Welsh Newspapers

Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles

Hide Articles List

5 articles on this Page

---I PURSU! I) BY THK LA W,!

News
Cite
Share

fPUBLISHKD BY SPECIAL ARHANGBMKNT 1 PURSU! I) BY THK LA W,! By J. MACLAREN COBBA. Author of "The Red Saltan," Th- Aven^r of Blood," "Wilt Thou Have this Woman ? Her Roval Highness's Love Affur," The Tyrants of Koo)-Sim," The White Kaid of the Atlas," "The Burden of Isabel," &c., Ac. ø' [ COPYRIGHT.] CHAPTER XXX.—TWO FALLS ON SNOWDON. There's some creature on the roof,' whispered Townshend. Can't you hear ? It can't be a cat there can't be two cats on the top of Snowdon. Besides, that sound is made by a heavier creature than a cat. Ha Look at that There came down plainly and felt at the window, in he glimmering dark without, a blacft object like an arm, Quick as thought, Townshend stepped forward, reached out his hand, and clutched the black object! He plucked powerfully at it. There was the sound of a scramble on the shingle roof, a wild, terrible cry that seemed to freeze the blood, and a dark figure like a great bird, outspread, flew past the little window down into the horrible abyss where Will-o'-the-Wisp went to and fro. At the same moment there was a scuffling rush from the outer room. Now's our chance whispered Townshend fiercely. Come v Without an instant's hesitation, clutching his bag-, he opened the door, saw the room empty, and fled through it, followed close by Graham. But they had not stumbled far into the darkness, when a loud halloo and the clatter of feet upon the rock warned them that their escape had been discovered. The way from the summit down to Llanberis is the most used and obvious and also the easiest and that was the way that offered itself to their stumbling feet in the darkness. But their pursuers knew that way also, and clattered on after them. 'We must turn aside said Townshend. And chjuice it They turned off the rude track into a ruder, which wound about, among, and over dangerous boulders and rQCks. On the surface of one of these the foot of Graham slipped and tripped he fell with a thud, and lay at the bottom. Townshend heard him groan, and with careful conduct of his footsteps, worked himself down to where he lay. e I think I have broken my leg,' said Graham. With the help of Townshend he tried to rise, but dropped again with a groan. 4 'Well, my dear fellow,' said Townshend, cheerily, there's one comfort they're not likely to find us here, ana we must make ourselves as comfortable as we can till the morning. It's a warm night, and if we creep up close under the shelter of the rock we shall be quite The experience of that night clinched the growing affection of Graham for Townshend. The latter was so cheerful and kind, so strong and stoical like the best of men, and withal so helpful and tender like the best of women, that he must indeed have been a worthless and ungrateful wretch, incapable of gratitude, and of any warm emotion, who could not then have forgotten all the suspicion and doubt attaching to the character and position of 1 the Marquis.' He might be an outlaw, but he was a man. He might have no legal conscience about robbery or burglarly, but he had a human heart to console and to help. From that night Graham could neither speak nor think of Townshend without a warm I' gush of the fullest gratitude and affection, and after that night he was wont to say that Townshend was the trnest, staunchest friend and comrade that any man ever had. Townshend, who professed to have some knowledge of broken and dislocated limbs, cut open Graham's trouser, and examined the leg as well as he could in the soni-darlcness. He believed it was not broken, but only sprained, and after an attempt to set it he bound it up. The dawn came early, with light and healing on its wings, and showed them again, floating afar in haze, the hills of Irish Wicklow. It showed them also another thing, which proved of more significance and con- sequence. A few yards off, in a cleft between two boulders, was stuck a newspaper. In mere vagueness of curiosity, Townshend scrambled out to get it. ( Haven't seen a newspaper,' said he, with a smile, for three days.' It proved to be a copy of The County Times of the day before, flung away, doubtless, by some visitor to the summit. In looking through it the following. reported among police news from Milchester, caught Townshend's eye :— It seems likely that the case of the escaped convict, James Graham, will be re-opened in a singular way. It will be remembered that Graham was tried for the manslaughter of his father at the Old Bailey, in London, and was convicted and condemned to fifteen years' penal servitude. He escaped from the train when being taken to Dartmoor or Portland. No- thing was heard of him till lately, when he was dis- covered in Milchester. Now, it is said, that there will be a sensational surprise; and that the police hold evidence that Graham is innocent of the crime. The police arc at present very reticent about the character of their evidence.' That will be Nelly's doing,' said Graham, when he had been shown the astounding paragraph. Bless her dear, faithful heart He was affected, even to tears (for his usual health was not re-established), when he sat up, in spite of the pain, and exclaimed, If that is true, we need not be afraid to meet those detectives.' The very thing I was thinking said Townshend. Then, after It pause, he murmured, 'Poor Florrie!' to himself. Who ?' said Graham. Nobody,' answered Townshend. After some further talk Townshend hurried off to find assistance for Graham—from the detectives if need Were. He thought over the dimculty and, since he did not wish to be recognised by Wormall as Mr Wilkins of the dinner at the Cecil, he determined to continue his appearance as the eccentric and elderly military gentleman, and to bluff out his disguise if it Were questioned. But he did not see why it should be questioned, since it was not he that was wanted. It was far nearer to return to the summit for aid than to tramp down into LIanberis. and therefore he oiled back to the Summit Hotel. There he found the two detectives and the shock-headed Welshman the hird man—the Tramp with the scar on his chep-k- Was not there, and it smote upon Townshend (it had, In truth, occurred to him before) that it must have been he who fell from the roof into the abyss the night before, Quite carelessly he walked in upon their com- Pany, where they stood overlooking Beddgelert. Good morning, gentlemen,' said he. On seeing lltn and hearing him speak, the shock-headed Welsh- iQan from the wayside inn made a great out-cry in his speech. moment, my friend,' said Towns- nd turning to him. You are too noisy and insistent. tak" ii turnin? aS'iin to the detectives and tin *+1 newspaper from his pocket, he said, indica- Para''raph, I wonder if you gentlemen know anything of that.' re yon Mr Townshend r' said Wormall, taking paper. T IUn answered he, quite promptly, with a smile. said the detective, I had been told, ?t Mr Townshend was a dark man.' a rlo-i sa* Townshend with a laugh, I can become a «ark man if you like.' lMi8sed"ma^rim^e<^ also and with that the difficulty dse two detectives read the paragraph in that n?y Timps together, and it became evident together" had not known anything of it. They talked or two11' been leading us such a dance the last day news sllId Wormall, at last, that we have heard no and^°wniinri^aV said Townshend, but my friend it necessm-v + Ve been haPPier 'f Jou I'itd not thought rp, y eonie wherever we went.1 VOU v!,wie w?be word waiting fer us at Llanberis Worm.ili .t,er c?nie down with us and see,' said inj, 1 'with decision and something like threaten- withm!t!1nJ>'eatUre'' Townshend, sweetly, and back assist alarm. And then I can bring friend' has fallen over a I sumn«*a^d or br?ken fcis leg.' you, or somebody"trrv fald Wormnll, lie's a fixture till He is said T~ Tk to him '• detective'should unfi2'r^th intention that the run away. t ln,i Graham was not likely to Ah said Wormall. w^ii i > the man that was with us, MTTOWL" T* J thaU What has happened to him V WT'i tA He fell from that roof last night ri<r]it 1 broken into little pieces.' ° ght dowu- 1S Ah, well,' said Townshend, he is OHP ± never will be missed. I knew something of him He Was a miserable sneak and of no class.' And no more Vr<i9 Sftiq, As they walked down together to Llanberis. Towns- hend discovered that Wormall was frequently consider- ing him, as if he would say, wliare have I seen before but he was careful and gave no sign. In Wanbens it was necessary to wait until the Post-office was open. When it was time for opening. Wormall •vJfi rr!U iei' alone, leaving his comrade in company J iownshend in charge of Townshend would be the f rue description of the fact, though they werc too polite or the occasion to describe it so rudely. They were T-hat may called » truce of God. which J* continue unless the report in the newspaper proved e,['Vse- Luckily it was confirmed evidently by Post (!ffic" cl1 Woi'u1,l11 found awaiting lum at the We must go back to Milchester at once." said he, lien here turned to his comrade. with or without our i <llV .Now, Mr Townshend,' said he. turning sudden- y, will your fri-nd -Graham, with liis spnwnad leg, go k Wltl us quietly, or must we chivy him again P hi I' sftid Townshend, I think I can answer for' t! things being so promising as thev are he will ffo quietly.' bo+4Very Wel1'' sai(1 the detective, promptly. we had i .ter a vehicle to go up as far as it can "-o. aud wing him down.' CHAPTER XXXI.FOB A JUSTICJ-; OF PEACE. And what, the reader will ask, has Nelly Clemance doing during these two days P "he left the strange house where she had talked yth her lover and Townshend in a great turmoil teelimr. She off to the lodging of Mr Graham with the money Jim had handed to her, ¡ making up, as she went, a plausible story to Recount to his mother tor ills absence. When she inut bteu tuerc about an hour there came the rat-tat-tat of a telegraph messenger. The telegram was brought to her, and sir.) withdrew from Mrs Graham's presence to read it. It had been handed in at the Exchange Station, and it was addressed to her and it contained these words Poste Restante, Corwen. North Wales,' and no more. She was standing in the passage reading the message [ and considering it, when there came another rat-tat-tat on the door-a visitor's knock. With a quick hope that it might be Jim she skipped to the door, end opened it and then was aghast. For there, before her, stood the young detective (she remembered him well) who had had the charge of Jim's prosecution. Taken thus un- awares, with a sudden thoughtless fear that the- detec- tive might guess the telegram in her hand was something of consequence, she crumpled it up and flung it out carelessly into the gutter. Ha seemed to pay no attention to her action, but looked straight in her face. You are Miss Clemance,' said he, I remember you. Don't be frightened. I mean you no harm.' I'm not frightened,' she answered with spirit. Why should I be frightened ?' Well,' he smiled, I only want to say that if you know where Graham iSlls I expect you do—you will do him a good turn by letting him understand it will be better for him to give himself up than to give us all the trouble of finding him. He's sure to be found, you know, and the more trouble for us the more trouble for him afterwards. That's all.' And he turned to go. He didn't do it Nelly broke out. He is innocent I thought that was all settled at the trial,' said he. It wasn't said Ne'.ly. And I can prove it Again he smiled, and went down a step. It's not my business to try the case over again.' So he departed, and Nelly shut the door. When the door was closed he pounced upon the crumpled telegram and walked away reading it. When he had read it he put it in his pocket, and set off at the quickest walk he could accomplish. When he had got into a more public thoroughfare he called a cab. Had Townshend and Graham by any clairvoyance seen all that, they would have bad little difficulty in under- standing how the detective had got upon their track. As for Nelly, when the detective was gone, she lingered a moment in the passage, wondering if it would. not have been wise to tell him all her discovery and all her suspicion, and ask his aid in bringing discovery and suspicion to an issue. But he was gone, and she instantly resolved to carry the matter through herself. She lingered awhile with Mrs Graham, interesting and amusing the anxious mother with inventions concerning her son, and then, when she thought the performance at the theatre would be almost at an end, she said good- night, put on her things, and set out for an interview with Miss Bolsover. They met in that little sitting-room with the theatrical portraits and play-bills where they had been together twice or thrice already. 1 How good of you to come exclaimed Miss Bolsover. You have news, of course ?' she said and she spoke in no mere politeness, but with evident anxiety. Yes,' answered Nelly. They have gone away— gone through Wales. Jim—Mr Graham—is going to try to get to America from some little Welsh port, because Mr Townshend suspects all the big ports are watched.' Oh, I'm so glad exclaimed Miss Bolsover. 'I'm not said Nelly, bluntly. He is innocent; and in going to America he is forsaking every chance of finding the real criminal and clearing himself. And if he ever gets to America he will always—all his days —be liable to be discovered and brought back again.' Yes,' said Miss Bolsover, with a strange uncertain- ty and timidity of tone, I suppose he will. But what else could he do ? He could have stayed here in England and followed up the things I have found out and got at the true criminal,' answered Nelly and she spoke with so bold a conviction that Miss Bolsover sat more erect in her chair and observed her with closer attention. I thought,' said she, that everyone had tried at the first and failed to find any trace of another person. That is true,' answered Nelly. But since then —since we came to Milchester-I myself have found out two or three things.' You have P asked Miss Bolsover. She did not look at Nelly, but nervously moved the pen and ink on the little table, and peeped into a book, as if with an absent mind. Yes,' said Nelly. And I did not find them by seeking; they turned up quite providentially and wonderfully.' What things ? asked Miss Bolsover. Nelly Clemance suspected the ring of fear in the words and she pitied the actress. She had come, resolute, to examine and denouncer her, but she found that the feeling of human compassion in her heart was stronger than the feeling of human vengeance-stronger even than the feeling of justice. As she looked at the actress she guessed that if she were truly the guilty person, and if she had any true kindness and sympathy in her heart, this interview must be a terror and a shame to her—shame all the greater that an innocent person had so long endured the odium and the punish- ment of her crime. So when Miss Bolsover asked What things Nelly almost feared to answer. You have heard,' she faltered, of the air-gun with the neeedle-shot—the shot that killed Mr Graham's father ? When it was unpacked after we came to » Milchester I found a hair twisted about the lock—a long hair—a woman's hair A woman's hair echoed Miss Bolsover with weak voice. How very strange It was not like Mrs Graham's, nor like the servant's, nor like mine,' continued Nelly more resolutely it was a very fair hair—golden, I may say, like yours, Miss Bolsover!' Like mine? How very odd!' And, uncertainly, with a trembling touch, she put her hand up to her hair. Besides,' went on Nelly, in a harder tone, Mrs Graham as soon as she got better from her illness, and remembered things, distinctly recalled seeing a woman putside the half-open parlour-door.' She saw a woman ?' exclaimed Miss Bolsover, and became deathly pale. The only woman who had any business there,' continued Nelly, was the old servant but she is a little woman, and the woman Mrs Graham saw was not.' At least, she thought she was not,' said Miss Bols- over, quickly. She was not,' repeated Nelly. And it happens that the servant was out at the time. I am bound to say,' she continued frankly, that there is little can be proved yet—and Mrs Graham is not inclined to trust her memory very much but I am convinced, Miss Bolsover, I could lay my hand on the woman that fired that shot, and, I am sure, so could you I And you could show her,' Nelly went on in tones that grew impassioned, how wicked and how mean her conduct has been If I was brave enough to shoot a man I hated, I hope I should be brave enough not to let another person suffer for what I had done I pity that woman 'Pon my word I do—whoever she is And I wouldn't have her feelings for a houseful of money when she knows how she has destroyed the life and the prospects of an honourable, hardworking, and kind young man !—the kindest man in the world How can that woman go on with her usual life, and laugh and talk, and sleep, when she thinks of what she has done ? I don't mean shooting the man—but caus- ing the innocent people to bear her punishment Do you know that in a month or two his hair lias gone grey with the disgrace and trouble of it all—and he only flve-and-twenty ? And now he is hunted again by the police, and he is trying to escape out of the country Where to ? Only, I'm afraid to be hunted more and more His life is ruined, and his mother's and mine And at that she broke down and wept. When she had dried her eyes somewhat and looked up, she was amazed and smitten to the heart to see Miss Bolsover leaning her arms on the table and her face in her hands, and to hear deep sobs that rend the heart break from her. Go away Go away said the actress presently. I cannot speak to you to-night Come to-morrow morning I shall be here.' And in deep compassion, awed by the great and terrible straggle which she knew the actress must be facing, Nelly Clemance rose and went out. Next morning, at the risk of being discharged from her occupation at the Post-office, she remained at her, lodgings until eleven o'clock, and then, in fear and trembling for the issue, walked out to the Theatre. The keeper of the stage-door said Miss Bolsover was not there, but there was a note from her. For you, I believe, miss,' said the man, showing the letter. It was for her and she opened it with some doubt and alarm, for she feared that Miss Bolsover might have gone back upon her good resolution of the night before. The note, however, was merely to intimate that Miss Bolsover was unwell in bed at her lodgings, and to request Miss Clemance to go there. Nelly set off at once to the address which was given, and when she arrived there she was led "to the bed-side of the actress, who looked worn with worry and sleeplessness, and at least ten years older. Forgive me,' said she, for receiving you like this. I am far from well; but I want to get this over. Let me say at once,' she went on hurriedly, clasping her hands tightly as if to keep close by her resolution, that I have arranged to make a statement that will release Mr Graham very quickly from all his troubles. I have sent for a Justice of the Peace. I believe that is the proper person to give the proper value to what I am going to say.' She paused, and Nelly Clemance impulsively laid her hand on the tightly-clasped, white hands of the other, You are going to confess that you did it she cried, Oh, how sorry I am that things can't come right without this Is there no other way P There is no other way,' answered the actress. I should have done this long ago, but at first I did not think that anybody would suffer for it. I had no wish to harm anybody. I did not even wish really to lmrm the man I killed. I was mad There is nothing so mad and wicked as the madness of love—of the kind of love that I had I cannot tell you how he had maddened me. I hope you and Mr Graham and his mother will forgive me for the terrible misery I have caused you. I am truly soiry. I have always been sorry for that She spoke in short, eager, hurried sentences. Nelly, for answer, leaned upon the actress's hand and wept. Don't do that,' she cried, 'or it will be impossible for me to go through with it I must be hard with | myself I must not give way A stranger—an old clergyman of severe demeanour- was introduced into the room by the terrified landlady. What is the me ning of this P Miss Bolsover de- I manded of her landlady. Lt was a magistrate—a Ju.L.co ot the Peace i usked y«u to send for, not a i happened to be referred to.' said the clergyman. and I Lippen to be a Justice of the Peace, madam, as well us a clergyman, and therefore I came. Do you feel in a dying condition he continued. Have you a doctor 2' There is no need for It doctor.' answered the actress with some impatience. A doctor can do no good Will you kindly leave us to ourselves r' she said, turn- ing to her landlady, who was lingering in engrossed attention. You have something on your mind P' said the clergyman, when the woman had withdrawn. There is a written paper in that drawer,' said she, addressing Nelly, and pointing to the toilet-glass. Will you give it to me ?' Nelly went to the drawer, took out the sheet of written paper she found there, and handed it to the actress, wondering and fearing. This,' said Miss Bolsover to the clergyman, is a confession written with my own hand of a crime I committed some months ago, for which an innocent person has suffered. Bless my soul exclaimed the clergyman, surprised out of his dignity. But this is an affair for the police Afterwards it may be,' said the actress. But will you be so kind as to take it, and do what is correct for a Justice of the Peace to do, in case I am not able to rise from my bed ?' He took the paper and slowly read it aloud I, Florence Bolsover, being of sound mind, and in posses- sion of all my faculties, here set down the true version of the death of Robert Graham, at Villas, London, at the end of Janurary last, for which his son, James Graham, was wrongfully tried aud convicted. I had fallen foolishly in love with Robert Graham, with- out knowing him to be a married man. He treated me shamefully, and I became jealous of him. and sus- picions of having It liaison with another woman. On that afternoon I followed him to Number—,—-Villas, and when he entered the house, leaving the door ajar, I slipped in after him with no particular intention but to see or hear his business there. From the talk I overheard I gathered that the person he was speaking with was hi" wife. I was lllad with jealousy and rage. I saw a gun hanging near me in the passage on two I hooks. I took it down, thinking it was an ordinary gun. I fired at him with it through the half-open door, and was amazed that there was no sound and yet horrified to see him fall. I pushed the gun into the umbrella stand, and slipped out of the house. James Graham, the son, was not there at all and I can only think he went to the police and took the death of his father on himself, because he thought that other- wise his mother would be charged with it. That is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.' This is very serious said the clergymau. This is truly your own act of confession and your writing ?' It is,' answered the actress. Then in the manner proper to a magistrate he administered to her the oath, made her sign the paper, signed it himself as a witness, and then turned to Nelly, to her dismay. I don't know who you are, my girl,' said he. but you also had better put your name here as witness with me to Miss Bolsover's signature.' And Nelly with trembling hand obeyed. Miss Clemance,' said the actress then, will you be so good as to give me that medicine on the dressing- table P' Nelly, suspecting nothing, brought the bottle and the glass she found there. Shall I pour it out for you she said. thank you,' said the actress. 'I had better pour it out for myself.' She poured into the glass and drank all that was in the bottle and still they suspected nothing. That young lady,' said Miss Bolsover, fervently to the clergyman, is the faithful sweetheart of the man who has suffered for what I did. She has been the means of bringing me to a sense of the wickedness and meanness I have committed.' And yet,' exclaimed the clergyman with no evident reason, you know what the fool said ? What fool í" said Miss Bolsover, at a loss to account for his words. The fool in the Scripture.' 'The fool hath said in his heart there is no God.' Yes,' said she I understand I am that fool.' He paused, and glanced again at her written con- fession. 'You know,' said he then, 'that I am under the painful necessity, as a magistrate, of calling in the police. You must consider yourself under arrest.' That will not be for long said she, with a smile, which a sudden spasm of pain converted into horrible ghastliness. Good gracious cried the clergyman, in sudden understanding. She has poisoned herself Run-- run for a doctor he exclaimed to Nelly. But Nelly did not stir. She flashed back anger on the worthy gentleman. I will not go for a doctor said she. Let the poor thing die Why should you keep her from dying ? I would rather die myself than endure what she would have to endure from the police, the law, and the prison. While she spoke, there was a fierce, convulsive spasm or two in the limbs of the actress, a groan and a moan through tightly-clenched teeth, and the form in the bed lay still and rigid, with staring eyes, and cheeks sudden- ly sunken and ghastly. May God forgive her murmured the amazed and horrified clergyman. Amen said Nelly Clemance. CHAPTER XXXII.—CONCLUSION. Miss Bolsover had passed to another account than that of English law, and the police, when called in, could not arrest what was left of her. The magistrate- clergyman, however, went with them and handed over to their chief her sworn confession, and the chief con- stable and the detective-inspector having communicated with Scotland Yard, sent a message to meet or stay Wormall and his own subordinate at Llanberis. The further progress of elucidation of what had come to be spoken off as, The Graham case,' was of a sort happily" well enough known among us, for English justice, say what you will of it, if it happens to be misled, is quick and generous in its reversal of its own judgment, if that judgment is sufficiently shown to have been wrong. The swift pursuit of authoritative inquiry in one quarter and another showed that there was no reason to doubt the truth of Miss Bolsover's con- fession—which was signed and sealed, as it were, by her death—and several reasons for doubting the justice of James Graham's conviction one, and not the least, of which was the compulsory evidence of James Graham's mother, which had never been heard before. Yet, after these confessions and affidavits, the result only was that James Graham was granted by the Queen on the recommendation of the Home Secretary, a free pardon for a crime which he did not commit. Such is the old legal formula: You are not guilty, but we forgive you.' But James Graham, whatever the form of taking from him the reproach of crime and granting him his freedom, was again a free man, and the horror which had oppressed his spirits for months vanished like a black cloud from the sky. But its physical effects were not so easily got rid of indeed, his hair was ever after grey, and his leg continued lame. There were the permanent marks which his encounter with the Law and Police left on him. He had, however, his consolations. He had made staunch friends of Messrs Hepplewhite and Poynting, who presently submitted to him a proposal for partner- ship in their business—a proposal which he gratefully closed with. Thereafter came a day when James Graham and Nelly Clemance stood at the alter rails to be married, and who but Mr Townshend, of Jermyn-st., should be there to give the bride away p That favour from the mysterious Marquis Nelly had successfully urged. After the wedding came the wedding-feast at the house of Mr Hepplewhite, when many agreeable things were said. The bridegroom would not be where he is if it had not been for the constancy and devotion, the bravery and cleverness of the bride.' That was one of the things said, to which Graham gave a lieart-felt Hear, hear with emotion in his voice. It is a great privilege for any man to have a wise, active, and daring friend like Mr Townshend.' That was another utterance, which was received with, the greatest approval by all save Mr Townshend him- self. who shook his head at it, but said nothing. Let us not forget poor Miss Bolsover,' murmured the bride herself. If she did very great wrong, she made a very brave and noble atonement.' When the time came for the breaking-up of the party Mr Townshend stood shaking hands with the bride. When we are in our own house,' said Nelly, I hope you will come and pay us a visit.' Townshend glanced quickly at Graham but not even to his sweetheart had Graham whispered a word of the revelation of his strange and dangerous mode of life which Townshend had made. Some day I may,' said Townshend then. But not for a long time, I fear. I am going abroad at once— on business. But Townshend, 25, Jermyn-st. will always find me.' [THE END.] NEXT WEEK will commence a Startling Story of Modern Life by William Ie Quex entitled THE BOND OF BLACK." —+ The North and South Wales Bank, Limited, have declared a dividend of 10 per cent. and a bonus of 6 per cent. for the fast six months, making a total distribution of 15 per cent. for the year. The directors also propose to write off out of profits £4,260 from bank premises account, and to pass £5,000 r.o the credit of officers' pension fund. The Court Journal notes, with interest, a fashion penetrating even to what it cautiously particularises as the most exalted" circles. The following is the discovery, culled intact from the "exalted" columns of Royalty's favoured chronicle :—" The practice of pink' pill-taking, so lavishly en- couraged by bold advertisement, is said to be making upward progress in Society, and report has it that the product of the only genuine' manu- facturer—the pill with the seven-worded name so often displayed before our eyes with piteous entreaty to shun all pills with a missing word in their title—has penetrated to the most, exalted circles. However this may be, it is not to be questioned that pale people iu the highest walks of Society are availing themselves of 'Dr. Williams'' discovery and comparing notes, not without satis- faction at. tht) improvement in their personal appearance thereon resulting."

FORDEN RUR.K f, DISTRICT COUNCIL.I

FORDEN BOARD OF GUARDIANS.

AGRICULTURE

Advertising