. My companion had just pointed out the room to me, when he was called away. The massive iron door of the strong-room was ajar. With come little effort-for the hinges wanted oiling-I pushed it open and entered the chamber. Mr. J- had spoken of the place as being damp; but the walls were positively reek Log with wet, and the plaster was so solj ^hat it could be indented with the fingers. A brazjer filled with burning charcoal, stood on è. QtY floor, in the centro of the room, for the purpose of drying it. The gas was also turned fully on; and this, combined with the fire, rendered the atmosphere, even with the door open, exceed ingly close and unpleasant. I therefore turned quickly round to leave, wher I heard the click of a lock. and found to mJ dismay that the spring lock had closed, and I was a prisoner. That I was shut up accidentally I felt sure; and I endeavoured by persistently rapping at the door to attract attention, but without result. In a few minutes the vitiated atmosphere oi the place began to aiiect me. I experienced r painful tightness across the forehead, my head swam, and I felt a deadly faintness stealing over me-the precursor of insensibility. Unless I were released, I perceived with horror that I should m all probability be sofloeated very shortly b: the fumes of the charcoal fire. I looked rourr eagerly to see if there was any way of letting C,, foul air escape, and was fortunate enough to dis cover at one end of the room a small ventilator I had much difficulty in opening it, but with t1- strength given by despair I succeeded in fordo, it back. As the heated air escaped very slowly ) upset the brazier and trampled out the fire sheer nervousness when attempting ti lower the gaslight I turned it out completely jfisfortane seemed my lot, for on feeling for ro box of fusees I discovered, to my dismay, tha* I had none. One chance ajone remtined-w- (he fire utterly extinguished ? Through th dense darkness a faint red glow was discernible "tooping, I carefully nursed the ember with m} breath, until I was enabled to ignite a piece oi pijpei and relight the gas. I then looked at m\ p,tch, and found I had been nearly three-quarters of an hour in the strong-room, and reluctant admitted that by this time I must be alone in to house. The dreadful situation fairly faced me Christmas falling on a Thursday, and the day after being Bank Holiday, it had been the opinior. of the board that Saturday too should be taker: as a holiday. Thus four clear days would elapw before anyone in the company's service would enter the building! How long it was possible for life to be sustained without food I was ignorant. I had read accounts of shipwrecks in which men had survived a much longer period than this without nourishment. [ was no longer a young man, and far from being robust. As these thoughts passed through my brain k them mingled with them visions of my home, where my wife and little ones were awsiting me. f thought of my warm, comfortable little drawing- 00m. with its bright, cheerful winter fire, rouiv vhich the members of my family would then be seated, and the picture contrasted only too vividly vith my gloomy prison. That my wife would experience very great un- ssiness at my continued absence I did not doubt: mt then, would she suppose some accident had happened to me ? Could I do nothing, then, to release myself ? 'n the memoirs of Baron Trenck, Latude, and thor prisoners, which I had read, were narrated scapes in which the obstacles overcome were fa,r reater than mine seemed. It might be possihL o break through the walls, if only I had a tool tf ork with. I looked round the room, and my ye fell on the brazier. I examined it closely, an iscovered that one of the iron crossbars, by whicl s legs were braced and strengthened, was frac ired at the joint. By banding it backward alJ/l ,-rward I easily broke it off. Throwing ssidf iY overcoat, I proceeded to grind the bar dowt .-> a point at one extremity. I found the task ro one, and it was only after two hours' persis -at labour that-1 made ray tool into the proper tape. The piaster was soon scraped from th- all, and having found two stones, the spaet stween which was rather wider than ordinary, I icided to commence operations. I steadily jntkraed my exertions for some time, then, "cognising the necessity of husbanding my Tength, I threw myself down, and, worn out like with mental anxiety and bodily fatigue. croon fell asleep. How long my slumbers lasted knew not. I rose from the floor with difficulty, iy joints were stiff, every bone in my body seined to ache, and I felt feverish and ilL I neryed myself to a renewal of my labours; ~>d hour succeeded hour, as with dogged per- ■jverance I continued my irksome and monoton as employment. As the day advanced I began to suf!er from ">nger. By evening, however, I had penetrated ".0 wall to a depth cf over a foot, when suddenly felt the tool I 'had in my hand strike against etal of some kind. I lighted a piece of paper ■id looked anxiously into tho cavity. A singk iance confirmed my worst fears. Between the wo layers of masonry of which the wall was com- 'osed, had been placed throughout its whole nigth plates of chilled iron. The hopes of escape y which I had hitherto been buoyed up and jpported being thus utterly annihilated. I fairly i-oke down, and so completely unnerved was I )r the moment, I burst into tears, a weakness f which I was speedily ashamed, but for which l:o mental and physical prostration from which was then suffering afforded some palliation. 'ride came to my assistance. If I had to die, I vould face death like a man. So, calmly taking ut some paper, I gave brief instructions with ■gard to the settlement of my affairs, and bade irewell to my wife and family. This done, I abandoned myself to communion ith my own sad thoughts. Gradually, however. iy mind became abstracted from the present. memory carrying me back to the days of my vuth. Long-forgotten scenes, and incidents of iy childhood even, reproduced themselves almost 3 vividly as though they had been the occurrence f yesterday. After a time the fever in my blood began to !feet my brain; my mind wandered; and 1 ucied myself once again in America-in which 0 an try my early years of manhood had been 1 sssed—taking part in various adventures in the Far West." At one time I was on a lumber ..ft, floating down the Mississippi; and another a the Kansas prairies, engaged in an encounter rth hostile Indians. Then, again, I was one of party of traders crossing the plains of Utah nd, later still, I imagined myself at the gold liggings in California. At last I must have fallen to a deep stupor, for I remembered no more. jWhen I recovered consciousness I was lying ,1 my own bed at home, and I heard a man's i-oice say. His pulse is -u, *er, ^ie icyjr caving him." v When I was permitted to talk, my first question vas: "How and when was I rescued from my I of imprisonment The exp&nation was imple. One of the workmen had received in- structions to come down to the office and light a ire in the strong-room the day after Christmas, "apers in my pocket gave him information as my address. In about a fortnight I was convalescent rmri sble to rctum to busmess; but since the occur- rence oi the event hero recorded I have ne»v(v fjaen able to overcome my almost insuperable renucmance to entrust myself, for even the brief- period, within the walls of the strong-room.
[No title]
News
Cite
Share
Mr Justice Channel! is not expected io rtf- •nmo his judicial duties until July 16th, vn-u he will go on the second part of the North be WI g.o a. Wales Circus
, qiE WIDOWS PROPOSAL
News
Cite
Share
qiE WIDOWS PROPOSAL BY CARRIE FOX. THE late Joshua Maynard was good enough tc accumulate a considerable fortune, and con aiderate enough to leave the bulk of it to his widow. The estate was not in the least in- volved, and all the various charities and educa- tional institutions benefited under the will were settled with long before the expiration of the time allowed by law for such business. Attention to these details did much to occupy Mrs. May- nard's mind during the first months of her widow- hood. As she was young, and had often passed for her husband's daughter, her mourning was not over-poignant or long-enduring. There was an extended journey abroad, and then she settled down to enjoy life in her own way. This consisted in entertaining friends of her own choosing, among whom she became a social leader; but she lived quietly, considering the extent of her fortune. Having a dread of money- hunters, she skilfully spread abroad the report that she was determined never to marry again. One of her friends was Lewis Baxter. He was a war correspondent, and as there was no wai on at that time, and he wasn't of much use in ordinary journalism, he had no end of time on his hands, and, by the same token, no little difficulty in making both ends meet. The first time she saw him Mrs. Maynard said to herself, Now, I should like to have that man for a friend." And soon she had him for a friend. I shall see you next—when ? she often asked as they were parting. His answer generally was, Whenever you like." But he never came un- invited. He. never paid a formal call, or came, unless she specially wished it, on one of her at home" afternoons. -<x"ver in his brusque way, giving the widow the Usncfit of his grumb- J;ag against fate for keeping him unemployed. So I want another war," he said one day. It is terribly selfish-but we are all terribly oJ jsh when we are hard up." I have heard several secrets of yours quite lately," Mrs. Maynard intefposed. Secrets of mine 1 I don't think I have any." Oh, yes, I know. I have beard about it from grateful people whom you never supposed that I ■nrew anything about- Oh -that -tL,.P-re's nothing in that. It would e better to be dead, if one might not do a good ,urn for some decent folks in distress every now tnd then. I don't do it because I am a charit- -ble or generous sort of fellow. I do it because it pleases me." Then they rambled on in a talk about chanties, until Baxter rose to go, with the remark that he 'eared he was boring her. Mrs. Maynard assured lim that if that were the case she would tell him 0.. Convinced of her candour and admiring her rsnkness, Baxter sat down again. I want to talk to you about yourself," said Jrs. Maynard calmly, and if Baxter was sur- 11-i3ed at this he was astonished when she con- fused You don't know what to do with your- -If You are wasting your life. The truth is, lY friend, that you ought to get married." Get married 1 He sprang from his seat with a 'ush of anger in his face—and a perfectly new trelation in his heart. He had not known it afore. He had sat with her and talked with her •ay after day he had been her friend, and had :eard her call him comrade; he had found her iendship grow day by day more dear to him and lore needful for him but be had never until ow realised the fact that he was absolutely in ove with her. How did he come to realise it ow ? Just because of the few words of easy, Jndlj friendship she had let drop, in which she ild him he ought to get married to some other woman, and be Mrs. Maynard's comrade no more So, then," he said, to his own soul, she cares nothing about me—nothing at all— except as a friend Mrs. Maynard went on without seeming to T take any notice of his emotion -if, indeed, sht. noticed it Won't you sit down ? she asked, sweetly. He sat down with something rather like a grow!. "Yes," she went on. "I am quite convinced that you ought to get married—and to a woman with money." Do you mean to annoy me?" he asked angrily. Do you really mean to say that you believe I am a man to sham love to a woman to swindle her out of her money ? I didn't say a word about swindling a woman out of her money." No, of course, you did not say that. But what else is it, if one makes sham love to a woman in order to get hold of her money ? But why make sham love to her ? Why not get to love her-in spite of her money ? Suppose I knew a young woman who admired you greatly and has money, and who, I think, would marry you if you tried for her Tried for her What a way of putting it! My friend, do not be too exalted; do not ;aist on riding the high horse quite so much. We are people of the world, you and 1- I am not," he interrupted, and I didn't think you were, either." Oh, well, we live in the world, and we have to recognise its ways and to fall in with them ;iore or less. Now, suppose this young woman :id admire you, and that I told you I thought I -,juld help you and make things easy for you— why should you not begm by making love to her ind end by falling in love with her-before or cfter marriage ? I don't think it matters very auch; but, on the whole, I fancy it had better ■egin after than before." You are in a chaffing humour to-day," he said, moodily. I ? Not the least in the world. I am think- ng only of your good." Then please don't think of it any more-in that way." In what way ? Why, what harm could it do you to marry a rich woman who would be very iond of you I y, Mrs. Maynard, l don't Know anything about the young woman, and -without being rude, I hope, to her or to you-I must say that I can't '"et myself to take any interest in her, or to elieve in her existence." I Oh, yes, she exists, and I am sure she loves you." You are chaffing me again," he said sternly. Indeed, indeed, I am not." Well, let the young woman be., at all events. I know nothing about her, and I don't believe she cares twopence about me." la. that all you have to say ? Well—if you press me —I can say that I don't care twopence about her." Oh Why ? You are in a teasing mood, and I had much better go away. What could I say more than that I have never seen her ? But you can see her." > I don't want to see her. — But why ? Well, if you will have it, because I am in love with another woman Good-bye." No; I must hear more about this. You never told me you were in love with another woman. I thought you told me everyTthing." I didn't know it until to-day." She bad guessed at all this, yet a flush came into her cheeks, and for a moment she was silent. Then she said, I think now you had better go.' I'll not go until I have told you all! 1 am in love with you, and I did*not know it until this very day—until just now, when you talked so eomplaeently of my marrying some other woman." But I didn't," she said, quietly. Didn't ? Why, what do you mean ? Didn't you urge me to marry a young woman with money ? Didn't you urge it on me, and say the young woman was in love with me ? Why, of course I did, and I stand to it. But I didn't say it was any other young woman t down beside me, Lewis," she said. Don't > ou know that it is leap year ?
L,%,r.r, ittsritvF.D.j
News
Cite
Share
L,r.r, ittsritvF.D.j GAMES, PUZZLES & PJtOJilC, FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, BY OUIl PUZZLE EDITOR. FORTUNE'S WHEEL, In the old days people had a superstition that on Midsummer Day. which is June 21st, For. tune would send them gifts if they tried to gain her good will. Now, of course, we know that there is no such person M Fortun, but tdil there is no reason why we should not have a gnme of Fortune's Wheel." At cue etid of the lawn, playground, or field, as many spaces six feet square must be marked M there are players, net counting Dame Fortune." The boundaries are marksd with rope or twine tied to the fence at the back, and to sticks driven into the ground in front, as I show you, and if you like you can fasten some flags or streamers on to each stake, but of course this is not nec- essary. A Dout ten yards from the spaces a rope or string must be stretched, tying it to stakes or trces-tliis is to mark the boundary for Dame Fortune. Next you will want a wooden hoop which is turned into Fortune's Wheel, by tacking two tapes across, as in my diagram. In the centre where the tapes cross tie cr safety pin a little cotton bag. Into this bag is put any little gift you like, such as a sweet, a cherry, or a flo ner. The child who is to be Dame Fortune is blind- folded, and stands bv the boundary rope hold- ing the hoop. Fortune then strikes the hoop, and the child who catches it has the prize, but no one must go beyond their allotted space to reach it. The wheel must enter the space be- fore it is caught, and if it falls to the ground before being caught, the player whose space it is in must change places, and be blindfolded and roll the wheel. Each time before the wheel is stalled, the players must change spaces. THE FOUR MAGIC GLASSES. This charming chemical experiment may be easily performed by any of you children. Take two or three leaves of'a red cabbage and cut them into small pieces, put them in a basin and pour over them a pint of boiling water. Let it stand for an hour, and then pour off the liquid into a decanter it will be a fine blue colour. Take four small clear glasses put into the first six drops of strong vinegar, into the second, six drops of solution of soda into the third six drops of a strong solution of alum, leaving the fourth glass empty. If you prepare the glasses beforehand, the few drops of liquid in each will not be noticed. When you are go- iug to do your trick, arrange the glasses on a table in the presence of your audience, and then fill them from the decanter. The liquid poured into the first glass will become a beauti- ful red, the second a nne green, the third a clear yellow, and the fourth of course will remain blue. ANOTHER WAY OF DOING THE CARD PUZZLE. A little while ago I showed you a card puz- zle, and F. Fryer wrote to tell me that there was another way of doing it, which I think you will find easier to remember. Instead of using the method I showed you try this ATLAS 1 2 3 4 5 bible 6 7 8 a 10 GOOSE 1112131415 THIGH 16 17 18 19 20 I CHIN RESTS. Talkative lady (to policeman after many other questions): And what is that strap for that goes round your chin ?" Tired Policeman That strap is given to us, madam, to rest our chins upon when our jaws get tired of answering questions. SECRET LETTER CYPIIER. Here is an original cypher by means of which you can write letters to each other. Unless you have the key it is almost impossib e o read the letter. Look at my diagram. Ion muet cut out a 4 in. square of PflPer.> ^ou divide into sixty-four squares measuring a an inch each. Now proceed to cut out certain squarea bodily, as shewn in my sketch, mur.ung the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the sides, 10 Write your letter lay your cypher 011 a piece of p8per> rather larger in size, starting w 1 1 at the top. Write the first words of your letter on the under paper in the cut out squares, starting at the top left hand corner square, and until there is a word in each open space. Now turn the cypher so that No. 2_is ^°P> and continue writing as before, doing thesamo with sides 3 and 4, and your letter is c^™Pjete. but must not contain more than sn y-■ Words, and the frieud to who A you are writiiig nl,t be supplied with a similar °rder to read the letter. I give the letter111 end its key, so that you may better understand it you can cut this cypher out of th^0 piiper, and try for yourself. The cypher let • Will you come for a walk with y, bring your dolls, and we will have 8°™e, I ell Jack that Tom has a new bat «nd he'Wants to play with it very much, so will Jack come and have a game. We are all going to hare tea in the big field won't it be nice, and all sorts of games later." PRIZE COMPETITION. Ant,cert must bø wUlen ui ONE SIDE CP THE PAPER ONLY, and mnttie setit UHihin EIGHT DAYS of this daU. CcmpetUort MJJST fill in the Prize Coupon below and tend tl FilmL 7 ATTACHED to their answert. Tf you remember I have .given you a des. cription how to make queer anima » •> out of pea nuts. Now I want you to • me an animal or toy out of pea nuts, if a doll you must dress it (crinkled paper will do for thlS). The nuts can be strung on thread or wire so just see how clever you can be, for there tire many things can be made, spiders, owls, ephants, camel3, birds, by just using pefl nuts, wire and matches. I am offering thirteen pnzes, no I hope to have many entries. If you cannot get the nuts you can use corks.
IPRIZE COMPETITION COUPON.
News
Cite
Share
I PRIZE COMPETITION COUPON. I (Insti-I ff avis of Piper here.) I certify that the enclosed Animal or Toy is eiitirely my own work. I Name Age, Senior Age, Junior Address
[No title]
News
Cite
Share
P.8.- T am always pleased to bear fpom my readers, either in the way of comment Or gestion. All communications—which _will be < acknowledged in OUR LETTER BOX should be sent to The puzzle Editor, 19, Queen's Terrace, London, N.W.
[No title]
News
Cite
Share
A MTSNOMEIt.-Bicks: 99 Jorkitt's a modest creature. Be declares that he does not con- sider himself over and above brigbt." Wicks: u And you can that raodeaty! I hould say it was only a slwish subserviency to truth." "Papa," said little Penny Bloobumper, II what is an encyclop edia ?" An encyclopedia, Benny," replied that small boy's intelligent papa," is a set of books, any volume of which will tell you to seek else- where for the information vou want- Dr. Foux, the head of the Pasteur Institute has discovered a process for preserving meat by injecting into it a liquid which will ireep it sweet and good for months. The process is to be tested by army experts. The King of England during the last tnrei or four years has secured a foremost position as a diplomatist. He is not an ornamental monarch; he is a working statesmin. "Outlook^" New. Xock*
[No title]
News
Cite
Share
Tenders for 80,666 razors with bone handles, are being mvited by the Army Clothing lie- partment. The blalez AM to be hand,-fira,d- and nifu-ked tc swek. -<Y"
Advertising
Advertising
Cite
Share
GLOBE FURNISHING CO. g. L 8ANT. Proprietor ) PEMBROKE PLACE, XJTERPOOL. — Oar Easy Payment System of Furnishing is better than an othera, embracing I as it does Reasonable PriNs,. h ReHahlo G, and ne objectionable B doeumsnte to sign. B Satisfaction Extra Btmrf i R Guaranteed ar ef ewy Hntf B raturn in full sf bayond marfcwl g all mania* paid. Catalogue priesa. ¡, 1 All Goed. Doifvorod Froo r I to any part of the United J K Kingdom. | H j Low«r PrtOM tamtm ttf G than efeargMi by BMW u any ether Firm iMyaMRt tbaa Eg for th* same n„ ] gj Cht— of Cotwte. wy wQw ram. | e if a Customer desires te pay Cash we B allow ati&oount of 10 per cent or 1/- i Eg to the £ off our ma* Red Catateffue B Prioee, or If the aecount '» eetttod j Kg within twelve months a (tteeouRt of | B 5 per cent. 1 TERMS t- I WsrU. Monthly. TermMCMaU ) b For £ t§ yon pay 7/§ uttered to | [ 1 "J I B „ £ S3 „ 27/C valeac* of I I » » Customers. I I „ £ 560 » £ 12 | I 1 We do not Charge Interest 1 i neither there any charges 1 whatever beyond marked priees. | B rsrp Oar Larga IHnitrated Catalogue i- B and Price Liat by Post or ou B —— application. It oosteyou nothing B j B and will save you pounds in H B furnishing. || I GLOBE FURNISHINC co. I f B (J. R. GRANT. Proprietor). I 12 to 18 PEMBROKE PLAGE, | > B L.1WSHP00U I' 1 B —JlL»0 AT— p. B OLASGOW- n# SAB9MIEKALL STMBT. It ■ BELFAST—4S K1QH STKCT. F„ B SLAWnOBN: 28 to 32 *!«EW0RTI STMBT. H w——P- Scientific Sight Testing SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WffV* EMINENT OCULISTS. R. Q. OWEN, F.S.M.GV LLANKWST. Correspondence invited regarding DEFECTS i;. VISION. Please enclose Stamped Envelope for reply. ATCOMPTON HOUSE, CONWAY, firL. 18S 72 Friday in Each Month. 18872 » «? BUY ONLY PRYCE WILLIAMS &CO/S BREAD AND CONFECTIONERY. PUSIT7 6UAEANTEED. West End & Ceylon Stores, AND RHOS-ON-SEA, COLWYN BAY. 5870 Fred Roberts & Co. (Terms Cash for Hire), HOUSE FURNISHERS AND REMOVERS. GET OUR ESTIMATE FOR Your Removal, Renovating Suites, Blinds, && Upholstering Goods, AND Bedding made up by us. PEN-Y-BRYN, OLD COLWYN il IMPORTANT. 2, WATLING STREET, LLANRWSTo P. S. JONES (II. JONES & SONS), Hu RE-OPENED aberc Premises recently occupied by MR. D. WILSON, with a splendid Selection of (Iigh-class China, Glass, Cutlery, Hardware, Brushes, Baske Electro-Plated & Fancy Goods, Tobacco Pouches, Pipes, Cigarette Cases, Stationery, etc. « pad! and inspect and compare my prices. LTtttO r ———-—— ■ 'ii al Arnt d&Ca /LICKz Cabinet Makers, Polishers and Undertakers. FURNITURE UPHOLSTERED AND RENOVATED. BEDDING, &c., thoroughly Cleaned and made up by Experienced Hands. BLINDS FIXED AND REPAIRED. WORKSHOP— Erw Wen Road, Colwyn Bay. II. PRICE & SON HIGH-CLASS Confectioners, THE ACME BAKERY OLD COLWYN. Awarded Two Diplomas and One Gold Medal in Open Competition. TRY OUR DELieiOUS AFTERNOON TEA SOOHES —— Z&d MQOMS JSKW .< ¡ ?