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(Cm***.) I THAT TERRIBLE i…
(Cm*) I THAT TERRIBLE i CHRISTMAS EVE. i BY LUCY HARDY, ¡ I futbor of ■ My Adventure," a ChristmU I Twlligbta." Ac. "Tell yon a story, my doars ? Why, you know all' nun* by heart already." Thus spoke our old nune, or rather our mother's old nune, for ahe had long been set Mide from active work, and lived In a snug little room in one of the towers of our rambling old country house, like the old fairy in the "Sleeping Beauty." There she did mysterious pieces of needle- work and mending, and here came all the croll, and the delicate, and the dull children of the house a* to a city of refuge. Nurse Preston had cure* for every childish malady and trouble, and it was our highest delight to listen to her stories, or turn over her "treasures," as she called a store of odds and ends, useful and ornamental, which she had accumu- lated round her. Therefore on this special da., when the rain kept us all indoors and amusement* flagged, we, myself and two sisters, naturally set off for Nurse Pnoton". chamber. "I don't know what to say," proceeded the kind old soul, laying down her work with a puzzled expression, for a wet Christmas, following an attack of the measles, had made us very frequent visitors to Nurse Preston of late, and her stock of stories had been nearly exhausted. "Tell us something about yourself, Nurele said little Mabel, climbing on her kuee. "How did you first come to know mamma ? You've told us so much about ktr, but you never told III how you tint knew her." t "Oh." said Mrs. Preston, stroking the child's golden hair, "as I rome to think of it, my knowing your dear mamma, or leastways her parents, for she. sweet lamb, was not born then, grew out of one of the most terrible frights I ever had in my life," "Tell us, tell us," we cried in chorus, for the history of a "terrible fright sounded most inviting, and after coughing and settling herself comfortably In her chair nurse began her tale. 1" 1 Well, young ladies, you must know that I was horn a long way from here, right away in Devon- ahire. Father was bailiff to Sir George Hardy, your grandfather, and he (father I mean) and I and my grandmother all lived in a snug cottage together. I had lost my mother, as you have, my dean, but at the time I am talking of I was a tall lass of twenty or to, and quite able to keep father's house. We were fairly well-to-do; people worked harder and spent less in those days, I think, and oun was a very happy home. Father had been bailiff for a great number of years, longer than Sir George bad been muter at the Hall, and was greatly trusted and looked up to. It was the day before Christmas, and as I was at work in our neat kitchen preparing for the Christmas dinner, father came in and took a canvas bag out of his breast pocket. "See here, liss," he said, "I muat And a safe place to lay this away, for 'tis more money than I are to ride across the moor with to-night." "Money of yours, father! I exclaimed In surprise. "Nay, nay; where should I get a bag of gold ,from ? 'Tis money of Sir George's that I am to lay out for him at the New Year fair. A pretty penny there is in that big. I was loth to take it, but Sir George is mad to buy a horse that is said to be worth I dm't know what, and thinks I shall make a better bargain for it than he will. So as I was at the Hall to-day he gave me the money before he left for London, and I am to bid the ready penny for the beast. But I don't care to ride about with a bag of gold to-night, so find a place to put it away, my girl." Poor Sir Ge irge, your grandfather, was alwaY8 80 careless of his mmoy, my dears, although in this case it was safe enough in father's hands. I looked at the bag with curiosity, a little mixed with awe; I had never seen so much money in my life before, yhen I glanced about for a safe place to put the treasure. We had nothing valuable to take care of and therefore had no places of special security. "This will di," said father, opening mother's empty workbox, which was kept as a sacred relio cit the drpS8r. 44 you can p»lt tbs box In the ON chest yonder with your Sunday finery; after all, the money's safe enough anywhere in this bouse, for nobody knows I have it. Only I'm bound to ride over to Taunton to-night, and don't care to be well worth robbing." "Must you go, father pOI I asked, looking rather anxiously at the client, where the workbox and its precious contents hal just been deposited. "Of course I must, foolish lass. Doesn't you* sister expect me certain sure. And if I fail. won't she be scared fit to kill herself ? My only sister had married about a year before, and was living in Taunton. She had been ailing of late, and father had promised to spend Christmas Eve with her, returning home early next day. He was to have rid en over on this afternoon, but Sir George's summons to the Hall had detained him. Still, rather than disappoint Piicebehe would start now,late as it was. Thero was nothing unusual in my being left thus alone with grandmother. Father was often d -talned late at fairs and obliged to sleep away from home. Yet somehow the thought of brine left in charge, as it were, of this money—such a large sum as it appeared to ine- vaad,, me uncomfortable. "Bless the girl," said father, laughing, as I told him of my mistfiviugs, "do ye think I told all the village that I had the bag of gold P Nobody but our two solves and Sir George knows anything about it, so give me my coat, lass, and let's hear no more of the8 maggots." As I turned to reach d)wn his think riding coat I started. Surely there was a face, a man's face, looking in at the wndow. The evening was grow- ing dark, and the lijfht of the fire made the inside of our room distinct from outside. Anyone stand- ing there could have seen father throw the bag into my lap and open it to shew me, its golden contents. "Father, there's a strange man looking in," I eried with sudden alun. Father strode to the door and opened it suddenly. Yes, sure enough, a stranger stood on the threshold. "What's your business with us asked father, rather sharply. The man-lie was a dark, undersized fellow, shabbily dressed, with a furtivs look and a countenance I did not like-raised his cap as he answered submissively, "Please, your honour, I'm a poor pedlar aud strange to these parts, and I should be glad to hear of a place where I ceuld get a night's lodging. "This isn't an inn; if you keep along the road another mile you'll colne to one, the Black Boar," Mid father, preparing to close the door. "Another mile," repeated tha oedlar, "and I be terrible footsore already. Your honour couldn't let me just have a place to lie down for the night bare-clean straw would do, or a couple of chairs in the kitchen. I'd pay for my lodging, or. if that -would give offence, the young lady there might please herself out of my pack and welcome." "I tell you you can't stay here," said father. ■"I'm oblige! to ride to Taunton, to-night, and t can't leave my girl alone with a stranger in the house. I am sure father repented those words before they were well out of his mouth, but he was a quick- speaking man, and I think he was a little put about at the idea of the atrange man looking in at the window, perhaps having seen the money. So, without thinking, he let out what he had certainly better have kept to himself. Then was no need to tell the man that granny and I were to be all alone that night. It may have been only fancy, but I oertainly thought I saw the man's faee brighten at father's speech, and perhaps father thought it too, for he said rather sharply, "Well, friend, you've had your answer, and you may as well be off, and good even' to you." "Stay a bit," said the pedlar, In a hesitating wice, as if he were doubtful what to say, "if you won't take me in for the night, may be you'd let me leave my paak here. It's mortal heavy to carry anoomendle, and, besides, I might not and safe quarters for it at a little inn. I'm a poor man, your konour, "4 couldu't afford to lose my pack. to let me leave it here hr Mo mlo% mM I I" as good a stock of ri Say pedlar In the country, and the young lady shall have her eboloe la permit." "My daughter 18 so y^uag lady, and we don't Waat t» lie paid for 4Wsg a soul) civility," said fither; he was a kindly maa, and hated to seem fcotisfet **r that atattor I'm mmr we cant take 00 a. However, we can manage your pack, a o be that you like trusting it in the hands of trangen; hand It along." 1 I laid it down just under the bWp while I cum to knock at the door," said the man, shuffling off quickly, while father turned to me and said, "I don't quite like his looks, but. anyway, there can be no harm in taking care of his pazk." The man must have left his pack some way off, to judge by the time he was gone to fetch it. At last he returned, halt carrying, half dragging, what looked like a large sack. "Why, however could you carry a pack that size t" exclaimed father, as the man stopped inside and deposited his burthen in the darkest corner of the kitchen. "It ain't so heavy as It looks," replied the man, who was nevertheless out of breath with his exertions, "but I've been looking for some things in it, and did it up untidy like. However, I'll get it ship-shape to-morrow. Good-night to your honour and many thanks to you," -and he went away. "Do you think he saw the money ?" I asked anxiously. "That money runs in your head, lass. Ifo, I don't suppose he did, but, anyway, it don't matter. Tou've good locks and bolts and stout shutten between you and him. Besides, if he was a thief, he wouldn't be trusting us with his pack. Fasten up well to-night, and don't get fancies in your head." At the time I am epeaking of, my dears, over fifty years ago, yeomen's daughters like I was, left nerves and fancies to fine ladies, as we had no time for such nonsense. So I saw father off, and bolted up, well closing the strong shutten over the window, and got granny to bed, and it was only when I sat down to my knitting again that my thoughts began to dwoll on the ill-looking stranger. We were thrifty people then, and I never thought of wasting candles when I could work by the fire-light, so I sat knitting in the chimney corner, and the flames flickered and danced, miking the middle of j- the room bright, but leaving the rest in darkness, j I don't know how it was, but my eyes kept wander- log to that large bundle lying indistinct in the corner. It was such an oddly shaped pack for a pedlar to carry; what could be hava in it f Linen goods, perhapi; they would be heavy and look bulky like that, but how very unusual to carry them In a sack,for such the outer owering certainly was. it was no concern of mine, but I felt such a strange, unaccountable curiosity about that package. At last I fairly laid down my work and went up to the dark comer to look at it closely. Yes, it was certainly a sack, tied up carefully with rope, but as I looked at it-was it only the flicker of the fire- light ?—I fancied it moved. I stood staring with all my might, and keeping as still as a mouse, and presently there was no doubt about it-somethinr inside stirred, ever so gently, but yet umnistak- ably. Ihe content. of that sack were alive! My heart beat so that I could hard'y stand, but I crept noiselessly to the sack and laid my ear near it. Yes, I could distinctly hear a cautious, smothered breathing! I don't know how'I mar.aged to stifle the scream that rose t? my lips, but, luckily for me, I did stifle it, though I turned sick with terror. There were granny and I locked in with some desperate ruffian, whoso accomplice, the pretended padlar, had thus gained him admission to the house. Doubtless the man who looked in at the window had seen the bag of gold, and laid this scheme to obtain possession of it The man in the sack was only waiting till he supposed we were upstain to get. free of his covering, and make off with the money. In one instant I thought of bolting myself upstairs with granny, and letting the robber do this, but the next moment I remembered that this would be very unfaithful to Sir George. That fatal money was in my keeping, and I was bound to take charge of it. To carry it upstairs would be useless, the man would only pursue me in search of it, and the fright would kill granny. I have heard that people say that desperation makes cowards brave. My terror put an idea into my head. Over the chimney piece hung an old blunderbuss. It was not loaded-I felt thankful it was not, or I should have baen afraid ef touching It-and I believe it was quite out of repair. However, it would serve my purpose. I reached it down, and began talking as if to myself, though I wonder I could got the words out. "Dear me," I said, as distinctly as I could speak, 10 that the man could hear every word. "It's a good thing father has left this loaded gun in case of anyone coming to the house. I wonder if I could fire it: I should just like to try "-and I clicked the lock as if I were cocking the piece. It was a tad falsehood to say that the gun was loaded, but what could I do ? I walked up to the sack gun in hand. "I'll try it, here," I said; "don't believe there's anything to hurt in the pack. Anyways I'll risk It, 'tis such a large mark to aim at;" but the words were hardly out of my mouth before the sack nearly jumped on end, and a stifled voice cried, "Hold hard-do you want to commit a murder?" So I was not mistaken I How I trembled, but there was no time for that, for I saw just the point of a knife gleam through the canvas, and I know the man was trying to cut his way out. If he did that, it was all over with us. "I've a loaded gun here," I said (repeating the falsehood, I am sorry to say) "and if you move hand or foot I'll fire. Lie down and keep still, or you're a dead man." The sack fell down again suddenly, and a rather frightened voice began to swear and protest that be would go away quite quietly "without hurting a lioir of our heads" if I would only let him get out of the sack; but this, you may believe, I was not fool enough to listen to. There was a large, deep, old-fashioned cupboard along one side of the room with a diamond-shaped hole in the upper panel. Into one end of this big closet I thrust my prisoner, sack and all, dragging him along as best I could, and threatening to shoot him if he resisted. Being tied up in the dark be was quite in my power. I would have put him out of doors, for I could have trusted to the strength of our bolts and shutters to keep him out when he was once there, but I dreaded lest the other man misht be lurking near, and might ruih in as I opened the door. I locked the cupboard door, dragged all the furniture I could mova against i4 and then sat down, and, for the only time in my life, fainted away. I re- covered to find myself lying on the floor feeling very dizzy and confused, but I soon recollected myself. Well, I bad the man safe under lock and key, but I still felt uneasy. Supposing he managed to break out ? I have often hoard father say that you might tell a lie so often that you beieved it your- self at last, and I really think I had talked so much about the gun being loaded that I bad come to look upon it as a great protection, although it was about as much good as a stick of firewood. I eat with it in my hand hour after hour, watching that cupboard, and every now and then calling through the keyhole of the door that I was sitting ready to fire if the robber tried to break out. I believe, poor wrotch, he was as frightened as I, for he kept quite still, although I fancied I heard all sorts of noises, movements in the cupboard, steps outside the window-all just fancy and nothing else. But it was not wonderful that I fancied any- thing, sitting there alone with the thief in the cup- board. Granny was asleep upstairs, and I did not want to disturb her, so I waited alone. Time passed by; it must have been about twelve or one o'clock when I actually did hear a step outside the door. I was in such a worked-up state that I screamed aloud. Then came a loud knocking at the door, and a cry, in a well-known and oh, how welcome a voice, "Polly, Polly, 'tis only Joe. Let me in-is anything the matter ? Joe, my dears, was a young farmer who had beea very civil to me for a long time. I liked him very well, but I held him off, rather, for I was not going to fall into any man's mouth like a ripe plum. But now I was too glad to hear his voice to stand on anything, and after cautiously unbarring the door a little way to make sure it was really Joe, I fairly threw it open wide, and-well I do believe I ran straight into his arms. It was such a comfort to see him standing then, so strong and handsome, and looking at to protect me against anything. Joe soon understood everything, and after he had quieted me a little- for now the danger was ovor I was sobbing as if my heart would break-he bade me wrap up. and be would take me to his mother's in the village, and then come back with help to secure the thief. But I could not leave granny, and It was impossible to take her out in the cold night air, to it ended in Joe's running at the top of his speed for the con- stables, while I sat before the cupboard door. Our cottage stood nearly a mile from the village, but Joe was back in a wonderfully short time, and then he aud the constables opened the door and took oat my prisoner. He had out his way out of the sack,and lav huddle un in the corner, half stuaefied thrvu-a want of air, -and looking miserable enough. Although he went away very quietly with the men, I felt indeed thankful that I had detected him in time to secure him, for a villlanous-looking fellow he was, with a lug" knife in hit berd--sh, I can IN him now. "But why did your friend Joe come to the bousq 10 late at night ? asked Adela, who was of an inquiring turn of mind. "Well, my dear, Joe was looking after me, II I Mid, and had happened to meet father riding to Taunton, and father had been speaking of the strange man who had asked for a lodging, and how frightened I seemed at it. Joe kept thinking about this all the evening, and somehow got restless. He did not like to thluk of my being troubled about anything. So he was fool enough to walk down late at night when he ought to have been abed, just to see that all wasriglib at our house. Then he heard me scream, and knocked at the door. T "And what became of the thief ? "Oh, he and his friend were both taken; they were part of a gang to burglars who had come down to rob some of the large houses about our neigh- bourhood. As I thought, one of them bad seen father open the bag of gold as he looked in through the window, and when he could not get into the house himself he just tied up his mate 10 a sack, and pretended that this was his pedlar's pack. A great escape we had had, for these very men had murdered an old woman at one bouse they had robbed some months before, and warrants were out against them." What became of them at last ?" & One was hanged, poor wretch;. the oth,r, who had saved his neck by giving evidence (the pre- tended pedlar) was sent across the seas—I hope he repented, and did better in another country. oh, my dears, the fuss everybody made about me alterwards, I'm sure I don't know why. Father said 1 had, saved granny's life and Sir George's money by my courage, and that be was proud of his daughter. And Sir George, though he was such a haughty gentleman, came down himself, when he returned home after Christmas, to thank me, while Joe was more foolish about me than ever. And when Joe and 1 were married, some months later, Sir George gave our wedding-dinner at the Hall, and a noble one it was. Half the tenants were there. Sir George himself came down and made a speech, and spoke of what he called my "great courage and fidelity," and thn he gave me a purse with juit fifty golden guineas, half what the bag had held, begging I would accept this mark of his esteem all a wedding gift. I felt quite confused and ashamed at so much fuss being made about me, for although Joe said that most women in my place would have just made themselves safe upstairs, and let the thief carry off the money, I do not think anyone would have been so unfaithful to things in their care. For my part I was^always rather ashamed to think of the lie. I told about the gun being loaded, but I was so terribly frightened, and thought my only chance was to make the man believe I couid shoot Lim. "But you haven't told us how you came to be mamma's nurse," said little Mabel. "Ah, my doar," said nurse, a shade falling on her kind, cheerful old face, "I only had my Joe for five short years. Five years I was a happy wife, and then I lost the best, the kindest husband that ever breathed. There was fever in our village, and my Jce caught it, and I buried him and my little girl, our only child, in one wfolt. Then I went back to live with father, but Phcebe and her husband had come to him after I married, so he didn't really need me. Then Sir George's young wife, who had been so good to me in my trouble, came and asked me if I would like to be nurse to the baby that was expected at the Hall. She knew how I loved children, and that I understood a good deal about the care of them, and she thought, dear kind lady, that it would turn my sad heart from dwelling always on my own losses if I had another little one to love. So I went to the Hall after your mamma was born, and it was a real home to me, and I only left it when my dear young lady married, and brought me here with her." "You are to live here always now, papa says," said Adela. "I hope I may, my dears. I saw your dear main-iia the day she was born, I dressed her for her wedding, and I helped to lay her in her coffin. I love you all as if you were my own children, and 1 should be sad indeed to leave you now. I am too old a woman, my dears, to expect to live to see you all grown up, but I hope when you do, you will all be as sweet, and as good, and as gentle as my dear lady your mamma was. Miss Alabol has hor golden hair, and Mias Adela her eoft voice, and I think you, Miss Lucy, are most like her in face, but I hope you all have her sweet temper and her loving heart. Ob, my dears, good comes out of evil. But for that dreadful night's terror 1 might never have been Joe's wife, or known my sweet young mistress or her children.
IMPORTANT paOPESitf SALE AT…
IMPORTANT paOPESitf SALE AT I LLANDLTDNO. MR OBOBOK F. YELTON IN GOOD FOU. On Friday evening, at the Sc. Georgt>'d Hotel, Mr Geoge F. Felton, the well-known Llandudno auctioneer, conduoted an important property sale in the presenoe of a very large company, too spacious billiard room being quite foll. In opening the 3ttle Mr Felton alluded iu his able way to the satisfac- tory state of the property market in Liaudadno. Amongst other things, be Baid that be did not believe there was a single yard of land in the distriot that was not markotabla. Notwithstanding the depression exisiing in the country generally, be oould with truth aBtert that in some parts 01 the town the prices obtained were not very good, but IN KANI CASII:9 PHKNOMBNiL, Mr Felton theu proceeded to offer Lots 1 and 2, consisting of a enperiot and well arranged semi- detaohed villa residence, situate in North Madoo- street, kncwu as Bryu Eisteddfod." and a cottage at the rear oil led -1 Bryn Eisteddfod Cottage." The lease is for 99 years commencing in 1863, with a toial ground rent of 60s per annum upon the houses and cottage. The bidding commenced at £500 and rose gradually in response to Mr Felton's apt advo- caoy and oocssional jokes to jSI525, at which figure it was knocked down to Mr John llidge, of Listi- uadDo. "TMMWMOMa." A modern premises with a commodious house attached oallsd Albany/View," the whole occupy- ing a oorner site in Lloyd street, was next offered. The premises are nearly new, the bnsiness in thor- ough going order, and the dwelling-house in the occupation of Mr O. Jones at a yesrly rental of 425. Tiis tenure is leasehold for 99 years commencing in 1887, subjeat to a ground rent of iC5 per aaoum. The bidding commenced at £1000, and rose slowly to 21725, at which sora the property was withdrawn, although the auctioneer worked hard to impress upon his hearers that there was 1, mJney in it," and that the business is situated in the heart of a Urge population. He had been offered more than ?1725 for it by private treaty. EUzlewood House," a residence and shop adjoimug the previous lot, was then offered, but wiibdrawa at £1550. PIER SHAMS DOtJBIJSD IN VALUS. Mr Felton. next offered ton shares (£8 each) in the Llandudno Pier Company. For cbese there was a spleooid competition between Mr James J. Mirks and Mr K. W. Douglas, Bangor. Thtt bidding com- menced at f,10, and rapidly rose to £ 14, after which it was a question of 5& and 21 6d bids between the two gentlemen named but Mr Douglas eventually secured the shares st £ 15 5s per share. Mr fejton humorously asked where the Pier Directors were to louk after their property ? corral it A PBitMtUif. Five £1 fully paid shares in the Llandadno Coffee House Company were offered. Somebody at be far end of the room offered 16s; but after the shares bad been knocked down to him, and he had fully comprehended the situation, the bidder said he thought it was 11 168 for the live shares," al ,vhioh there was general laughter, and the wine was passed round. TOR AUCTIONEER JUKU A FBBTFWAL EIPLLNATION RE TASKS rCBHITBBB SALBS. Mr Felton, after thanking them for attending,said ne warned to oall their particular attention to a lew remarks he had to make before separating. It bad been stated in the town that he did not undertake ales of furniture. He koew very welt why a person had oiroalattd that rumour. lIe now wished to say emphatically tbat be continued to take sales of furniture, farming (took, and everything elst (applause). It was only fair to himself that be should make this statement, and be hopod hie friends present would do their utmost to contradiot tuch a falsi report (bear, hear). The soliettorii in the above 'sales were Messrs Chamberlain and Johnson, and Pagh and Bone.
Advertising
OasBUkvjs COOOA,—" Of full strenth of hlghlv eonomkal nature, free from added starch and sugar -0.1th KAYS COMPOUND, a demulcent anodyne expec tornot for Coughs and Colds, lid. lJJd. Of all fccmirt*.
PARLOUR PUZZLES.
PARLOUR PUZZLES. CbrIetmu is clearly connected in some myitartew way with plum puddings, pantomimes, riddles, blind-man's buff, lively dances, pretty cousins, and mlatleID short, with everything pleasant and delightful. The room decorated with holly, mistletoe, and ivy; the glittering lights; the Tula log with Ir. cheerful glow-all seem to invite to merry pwas and sports. But in every party there will be some who cannot, or do not care to, dance; some who are too sober-minded to spend an entire evening in fan, trolia, and romps; and some who would prefer to pan a little time in quieter recreation. To euch we offer the follow- ing problems, the solution of which will tax their In. genuity a little, and at the same time provide plasty el interest and amusement: PENCE AND FLORINS CHANGE PLACES. « 4 good Idea" you will say. "I happen to have tbzM solitary penuies. In my pocket; don't I wish some other body's florins would change places with them P Well, don't despair; the trick can be done, and some amusement be found in the doing of it. Lay your three pennies on the first three of seven equareig and borrow from your parents or companions three fiorinI, which you place on the last three squares, leav,, log a vacant square between them; thus:- Penee. Florins. Jfow proceed to move the three pence into tar squares occupied by the three florins, and the three' florins into the squares occupied by the three pence—- observing, however, the following rules: Every move-" ment of a penny must, without a single exception, be made to the right, and every movement of a florin to the' left. Clearly enough you can only begin by moving, either 3 or 5, into 4, whichever you like; afttv that you may jump over one, never over more than one,. or you may move into an adjoining square if that square happens to be vacant—but, as already stated, a penny must always be moved to the right and a florin to the left. You will certainly fail at first to accomplish your object, but with perseverance, and a little thought before your movea are made, you will succeed at last-and, having done so, hand your pence to the friends from whom you borrowed the florins, and put the florins into your own purse, in accordance with your undertaking to "make the nance and the florins changa places." Solution.—Move 3 to 4; 5 to 3, over 4; 6 to 5; 4 to 6, over 6; 2 to 4, over 3; 1 to 2: 3 to 1, over 2; I to 3, over 4; 7 to 5, over 6; 6 to 7; 4 to 6, over 6; 2 to 4, over 3; 3 to I; 6to 3. over4; 4to5. Or the puule may be solved the reverse way; viz.: Move 6 to 4; 3 to 5, over 2 to 3; 4 to 2, over 3; 6 to 4, over 5; 7 to 6; 5 to 7, over 6; 3 to 5, over 4; 1 to 3, over 2; 2 to 1; 4 to 2, over 3; 6 to 4, over 5; 6 to 6; 3 t3 5, over 4: 4 to 3. The solution looks formidable, but it is really very simple. Work it out two or three times obser- v&ntlyi you wiU then see clearly the principle by which the moves are regulated, and will' be able to make them with a rapidity quite bowildsring to friends who are looking on. THE CROWNING PUZZLE. Place ten coins in a line. The puzzle is to cover, or crown, five of them with the other-five, by passing over two at sash move, neither more nor less, and utrictly observing the rule that a crowned coin is to be reckoned as two coins. If you do not know the trick it will probably take you some timn to discover it. Should you do it in ten attempts, without taking a sly glance at the solution given below, you may take credit to yourself for being rather clover, and if you have had to borrow any of the coins from father or mother you may fairly claim thr.t you have earned them. Sollltion.-Place 4 on 1; 6 on 9;8 on 3; 5 on 2; 10 on 7. Another tcay,—4 on 1; 7 on 3; 5 on 9; 2 on S; 8 on 10. "MORE THAN A MATCH FOR HIM!" If you have a somewhat conceited fdenit who is Im the habit of boasting of his scentific attainments, tell him that, in one department at least, you think you are more than a match for him, as you have given so much attention to tho study of geometry that you have dis- covered how to form four triangle^ having altogether six lines of equal length, and throwing down half a dozen matches on the table you challenge him, with all his learning, to accomplish what you can, do with the greatest ease. If he is not already in the secret you will find a. good deal of amusement in watching the various devices by which he will endeavour to solve the problem you have set him. He will most likely lay out the matches upon the table in every imaginable pmition-and all to no purpose. Let him have half-an- hour at it,just to take the conceit out of him, and then them him that the thing can be done very simply, it the following manner: "100 TO I." Tell your friend that you will rname a number under 10; that he shall add to it a number also not exceeding 10; that you and he shall then go on alternately, each adding not more than 10, Until OBe of you has reached 100; and that the chances are 100 to I that you will always be the one to name 100 first. In all probability he will not see why he has not the same chance of naming 100 as you have, and he will make several attempts to do so; but his efforts will be futile if you are careful to observe the following rule: Suppose you begin with the number 1, he cannot, according to the above conditions, name a higher number than 11, whereupon you say 12. Whatever numbers he mentions after that you must be careful to name, in succession, 23, 34, 45, 88, ffT, 78, and 89, and as bis last number cannot be more than 99, you say "100 and claim the victory. Read over once or twice. the series of numbers we have given, and you will easily remember them, and see why they are essential. Of course, if your friend does not know the secret, you may begin with some other number than 1, or you may even let him begin, but in any case you must take care to fall into the above series before you have proceeded too far. THE SCISSORS-GRINDER. At a dinner of friends, if you wish to mystify those on the opposite side of the table, offer to sharpen their knives on a new kind of grindstone. Place your plate on your knees, the hollow part towards you, keeping it upright by leaning it against the edge of the tablq, above which it should shew about two iucbe& i Place the blade of the knife ea the edge of the plate, taking the ordinary position of a kare grinder. By a slight tremulous motion of the lop make the plate dance on the knees, so as to rite and fall rapidly from one-thirty-second to one-tenth of an inch, the knife-blade barely touching it. Tour opposite neighbours will believe that they see the plate turning oa its centre, like the wheel of the scissors-grinder, and will greatly admire the addrtes with which you have imparted to the plate such a rapid rotary motion. 3 ae plate should not appear 80 much above do libit -s shewn in the illustration. HOW TO Ogim THROUGH A DEAL BOARD I •Bow to see through a deal board 10 some of ow scab young friends will say, *Why, ftt's easy eeoqgh-mske » bole io It." But you can see through ft 4y) fooard without doins that—<«- tmagh ft, and that it quite ttM enough for our present purpose, to give you a plsassnt surprise and offer you a few minutes' amusement. Try the experiment, however, with your hand; your hand is always at hand and a deal board is not; and yon may take it for granted tbat if you can succeed in see- ing through your band you could see through a deal board just as easily. IYah a gnell paper tube about four inches long and something less than an inch in diameter. A piece of note paper rolled into tubular form, and held in position between the tips of the thumb and fingers of your right hand will answer the purpose weU enough. Place- the aid* of the tube against the edge of the left hand held fully extended, and with palm upwards, as In, the- accompanying sketch. Look down the tube with your right eye, and look at your open hand with the left-and you will have the curious sensation of seeing a-hole quite through the hand. If you do not succeed! at once,, it is because you are not really looking at your hand with your left ey+t the same time that you Me looking through the tube with your right. Make sure that you do this-nd the illusion will be perfect. There should be a fairly pMd light on the hwd,, and the tube is best directed towards a part of the floor that is in shadow. THE JORRIAGE BOND.' If two' of your friends, lady and gentleman, nappen to be "engaged," tell them that you will "tis" them together at once, and' that you will do it in such way that, though they will'teel the fetters to be by no means irksome at first, they Willi sooner or later want a "judi- cial separation," but will be unable to obtain it, pro- vided they do not resort to, violent methods, With two pieces of tape or cord, each two or three yards in length', tie the wrists of both, so as to leave the sus- pended oords crossing each, other, M ia the accompany- iDI Uluotrstiont The puzzle is to extricate themselves witnout untying the knots or cutting the cords. They will probably, in the attempt,. have recourse to a variety of amusing devices, such as stepping ovsr their bonds or passing them over their heads, with no better result than an increMe of their entanglements. Yet the solution of the difficulty is very simple. When they have tired themselves out with their endeavours, take up the gentleman's cord at any point, and, being careful not to twist it, pass it ude, the bond which I secures one of the lady's wrists--it does not matter which-and over her hand; and the thing is done t THE SENSITIVE TOUCH. Take 10 counters, or 10 pieces of card, on which write the 10 digits, and lay them out in the following order. Of course 10 dominoes will do as well, if you happen to have them at hand. 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 81 T. 8. 9. But place them faea downward, for therein lies the wonder of the experiment. Tell your friend that if he will, while you are out of the room, transfer any number of the counters-as many or as few as he likes -from the left end of tho row to the right end, keeping them in the same order, you will, on your return, say how many he has shifted; nay, more—that, with your "sensitive touch," you have only to pass your fingers over the whole and you will be able to pick out the very counter which bears the correct num- her on its face. This you can do any number of times without fear of failure, greatly puzzling your friend and other lcokers-on, who will naturally come to the unanimous conclusion, that you are either a very" strange" fellow, or a very clever one. This is liov the thing ia done: Before actually com- mencing, let two or three counters be transferred secretly, or on some plausible pretext, from the left hand end to the right. This can be done without ex- citing suspicion if you say. "I want you while I am out of the room to shift any number of counters you pluse-in this way," at the oiine time shifting two or more yourself. Or you may ask your friend to shift some, on the pretext that you wish to see that he un- derstands your instructions. But carefully note how many he does shift, bearing in mind that, whatever is the number he shifts, that number counted from the right band end will indicate the number shifted in his next move. Suppose ho first shifts t,u then whatever number he next shifts will be shewn on the face of the tecoiul counter from the right. If this shews that he has shifted three, then-adding 2 and 3 together-you know that when he again shifts the fifth counter from. the right will give the number- and so on. When the- additions exceed 10 the series begins again, 11 counting as 1; 12 as 2; &c. Before practising on your friend gaifi confidence by practising a little by yourself, with the faces of the counters upwards, observing the results of every movement. There is no reason for using 10 counters only; you may increase the wander by using as many more you .choose.
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[Otrmgto.j , FORTUNE -TELLING,…
[Otrmgto.j FORTUNE TELLING, j AN EVENINQ AMUSEMENT Foit OLD AND YOUlM. FORTUNE TELLING BY TEN HAND. I Palmistry, fit fortune-telling by the hand, 18 a pn» tlee of much antiquity,and It has been spread, by mau of the mysterious and ubiquitous "gipsies" of the East, into most European countries. It is based upon certain rules which are everywhere found to be the same 01 nearly the same. Those who care to derive a little amusement by testing the principles of this curious "science," Will and most of its chief rules embodied lID the following brief summary ef palmistry. r Hie fortune-teller shoold be ftlld (1) tyttttr general form. and texture of the hand; (2) by the ttM and shape of the fingers, joints, phalanges, and 'T&rimf' "mounts* (3) by the lines. li TUB HANDS KRAUT. Well proportioned, moderately firm and fleshy hands, with fifigers, neither very pointed nor very square, indicate a well-balanced disposition. Long this hands, with sharp fingers, indicate quickness of apprehension, and, in excess, a treacherous and untrustworthy nature. Lbng hands with proportionately thick short fingers denotcidleness, negligence, and stupidity. Short hands phew a cold nature. Soft hands shew an indolent dis- position, and, if excessively soft and moist, Imply a vicious nature. Hard and firm hands shew industry and (generally) determination. Pointed and sharp fingers generally indicate lightness of disposition and vanity, but must be read in conjunction with the lines. 2. THE FINGZRS AND FUXATABT MOUN LA. The four fingers are known as the fingers of Jupiter,. Satirn, Apollo, and Mercury, and the slight prominence at the root of each finger is called the mount of the planet which gives the finger its name. The ball of the thumb is the Mount of Venus. The opposite rising is the Mount of Luna. The portion of the palm between the Mount of Luna and the Mount of Mercury is the Mount of Mars. A well-developed Mount of Venu" signifies a disposition capable of strong affwtiozie- excess shewing a nature too prone to such influences. 'The first phalange or joint of the thumb, if large and strong, shews determination and firmness. TBS WTLFIUL THUMB. The second phalange signi- fies good judgment and sense. The illustration shews an example of a wilful, dete mined thumb, in which then, is little judgment, but much power of will. The finger of Jupiter, if long and pointed, with a firm Mount of Jupiter at the base, shews capacity for and probable success in the undertakings of life. N the extremity is square, a practical, reasoning and in- industrious disposition !< Ihewn. The finger of Saturn an4 Mount of Saturn, if well-developed, indicate ca- pacity in work or business, technical skill, ambition, and desire for wealth. Squareness in this Mqsr im- plies truthfulness and (in excess) obstinacy. The finger and Mount of ApoUo.if well developed and well- proportioned, shew iHmtrious or honourable d8ltiDY, fondness for art, taste, and K?emont. If the finger is very pointed, superstition is shewn; if well-deve- loped, but square, scientific skill and courage. The finger and Mount of Mercury indicate, if the finger is well-formed, slightly pointed, and the mount fairly developed, eloquence, wit, quickness of apprehension; if the finger is squat and square, dulness and feebleness of mind; if short and pointed with a large third phalange and large Mount 01 Mer- cury, frivolity, love of amusement, lightness of dis- position, disregard for truth, and (in excess) folly, empty- hoadedness, and vanity are shewn. As an example, the illustration shews what may be termed the frivolous little finger. The Mount of Mars, if firm and high, shews a combative disposition, and (in excess) moroseness,salki- new, and bad temper. The Mount of Luna, if fully developed, signi des constancy and perseverance. If the third phalanges (marked 3) are proportion- ately large and firm, a fond- ness for the good things of life is shewn; in excess, THB nrrotovs Lima > FINGZB. gluttony and brutality. If these phalanges are slight, and weak a superstitious and aomewht feeble nature is generally implied. The second phalanges (2) if strong and well formed imply tenacity, strength of character, resolution and (in excess) obstinacy, unscrupulousness, anl porliaps dishonesty. The first phalanges (1) if curved inwards shew love of gain; if straight and not too large an honourable and fairly reliable nature; if inclined to turn backwards (i. a towards the back of the hand) prodigality and a tendency to extravagance are indicated. In reading character by the form of the fingers account must be taken of the lines (described below) which may counterbalance or lessen the ap- parently good or evil interpretation of the fingers. 3. THE LlNBS or TIR HAKD. I Well formed lines should be d"t¡J. narrow, and not much broken. A second line close to and parallel with the first is of good augury, except in the case of the Hepatic Line and the Line of Health. It is impoe- sible to describe all the varieties of lines, forked, broken, thick, wavy, confused, &c. It must suffice to say that broken lines are of evil influence, that thiok lines and inflamed lines shew excessive passions, and that forked and confused lines are bad except in the Mounts of the Moon and of Mercury, or at the beginning of the Line of Life. The chief lines (shown in the illustration) are to be interpreted as follows when well formed, the reverse being implied by defeo- ) tive formation:- lint oj Life.-If long and well formed, length of life and freedom from bodily ailments or disasters. line of Fte.-Prmparity and happy destiny, especially if commencing from the Mount of Jupiter. lint of the Head.— Intellectual ability, success In business. If commencing on the Mount of the Moon with forked beginnings, impulse and hasty conclusions are shewn. If these lines join the line of life a willing- ness to accept the opinions and advice of others 18 shewn; if disjoined self-confidence is indicated, and sometimes (if the line ia very perfect) originality and genius. lint of the Start.—Affectionate disposition and good fortune in love, especially if extending well into the Mount of Jupiter. If riling in the Mount of Luna, impulsive and perhaps capricious lore is shewn. 4Jirale of F«IKS.—Favour in matters of love; a IM and valuable line if well formed. Htpatic line.—A line of bad influence signifying troubles from ill-health, a saturnine disposition, and jgggy way.-If clear and well developeo troubles, chiefly in love matters, arising Ma » vacillating disposition. Aix$ of Hodth.-Thifi if plain aad well deveiopedl means ill-health, poor constitution. Iii- If IVI'dl .ould be fine and clar, indbw tine prosperity in worldly affairs. Line of Plwsarf. -Dmjoymeut of luxarias sroi say and Id!e life, notnOO6-ilY attended i th though sometimes <-rM.M"y called the IN bappíneø" ^Un^of Success, Season, Talent, and if rising high on the respective PIADOUT .,? E ,h? favourable influences, tho8e of ,Jupiter g Apollo b<.i? ?ci0)y indicative of good f life. The Line of Wit, if rising high on of Mwury.d well marked. i..pec?ty f'?? in the CMC of women, and indicates M ongmiv *M fascinating disposition. t
FORTUNE TELLING BY OA -&&.-
FORTUNE TELLING BY OA && There are various method of attemptfg to enc?  IeCrets of destiny from cards. Some are oontpNM?a and depend more upon the craft or whim 01 sorcerer than upon any fixed rule or system, wa- following method is fairly simple, and will afford IloCb amusement and amazement in any evening party. Remove from an ordinary pack of playing-cards all the cards below the magic number of seven, inciudfctf the aces. You will then have left seven cards of estfi suit, or 28 caids in all. Shuffle thoroughly, aM let the person whose fortune Is to be unravelled cd the pack seven times. This being done, spread the pack on the table with the backs of the cards upper- most, and request the lady or gentleman who" fM?M is in question to select, one by one, seven These must be arranged as selected on the table in the order shewn in the illustration below, the place lw each card being indicated by the number above tt. The first card reveals the Chief Controlling InflueiM, decided (apart from the actual meaning of the cy) merely by the fact of its being a heart, spade, «?, or diamond. Cards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 forim t .l the Chart of Fate. Cards No. 6 and 7 are the two G«ls of Destiny. The former indicates the ruling influ« £ » er factor in the destiny of the person whose forW6 is told; the latter reveals the leading influence of, ow revelation concerning, that other Person with whom the Fate of the individual is involved, whether it be Partner for Life or otherwise. The true and correct interpretation whereby th* cards are to be read is as follows:- H«ABTS—Controlling Influence, LOW.—Meaning oe.. various &rds: King, General Prosperity in ?; Queen. Happy Affections; Knave, Danger from Uflgfo- ceMfu! Love and Blighted Affe("tiøJls; Ten, ef Partner in Life,and probable subsequent Be-marr???? Nine, a Great Surprise in Love; Eight, a Speedy Marriage; Seven, Sound Sense and Judgment. SPAOKS—Controlling Infiufence, Practical, Domostic. #• £ Hopeftd. -Meaning of the various cards: KMr* Ambition and Perseverance; Queen, Dam Knave, Ill-Health in Store; Ten, Wealthy Friena; Nine, Marriage for Money; Eight, Health or BcsMa- tioc to Health; Seveio,Good Luck Suimounting all IBs- fortunes. CI.OES—Controlling Influence, Changeful Fait and Jdtenture —Meaning of the various cards: KiW. Quarrelsome Nature; Queen, Fickleness; Knave, Love of Pleasure and Amusement; Ten, Various Be- verses and Troubles; Nine, Restlessness; Eight, an Accident; Seven, Rescue from Serious Disaster. DIAMONDS—Controlling Influence, Favour from Forfrna -Neaning of the various cards: King, Talent or Artistic Disposition; Queen, Wealth; Knave, ??tf in some Important Undertaking; T,?n, Fame, !boar. and Respect, greater or less respectively amord* the preponderance of Red or Black cards on the M?: Nine, a Legacy or Unexpected Piecp of Good Fortuno. Eight, a Tendency to Avarice; Seven, Contentment and Modesty. To learn the Probable A?m? of Yean of Ufa count up the total number of pips on the seven X. Kings and Queens counting as 15 each, and Knaves w* counting at all. The number of Hearts and Spades will shew the total number of years in which Happinwa will preponderate; the number of Diamonds andCMs will shew the number of years iu which Unbapptacaa will preponderate. SFBCIHIN FORTCNH (Set out and Interpreted). Tbe fortunes may be rítten down, ana tne 1" in? translation of the meaning of the above card* = shew the form in which this should be done: Controlling Influence in Lif.Love. Chart of Fate.-Contentment and Modesty; Beams from Serious Disaster; Sound Senae and Judgawo; Various Reverses and Troubles; Failure in aoota Important Undertaking. Chief Card, of Deqtirty.-Ainbition and Perseveraoos. Partner's Card of I)estixy.-A Legacy or Unexpected Piece of Good Fortune. Total years of Life. -Fifty-five, of which 22 will be Happy. If two or more cards should appear to contm" emb other, they may be interpreted favourably or at lasft hopefully, and it may be Mtumed at all ovwtn 9m there is hope that the adverse influences wa he brought to nought, or at least minimised If Ifefr favourable influences.
ELEGANT AND USEFUL HOLIDAY…
ELEGANT AND USEFUL HOLIDAY GIFI8 The gift a person lIIabs is in keeping with the taste and thought of the individual who mabm ia. Expense has nothing to do with it. In this sga many pretty lod usefnl things are not expensive. A common person may ranks a, oommon present, but one with a refined mind will always exercise good taste and good sense in what he giveo. It if a mistake to throw away money ou gifts which are useless, for while they may give pleasure to the recipient the only gifts which afford anything more than a passing pleasure are tboee which are useful. Among the latter class are good instructive hooks, or better still tome oseful tollel. requisite lib a not. of Toilet" Vioolia" Soap, which cannot fail to please, and is strongly recommended for Winter hy medioal men to keep the tikin smooth and fret* from rouehness. The Vestal Vioolia Soap is also a. charming article.
SUICIDE OF A WELSH I £ ETHQBIS$…
SUICIDE OF A WELSH I £ ETHQBIS$ LOCAL PRUCIER. Mr Bc t?!Md? MMBM JM the MKhynttem autruwj held an tr-qu?t on Fndty touohiug the death 01 John Jones, Methodist 10081 preacher. Ue<tM« had been ill and depressed for some time. B- wrote a letter giving minnte instructions as to his funeral, and then went and drowned himself ia the river Dovey. His umbrella and stick, foond ma the bank, marked John J. Jonee. Maldwyn- terrace," led to the recovery et the body.—A. vprtlict W" ."tnpnad of 11 Suicide by drowning ia ,tht rim Povay."
NERVOUSNESS.
NERVOUSNESS. 68, Libra Road, Roman Road, Bow, Loodoe, IL Mr Editor,—Sir, Please allow me to say a wort in praise of GWIIAM EvÁN8' QUI»I.\« Bixrsaa. have been suffering from Nervousness and Diebilitt, and have tried many remedies before, bar I havo never known ? specific M re-?rk ble in i,tJs Herts &a the QoM?BtTTtM. ??.n"'M'? np 1M ?h.uMd Nervous System by a ? "?'? proc.M. <bicb .mp?'? forGe and o.nø of h?. I oonMdM it of t.Mt.mbb ,al.0 all.nOIllI sufferers. n_ YOGr8. ac, 11. J. ViOOHAH. See that the wme G-ilym EPtru" i, '-nsftias*, label and bottle. There are numeroui mrtatomt.
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