Evening Express

A FEUD AND A WOOING (Continued from Yesterday. "Senor," said the girl. coldly, "down this pathway to the right lies your safest way. The road is smooth, and even in the darkness you may make what speed you choose. Go, now, while I am in the mood to let you. For your brother, I make no promises, but if you wish to try another effort in his behalf send some other of his brethren. Surely they are not ail silly boys." Diego sprang into his saddle. "That is your last word, senorita?" he Said, hoarsely. "My last for you—yes." "By the swords of the Morales, yon are wrong! Learn that from the silly boy!" And then. before she could sc much as guess sis meaning, he had stooped from the saddle, caught her under the arms, and swung her up before him. "Let me go! Let me go!" she gasped, struggling fiercely but vainly in the arms I that held her like a ring of steel. "Madman! you will repent, of this!" I "Perhaps—but I will noC let you go. This j way. you said, lies my path. It is yours, too. j senorita. Beware how you struggle as we ride. A fall might be your death." "Wretch, you will not dare?" "Will I not? You do not know me. senorita- not yet. But you will have time to learn before we part." She be-i-. hcrcely backward, and Diego knew that her pirpcso was to strike him in the face. He laughed amJ ciasped her closer. "Ah. do not rage so, senorita. I know that [ am act'ug badly, but then nothing very good can come from a wretch, a madman, a si ly boy. And let me beg that yon do not scream, for that may bring enemies and bullets our way. and I would not have you harmed." The instant reply of the half-maddened girl was a. shrill scream, which rang wildly and far through the still night air. Before its echoes had died away almost innumerable cries answered it from the waliB and woods of the hacienda. "Caramba! What a swarm of bandits they keep here!" growled Diego, with a. short, fierce laugh. "But it will never do to stay and count them. So. my good horse, vamos!" "Help! help me! men of Gonzales!" icreamed the girl again. "'Nita! where are you? What is it?" cried voice from the flat roof of the casa, and Diego checked his impatient steed yet another moment. for he knew the tones. I "Gonzales! it is you?" he shouted. "Yes. it is I; who is it that calls?" I "Morales—Diego Morales? Your sister ;s here with me. In an hour she will be with my people. Should you wish her at home again send your message by my brother. But, let him come to harm"—and now Diego's voice took on a tone of savagery which wou'd have sounded oddly indeed to any one who could have seen the broad smile upon his face-"let him come to harm"—and now Diego's voice aenorita's head! Vamos, Pedrocito!" The impatient steed reared and plunged, then darted forward down the path witly^a thunderous power and swiftness which might have argued speedy disaster had a les3 perfect rider sat in the saddle, and a less sure hand been on the reins. The girl no longer struggled. A horsewoman herself from childhood, she knew that a. fall now would mean almost inevitable death, and Diego was no longer under the necessity of all his attention to her. He held her firmly but lightly before him. not suffering her to rest heavily upon the saddle, and finding, even under these odd circumstances, a keen picture in realising that there was strength enough in his athletic young arm to save her from what might easily have been the great physical discomfort of this wild ride. Tilf11 path which they were following, though reasonably clear of obstacles, at times deseenieti steeply, but Diego made no effirt; to check the progress of his surefooted steed. He knew that he would be pursued by those who would ride even more recklessly than him- self. and that until he should have left the hills and the narrow canen pathway, upon which there was no chance of concealment, it behOved him not to tarry. Once out on the broad plains lying between the Sonoma Range and the Russian River there might be a chance of his eluding his pursuers in the darkness. Here there was none—and he rode madly on. At last, however, he drew rein-and and- denly. The girl in his arms was weeping. "Ah. senorita." he murmured, remorsefully, imploringly, "do not do that. Reproach me, revile me. if you will-perhaps I deserve it- but do not break my heart with your tears." There was no reply in words, but the slender form in his arms still quivered, and the sob- bing sighs that so went to his heart did not cease. "Oh, senorita, what can I do?" said the lad again, half desperate now. "I cannot let you go—Carlos still in your brother's hands. That would be his ruin. But surely, surely you do not fear me. That mad threat—you must know it was but a wild jeet. Indeed. I almost laughed as I uttered it. Harm you—yon, mi querida? Rather would I die!" Now the girl straightened suddenly in the saddle. "Li"ten she said, in a. voice of low eagerness. From somewhere behind them came the clatter of galloping hoof3. "They are coming," she said, dashing away her tears. "They will overtake you!" ilo be continued To-morrow.) L-

A CUMBERLAND DESERT. A melancholy story is told of the difficulties and inconveniences attending existence in some of the remoter parts of North Cumberland. A funeral recently took place from Pottsloan, in in the parish of Lanercost, on the estate of the Kari. of Carlisle. The small cortege of relatives travelled a distance of about twelve miles in a furious wind and drenching rain, and began their doieful journey at five o'clock in the morning. The coffin had to be rudely yet firmly tied on to a farmer's cart, which, stayed on each side by strong men, and with a well- trained horse in the shaits, was conveyed across about two miles of trackless moor in a terrific storm and extreme darkness, before anything in the nature of a road could be reached. Some of 'the attendants had lost I their hats, and plodded along without until a farmer supplied others. On the return journey the party were overtaken by darkness, ana stayed at Mr. Moscrop's farm at Butterourn at- night, not daring to risk a repetition of their r morning's bitter experience on the trackless moor. The narrator of the story adds: "It it consoling to know that the deceased lady, before going to reside at Pottsloan had obtained an education both secular and spiritual which enabled her to endure a long illness with Christian fortitude at a place almost beyond the reach of either minister or doctor."

DECIDED TO SUBMIT. The other morning a gentleman, on the way to his office, overtook a friend who wa: evidently much purturbed in mind, and asked him ,the cause. Oh. said he, I'm going down to the gas company's office to have a row." I suppose they've overcharged you?" inquired the friend. "I should think they have! My house was shut up all last quarter, and yet here's a bill ever so much larger than the quarter before. Why don't they knock a man down and rob him? I'll gee the whole lot in Halifax before I pay a farthing." Towards evening the two men happened to meet again, and the man who was so much overcharged was asked by his friend if he had had the row at the gas office. Of course, I intended to, but-- but-" I suppose they bluffed you?" "Hardly that." "But you told-them your house was closed all the quarter?" Yes, I said I had only just, opened it." "And they still insisted that the gas had been burned?" "Oh. yes." "And you-" IVEU. I said. Send a man up with me to see how the house has been left.' He came and found that a gas stove had been alight all the time, and so I decided to submit 'to the robbery."

THE INCREDULOUS BAKER. A clergyman in Scotland desired his hearers rover to call one another liars," but when any one said "the thing which was not. they ought to whistle. On Sunday he preached a se-mon on the parable of theloavee and fishes, and. being at a loss how to explain it, he said the loaves were not like those nowadays; they were as big as some of the hills of Scotland. He had scarcely pronounced the words when he heVrd a loud whistle. Wha's that ca's me a liar? "It is I-Willie M'Donald, the baker. Well, Willie, what objection have ye to what I ha' told you?" None, minister; only I w. nt to know what sort of ovens they had to bake those loaves in."

WORKING AND NOT WORKING Professor Shnttleworth contrasts his position ai a hardworking city rector with that of a certain absentee rector of the city. The Pro- fessor says that his own income at St. Nicholas Cote Abbey is subject to a heavy annual charge. The total amount is about £ 500, and of that he has to pay away to other parishes the sum of £400. As > contract with his case there is the living he refers to. The rector has an annual income of about £1,000, and has never set foot in his parish for twenty-one years, but pays about L150 to the curate-in- charge. The living has no charge upon it, being L950 net. When the professor first went to St. Nicholas Cole AbM? there were about six people in the congrlfation. Now," he writes, "the church is always crowded. I worked hard, of course, to bring about such a result, and now my expenses are so heavy that it seems that if one works hard one suffers, and if one sits still and does nothing one doesn't."

A Renter's telegram from Washington on Wednesday says:—The Foreign Relations Com- mittee of the Senate has authorised its Chair- man. Senator Davis, to report the Peace Treaty to the Senate favourably, and without propos- ing any amendment.

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COMICALITIES—ORIGINAL AND OTHERWISE. Miss Gazeaway: He's the dearest, loveliest, handsomest fellow you ever saw, and I'm going to get him or perish in the attempt. Aunt: Aren't you ashamed, Margaret, to throw your- self at a man in that fashion? Miss Gazeaway: It's funny, auntie, you're always thinking about men. I was referring to a St. Bernard puppy I saw yesterday. To a Frenchman studying English nothing is so hard to acquire as the idiom—the very part of the language which comes most natural to a native. The difficulties of our tongue, in this respect, are illustrated by the following dialogue between a foreigner and his English master. "When you give a thing," asked the foreigner, "you cannot keep it, too. can you?" "Certainly not." "But when an honest man gives you his word. he, of course, always keeps it. doesn't he?" "Cer- tainly!" f "But when he gives his word, how does he keep it? Does he take it back?" "Certainly not. When an honest man rgires his word he never takes it back." "But '1 if he keeps it he does not give it?" I I why, certainly he does; because, if he doesnt keep his word, he is no longer an honest man." "Oh—I begin to see! Having given his word and never taken it back, he keeps it all the while?" "Certainly!" "What a beautiful language is the English'" Ethel: Oh, Jack. have you seen father? Jack: Yes. I have come straight here from his office. Ethel: And did he give his consent? Jack; I couldn't quite make out. He seemed disinclined to commit himself definitely. Ethel: Why, what did he say? Jack: He didn't say any- thing at all. Ethel: Did you ask him? Jack: I said, Sir, I wish to marry your daughter. Have I your consent?" and he turned and he looked at me a minute; then he began to grow red in the face, and then he grabbed me and threw me over the banisters, and before I could ask him again he had slammed his door and locked it. First Young Lady (indignantly): Little boy. don't you know that it is very wrong of you to steal those dear little bird's eggs? Don't you know that each of those dear little eggs would be a dear little bird? Second Young Lady (more indignantly): Yes. And don't you know that stuffed birds a.re 7s.* 6d. each now, and getting scarcer and scarcer every year? You miserable little wretch! 0 "Your front door is unlocked, sir," shouted the policeman, when he found that Mr. Careless Householder had gone to bed without attending to his locks. "It's all right," replied the burglar from the bedroom window a minute later; "my son will lock it when he comes home. Here's a shilling for you." "An easily earned bob." chuckled the policeman, as he "moved on." "A narrow squeak," said the burglar, with a sheet round his shoulders. "Very," replied his accomplice, whose hands were tightly clasped over poor Mr. Careless House- holder's mouth. j Pullen; "I worked hard trying to get a J Government clerkship, but I'm going to take a good rest now." Posch: "You've given up good rest now." Posch: "You've given up trying, nave you." Pullen: "Oh, no; I've secured the place." Mrs. Youngman: "I wish I knew some way to prevent the baby from sucking his thumb." Bachelor Uncle: "Hum! Let me see. There ought to be some way. Why, yes! I've thought of a plan already." "Oh, thank yon very much. "What shall I do?" "Muzzle him." Some time ago a number of constables were assembled at New Scotland Ya;rd for the pur- pose of being examined in matters relating to police duty previous to being appointed as ser- geants. The following question was asked a candidate by a member of the examining board: "You are on duty in the vicinity of a menagerie, and you are informed that a lion has broken loose and is roaming about the street?. What steps would you take?" "Jolly long steps, sir!" replied the constable, to the I amusement of the other members of the board.

THINGS WORTH KNOWING. Among birds the swan lives to be the oldest, in extreme cases reaching 300 years; the falcon has been known to live over 162 years. England's oldest royal postboy, Jonas Miles, is dead at the age of 93 years. He served as postilion for George III., George IV., William IV., and Victoria. Belgrade's "Svpski Dojek" has suspended pub- lication for a time, as the sixteenth editor it has had in two years has joined his fifteen predecessors in gaol. • ••••• Galileo's manuscript of the treatise "On the Ebb and Flood of the Sea," written in 1616, has been discovered in the Vatican library by Father Luzi. the sub-Librarian. • *•* It is perfectly amazing to notice carefully how much an ordinary shrub will grow in a single iummer. A silver fir 2ift. high was lately carefully measured. It had put forth 585 new shoots varying from one-half inch to six inches each. « • ■ • » • Three municipalities — Chamounix, Leg Hourhes, and St. Gervais—are fighting in the Swiss courts for the ownership of the top of Mont Blanc, and the right to let concessions to speculators for the entertainment of tourists. The old maps only mark divisions on the lower part of the mountain. • • • • • Jane Batson is going to sue the city of New York for damages in the loss of her luxurious growth of grey hair, which was cut off short when sue was sent to prison for three months as a disorderly person. She says the cutting was not only unusual, but illegal, because she w.is not a twelve months' prisoner. • »•••* The lifting power of a youth of seventeen is 2831bs., in his twentieth year this increases to 3201bs., and in the thirtieth and thirty-first years it reaches its height, 3651bs. By the fortieth year he ha.3 decreased Bibs., and this diminution continues at a slightly increasing rate until the fiftieth year is reached, when the figure is 33Ulbs.

MAYORAL BLUNDERS. Some stories of mayoral blunders are now being told. For instance, it is asserted that a certain mayor of Birmingham, on entering upon his year of office, gave orders that his mayoral robes should be lined with vermin. Then here is another story of a Birmingham mayor, of a somewhat different character. When the late Alderman Sturge was mayor, he received a Royal command to dine and sleep at Windsor. This, of course, meant Court dress and a sword. The Court dress was reluctantly submitted to. but as a member of the Society of Friends, and, moreover, one who had greatly distinguished himself in the cause of peace, for he had formed ona of the peace deputation to the Czar before the out- break of the Crimean War, Mr. Sturge would not consent to wear a lethal weapon. A com- promise was happily effected A scabbard and hilt of the usual kind were at his worship's side when the presentation to Royalty took place, but the sword was a mere lath of wood. Fortunately, the worthy Quaker was not called upon to draw in defence of his Sovereign, Another correspondent writesApropos of your mayoral stories, I remember a Volunteer dinner at C-, on the eve of the Prince of Wales's departure for India, and the then mayor, long since deceased, in proposing the healths of the Prince and Princess. expressed a hope that his Royal Highness would ha.ve a safe voyage across the Atlantic.

A LETTER-CARRYING WONDER. Imperial Penny Postage is a trifle compared to what the twentieth century is apparently des- tined to see in postal arrangements. The very latest and newest proposal is that letters should be despatched to India by pneumatic tube, the said tube being nothing more than a. development of the pneumatic tubesj now in use between Post Offices in this country. The proposed tube would run from I London, via Calais. Brussels, Vienna, Belgrade, Constantinopde, Mozul, Bagdad, Bushire, to | Kurrachee. a distance of 4,450 miles. A letter would arrive in 24 hours by this process. The "Consular Journal" "hints a doubt" on the I matter. How about protecting the tube? Sup- pose some irresponsible fire-worshipper han- kered after a little reading of the sentimental type. how should he be prohibited? The entire British Fleet and Army would be required to guard our love letters. That tube would end in war.

THE PROBLEM OF INFANT NUTRITION has exercised men of science for many generations. It is now solved triumphantly by Horlick's Malted Milk. There is no other food for chil- dren which possesses the same advantages. This statement is not an idle boast, but a con- clusion drawn from the results of comparative analysis. It is flesh-fonning, bone-making, muscle-growing. It builds up the child's body with firm and solid materials. At the same time it contains nothing which cannot be quickly digested by the most delicate and even the most disordered. Children take to it readily, as it is very pleasant to the taste. It is also invaluable to dyspeptics of all ages. Of all chemists. Price Is. 6d., 2s. 6d., and lis. A free sample wia be set.t. on application, by Horlick and Co., 34, Farringdon-road, London, E.C. Send for "Freddy's Diary," post free. L15225 Hare you Tried PHILLIPS'S la. 6d. TEA? It is a Triumph of the Tea Blending Art, and ia distinctly superior to the so-called "finest teas." Remember that, the blood, whether pure or impure, circulates through the organs of the human body-Lungs, Heart, Stomach, Kidneys, Brain. If it is laden with poisonous matter it spreads disease on its course. If the blood is diseased the body is diseased." In cases of Scrofula. Scurvy. Eczema, Bad Legs, Skin and Blocd Diseases, Pimplea. and Sores of all kinds, the effects of Ciarke's Blood Mixture are mar- vellous. Thousands of wonderful cures have been effected by it. Clarke's Blood Mixture is sold everywhere at 2s. 9d. per bottle. Beware of worthless imitations and substitutes. e7 AN EXCLUSIVE PRESENT.—A DOROTHY BOX of CHOCOLATE, marked with Nama. from is. id. 2s., 2a 6d.. to. 51.

QUE DAILY CARTOON. r FRIENDLY ADVICE. Mr. LASCELLES CARR: "That's right, my boy. Keep up your training, and get fit for a fight at any time. There 1S no knowing when your old enemy there may start upon you." I I

OUR FREE GIFT OF BOOKS TO EVERY HEADER OF THE EVENING EXPRESS." We are presenting gratis to every regular reader of the "Evening Express" one of the following high-olass, cloth-bound, and gold- lettered standard works of English literature: — Shakspeare's Complete P.ays and Sonnets; "Vanity Fair," by Thackeray; "The Cartons," by Lord Lytton; "Ernest Maltravers," by Lord Lytton; "Alice, or the Mysteries," by Lord Lytton; "Ivaohoe," by Sir Walter Soott; "The Scarlet Letter," by Hawthorne; "Mary Bar- I ton," by Mrs. Gaskell; "Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers," by Aytoun; "Jane Eyre," by Char- lotte Bronte. The books will be given away at the rate of 24 every day until every reader has received one. Upon the top of the Second Page of the "Evening Express" each day will be. fouad a, number, printed in violet ink. which number will be different in every paper that is printed Keep this number till the foUowiug day, and see if it is given in the list printed below. If your number is given, take it to either of our offices at Swansea, Newport, Merthyr, or Cardiff, and you will receive either of the above books. If you cannot con- veniently call, tear off the purple number and send it to the "Evening Expresa" Office, Cardiff, with your name and address and twopence towards the cost of postage, and the book chosen by you will bo forward* to your address. No person is entitiod to a seoond book, even though ho be the hoider of a. selected number, until avery reader has received a book. PURCHASERS of WEDNESDAY'S "Evening Express" bearir.s the Following Number;) Printed in Violet Ink on the Top Left-hand Corner of Page 2 a.re Entitled to a Book 891911 89X90 894530 89'1576 897334 893022 8962s* 89S574 902282 9C2406 902654 902663 903218 906%9 >372; 8 907432 907553 907997 910543 911111 911765 912375 912769 913206

QUAINT PAROCHIAL ACCOUNTS. Mr. R. S. Downs, a prominent member of the Backs Archaelogieal Society, had just un- earthed some musty volumes containing the parochial accounts of High Wycombe in 1667. Many of the entries, which are in a splendid state of preservation, are exceedingly quaint and amusing. For instance, there is one "for one umbrelloe, £1 Sa. 3d." evidently procured for the minister, to be used as a shelter when officiating at funeiais in wet weather! Another entry reads, "For a pair of bellows for Thunder, 6d. A curious one runs, "For destroying Jack Daws on the steeple, lis. 8d." The entries relating to the relief of the por are singularly funny, and include. "Paid to a sicke man and sending him away, 4s. "Paid for keeping the wench with the lame hand, 17s. 6d. "Paid for a shift for Levy Skidmore's boy, 2s. "ditto, for ye care of ye Widder Winckel's finger. 5s." The overseers' matrimonial entries are also peculiar, i-or instanoe: "Expenses of taking William Shrim and marrying him, the ring, etc., El 14s. 2d. and "gave James Morton, of Thame, to marry Rebekah Burkett, £ 2 13s. 6d.; a licence, parson's fee, and the clerk's fee..62 4s. 6d.; expenses taking John Neighbour, 5s. 8d.; aiso marrying him to rLizh. Phillips, £ 2 12s. 6d.; a bid for Rebekah I Burkett'is wedding being kept at Richard t Wright's, at Spring Gardens, 11 11s. 4d. s — ? r

ARE YOU ILL? Sufferers from Gravel, Lumbago, Pilea. Pains in the Back, Dropsy, Wind and «, ater Com- £ plaints, Diseases of Kidneys, Bladder, Stone, Sciatica, Rheumatism, and Gout, will find a 8 positive Cure in Holroyd's travel Piiis. Trv a Small Box, and if not satisfied your money will be returned. Price 13. lid., of all chemists, or sent free for 12 stamps, from Holroyd's Medical I Hall, Cleckheaton, Yorks. Don't be put off. It 1 you cannot get them, write the propriejtor, and a a box will bo sent next post. c A Triumph of the rrea Blending Art— I PHILLIPS'S is. 6d. Tea. Have you tried it? It is distinctly superior to the so-called finest teaa." e2180—3 Scotia Restaurant. Duke-street, Cardiff.—Finest t( Mincemeat at Wholesale Prices—la, psr lb. For !j Quantities from 7lbs. to 131bs.. 10d. per lb.; 14lbs. and upwards. 8d. per lb. NIMBLE DICK.—Fire Cigarettes for Id. Best I w obtainable. «7291 l

FOOTBALL PRIZE COMPETITION. t 0 £ 100 FOR THE WINNER. IN THE ABSENCE OF OORRECT SOLUTION. £10 FOR BEST COUPON. SUPPLEMENTAL PRIZES. i.-An ORIGINAL CARTOON from the "Even- ing Express," by Mr. J. M. STANIFORTH, Framed and Mounted by Mr. A. FREKE, Photographer, &c., 12, Duke-street, Cardiff. 2—Jib. Tin of ARCHER'S GOLDEN RETURNS, by the woll-known firm. HENRY ARCHER and CO.. 170, 172, and 174, Borough, Lon- don, S.E. 3.—TWO TICKETS for the Orchestra Stalls or Dress Circle at the THEATKE ROYAL. Cardiff. 4.—TWO TICKETS for the Balcony at the GRAND THEATRE. Cardiff. 6 At t&e Option oT the Winners:— 7 THE 'WESTERN MATT." MUSIC FOLIO 8 OF 88 SONGS DUSTS. AND SACRED 9 I BaLOG. 10 I Or either of the following well-bound. 11 cloth-covered Standard Works: — 12 SHAKSPEARE'S COMPLKTJS PLAYS 13 AND SONNETS. 14 VANITY FAIR, by Thackeray. 15 I TKE CAXTONS, by Lord Lytton. 17 Lytton. 16 f ERNEST MALTRAVERS, by Lord 17 Lytton. 18 ALICE, or THE MYSTERIES, by Lord 19 Lytton. 20 I IVANTIOE, by Sir Walter Scott. 21 THE SCARLET LETTER, by Hawthorne. 22 I MARY BARTON, by Mrs. Oaskell. 23 LAYS OF THE SCOTTISH CAVALDEB3, 24 by Aytoun. 25 | JANE EYRE, by Charlotte Bronte. 26 i 1 .6 i Thursday, j COUPON. MATCHES PLAYED JANUARY 14, 1899. Coupon must reaoÀ this office by one p.m. on tiit day of play. directions for marking Coupon -Strike out aame ot losing club and give point* of winner and loser. For ardrr strike out tm: give points if any SEND TWOPENCE Itf POSTAGE STAMPS WITH EACH COUPON. *1 kTf'H .Points Scored Point* Scersd MA by Winner. by Lo»er. V. ABERAVON I SWAN-KA. CARDIFF V. LLWYNYPIA. LLANELLY V. GLOUCESTER. BRISTOL V. NEWPORT. NAMB ADDRESS — wutfuiTionrs. The prize of £ 100 will be given to the com. letiwr who predicts the actual scores in each If the matches in the appended coupon. If no competitor succeeds in giving the actual icores, £10 will be given to the competitor vhotse predictions are the nearest to the actual vaults. or, in the event of a tie, the money viil be divided. If any of the selected matches are postponed Ir aba-ndoned the £ 100 prize will not be awarded, lot under any circumstances the JE10 will be riven to the best coupon. The Supplemental l-rizes will be awarded in he order given above. Competitors may send in as many coupons ls they like. but every ooupon must be accom- panied by 2d. in stamps. The winners will be announced on the Tues- lay of each week. Envelopes containing Coupons must be narked outside, Kootball Competition." No person in the employ of the Western tail Limited ia allowed to compete.

Have you Tried PHILLIPS'S Is. 6d. TEA? It a. Triumph of the Tea Blending Art, and is lialtinctly superior to the so-called "finest teas." e2100-1 AN EXCLUSIVE PRESENTS DOROTHY JOX of CHOCOLATE, markrij fifth NaittB, from «. Sd., 2».. 21. 6d.. to 5*. X3f- <3(1100-*

A DEBTORS' HAVEN NEAR CARDIFF. It will come as a. surprise to most people to learn that both Rumney and St. Mellons-two substantial villages situate near Cardiff—are in the happy and unique position of not being included in any county-court district. Until recently they came within the operations of the Cardiff County-court, but in the early months of last year the Lord Chancellor decided upon a redistribution of the Cardiff and Newport, districts. A special commis- sioner was sent down to survey the locality, and in the suggested re-arrangements the two villages were entirely overlooked. The popula- tion of St. Mellons is about 650, and that of Rumney very little less. The commissioner's recommendations were adopted by the Lord Chancellor, and since that time no county- court bailiff has paid an official visit to the two peaceful little hamlets lying between Cardiff and Newport. Of course, neither Rumney or St. Mellons has been with- out its debtors. Irate creditors have endeavoured to recover their debts through the medium of the County-court Acts, but it was only by a cumbersome way that they have succeeded. Something like this has invariably happened. A man has gone to the Cardiff County-court Offices and asked for a summons against a person living at St. Mellon's or Rum- ney. He has been told that the summons could not bo issued, because the two places were not in the Cardiff district, and, therefore, he would have to go to Newport. At the Uskside town lie has been told that neither of the two villages were in the Newport district, and, there- fore, he must go to Cardiff. Mystified and angry, the creditor has sought the advice of a solicitor, and has then been informed that his debtor lived in a region beyond the reach of county-court bailiffs, and that there was only one course open for him, and that was to give up the idea of issuing an ordinary summons and to take out a default summons. If the debt has been a small one the creditor has generally let it drop rather than run up a lot of erpense. but if it has been a large one he has filed an | affidavit verifying the debt; a default sum- I inons has been issued, and this the creditor has proceeded to serve personally upon the debtor. I Twelve days after the service of the summons, unless the debtor has obtained leave to defend, I the creditor could at once obtain judgment for the amount claimed, with interest and costs. His only bit of consolation is that he is not obliged to make another journey to St. Mellon's to serve the order of judgment. This bas been done for L-im. Of course, if the debt was for over JE50 a writ of the High Court could be issued. So fnr the exclusion from any dis- trict has been largely to the advantage of the inhabitants, but the happy state of things is not likely to exist much longer, for we under- stand that the oversight has already been pointed out to the Lord Chancellor, and that no time is being lost in getting the villages included in some district or other.

A CURIOUS CLUB. It is claimed for the Diamond Club in Hatton Garden that it is the richest and most exclusive club in London. Every candidate for admission M. says the "Road," examined by a committee on admission, who inquire minutely into his past, and no man has ever been admitted whose career or reputation has been smirched in the smallest degree. For this reason the members have the utmost con- fidence in each other, and all are friends. As few members have offices, the club is not only a place of refreshment, but of business as well. A gentleman attired in clothes perhaps not worth a sovereign, but worth his £ 100,000 for all that, is discussing his dinner. There enters to him another thabby genteel gentle- man who whisper-t something in his ear, whereupon the diner hands the new-comer a paper bag, which, on being emptied on a table near the window at the other end of the room. proves to contain diamonds of marvel- lous size and lustre. His diamonds are passed round the room. Nothing would be easier than for someone to secrete a stone worth perhaps £500. yet the diner proceeds with his dinner a? if he were the least interested party in the room, for he knows that his stones are safe. The club meets daily at the luncheon hour in the dingy little cafe in Hatton-garden. occupying a private room. The expenses are so slight that the members, to get rid of their profits, expend them on the cuisine. The members of the club do not apparently devote much of their profits to dress, and it is asser- ted that if anyone of their number were to I bestow anything in the way of aesthetic cam on hi. wearing apparel he would immediately become an object of suspicion.

CADBURY'S COCOA has a world-wide reputa- tion as a delicious, strengthening beverage, and a valuable nutritive food. The Lancet says it represents the standard of highest purity." Always insist on having CADBURY'S—sold only in Packets and Tins-,to other Cocoas are often substituted for the make cd -fla. A2

The "Evening ExpreM" Boys' and Gira' Club (ettablished March 21, 1898), is formed for the purpose of promoting principles of kindness among yonng people, and for the mutual interest and instruction of its mem- bers. Boys and Girls, uherever resident, are eligible for membership, provided their age be not less than six cr moro than sixteen years. The Club now numbers 3,316 members. Intending members must fill up the Coupon published every Saturday, and for- ward it to Uncie Joe, "Evening Express," Cardiff. Their names and addresses will be published, and each new Member is entitled to a beautifully-designed certificate. Only Club Members are eligible to cow pete for the Prizes given in this olumn. The winn-rs must apply to Uncle Joe per- sonally or by letter. Competitors must in every case append full name, address, age. and Club number, otherwise they will be disqualified. Uncle Joe is always pleased to hear from his Club Members on any matter of interest. SENIOR DIVISION. Dear Nephe-ws and Nieces,—Don t forget our competitions this week. They are as follow:- Senior boys, please '.end Uncle a short account I of what you think of the England and Wales match and the result. A prize of a book for the beat effort sent in by Monday noon next. Senior girls are invited to tell Uncle Joe what they know about the month of January. By senior boys and girls are meant those of eleven years old and upwards. Each competitor must give full name, age, address, and Club number. NEW MEMBER. Charles S. Lewis, 12 years of age, 45, Ccr- poral ion-road, is introduced to the Senior Division by Nellie Hart^horne tNo. 479), his cc-upon being also signed by his father, J. I owis. Charlie himself writes:—"Dear Uncle Joe,-I wish to be one of yonr members, and I will keep all your rules as be-t I can." Uight, Charlie. Your Club number is 3.317. JUNIOR DIVISION. The Rob-in and the But-ter-fly. I wish we could live in a house Ike the men do," said Miss But-ter-fly one day to Mas-ter Rob-in. It's go-ing to rain, and I must hide away; a big shower might drown me." Yes. Look at that black cloud in the sky. I must get un-der the leaves, too, or my feathers will get damp, and then I shall catch a cold and loso my voice. What a pity we don't have hous-ss!" Let's go and live in that house now," said Miss But-ter-fly; the win-dow's open," and in she flew at once. But Mas-ter Rob-in was not so bold: he hop-ped on to the win-dow-sill and peck-ed about. "Why, there's no place for a nest!" he chirp-ed. Non-sense; you don't want a. nest in a house," laugh-ed Miss But-ter-fly. "Come on; it's love-ly." So in flew Mas-ter Rob-in and pereh-ed on a book. This is not near-ly so nice as a branch," he said, while Miss But-ter-fly flew round and round a quill pen and tried to pre-tend it was a now-er. Soon they heard voices, and Rob-in lis-ten-ed to hear what they said. "Oh, Pa-pa, do look!" saud a little girl's voice. "Sh-sh! Keep still, or you'll fright-en them! What a beau-ti-ful but-ter-fly! It will just do for your col-lec-tion. And do let me have the rob-in to live in the same cage as my can-a-ry. May I. pupa?" Then they heard a man's voice an-swer soft-ly: Very well. dear; run round out-side, then, and shut the win-dow, so that they are eafe." Ma-3-ter Rob-in was fright-en-ed in-deed now. "Quick, Miss But-ter-fly," he chirp-ed; "that man wants to stick a pin through you. and the lit-tle girl means to shut me up in a cage. Quick, out we go!" Just as the lit-tle girl's hand was on the win- dow, she gave a cry: "Oh, Pa-pa, they flew by like a flash, and they're both gone!" But Mas-ter Rob-in and Miss But-ter-fly laugh-ed witn joy to be out in the gar-den once more. The black rain-cloud was gone, the sun shone warm and bright. How much bet-ter in the free air. than in the closc. dark house! free air. than in the closc. dark house! "Let us be glad and sat-is-fied to be where God has put us," said lit-tle Mis-i But-ter-fly. He knows bet-ter than we do what is good I for us." And okii-dren should learn to think as she does, and to be eon-tent-ed.-From "The Young Soldier." A PIOUS MONKEY. When the congregation of St. Andrew's, Colombo, was assembling for 'public worship on the morning of the 11th inst. there was an amusing and slightly exciting hunt after a I monkey—said to belong to Government Hou?e —which had found its way into the building. A gentleman in tihe choir was evidently the first to discover the creature; for. from that direction, it came along to the pulpit, entered it with little reverence but much alacrity, and when an effort was made to secure it. it left the book-board from which vantage ground it had calmly surveyed the large congregation assembled to hear the Aberdeen preacher, and took refuge in the iron work of the canopy. From that resting-p.aoe the church peon with much difficulty, and with the aid of a gingham, eventually dislodged it. but after it had been turned out of the church it made several attempts to re-enter.—" Advocate of India," (Bombay), Yo Cot {.c 9\ 2 Vncte Joe

FOR SAILORS' FRIENDS. PORBIQN ASEIV J. AiffD MOVH. ttXWTS OF LOCAL SIEAMSBS. Matthew Bedlington arrived Pensacola. from GeTIQa 9th. Mandalay left Sulina for Campbeltown 9th. T. E. Forster left Rouen for Penarth 10th. John O. Scott left Havre for Penarth 10th. Gemini arrived Sheerness lith. Turquoise arrived Cape dc Vercles 10th. Beignon arrived Castro 10th. Blaenavon arrived Bilbao 10th. Jersey left. Bilbao for Cardiff lltli. Pontypridd left Bilbao for Cardiff 11th. Goldcliffe left Swansea for Sables 10th. ] Westergate arrived St. Nazaire 10th. 1 Cardiff left Narfolk for Hamburg 10th. Dordogne left Swansea for Bordeaux 11th. ] Chantenay left Nantes for Barry 10th. Romanby left Rio Marina for Rotterdam 9th. ] Horden passed Gibraltar for Middleeborough 9th. Gorsedd left Calcutta for Dundee 10th. Rochefort arrived. Swansea 10th. Stokegley arrived Newport 10th. Usk arrived Newport 11th. Thcrnaby left Garruclia for Rotterdam 9th.

A Triumph of the Tea. Blending Art— PHILLIPS'S Ie. Sd. Tea. Have yoa tried it? It is distinctly superior to the so-called finsct teas «2180—$\ AN EXCLUSIVE PRESENT.—A DOROTHY BOX of CHOCOLATE, marked with Name, from ] is. td.. 2a., 2i. 6d., to 5L <*7Q0<>-3

1 ■1 — £ (ism ess 3titii fsse5» | The Cocoa for 1899. Efcssi 05COS. Amongst the good resolutions" which many of us are in the habit of making at the dawn of the New Year j! 0 0 there are generally several that are intended rightly to have a reformative effect on the household expenditure. Sensible managers of the domestic budget endeavour to bring about these reforms without in any way sacri- firing home comforts, the little luxuries of the table which all should be able to enjoy. The thrifty house- keeper finds an immediate means to this end in the use of Kowntree's Elect Cocoa for breakfast and supper. j This is true economy, because for the minimum expenditure the maximum is secured both as regards quality and quantity. The concentrated strength of I this exquisite beverage is such that only half a tea- spoonful is required for a brimming breakfast cup of cocoa of full flavour, aroma, and nourishing power; so j í that a single quarter-pound tin, costing 9d. only, yields no fewer than thirty breakfast-cupfuls. { | OF ALL GROCERS, CONFECTIONERS, CHEMISTS, &C. I Ix TINS ONLY. Price Gd., 9d., ls. Cd., and 3s. A Safeguard. Since the annual scourge of Influenza first wrought liavoc amongst us, the dread of winter, with some persons, has reached an acute stage. Especially is this so with those who are liable to colds and chills, those who are habitually exposed to the inclemencies of the weather, and those whose general health is not robust. With many persons an acquaintance with Bovril has served to allay this dread of winter. The warmth- giving, strength-giving, stimulative properties of this I Z7)' )highly-condensed food-which has been aptly described as liquid life "-are of the greatest value to all, to the strong as well as to the weak—to the adult and to the child. Bovril provides that NATURAL warmth which only a true and really stimulative food can give. and f 1 so serves to ward off colds and chills, the ever-lurking danger of Influenza, and the attacks of disease less easy to repulse when the body is not in good condition. In wintry weather Bovril is a veritable safeguard, which none should be without. I I §)0\m!U 1' j f

I Hero at Pontypridd. A HAYJELOCK VETERAN BLIND. THRILLING STORY OF THE OLD WARRIOR. "Aforien" writes:—There is now living in Trelleng-gardena, Pontypridd. an old warrior whose breast is ablaze with medals and bars, won in many a. desperate nght iit the service of the land of our fathers, the British Empire. His name is David Huggins, and his pension is one shilling per day. There are circumstances in the past history of this David which it is impossible to contemplate with dry eyes. David has in his day assisted materially in adding thrilling incidents to cur island's stories. He is a devout Wcskyau, and can be seen regularly in the midst of the worshippers at the chapel in Gelliwastad-grove. He is modest and retiring, and no one would think on looking lit this mild-mannered veteran that he has, like a young lion of the Isles of the W est, marched fearlessly and fearfully in Britannia's serried ranks to victory and revenge at Cawnpore and Lucknow! Did not David Huggins see with his I own angry eyes the wangled remains of mas- Facred British ladies and angelic British boys and girls in Nana Sabih'» slaughter-pen at Cawn- pore: He was among the warriors of Britain whose cheeks were wet with hot tears over the dead as they swept, to avenge the victims of Cawnpore well and the adjacent buildings of the Indian city. He marched through the blazing sunshine in the hurried aclvam-e of General yir Henry Havelcck to the attempted rescue of the British mothers and their chil- dren. He was one of our bravest of the brave who. regardless of fearful odds against them, broke like tigers through the Sepoy rebels into the Lucknow Residency. He, weeks later, while on juard on the w. '1- of Lucknow heard the far-ofF shrill blast c.i pibrochs of Scotland- f the pipes of Lochiel and Albin's honoured hills and glens—w the heroic Highlanders advanced in terrible phalanxes, under General Sir Colin Campbell, towards the besieged Britons in Lucknow. Did not he, with his own ears, hear the thunderous cries of "The Campbells are coming"? With his own eyes, now so dim with cataract, he beheld the heroic "Camp- bells," as fearless as those "who wi' Wallace bled," advancing with a tread the earth was proud to bear to the historic de:iverance of the besieged of the Lucknow Residency. Allowing such a veteran to struggle in straitened circum- stances in hia old age is a discredit to the entire British people, and a temptation to Providence to deal out misfortune to an ungrateful nation. There is still a.nother consideration which idds to one'« interest in l);ivid Huggins's per- sonality. He was the orderly to Captain Hed- ley Vicars, of the 57th Regiment, in the Crimea. ind on the night of March 23, 1855, was near I ths young captain, who, while lead- ing an attack upon the Malakoff Tower, was mortaily wounded in the shoulder. Iu Lord Raglan's dispatch, now before me. be says, touching the death of Captain Hedley Vicars, "Nothing could be more distinguished than the gallantry and good example which he set to the detachment under his command." Da.vid Huggins was a member of that heroic detach- ment. The entire Christian wor!d is familiar with the touching biography of Captain Hediey Vicars. On the afternoon of the day preceding his death he had read the Lessons and Psalms Lo those assembled for Divine worship on the Day of Humiliation ordered by the Queen. He had afterwards visited the hospitals, attended by his orderly. Soon after ten o'clock that night, taking advantage of the darkness, 15,000 Russians sallied out of Sebastopol and i-ttacked the French. who, after a desperate struggle, fell back on their reserves. rhe Russians then advanced towards the British. Captain Hedley Vicars was the first to [liscover the advancing host was Russian. lIe i-alled out. "Now 97. on your pins, and charge!" (liy own sword flashed in the moonbeams, and instantly the two forces met at the bayonet. He himself was bayonetted in the breast, but, heedless of the wound, he continued to lead his men. He fell among the Russians, but his soldiers cleared the ground around the fallen leader, and rescued him and carried him back. The Buesians were defeated, and were in full L15882 retreat. It was then discovered that the yonnf, captain was desperately wounded, and he wa< placed on an ambulance, and as the soldier*- were conveying him back through the moon- light ho was heard murmuring the words. "Cover my face." He was dying. His biographer writes: "What need for a covering under the shadow of that dark night? Was it not a sudden consciousness he was enter*, ing into the presence of the Holy God, before t Whom the cherubim veil their faces?" Such were some of the many thrilling scene*, through which the veteran David Huggin* i passed in his prime. In those days, 43 and 41 i years ago, he was brought under the influencs of Captain Hedley Vicars and General Sfj Henry Havelock. In his old age, and almost •, blind, he is often seen on bended knees iJl the chapel among the hills of Wales. He f in "Rhosydd Moah'" now, but is often singini hymns and Psalms. It is, however, a hard. struggle to live on twelvepence a day. Wi'' anybody help ? He was during many years, and until his eyegight failed him, employed b/ Messrs. Brown, Lenox, and Co.. cable an^| anchor works, Pontypridd. I need not add A. that he bears the best of characters, and is *{ sober man. Until lately he was—if he is n<*J; still—a member of the local detachment Glamorgan Volunteers, always, when in nni* form, with his blaze of medals and btura Its! his brave old heart. If anyone feels inclined to send him any present his address is "itf" David Huggins, veteran soldier. Trelleng" gardens, Pontypridd," OT should anyone send, to my private address ("Morten." Ash grove# Glyntav. Treforest) a donation for him, I be delighted to convey it personally to his ow hands. f I

The monthly meeting of the Porthcawl ChalIV ber of Trade was held on Tuesday evening. Mr* J. T. Dare, in pursuance of notice of mobiolw introduced the question of a fire-brigade for tb'. town, and it was decided that the secretaf^ write the urban district council asking theljjfe to purchase a fire extinguishing apparatus escapes. On the motion of Mr. G. M. Thorn* seconded by Mr. R. L. Hopkins, the secretary, was instructed to write the officers of tb'" respective Volunteer Corps who have encamped at Porthcawl inviting them to do so agai°l: The notices of motion for the coming meeting include one for the purchase of a switchba^ft railway and the widening of the county roa*$ into Porthcawl. 1

PHILLIPS'S liI. 6d. TEA 18 a. Triumph of tSj Tea. Blending Art. It is distinctly superior to tJ»", IIO-called finest teas." Have you tried it? OS At a meeting of the Risca Urban Distri<^ Council held on Tuesday evening, Mr. James G" Broacke^, colliery accountant, was appointed 4 representative for the University College South Wales and Monmouthshire. It was al*J resolved to petition the Great Western RailwO, Company to put on an additional train to ro-, through the Western Valleys and to arrive Newport somewhere about 2.20 p.m. Phil Phillips's Toothache Cure sold by all Chemists, has been tested now two years by everybody in all parts of and North Wales in which we have agents the sale. If you cannot get our TootbA^JJi Cure in your town, see the chemist or pat^J medicine vendor you deal with, and ask be agent, or, hearing from him, we will app°'2* him agent. Our Toothache Cure will cure worst iinds of toothache, neuralgia, heada^h sore thoats. boils—in fact, a good pain never known to fail if the directions are '°JL lowed. Sold in bottles, Is., by post ls. Id.. *3 all chemists or patent medicine vendors, of Sole Manufacturer, Phil Phillips, 24, St. Uy street, Cardiff. PHILLIPS'S ls. 6d. TEA is a Triumph of & Tea Blending Art. It is distinctly superior to so-called linest teas." Have you tried it? t IMPORTANT TO MARRIED LADIES.— Stamped Addreesed Envelope for tPr'S Valuable Particulars and Testimonials are guaranteed genuine under a penalty £ 1,000).—Beware of imitators.—A.- DASHJ^jj Box 387. Langdale, Walthamstow. Lon«2| Established half a century. s'1^ Printed by the Proprietors, Western Limited, and published by them at offices, St. Mary-street, Cardiff; at their <} Castle Bailey-street, Swansea; at the ahoP.w Mr. Wesley Williams, Bridgend—all io Vp County of Glamorgan; at the "Western Office, Newport; at the shop of Mr. ol Caffrey. Monmouth, both in the County^ Monmouth; and at the shop of Mr- ow Davies, Llanally. in the Comity of mart hen ;» THURSDAY, JANUARY 12. J