Evening Express

TO-DAY'S SHORT STORY.] The Cynic. I Philip Desmond enjoyed the reputation of being t.he most brilliant journalist in Lon- don. He had made the Morning Mercury, the organ with wliiah he was connected. Yet be was not a popular man. He had no friend, thaugii he was admired by thousands. For he was a cynic. By this name he was known to every member of the staff of the "Morning Mercury." He migirt have written his name hig-h had it not been for the fact that he despised the things which other men held dear. Though the offer of promotion was often held out to him, he refused to avail himself of it, ptreferrrng to remain a simple journalist. He was indifferent alike to either praise or condemnation. When the former was showered upon him, he scoffed; when the latter, he laughed. The look of joering scorn on his face at such times caused his J colleagues to ,m with open dislike, which, in a number of cases, turned to detestation. "He's carrying everything vvith a high hand," said Smith, the descriptive writer. "But he'll come a cropper before long. He treats U3 like cattle, but he'll find it won't paiy in the end. The wheel goes round. He'l: be in Queer Street some day. And yet, when in his -,is. Philip Desmond j had been a sing-ularly sunny-tempered boy— j open-hea.rted. frank, generous, a favourite with all whom he met. But. shortly before he attained his majority, the blow fell which embittered his liie. Cine day his father was the brilliant politician, the leader of < thought, the mightly intellectual -eniuz-- flattered, courted, lionised, by all sorts and conditions of men. The next day the found a- tion of his greatness was uprooted, and the edifice tottered, then fell to the ground. He was thrown from his horse wftile riding in the Row. and sustained injuries to his head which affected the brain. After a short illness h:, cohered a fair mflasure of health and strength, but his public life was ended: a life of quietness must be his lot. The world at large heard the news with regret and tendered sympathy, then very soon forgot the affair. Where were j the peonle who had sought the man's com- pany while he had been in his prime? They had gone "SQ this is the value cf the world's favour, said Philip Desmond, bitterly..A year later his father died. The light of a dreary December afternoon was givin-g placr- to twilight, and one by one: the street lamps being lit. Philip Desmond, with hi, hands in bis pockets, was stand:n.ar in Ins private room, by the window, gazing abstractedly into the street below. The pale lamp-light fell full upon his face— fciti pale, proud, contemptuous face. It was an interesting face, bearing the impress of distinct individuality. And presently, as he became the captive of thoughts he would fain have put from him, a softer expression crept into it and cha-sed away the hard line- leaving it not nn beautiful. There was one to frhom it was the best and dearest lace on earth. "Four more weeks*, and then good-bye to all this." he saad. softly. And a vision of battle- fields rose before his eye-, whither he was bound. The war correspoEcLefnt of the Mom- ing Mercury" had fallen a-t the post of duty, and he had offered to fill the gap. And now WW ne was on the point of leaving England, perhaps never to return, tender thoughts of thoee amorg whom lie had moved came to Jrim. and nobody who had seen him then would have said he wa-s a cynic. While he was thus occupied with hia thoughts, a number cf journalists were hold- ing a whispered consultation in a room in another pa.rt of the building. "It's a. neat plan., Smith, a decidedly neat plan," said one. Clarkson b. name. "But 4ion't you thin-k it's a little too rough on the C^-nie?" "Not after the way he's treated us. He's a beast, and he'll get no more than his deserts. He wants taking d-own a 'peg' or two. o. "Well. I rather fancy this affair will settle his hash. Hell be the laughing-stock of the whole staff, and I don't expect he can stand ridicule any more then the rest of us. .Ha.ve you w-ritten the letters "Two rough d-rafts: here they are." "tieoured the other t-h,,n.gs. "Yes. An enveioTie and a s'N-et of note- paper with the eyrie's monogram o-n. also the same quantity of ladies' stationery, and specimens of Miss .Stuart' and the Cynic's handwriting. Matthewcon here is the best copyist, and undertaken the thing through. Fin; away, eld IrUln." Obedient to orders. Matthewson seated him- self, and exercised his skill upon the materials before him to the entire satisifao "non of his companions, who kept up a run- ning accompaniment of humorous chuckles and low laughter. The next morning Desmond found among his correspondence a small envelope, with the superscription in a feminine hand. He opened it, and read as follows: Dear Mr. De?^nond,—I want to see you o.n a matter of the utmost importance. WiU it be convenient for you to meet me at the T-r,nox Tea Booms, Bond-street, to-morrow (Wednesday), at 7.30 p.m.? Please pardon me for writing, and do oome.-Yonrs I snacereiy, NLKGGI-, ST CART. Desmond gazed a.t the letter, wholly sur- prised. Miss Staurt was a "Morning Mercury typist.. He had made her acquaint- anœ in his private offke, whither she G?ine to type from his dictation, though I?tt?rly he had very rarely availed himself of her services. Her desire to see him was unac- countable, yet he felt that he ought to go. Yes, he would go. The same morning Maggie Stuart was the recipient of an unlooked-for letter. It ran: Dear Miss Stuart.-I fear you will be very much surprised when you read this, but next displeased, I trcst. I want to see you, to speak of my love for you, which I have secretly cherished in my lie-art for many weeks. fetaring to speak let your answer 9hoiiid be unfavourable. Will you meet me at the Lennox Tea Rooms, Bond-street, to- morrow (Wednesday) at 7.30 p.m.? Please come; then I can tell you all that is in my heart.- Yours sincerely, PHILIP DESMOND. The girl read the missive again, again, and yet again; a rush of red dyed her cheeks; she buried her face in her slim white fingers. But presently she raised her head proudly, and an expression of tenderness was on her face. and the light of happiness was dancing in her eyes. For she loved him-had loved him so long; and now he loved her! And she prayed that she might be worthy of him, for she knew that he was at heart a good, true man; her keen love's eyes had pieroed tie veil of cynicism which hid his real self. Wednesday evening came, and she set out for the appointed meeting-place. She caught sight of the man she loved waiting for her, and her heart gave a great bound. In ailencetney met. and clasped hands; hers was quivering like an aspen leaf; she dared not look into his face. Hl drew her hand under bis arm and led her inside the tea- roam, and in an isolated corner they seated themselves. He ordered the refreshm ent vhich neither of them needed, yet which was ceedfttl to justify their presence in the tea- rccjn. Then they \Y" J'e left free to talk. He expected she wouid open the conversation, but she remained silent, so he said, cour- teoosly— "Please explain the matter you wish to consult me about. I shali be happy to do anything in my powr to help you." She looked into his with a-stonish- wnt. I do not understand what you moon," she Said, slowly. It was his turn to he astonished. "My dear Miss Stuart," he said. "Snrely you ha,ve rot forgotten the letter yotl sent me making rbiio appointment?'' "What letter?" she a.sked. "I sent no letter." He stared at her amazed. "You sent no letter?" he said, lowering his voice. 'Thou why are you here?" "Why. you sent for me," she said, timidly. "No," he murmured, huskily. She bowed her head in shame. and all the sunshine went out of her lite. But Desmond — had seen a look in her sweet, pure eyes which cut him to the quk-k. "Tell me more," he said, in low, urgent tones. "You say I sent for you. Show me the letter!" "I can't." she whispered. "I'm ashamed. I do not know-what you will—think of me— when you—when you-" "Hush! child," he said. "Can I e'er think of you a? anything but pure and n=?" Show me the letter!" She drew it from her breast and gave it to him, whereupon he handed .her the one he had received, and together they read them. "I have not written this," she said. sim;)ly. "-Nor I this," said he. "I believe my col- leagues are tie authors of both. They hate me. and this is their revenge. I would not have cared." be added, bitterly, 'had I been the one to suffer. But it is you whom they have wounded. Bat what shall you do now?" She looked up into his face with troubled eyes. e "I do not know how I shall face them," she said, slowly, "now that they know my shame. Yet. I shall have to go back. Oh! do not think me a cQwatd. Remember, I'm only a woman." He looked at her curiously for a moment or more, and then he aid:- o "I have a plan. If you will let me. I will tell them that yon are my affianced wife." "Your affianced wif" she murmured, trembling with excitement. "Yes. It will be a pretence, you know, very difficult, to carry out successfully, but it is the only way to save you, dear Miss Stuart." "But how can it be done: she cried. "Listen," he said. "In three weeks I go to the Transvaal. Yes. it a true. Till then, we can act what I propose. Do you under- stand?" Bur when you come back." she whispered, breathlessly. "I shall not come back," he said, softly. "Oh! don't say that. You're mad!" she said, huskily. "It is the only way to save you. Come, do you consent?"' She bowed her head, and whispered, so that he could scarcely hear: "Yes." Thus they went back. The next morning trie journalists, who ha.d congregated in the general room, fully ex- pecting to witness the discomfiture of the Cynic, were dnmfoundad to see him enter j with Miss Stuart. Without a moment's hesi- tation he led her to them, and said, in tones that everyone could hear: Permit me to present to you all my affianced wife. As such she is entitled to res- pect, even such respect as gentlemen such as you have it in their power to confer." Thp journalists slunk away like whipped curs. And then Desmond proudly conducted Miss Stuart to her reom. She sat down, and he slowly, very slowly, walked to the door. She watched him, speechless. When he reached the deer he paused, and looked over hi" shoulder. He saw something in her eyes which caused him to turn back. "What is it, Maggie?" he asked. "Don't go. Philip." she cried. "I can't bear it. Stay with me." Fe bent down and covered her lips with "Why, Maggie, I'm coming back soon," he said, smiling. "And you will not forget me when you are away?" she asked. "Never: my love for you is real, real, real. Can't you understand that I discovered after I had left you lat night that x really loved you with all my heart and -soul?"

For to-day- have a Hot Corn Flour and Milk Pudding. This pudding, made with good milk and Brown and Poison's Patent" Corn Flour, is warming and nourishing for the children, enjoyable fdr adults, a good dinner sweet, and an agreeable light supper dish. But boil it well- 10 minutes by the clock-and be sure to use Brown & Poison's "Patent.. Corn Flour Its delicate flavour and great purity make all the difference I in the pudding. I Stewed fruits, such as figs, I! apples, and prunes or J N preserves go well with this k pudding. ( i

A NEW NOVELIST I Mr. D. Fraoer Tumsden, who under the name of Lionel Laggard has written the Australian story, Sweet Isabel of Narra- goon." Mr. Lumsden was once chief reporter on the "Western Fail," and is now the Hansard of the Australian Parliament— that is to say. be is the head of the staff appointed to prepare the official reports of the Parliamentary speeches.

For Women Folk. HOMELY HINTS AND DAINTY DISHES A scald or burn, if the sMn is not broken, can be cured by placing the burnt part in sitrong soda-water. A pinch of carbonate of soda put into the teapot will increase the strength of the tea. This applies particularly to London, where the water is hard. A good pomade tha.t will prevent the hair j combing out. increase its growth, and give it a nice gloss is made by mixing together five parts of lard, the same of castor-oil, and ten parts each of glycerine and eau de cologne. Apply every morning. Soft Icing I Four ounces sieved icing sugar, one table- spocinful of hot water. Mix just warm in a small pan, and spread with a knife. Royal Icing: ooz. sieved icing sugar, half white I of an egg (unbeaten). Mix, beat for a quar- ter of an hour. Force straight lines on to I cake with a thick tube. Delicious and Wholesome Ginger Nuts Take lOoz. flour, 4oz. butter or lard. 4oz. sugar, l tablespoonfnl ground ginger, 3 tablespooafuls golden syrup, half teaspoon- ful, carbonate of soda, half teaspoonful mixed spice. 2oz. lemon or orange peel. cut very fine. Beat the butter and sugar to a cream, add the syrup, flour, ginger, spice, ajid peel. Dissolve so da in a little cold milk, 3iix and work aU up into stiff dough, add- ing a little more flour if necessary. Poll off pieces the size of a nut a.nd bake on well- buttered tins-in a quick oven. These ginger nuts are very easy to make. Novel Little Cakes Put ill a casserol3 a quarter-pint of cold water, about 2oz. cf butter, a pinch of salt, a little grated lemon peel, a few drops of orange-flower water. Put it on the fire, stir- ring briskly. lvhen it commences to boil draw it away. Take some flour (dried and sifted), mix into the saucepan as much as the water will take, being careful to keep it smooth and fTee from lumps. Pftt it again on the fire; stir until it dries, leaving the casserole without sticking to the fingers. Pait it into a basin; let it cool grachially. Add two eggs (more if needed) one at a time, beat- ing them until the paste sticks to the fingers. Form it into small round oakes, and cook on a baking-sheet in a moderate oven. When cool, open them fn.m one side in the middle, fill with whipped cream, sweetened and fiavolwvd to taste or with preserved frait. Hering-salat For deticloaas fhwour the German "Hering. salat" is unequalled. The smoked herrings used are soaked overnight in milk, next day | remove skin and bones, cutting flesh into .It strips. As many potatoes as required are toiled (in skins); when fairly soft, but not overdone, remove kins, and slice pota- toes. Then mince a small quantity of roast veal, chop a few gherkins, a little beetroot, a sour apple, quarter of a root of celery, adding a little lean ham, and a few small o-nions (all minced'. Add these to herring- fillets in caiad-bovrl with capers, salt, and pepper. To make the sauce a little of th-ri miik ;n which the herrings were soaked is utilised, together with vinegar, a little claret, a, de^rtepooTOful of gravy or meat-extract, and one saltsp-anfisl French mustard, the <tres^'ii^ to be well maxwi and the whole tossed lightly together. Joist before serving, ciecorate top with sJaoed radishes and beet- root, together with flaked hard-boiled yolk of egg and a liberal sprinkling of parsley.

I NEWPORT EMPIRE I That popular London W-t F-nd acta,, K. Hubert Carter, supported by a speedy i?elec" <?mp?ny. will ?PPear at Newport in a sketch entitled, Davy Ga.mc-k?.p<? It is based on the episode in the fa-BMoa actor's life where, in order to cure a lady of her infatuation for b-i-in, he feigns drunkenness so that he rn.i,-ht disgust her. The mere fact that it is written by Mr. Looia Cohen at once stamps it as far above the ordinary, and in the capable hands of Mr. Carter and his clever company is sure to obtain more than the ordinary applause.

j OWNERSHIP DENIED I. Sidney Hart, farmer, of -,ves.t.bury-on-I r Severn. was summoned at Littledean yeeter- day, for permitt-ing the carcase of a sheep belnngi.rng to hrim, to remain un buried in a f,t".ll. lJ.e.knd;ant denied it, stating th wf- the carcase did not Tjelong to him- The Chairman said there was some doubt about I the case. Defendant had sworn the, sheep was not his. and as there was no evidence of ownership, the case was dismissed.

I For Children's Hacking Cough at night, I Woods' Great Pes>permint Cure. ijil 2/9. "UNSEED COMPOUND" lor COugbz and Golds. Of JKOHB cfOcMQT. Wi. aiui 1/li. 4Dt Cbwalaa vaity. ow

Hockey in South Wales I INTERNATIONAL TRIAL. Hockey is making very considerable head- way in public popularity in South VTale?. and widespread interest is centred in next Satur- days international trial match between representative teams of the North and South on hc ground of the Earry Cricket Club. It is urged that the numerous clubs in the district should cancel their fixtures for the W. H. EVAN?, Abersytwyt?!. l" E.E." photo. ?3r(I, and that thciii members should show their loyalty to the Sotith Wales Hockey I I Association by attending the international trial match. They are asked to turn up in large numbers and give the visitors a hearty reception. The bully-off wrll b& at three I o'clock sharp. The South Wales team if as follows:—Cfoal. B. TurnbuII (Cardiff), reserve F. R. Davies (Swansea); right back, E. W. Richards (Abergavenny;, reserve D. T. Jolin '"Whitchurch); left. back. \V. Price (Chepstow), reserve H. T. Williams (.Newport); right half- back, Guy Jones (Newport), reserve G. Collins (Swansea); centre half, F. S. Lyne (Newport), reserve Xf. T. Farr ISwana); left hand, W. T. Farr Swansea), reserve C. D. Mitchell ( Abergavenny); forwards, cmt?ide ri?ht F. <?. I Phillips (?wp.ort). i??rve K. T. BåJtwell I (Whitchnrch). jn"id right J. 1. WiHiam.s 'Newport), R. *?wtet-E ,?ott (Cardiff), Ventre forward T. W. Pearson (Newport), i reser\e W. H. Evans (Aberystwyth College), I inside left W. J. Duncan (Whitchurch), reserve C. Richard- (Swansea), outside left W. J. Pa-llot (Whitchurchreserve P. J. Adams i. barryj. I W. H. Evans, cf Aberystwyth College, is j ere cf the most prcnLa? flayers in the hookey v. u-rlft. He played for West against East at Llanellv. and distinguished himself by p'ayin.gr a mc,t.ui,,E-!fiF,h game at centre forward, his feeding of the "wings being per- feet. He is rcc?r\e centre forward to Pearson jn the match North v. South. Evans is always in perfect training- He was capped the frrst year <if his entering Aberystwyth College, During the Christmas vacation he played for Bargoed against Earry Firsts, and distin- guish fd l;:ms?if by eco-ring two brilliant goals.

ONLY DEFENDED HIMSELF Robert Evans, marine store dealer. Little- I dean Kill, was summoned by David Cole- man, gipsy, fireen-fjottoin.. for assault ait Littledean yesterday. Complainant, who was rather severely marked on the face, said defendant came to him and without the slightest provocation set about him and severely beat iiim. Defendant sai-u all he I did was to defend himsel. He had taken care of himself because complainant threatened him with, a stick, which he brandished I over 1. head. The Chairman said the Court had decided to dismiss the ca&e.

FOREIGN MAILS. j To be de.-patclied from londorl Sunday, Jan. 17:— OUTWARD. -Mornin*— To United via Southampton. To Azores, by Portuguese packet. MONUAY, J A U Alt Y 13. mornlnc- To Evpt, by Italian packet. To Canary 'Islands, via pajn. INWARD.—Due Sunday— From Australia and Ceylon, via Naples.

LOCAL TIDE TABLE I I ¡.; I I ? +* 3 £ S M S I ¡;; J g ",jE-oI 0 I 2 I I > = j 0 <! K 3 J I m o* 0 Z Satur- M. 0 2 21 0 40 -3 0 55 058 da,. E. 0 31 0 51 0 35033 1 ?'8 131 Jan.16 Ht 128 4118 3 24 2 I 26 2  25 9 24 K smTri; 1 2 1 1 22 n 1 4 I 2 4 2~S dJLy. E.; 1 41 ¡ 1 56 1 40138 2 41 1242 Jan .7 Ht 118 6' 18 4 24 6 26 4 26 1 26 4 .om-t?. ?20 2 33 2~T4 ( 2 15 3 18 3 10 dm E.- 2 56 3 11 2 47 2 53 3 54 3 56 Jan. 1. 8 Ht' 29 5 M 0 25 9)28 0 27 6 1 26 356 Jan.18' Tue.- M. 30 10 .0 3 27 0 I 29 8 29 5 28 11 E, 4 2 4 22 3 49 4 4 5 1 52 Jan.191 E. I 4 2 4 2 .3 49441 5 1 5 2 Jaoa..yl.9?Ht?3Q]0 1 'o 5 27 51298 29 5 25 8 11 W ed- At 4^ 4 53 4 20450 5?0 532 E. 5 1 5 21 i 4 50 5 3 5 59 6 1 JlIon.æ I Ht 52 3 21 10 24 9 3 3] 71 31 6 4) 4 lii'rs- 1 ji. 1 a? 5 48 j 5 19 5 30 I 6 26 I 6 28 ? E. i 56 6 14 5 45 5 56 16 ?l?5 26 6 28 6. isHt 33 3 2 8 i o 91 3?_3 34 0 I z 6 5.3 jsn 7 ~Dock SOL t Roath Ba?EL:?exMdr& Dock.

BILLIARDS AT CARDtFF The flmest and most exciting of all the heats of 500 up yet played in the professional tour- nament at tOO Rummer Hotel, Cardiff, was tiia-t between A. E. Harnman, Royal Hotel, and A. Turner, Exohange Restaurant, on Fri- day evening. Hammttw was only 186 when Turner was 460, and the odds were anything againat the former. He. however, began to in brilliant style, and put on a break of 153. Although nearly 200 behind when Turner wanted some 30 for game, Hanunan pulled up steadily until the game stood 499 a.ll, when. amidst the greatest excitement, he made the wiimdng stroke. Scor- Kamman  MO 11'arn,er 499 Stevenson, 8,223; Reece, 7,340. Iiunan, 16.444; Williams. 15,647.

I AIR RIFLE SENSATION Several members of the Merthjr and Dis- trict Air-rifle League were on Friday sus- pen.ded for a month for taking part in un- authorised competitions. The members po suspended were T. Bea<-h, Gordon Lenox; W. Davies. No. 2. Mack worth, Dowlais; Preece, N.E.T.; and T. B. Fvanis, ilerthyr Constitutional Club.

FOOTBALL RBfLDGEND fiELD, EBBW VALE. MONDAY. JAN~UAItr 18tb. 1909. AUSTRALIA (Kangaroos) Y. EBBW VALE. Kick-off Three p.m. cueilp Trains irom all parts. el69 G MRLBOROUGH UNITED (strong Junior) Require GUARANTEE MATCHES for Easter Friday, Satur- day, and Monday, Weot of England.-Foster, 115, Eng'leheart-rotid, Catford, London. elb8 DOW LA IS THISTLES A.F.C. require home match January 23rd; will arrange home and home.-Wire or write Evans, Treivor Arms, Penywern, Dowlais. eilg CATIXAYS ROVliRS R.F.C., Cardiff, want away fixture with good jujior team, January 15; have several other dates open; accept guarantee 82, Cathavs-terraoe, Card if. e3856118 TOXGWYXLAlS JCXIORS F-want home match for Jwiuary S?; h?-e ?so other dates open.— J. H. Wright ?ec.. Iron Bnoge-rcad, T?cngwynjai'. e3e?ii2O

BABE IN THE WOOD The pantomime Babos in the Wood," which has had so successful a season a.t the Royal. Cardiff, concludes to-day. Mr. Bollo Balmain has secured fOl several weeks companies that are bonnd to ftll the house after the expiration of the pantomime season.

The sweet girl strolled a Ion 5 the block. The oheeky dude remarked, ''Aheim!" Not dreaming of the sudden shock Th&t wouM reward hip stratagem. The maid remarked, with humour grim, "YOUlr ooogh seems bad to-day, I'm sure. You'd best ttthe titis," and handled him A bo*Gte« £ Woods' Great Peppermint Onre.

rtUMMEH HOTEL, DUKE-STREET, CARDIFF. first-class Biiliard Table. Annual Professional Tournament, commencing Monday, January 4tb, 1909, and Llvery E,ei?i g. Plav ?'iU commence at 7.30 p.m. P. ul:t .Prize vaiue ?12. o¿JO ii.ats, c6 Third Prize Y'?ue £3.-0. Matthews, Pro- prietor. e5929 For Influenza take Woods' Great Pepper- mint Cure. Never fails. lili, 2/9. [L549Q "LTJSSEED COMPOUND" witu warm water » eo exoeilent gatf to fOr ears throat. a66 59

Wrapped in Flames I MAN'S SUICIDE BY BURNING I All anmzing story of suicide by burning was told at a Douglas inquest yesterday. Harry Morgan, aged 28, son of Moses Morgan (a.n English organ builder, established for several years in the Isle of Man), had been his father's leading workman in tiio con- stiruction of a fil,200 organ just opened in a Weeleyau chapel. Since the of the organ he ba,d ]men oti the "P'IX: A fe-w days ago, in order to bring him to his senses, this father sent him a letter ask- irrg for the re-pa-yment of £ 20 rent. This worried the son, and on Wednesday night He Wept Over It. His- wife told him to face it like a man. a,nd he thereupon threatened to do away with himself in a bfeurket. went next door, u:p to the bedroom, kis&ed her and the child, and repeated that he was going to destiroy himiyclf. The wife followed him downstairs, heard him handling the Tia-raffin can in the back- yard. and then him strike a match and apply it to hi:3 clothes. He was instantly wrapped in flames. She ran fcrhel,p. Meanwhile, the man tore off his clothes, wih-ich brought strips of flesh with them. Then he rushed into the house, wrapped himself in a blanket, and went next door, ran? his neighbour up, and implored him to come to his aid, as He Was Burning to Death Neighbours followed ihim back to :his house, I and found thim in awful tormen<t, begging lot water Taken to the hospital, he lingered till five o'clock on Thursday evening. On a scrap of paper he had written: "Kate, forgive me.—^ours in earnest, Harry, your husband." A verdiot of Suicide whilst temrc-rarily iil%a.rie was returned, sympathy being express ed with t,he parents and vrife.

Triumphs of Llandovery I RE-UNIONF OLD BOYS AT CARDIFF Many good and highly creditable stories can be told of Llandorvery School in the past, and they were re-called with mlloh relish at the annual dinner of Old Llafl- doverians held at the Royal Hotel, Cardiff, on Friday night, when the Lord Bishop of Llandaff presided over a large number of "old boys." The Bishop proposed "The School and the Past and Present Masters." It was, be said, at Llandovery that they gained their first I inspirations and aspirations, and, as an old student, he could not forget the debt he owed to the broad foundation of knowledge laid at Llandovery. He had learnt most of what he knew of that important modern language, Welsh, at the old school. (Ap- plause.) It had kept itself abreast 01 scholastic progress, and they must all look back with affection to the old town and its remarkably successful educational institu- tion. Amongst its past wardens still living were the Bishop of St. Asaph, the Bishop of St. David's, and Archdeacon Owen Evans- (loud applause)-and amongst its past masters were learned gentlemen who had made their mark in the world of education. The Warden (the Rev. W. W. Toole- Hu?hea), in responding, said that eight y>ea 11M elapsed since he was appointed to ri. post as director of the destinies of the school. The school now stood at its record stage, and there were no .vacancies for boarders. Xot long ago a very eminent J educationist came to Wales with the ostensible object of encouraging eduoation, and he said in one of his speeches that, after ail, Llandovery, Brecon, and Cowbridge were only obscure country grammar schools. ("Oh"; cries of "Where is he?" and laughter.) He (the warden) was asked to reply to this, but he did not think it necessary to do go. (Hear. hear.) Since I their Last ^neeting, on the results of the Oxford and Cambridge Board examinations, which most of the leading English public schools took, Llandovery appeared amongst the first, eight. (Applause.) They had also during the past year gained three open scholarships and four exhibitions at the universities, and quite lately a boy passed into the Higher Civil Service, which was no small feat. But what encouraged him most about the state of Llandovery was the high average attained jy the boys. They had at present at Oxford three old boys who had attained the distinction of being con- sidered good enough, by their college authori- ties, to try for the blue ribbons in classics, history, and mathematics. (Applause.) The BaDhl thing largely applied to their work in the field of sport, far they now had at Oxford and Cambridge a great many boys who had been tried in all the big trial matches. At Oxford they had been, fortunate enough to I secure one "blue" this year, and he would bo very much surprised if they did not seoure a "blue" in Cambridge also before the end of Mr. Pritchard's time. (Applause.) He 1 hoped that soon the school cricket field would be second to none in the whole of Wales. Cricket was a pet hobby of his, and he did all he could to foster it; as to foot- 1 j ball, it coaid take care of itself in Wa?le6. j (Hear, hear.) A gymnasium was now being 1 built, which would cost about £ 1,000, and would be worthy of the best. tr,&ditima of the school. (Hear, hear.' The Rev. T. Theophilus. vicar of Tredr, proposed the toast of "Tlie Visitors," to which Dr. Lynn Thomas responded. The Rev. David Davies (Dinas Powis) proposed I the health of the ahairinan, and the Eev. I Con nop Price (Caerpdiilly) proposed the health of the secretaries, Dr. W. G. Willia,ma and Mr. C. M. Herbert, of Cardiff. Songs were contributed by the Rev. Connol) Price and Dr. Arnallt Jones (Aberavon), and a very pleasant evening was spent.

Passing Pleasantries, "Is your parrot intelligent?" 'Intelligent! Why, that bird can doeve^y- thing but talk." ;>" "Does your poetry Pay- "Well, it just keeps the wolf from the door." I suppose you read it to him." Tatt,ers (cheerfully): Oood-mornin'! Farmer: It wouldn't be good-mornin' ef I offered ye work. Tatters: Na,w; de word ud be more like good-day, then. They had been drifting about in the open boat for seven days, and had almost given up hope, when the look-out cried wildly:- "A sail, a. sail!" The only woman passenger looked up and asked anxiously- "Oh, is it a bargain sale. A clever fellow, whose shoes were the worse for wear, fell on a plan to get a pair for nothing. Having cLrranged with a companion as to the plan, he entered a shoemaker's shop. He ladd his hat upon a table near the door. and, having got a pair tibat suited him, he gave the sign by stamping his ft on the floor, when in rushed his companion, and, sntatoih- iog up this hat, ran off with it. Ithe shopkeefper, seeing what had happened, said to his customer: a man off with your hat—after .hiin! whicih he did, and it is neadleas to add the shopkeeper never saw h.is shoes again. The landlord of a hotel met, as he started to go up his own stairs, amaa coming down backward with a feather bed on his shouldt"r8. What have you t,h-ere.?" asked the land- lord. "A bed for you, eir," answered the man. Nonsense—iit is not for me! I have not ordered any bed." No. 2, Dash-square, sir." "A:h, I thought so! It's next door." The man turned and bore the bed off before the landlord's eyes, who did not discover his loss until too late-

NEW PANTOMIME SONGS r "Cinderella" continues to, attract crowded houses to the New Theatre. New songs and dances are introduced, and lend added charms to a pantomime winch for all-round excellence it woujd be difficult, indeed, to surpass. Mr. Hanbury had an enthusiastic reception for his rendering of the new song. Put me on an' island with the suffragettes. Mr. Tom Fancourt was all there" with his humorous song "SalOme-" Local allu- sions are most refreshing.

DOCTOR'S URGENT CASE I At Littledean yesterday Alfred Cresswell, surgeon, CindeTford, was summoned by Police-constable Ryland for riding a bicycle without a light, on the 3rd inst. The doctor said he was ca.Iled to an urgent case at Euspidge, and as he could not find his lamp at the moment, he went without it. Fined Is.

"LIJ^jfiED COMPOUND" with warm water is an Cements for mending all things. ee659 Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for Coughs and Colds never fails. lili, 2/9. LI.6490 father, dear Father, come home with me now." A persistent request out of date. He's home ere he's asked, and ready to vow With HOK'S SAUCE to his meal fce's ne'er late el61 Printed and publisned by Thomas Jouas for the pro- prietors, at 68a, St. Mary-street, la the City of Car- diff; by James HorniaJi, Caatle-street, Swansea -if a. 0. William J, GlebeJand-street, Mertayr Tydvtl; at the shop of Mr. Wesley Williams, Bridgend—«U U the County ot C-lameigan; by Jabez Thoaaaa, 2Z, kligh-atzeet, Newjort; at the ehop of Ml-. J. P. CaSrey, Monmouth—)>otb In the County of Hon- mouth; at the shop of Mr. David John, i,"cieUy. La the County of caxmarLhOA; &Ad at the otBoaa 06 Mr. T. A. CaTioe, The iiulwar*. Brecon, ta &bd County of Brecknock. SATUEJIAY, JANUAET 16, 1909.

Amatory Letters I LADY COMPLAINS OF ANNOYANCE I Walter Tricfks, a jobbing taiXr, was sum- mowed at West Ijcndon yesterday for pub- l-iehing a defamatory libel against Miss Soisan St/rater Dcnjiin., daughter of Mr. TI. S. Donkdn. J.P., of Wimbledon Common. Mr. Bodkin, for the prosecution, stated that j the defecdant was a.n absolute stranger to MigH Dcn-kin, who for sem? three or four years past had been the recipient of a num- ber of amatory letters from him. She was in the habit of going- for walks on Wimble- j don Co.mmon and in the neighbourhood, and wa-s afraid she might be anmoyed by thiB ma,fl while out of doors. On January 4 she received from him a letter consisting of doggerel verse, concluding a;* follows: Have just been thinking, As Mother Ere tempter! Adam, 'I I might tempt Miai Donkin. I I Accompanying tlll letter was what ported to bo n. Christmas card, which bole the representation of all apple and a child, 1 and aJ.=o some verse. After the summons was served on the de- fendant, he called at the house of the Don- ki'ns and saw Mr. Donkin, who said: "Are you the who has been writing letters to my daughter?" and ordered him out of II the lioltse. itfiss Donkin gave evidence. 1 The Defendant: I don't know the lady. I doiV t think I have ever seen her before.* The letter? I wrote were written to another lady I had known for some years. I did not f?t any reply, and I thought they were appre- ciated, and I continued them. They were not rseant fo-r Mi.? Donkin. It i? a mistake fro j beginning to end. The lady I know lived nejtr Misv? Donkin, and I was given the wron? name ana address. The magistrate committed t.he defendant for trial on bail, and advised him to call the lady fotr whom the letters were intended a.s a witness at the sessions.

I CARDIFF EMPIRE 4. j Fred Karno's G. P. 0. with Fred Kitchen, pays its first visit next week. All who have seen this last Karno production state that it is funnier than all the others. Fred Kitchen is a native of London. "I come from a very old theatrical stock," said Air. Kitchen, "my father having been for 57 years on the stage. He ia 78 now, and I certainly the oldest clown living. My first appearance? Well, I have no very distinct recollection of that. I was carried on in long clothes when I was only a few weeks old. I That was at the Princess Theatre, Porte- mouth, in a drama called 'The Dumb Man of Manchester.' The first part I remember I playing was that of a very young boy in a I, very old drama, "Hie Sea of Ice.' I could not have been more than i'our years old then. I took part in a number ot dramas and I pantomimes in and around London until I was "fourteen. I was pretty tall, and my experience had given me the appearance of being older than I really was. Consequently, even at this tender age I was quite a man." Bottoming the bin will be a rich pair of Hebrew -liumorists-Howell and Soott to wit. This is their first visit to the PrincipaJity, as ¡ they have only lately come over from America, where they were secured by Mr. Stoll's American offices. They are sure to make good and afford much entertainment J tv Cardiffians.

'Spectators Kept at Bay?' THE YACHT CLUB TRAGEDY Mr. Jenkins Hains, the novelist, was acquit ted yesterday at New York, after a trial lasting nearly five weeks, of the charge of aiding and abetting- his brother, Captain Peter Ilains, in the murder of Mr. William E. Annis. The tragedy occurred in August last at the Way Shore Yacht Club, Lor-g- Island. Captain liaans and his brother were waiting on the quay, when Mr. Annis returned in his yacht. Captain Hains shot and killed Mr. Annis in the presence of the latter's wife, while Mr. Jenkins Ilains, it was alleged, kept the spec- tators at bay with a revolver. The captain, who is awaiting trial, declared that Mr. Annis had had guilty relations with his (the captain's) wife. The trial of Mr. Jenkins Hain-s has taken place at Flushing, Long ¡ Island. The. jury retired at fc'ur o'clock on Thurs- day afternoon to consider their verdict, j They wrangled and disputed all night, while the prisoner, maintaining to the last his air of nonchalance, slept peacefully in his prison cell. Before noon the twelve men, dishevelled and looking excessively irritated, returned to court and asked the judge for a definition of the law relating to manslaughter. The defence, hearing this reque.st, aban-dond all i hope. Surprise was all the greater, therefore, when the jury, at the end of thirty-five coiisultztt;oll I announced their agreement on a verdict of "Not guilty."

CARDIFF LADY'S FUNERAL I The funeral took place at Penallt Parish Church, Monmouthshire, on Friday of Mrs. Miles, of 17, Wordsworth-tavemue, Cardiff, widow of the late Mr. R. W. Miles, of Fenny Stratford, Bucks., who was one of a prominent family of lay rectors in that neighbourhood. On the previous day a I IreQllie.m service was h?Id at St. German's, icardiff, by the Eev. Father Ivœ, and the  funeral service at the deceased lady's former house was conducted by the Eev. F. Summers, vicar of St. John's, Newport, [assisted by the Re. M. Haipirr, vicar of ,P,-na,llt,. Some bea.utiful floral tributes sur- mounted a coffin of polished oak, with massive brass fittings, the funeral arrange- moats being carried ou)t by Mr. Augustine Stone, Cardiff.

THE HANDCUFF QUEEN I A more than usually attractive programme has been arranged at the Palace, Cardiff, for next week, included in which is Mir.erva, the original woman gaol-breaker and Handcuff Queen, who will introduce her death-defying water escape. That popular little c;ingt-r of sensible songs, Sable Fern; I the Waltons, eccentric acrobats; Kiiiiard, described as a merry magician; Lillie Loraine, instrumentalist; Cosgro-v-e and Burns, with their entertainment, "The Singing Academy"; Walker and May, coloured singers and dancers; Raymond's clever and interest- ing pictures, and Maurice Hoffman and com- pany in the historioal episode, The Death of Chatterton," make up the remaining items of interest.

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