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Jiatlhntn Jfnid%cn«. .
Jiatlhntn Jfnid%cn«. TAFF YALE RAILWAY. The 61st half-yearly meeting of the proprietors of this company was held on Tuesday, at the Atheoiuam, Bristol, Mr. J. Poole, chairman of the board of directors, presiding. Mr. E. KENWAY (secretary) read the notice convening the meeting, and also the annual report, which recommended a dividend at the rate of 9 per cent., and which has appeared in the Times. The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report and accounts, said he thought he might congratulate them on the issue of the last half-yearly undertaking of the company. They had, in common with other railways of the kingdom, 'passed through a great commercial crisis, but, happily, that bad not interfered with the declaration of their usual divi. dend of 9 per cent. Although that dividend had been sorely pressed by a large amount of permanent expense-namely, ^5435—as they would find on the debit side of the account, be was bound in candour and fairness to say that that was not the whole of the amount, as a portion of the permanent, expenses would have to be charged in the next half-year's ac- count. In addition to that they would no doubt have ob- served that on the debit side of the half-yearly revenue ac count there was a sum of £ 13,788 loss incurred on the Penarth ,undertaking. Yet with that pressure, and the charge ofzC750 to the depreciation fund, their dividend stood as unimpaired as on the last occasion-(hear, hear.) With reference to the Parliamentary expenses, he need not tell them that the direc- tors entered upon what might be called, and which was un- fortunately called, a great Parliamentary contest, with great anxiety. He believed there were no less than 10 or 12 bills in opposition to that company, and which, had they been carried, would have produced a great disturbance, to say the least of it, in their undertaking. By negotiations many of those bills were withdrawn, others were successfully opposed, and one, which he believed would contribute to the interests of the company (the Llantrisant and Taff Vale), was carried and that would be the means of opening up a large coal field to the west of the Taff Vale, which, as far as they were con- cerned, had been hitherto undeveloped. But one of the most severe Parliamentary contests, or rather undertakings—which, be said, was most unfortunate—which they had had to con- tend with, was the Bute Dock scheme. When he said unfor- tunate," he considered it most unfortunate that that company should be constantly brought into contact with the Bute Trustees; and one of the most eminent judges of this land, when they were before him on a matter of great interest, said they ought not to be so; that the interests of the Bute trustees were identical with those of the company, and vice wersa. They entered into opposition with those trustees, and had spent a large sum of money in what they conceived to be the protection of their rights; and in all cases, for he did not know a single exception, the Taff Vale company had been successful. (Hear, hear.) That was the best argument why they should contend with the Bute Trustees. On the last occasion, it might appear to many persons that the scheme of the Bute Trustees was simply fr increased dock accommodation, which per se would advance the interests of the whole community, but there were other interests which were adverse to the interests of the Taff Vale Company. For instance, they proposed a large increase of dock accommoda- tion, unnecessarily large, which would have competed most successfully and to a great extent clashed with the Penarth undertaking. The committee of the House of Lords took the same view of the question, and although they gave them a portion of their works, the large dock they proposed to execute was struck out of their scheme. The Bute Trustees bad always denied access to the East Bute Dock for the Taff Vale traffic. The effect of that was to deprive them of a mile •f their railway, and to incur the necessity of handing over their traffic to two other companies before landing it at the East Bute Dock. The Bouse of Lords took that view, and they proposed that the company should have the use of the staiths on terms to be settled by arbitration. Mr. Harrison was appointed on the part of the Bute Trustees, and Mr. Hawkshaw on the part of the company, and they had so much confidence in the honesty and integrity of both parties that they had no doubt that they would arrive at a just con- clusion. With regard to Penarth, he had told them when the scheme was first proposed that that scheme would press upon the revenue of the Taff Vale for two or three half-years, and probably more. It had done so, but not to the extent he bad anticipated, for although the sum charged to the Tfiff TVate was about the same as in the previous year, yet on the last half-year there was only three months' interest on the Dock capital charged, whereas this year the indole half-year was charged, and therefore the undertaking had materially improved. The Penarth Dock had not had a fair chance. It wanted a large additional accommodation it had no merchants' offices, no graving-dock, none of those ac- cessories necessary to the well carrying on of a large un- dertaking of that kind. But those necessaries were in course of progress, and would lead to the development of the trade of that great and important undertaking. In addition to that they had had to contend with a vast amount of vitu- peration, for what reason he did not pretend to say, but that it was so was patent from the statements that had been made in the newspapers. On one occasion they were told that the whole of the dock gates had been carried away. There was no truth in it, but the statement, no doubt, had the intended effect, for the,merchantsdid notsend their ships to that dock. There was an accident which was exaggerated to an enor- mous extent, and every pretext had been used by parties to prevent the development of that trade which imust neces- 'sarily follow. They would, however, live through that. To show the natural advantages of the Penarth Dock as a means of access, he stated that a week ago a large steamer entered the dock, her ballast was discharged, she was laden with coal, and in twelve hours afterwards she was steaming down the channel (hear, hear). Those were advantages which could not be obtained at the Bute Docks. They (the Penarth Ðocks) were nearer the sea, they had a greater depth of water, and they had advantages pertaining to the Penarth undertaking which must, as a matter of necessity, lead to its prosperity. They had large quantities of coal coming down there and they would have still more; and he might say with great confidence that, as far as the future was concerned, he saw no reason on earth why the prosperity of the Taff • 'Vale Railway Company, for many years to come at least, should-be interfered with. If they got adverse circumstances on the one hand, they had favourable ones on the other. The opening-of the Great Western Coal District would bring a large quantity of coal to Penarth from Rhondda and other places. They had had adverse interests to contend with, no «loubt, during'the last session of Parliament, but they had negotiated favourably with large companies who introduced themselves into their district, and it would be most condu- cive to the interests of the Company. He believed he had now touched upon the principal points of the report, and the last matter he should propose was that, as a large proportion -of the per cent. stock was still on hand, the directors sought at their hands authority to issue at a higher rate of -interest if necessary. Happily the money market had taken .a favourable turn, and it might be that they would issue at a lower interest than they had hitherto done. They how- ever asked the proprietors to give them the confidence they had already placed in them; but they would not issue at a ( higher rate unless it were necessary to do so. He concluded ky moving that the report of the directors and statement of accounts for the half-year ending June 30, be received and adopted. The DEBUTY-CHAIRMAN (Mr. W. D. Bushel!) seconded tfthe motion. Mr.fpBRRT said he was sure all the shareholders congratu- latedithe directors upon the success which had attended the concern during the past half-year. But there were two or three matters to which he wished to refer. In the first place, the receipts had been about J03,5OO more than in the pre- vious half-year, and yet the balance was very little more. He could not account for this. It could not be owing to the Parliamentary expenses, for they were about the same as last year. While upon this subject, be must say that the Parliamentary expenses of the company appeared very large, and he hoped the directors, before they entered upon another •of these gigantic expenditures, would consider whether it -could not be done for less than £ 10,000 a year. (Hear, hear.) deferring to the Penarth Harbour, Dock, and Railway reo venue account, Mr. Perry pointed out that the working ex- penses during the past half-year amounted to sell,257, whereas in the previous balf-yesr they were only £5,707, and -said he thought the shareholders ought to have the statement of accounts of this undertaking presented to them in the same way as the Taff Vale statement, observing that the two or three lines given for the loss of £12,000 did not seem to tbe enough for the money. (Hear, hear.) He also thought 'that the directors of the Taff Vale ought to have had the docks completed before they took to them. (Hear, hear.) Me was there the other day, and noticed that only seven bt 'he twelve tips were in proper working order. He was told k tihe tips were hadly formed, and if so they ought to have £ ked after by the company's engineer. 1 v> jA*IRMan repHed that in all sincerity he said now, 3ui- a ° said before, thas the directors were very much ✓obliged to any proprietor who offered to them observations tin reference to the undertaking, and asked for information an reference to it-_ The directors were desirous of conduct- ing this undertaking on behalf of the proprietors in the same -way as if »t were their individual property. (Hear, hear.) iPrima facie it did appear strange that the directors should have taken to the dock when they did, but it was a very long •story, and if he were to tell it to them they would not derive much gratification from hearing it. The subject was care- tfully and anxiously considered by the directors at the time, and there were circumstances which led them to adopt the course they did. It was quite true that the dock was not yet finished. The company had yet to pay £ 12s 000 f0F which Mr. Hawk-shaw had not certified. The Chairman -stated that the works ware of a very superior character, and •that they were being copied by other companies. With re- gard to the statement of accounts of the Penarth undertak- dug, that was a delicate matter, because at the present mo- mint there were details which could not be published. In future, however, when these matters were settled a detailed statement should be-published. ( Hear ) He asked the pro- prietors to still place co nfidence in the directors so long as Ahey continued to declare a dividend of9 per cent. honestly And fairly, (Applause.) h d. Mr. EAGLES-FIELD called attention .o .ha -ode i„ „Mth theW,g„„ Go,„ pa„y> Mmgg £ -,«« X -3 v £ tending that it was injurious to i»e »■ Railway Company to purchase debentu • gesting that it should be applied to the puof •shares of the Wagon Company as shareho g ThVcHAIRMAN said be concurred in Mr. W^Io^ower •suggestion but the directors of this he had •over the directors of the Wagon Company. H j no doubt that the directors of the Wagon Company would 'take the suggestion into their serious consideration. Mr.BcsHELt said the subject had been considered by the Wagon Company directors, but it had been found that the shareholders of that company would not 86,1 1 7 fihsures. S T rr; Mr. WARREN observed that Mr. Hawkshaw was to make the staiths at Penarth as efficient as those at the Bute Docks, and he (Mr. Warren) wished to know whether the charge for altering the staiths was to be made upon the Penarth Dock Company, upon the interest which the Taff Vale paid to the Penarth Company, or was it to be paid out of the capital on which they paid interest. He also wished to know whether the junction between the Taff.YsIe and the South Wales Railway had been compieted. The CHAIRMAN replied that there was a matter of account to be gone into between the two companies, and this charge would be one of the items of that account. With regard to the other question, powers were taken in the last session of Parliament to make the junction. The directors were on the most favourable terms with the Great Western, who were proprietors of the Vale of Neath. and South Wales rail- ways, and the Great Western would be enabled to further the interests of this company, ami this company would be able to materially assist them. The resolution was then carried, and the retiring directors, Messrs. H. Rudhall, Rowland Fothergill and James Ford, were re-elected. Mr. RUDHALL and Mr. FORD returned thanks. The latter said the directors of the Wagon Company had endeavoured to act upon the plan Mr. Eaglesfield had suggested, but they found they could not get any shares from the shareholders, and were consequently obliged to invest the money in the best way they could. The DEPUTY-CHAIRMAN snitl an application had been made to the directors of this company to subscribe towards the cost of the establishment of a ship hospital at Cardiff. He pointed out the importance of such an establishment, and the deep interest the shareholders of this company had in it, and stated that Government had granted a ship, which was being altered for the purpose. The cost of the alteration would be £1,000, and it was towards that cost only that this com- pany was asked to subscribe, the annual expense of main- tenance being met hy a ship subscription. He moved that a subscription of X160 be given by the company towards the object. Mr. PERRY seconded the motion, and. it was agreed to unanimously. The meeting having been made special, The CHAIRMAN moved a resolution authorising the direc- tors to issue, at a higher rate, if necessary, the remainder of the Perpetual Preference 41 per cent. Stock. He stated that since the subject was first mooted the Bank rate had been lowered, and it might not be necessary to offer the stock at higher interest. The directors would not be in a hurry to raise money as long as they could do without it, and they simply asked for permission to issue tht; stock, if necessary, at a rate not exceeding five per cent. In the event of a higher rate being fixed upon, the stock would be first offered to the present preference shareholders. Mr. EAIJLESFIELD argued that there was no necessity to offer this stock at a higher rate of interest. E20,000 worth of it was issued in the first six months, and £2:1,000 worth in the past six months, notwithstanding the trying nature of that period, and if the directors had patience they would in time dispose of the whole of it at 41 per cent. Mr. WARREN asked what was to be done with the £76,000 which it was proposed to raise in this way. The CHAIRMAN replied that the list of items to be de- frayed with it was a very large one. There were boots for the porters and many other things. Mr. WARREN said that was a very flippant way of answer- ing the question, and he protested against it. Here was a sum of £76,000 to be raised at a high rate of interest, and he wished to know what special object it was to be raised to meet. The CHAIRMAN answered that there was no special object, and that the money was wanted to meet various expenses. Mr. MERCER observed that the statement of accounts ex- plained the matter—there was a debit there to be met, and the money was wanted for that purpose. The CHAIRMAN explained that, this was no new call for money, and that the issuing of the stock was sanctioned by the shareholders a year ago. A SHAREHOLDER thought that if the remainder of the stock was issued at a higher rate of interest a great injustice would be done to those persons who came forward and took a portion of it at 4f per cent., inasmuch as all the stock belonged to one class. If the remainder should be issued at 5 per cent., he thought that the present holders should be placed in the same category as the new purchasers. The CHAIRMAN said the present holders would be offered their respective proportions of the stock at five per cent., but it was impossible to make any alteration with respect to the stock already issued. Suppose the money market to go down, and the remainder of the stock to be issued at four per cent., would the proprietors like to be placed in the same category then ? The SHAREHOLDER replied that he could not see why any difference should be made in them. Mr. MERCER said it was very uncommercial for the pro- prietor to talk of coming forward to lend money for the obligation of the company, when it was for his own advan- tage. The subject which had been introduced would not admit of argument for a moment. Mr. PERRY said he did not see how the alteration could be made except by refunding, and that was a very difficult matter. The SHAREHOLDER observed that if the present course were persisted in the effect would be that people would hold back from taking stock in the expectation of getting another half per cent., and thus disastrously affect the shares in the market. The resolution was then agreed to, LLANTRISSANT AND TAFF VALE JUNCTION RAILWAY COMPAEY. The half-yearly meeting of this company was next held, when the following brief report was adopted: — Your directors are glad to inform the proprietors that the applica- tion to Parliament, intimated in their last report, was made during the last session, and has been successful. The Act obtained the Royal assent on the 23rd of July last, and by it powers have been granted for making railways that will afford an unbroken narrow gauge communication between the extensive coal-fields west of your line and the ports of Cardiff and Penarth. TAFF VALE WAGON COMPANY. The half-yearly meeting of this company was .subsequently held. Mr. James Ford presided, and explained that the chairman (Mr. E. J. Hutchins) was absent through serious illness. The Secretary (Mr. Kenway) read the following report The annexed half-yearly statement of account shows a balance at creditof the Redemption Fund Accouut of £2,831 15s. 3d. remaining for investment < at the end of the half- year. Your directors have made arrangements for advanc- ing this sum, together with the dividends and interest that have accrued since the 30fh June, amounting together to £3,600, to the Penarth Harbour, Dock, and Railway Com- pany upon the security of their Debenture Bonds, for a term of five years, at the rate of five per cent. per annum." The CHAIRMAN moved the adoption of the report. Mr EAGLESFIELD repeated his views in reference to the investment of the Redemption Fund. The CHAIRMAN promised to lay those views before the directors at an early day, and the report having been adopted, the meeting separated. RHYMNEY RAILWAY COMPANY. The half-yearly meeting »f the shareholders was held on Tuesday, at Wood's Hotel, Furnival's-inn, Holborn. Mr. C. T. Smpson was in the chair. The report states that the traffic for the past six months gives an increase of £5644 over the receipts for the corres- ponding period of the previous year. After deducting the usual expenses, interest, tolls and preferential dividends, there remains at the credit of the revenue account a balance of X2,951, out of which the Board recommend a dividend of 3 per cent, per annum, with a balance of 19* to the credit of the current account. The directors proceed to observe that, by the company's act.of last session, authority had been given to construct, in accordance with the agreement scheduled to the company's acts of 1864, the junction line near Caerphilly, between their railway and the line of the Brecon and Merthyr Railway Company; and to deviate and improve a portion of the line authorised by the company's Northern Lines Act, 1864, terminating M a junction with the London and North Western Railway Company's Mer- thyr, Tredegar, and Abergavenny Branch Railway, at Nant-y-Bwch. Running powers had also been secured by the Act over that branch railway between Nant-y-Bwch and the Brynmawr Junction, which would give access to several important coal and iron works. By the same Act the com- pany had obtained authority to make such enlargements and alterations in their station at Cardiff as would enable them to accommodate the increasing traffic, and secure a good road and access to the new dock or basin and other works, which the Trustees of the Marquis of Bute had been em- powered to make by the Bute Docks Act, 18(36. la that Act clauses had been introduced giving running powers to other railway companies over the low level line of the company's Bute Dock Branch at Cardiff on payment of the tolls therein mentioned. The most extensive and difficult portions of the Cardiff and Caerphilly railway were in progress, and no delay would be allowed to occur in carrying on the works. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said that they must all regret the absence from the list of direc- tors of the name of Mr. Stephen Cave, M.P., who upon the formation of the present government was appointed Vise- President of the Board of Trade, the holding of which office was quite incompatible with his continuing upon the board of a railway company. He (the ehairman) might be per- mitted to say that his hon. friend had been one of the original directors of the company, and had always watched with the greatest interest the affairs of the company—in fact, they were mainly indebted to Mr. Cave's exertions for their pre- sent comparative prosperity and he trusted that, should by accident the present ministry retire from power, theRhymney board would again have the advantage of Mr. Cave's services. (Laughter, and hear, hear). He sincerely meant what he said although he intended no political allusion. (Hear, hear). The'report, he thought, was most gratifying, there being a net increase upon the half-year s working 0f 4-5344 10s. 5d., showing an increase M every department, excepting a small decrease of £ 150 in the passenger8traflic. (Hear, hoar),- With that great increase of traffic the shareholders might naturally ask whv the directors did not recommend the payment of A larger dividend. But a reference to the accounts would fully explain the matter. IT must be understood that with an in- crease in the traffic there was a concomitant augmentation of the working expenses. Although I^erehad been an in- crease, it amounted to £ 1215, and WAS at the same p3R cent- age upon the traffic as hitherto. IN next place, they had six miles on the road to Cardiff, but what they received from that six miles they handed over to the Taff Yale Company. That amounted" to about the same sum as the additional working expenses; the amount therefore to be deducted from the increase of X5344, was about £ 2420. Then again, the rates and taxes for the past half-year had been much larger than in fbrmer years, still the amount paid was only 4| per- cent. on the gross receipts.- They must also bear in mind that the works in course of construction amounted to a very large sum during the half-year. The result was that after those things which he had referred to had been met, and the preferential charges paid, they had an available balancee of JS2951 11s. 3d., out of which they recommended the payment of a dividend at the rate of 3 per cent. instead of 2 per cent, paid last year. He thought that result should he deemed satisfactory as it promised well for the future. He then went through the various acts which had been obtained in Parliament during the past session, and said that arrangements had been made with the Trus- tees of the Marquis of Bute, in connection with the docks, by which a large accession of traffic would be brought upon the line. The works upon the Cardiff and Caerphilly Railway, under the Act of 1864, were in active progress; they had been let to to three responsible contractors, and there was no doubt the line would be opened within the time specified, namely, within five years of the passing of the Act. The Rhymney Company would receive £ 900 a year, if not more, upon the completion of the works. In conclusion, he moved the adoption of the report. Mr. Alderman DAKIN seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Upon the motion of the CHAIRMAN, the recommended di- vidend at the rate of 3 per cent. per annum was declared payable on the 31st inst. Upon the motion of Mr. MARK FEETHAM, a vote of thanks was unanimously passed to the Chairman, and the meeting separated.
CARDIFF POLICE INTELLIGENCE.…
CARDIFF POLICE INTELLIGENCE. i MONDAY. (Before R. O. JONES and W. ALEXANDER, Esqrs.) REFUSING TO PROCEED TO SEA.-The nineteen seamen belonging to the ship Tricolour, of Liverpool, Capt. Bryde, were again brought up. Mr. Thomas Plain, shipbuilder, stated that he went on board the vessel at eight o'clock on Saturday night, but it being then too late to test what water she was making, he sealed the pumps, and went on board at nine o'clock on Sunday morning, when he found the ship had made 22 inches of water. He had the ship pumped out, and waited an hour and a half, when he found half an inch of water. He examined the vessel, and found her in good condition, and, considering her size, she was a very tight vessel. Capt. Coward gave corroborative evidence. Three of the seamen agreed to go on board, and the others were ordered to be locked up, but subsequently they all agreed to go on board again. DRUNK.—David Meyrick was charged with being drunk, and with assaulting P.C. Hobley. The prisoner was found drunk and asleep on the North-road, and on the constable handing him over to his friends, he became abusive, and as- saulted the policeman. Fined 10s. and costs. DISORDERLIES.—Elizabeth Dawson was charged with being a disorderly prostitute, and was sent to prison for fourteen days.—Timothy Murphy and his wife were charged with being disorderly in Windsor-place, at one o'clock on Monday morning. Discharged with a caution.-Margaret Freeman was charged with being disorderly, and obstruct- ing Tyndall-street, on Saturday, the 11th inst. Fined 5s. and costs, or five days.-Edward Morris was charged with being drunk and disorderly on the Hayes Bridge, and was ffned 5s. and costs, or five days. OVERCROWDED HOUSES.:—Thomas Bryant was charged with having six families-19 persons-in his house, and with refusing to reduce the inmates to 16. Fined 10s. and costs, or seven days.—Thomas Parr, 13, Herbert-street, had seven families, or 19 persons, in his house, and had neglected to reduce them to 16 persons. Fined 10s. and costs, or seven days.—Patrick Stack, for a similar offence, was fined 10s. and costs, or seven days. UNION RELIEF.—John Hurley, tailor, was charged with allowing two of his children to be chargeable to the union. The defendant had left his wife and family to get employ- ment elsewhere, and had not been heard of for sixteen months. The wife subsequently sent the children to the union by another person. Sentenced to one month's impri- sonment. UNLICENSED DANCING-ROOM.—Andrew Lemon, living in Bute-road, was summoned for keeping an unlicensed public dancing-room. P.C. Evans visited the house late on the night of the 10th inst., and saw two couple dancing in a back room and a German band playing. There were a number of sailors in the room. The Bench inflicted a miti- gated penalty of 5s. and costs. ASSAULT.—-George Neads was charged with assaulting Jane Young, in the Dimlands Arms Inn, Sophia-street, on the 14th inst. Prosecutrix said some words occurred be- tween her and defendant, when he struck her in the eye and caused her cheek to bleed. Mr. Raby, for the defence, de- nied that the defendant struck the woman. Defendant and another man were talking in the parlour, when the prisoner and another woman came into the room and wanted Neads to pay for some beer. Neads gave prosecutrix sixpence to get rid of her, and immediately after she snatched at his watch-guard and broke it. Defendant caught hold of her hand to get the guard, but did not strike the woman. A man named Leonard gave evidence in proof of this. Dis- missed. THE FAIR OAK INN.—The spirit license of this house was endorsed by the court to enable Mr. Thomas, who now occupies the house, to sell spirits by retail. TUESDAY. (Before the MAYOR and Alderman ALEXANDER.) MURDEROUS ASSAULT.—Tobias Anderson was charged with asaaulting John Thomas Burt. The prosecutor is a sailor, and prisoner is a Swedish boarding master, with whom the prosecutor boarded. Last night, when prosecutor came in to go to bed, he found Anderson quarrelling with another of his boarders, a Scotchman, and told him to keep quiet. On this Anderson fetched a hatchet. Prosecutor said, you're not going to hit any one with that, are you," and pushed him out of the way, on which Anderson hit him with the hatchet, cutting his head open. The Scotchman was stand- ing by at the time.—By Mr. Reece, who appeared for the prisoner: Witness was facing Anderson at the time the blow was struck. Could not say if the prisoner was drunk at the time. Gave him no provocation for the assault. Did not strike with a knife, nor, in fact, at all.-Duncan M'lntyre, a ship carpenter, stated that he had been boarding at the pri- soner's house. Last night witness, Burt, and another sailor came in about half-past ten o'clock. Anderson was standing at the door, and the first thing he said was to call witness "a Scotch son of a on which witness aimed a blow at him with his fist. Burt and the other sailor went outside and smashed Anderson's windows. Witness did not see the blow given by Anderson to Burt. Burt came up to witness and laid his head on witness' shoulder, and said, carpenter, I m killed." Witness saw that his head was badly cut. It was after this that he went out and broke the window. Witness did not see the hatchet at all. Could not tell how Anderson got some cuts which appeared on his arm. Witness and Burt were drunk at the time.-P.C. Newman deposed that last night he found the prosecutor in Sophia-street, with his head cut and bleeding very much. Went to 53, Sophia- street, where prisoner lived, and found everything upside down and knocked to pieces. Arrested prisoner, who stated that all the sailors had pitched into him. Went to Mr. Hugo's, where the prosecutor was having his head dressed, and he said the wound had been given with a hatchet. Wit- ness went back to Anderson's and found the hatchet pro- duced, on the handle of which were some spots of blood, and one spot on the blade. Anderson made no complaint of cuts on his arm last night. Anderson was not quite sober.—Mr. Reece: They look more like bites than cuts.—Mr. W. H. Hugo deposed that prosecutor was brought to his surgery last night about eleven o'clock. There was a cut on the upper part of his head, an inch and a half long, in an oblique direction, and about an inch deep, penetrating to the bone. It had evidently been inflicted by a sharp instrument. The coating of the bone of the skull had been cut through, and the blow was evidently inflicted with a good deal of force, but fortunately it had glanced off instead of coming perpen- dicularly down, in which latter case it would probably have been fatal, but as it was the wound was not very dangerous. Such a weapon as the hatchet produced would have pro- duced such a cut. The Bench committed the prisoner for trial at the Sessions, on the charge of maliciously wounding. He made a statement to the effect that the three men came home drunk, and set upon him, and he cried murder," and some of the neighbours came to his assistance; and if the prosecutor was hit with the hatchet, it was done by one of the neighbours, and not by him (prisoner).-In reply to an application by Mr. Reece, the Bench refused to take bail for the prisoner. DESERTION.—The prosecutor and witness in the above case, J. T. Burt and D. Mclntyre, and a third sailor named Lorton, were charged wiih desertion from the Caroline, of Liverpool. The case proved by Mr. Wm. Henry Flenly, mate, so far as regarded the actual desertion, but he could not prove the signatures of the prisoners to the ship's articles. The case was therefore adjourned for the attend- ance of the captain. DISORDERLY.—William Samuel was charged with being drunk *and riotous in the.Maindy Inn, and assaulting a con- stable. Mr. Jan. Jonker, the landlord, deposed that the pri- soner came there and ordered two two-pennyworths of rum, one of which he drank himself, and the other he gave to another man, and on being asked to pay he refused, and began to fight with another man who was in the inn. Wit- ness ordered him out, on which he said he would kick him (Mr. Jonker) out if he didn't let him alone. Then he knocked a mahogany table to pieces. Then he went to the skittle alley, and locked the people in who were there. De- fendant lived in Whitchurch, and was known by the epithet of "bully." Witness had been in many countries, and he never had seen such a violent man. P.C. Shattock stated that he and another constable were called to the inn, and found that the prisoner had left the inn, and assaulted another young man on the road outside. On the police arresting him he struck witness with his fist on the head; but he was brought to Cardiff station after a severe struggle. The Bench dismissed the fellow with a caution, the Mayor inti- tiniating that they found a legal difficulty in convicting him. VIOLENT WOMEN.—Honora Hawkins and Mary Harring- ton were charged with assaulting Catherine Evans. The parties live in the Carpenter's Arms-court, Hayes, and the defendant had a black-eye to show as the result of the inter- view between her and the defendants. The Bench fined Hawkins 5s. and costs, and remanded the other woman until to-morrow. FIGHTING.—Janies White and William Rees were brought Up by Sergeant Hornblow, who found them fighting in Bute-street, and a large crowd were assembled around look- ing at thera. Each of the defendants said the other had assaulted him, and that he only actedin self-defence. White called a witness, but one who could not tell which struck the first Mow. The Bench fined the defendants 5s. and costs each. „ DavisThomas Leary, the witness for White in the last case, was charged by P.C. Harris with being drunk in Bttte-atreet, last night, and obstructing the pavement, and was fined and c&sts. WEDNESDAY. (Before R. O. JONES, Esq., and Alderman ALEXANDER.) BAD MEAT.—Inspector Hibbs applied for an order to de- stroy two sheep, which he found in the slaughter-house about being cut up. One had died from suffocation, and the other from bruises. Both had come by train, and died on the journey. Dr. Paine testified that the meat was unfit for food. Mr. Kyte, the butcher, said he had not intended to sell the flesh for meat-though there was worse meat than that sold in Cardiff-but only to cut out the fat for the tallow chandler. The Bench ordered Hibbs to destroy the meat, saying that the fat might be given up to the owner. ALLEGED NurSANCE.-Dr. Wallace and Mr. Raper ap- peared to ask the protection of the Bench against the noise and uproar which was created at night by the show on the old bed of the river, opposite the complainants' premises. The Bench said the only course the complainants could take was to indict the parties at common law; or they could complain to the South Wales Railway Company, the owners of the land. They would look into the matter, and if there was any reme ly that this Court could afford, it would be given. DESERTION.—The three sailors remanded from yesterday, Burt, M'lntyre, and Lawton, were charged with deserting from the steamer Caroline, and the case was proved by Jonas Wylie, the captain, who said that the men shipped in Liverpool, receiving their advance, and on coming here de- serted, and he had to obtain a fresh crew. Desertion was so common in this port, and took place so openly, that it had ceased to be regarded as a crime here. The Bench sent the prisoners to jail for twelve weeks' hard labour. A PARISH CASE.—Dennis Lawton was summoned by Mr. Wride, relieving officer, for allowing his wife to become chargeable to the parish, he having left the town to avoid paying the expense of his wife's confinement. Ordered to pay back 10s., or go to jail. DISORDERLY PROSTITUTE.—Alice Billings was brought up by P.C. Newman for soliciting prostitution by catching hold of sailors in the street. The Bench dismissed her with a caution, neither of the seamen being present. THEFT.—Francis Maloney and John Poole were brought up by Sergeant Hornblow, who stated that last night he was fetched to the back of Mr. Joseph Elliott's premises in West Bute-street, where they were given in custody for stealing barky and wine. They were both the worse for liquor. Four bottles were missing from a crate in Mr. Elliott's cellar, where they had been workillg.-Margaret Llewellyn, a little girl employed in the house, stated that five men had been working in the cellar all day, and the rest left at half- past five, but the two prisoners remained behind, and at a quarter past six she went down to see what they were doing. She knocked her foot against Poole's coat, which was lying on the ground, and there was something wrapped up in it, which she supposed to be a bottle of wine.—Mr. Elliott was sworn, and gave evidence that he found some barley hidden away, which Poole admitted he had conoealed. The barley was produced and appeared to be about two quarts.—The Bench dismissed the case against Maloney.-Poole admitted taking the barley, and said he was 64 years old, and had been working for Mr. Pearson for seventeen years.—Mr. Jones said a man must be a fool at such an age, after a life of good character, to become a felon for the sake of a handful of barley, which no doubt his employer would have given to him if he had asked for it.—The sentence was one week's imprisonment. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.—Michael Donovan, who re- presented himself as a soldier, enlisted from this town in 1847, was brought up, with his wife, for being drunk and disorderly. He stated that it was joy at getting back here again, after eighteen years absence, which caused him to get drunk. Dismissed with a reprimand. ASSAULT.—William Williams was summoned by James John Jenkins for an assault. Mr. Merrils appeared for Jen- kins and Mr. Raby for Williams. There was also a cross summons. Jenkins stated that he is a clerk. On Saturday he saw Williams in Angel-street and called after him. "Billy Block," a familiar term by which Williams was known, and by which he (Jenkins) did not intend anything deri- sive. He then went into Mr. Hopkins's shop, and Williams followed him in and said he wanted to speak to him. Jen- kins went out and Williams told him not to call him by that name again. He spoke rather sharply, and Jenkins replied It's no use, Billy, you must not get into a passion with me." Williams then called Jenkins a "b cur," and gave him a slap on the nose with the flat of his hand, chal- lenging him to fight, which Jenkins refused. In reply to Mr. Raby Jenkins stated, he used to dine at an ordinary at Williams's inn (the Globe). Was not turned out of the room, by Williams, but was ordered to leave the table, and since that had not seen Williams until the occasion of the assault. Williams did not say that he would allow his friends to call him Billy Block," but that he would not stand it from him (Jenkins). The Bench said this was a case which ought to be settled between the parties. The at- torneys on both sides concurred, and after a little conversa- tion the case was withdrawn. t MUSIC AND DANCING.—William Lemon was charged with having illegal music and dancing at his house in Bute- road. Mr. Raby defended. P.C. Evans stated that on the evening of the 10th he went to defendant's big room and saw three couples dancing and a band playing. Mr. Raby de- nied the dancing altogether, and in defence set up that the band was the Artillery band/who when they could not have the Town-hall room, were accustomed to practise at the house of defendant, who was a sergeant in the band. On calling the defendant's witnesses, however, it appeared that there was another band in the house at the time, who played in one room, while the artillery band practised in another. The defendant was fined 20s. and costs. WOMEN'S QUARREL.—Mary Harrington was charged on remand with assaulting Caroline Evans. The complainant is the woman whose name has become familiar to the public in recent discussions at the Board of Guardians. It appear- ing from the evidence of a neighbour in the Carpenters' Arms-court, Hayes, that the defendant was the aggressor in the fight between her and the complainant, she was fined 10s. and costs, and in default she was sent to prison for seven days. ASSAULT.-George Hughes was charged with assaulting Absalom Horsey, but the case was suffered to be compro- mised out of court. A gang of five fellows had assaulted the complainant, and kicked him about the head, but it seemed the defendant was less violent than the others. THURSDAY. (Before Aldermen ALEXANDER and PRIDE.) A DESPARADo.-William Jones was brought up by P.C. Shattock, who stated that yesterday afternoon, he saw the defendant pushing about a gentleman in the dress of a priest, and on being parted from the gentleman by a byestander, he threatened to knock the man's brains out, and struck him with his fist. Defendant had been begging in the tobacco shop in Stuart-hall, and was drunk. He had been in the station-house the night before, representing himself as an iron founder out of employ. When arrested he had a large stick in his hand, with which he aimed a blow at the priest. The Bench fined him 5s. and costs, and in default he was sent to prison for a week.
INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS.
INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS. One of the last Acts passed in the late session was to amend the law relating to industrial schools in Great Britain. It repeals three statutes, and introduces con- siderable alterations. A school in which industrial training is provided, and in which children are lodged, clothed, and fed, as well as taught, is exclusively to be deeme-dan industrial school within the meaning of the Act, and the persons having the management to be con- sidered the managers. The schools are to be certified, and under Government inspection. Contributions by counties and boroughs are to be made towards the estab- lishment and the enlargement of such schools. With re- gard to the classes of children to be detained in certified industrial schools, it. is enacted that any person may bring before the justices, or a magistrate, any child ap- parently under the age of 14. years found begging or re- ceiving alms, whether actually or under the pretence of selling or offering for sale anything, or being in the streets for the purpose; any child wandering, and having no home or proper guardianship, or visible means of subsistence; any child found destitute, either being an orphan or having a surviving parent who is undergoing penal sentence or imprisonment, or any child that fre- quents the company of reputed thieves. The magistrates may send such a child as described to an industrial school. Any child apparently under the age of twelve charged with an offence punishable by imprisonment, not having been convicted, may be sent to a school. Where the parent, or step-parent, or guardian of a child apparently under the age of fourteen represents to two justices or a magistrate that he is unable to control the child, and that he desires that the child be sent to an industrial school, under this Act, the justices or magistrate, if satisfied oa inquiry that it is expedient to deal with the child under this Act, may order him to be sent to an industrial school." Refractory children under fourteen in workhouses may be sent to schools. A parent may apply to have a child removed to a school conduc- ted in accordance with the child's religious persuasion. As to the management of schools, a child mllY be lodged out of the same, and a licence granted for that purpose. A child may be apprenticed. A portion of the Act has reference to offences at school, and the expenses of the same. For not conforming to the rules of an industrial school a child may be punished by being sent tw a refor- matory school. It is an offence for a child to escape, or to be assisted by any person in escaping from an indus- trial school. The Treasury may contribute, a3 well as prison authorities and Poor Law Guardians, to such establishments. A parent, when of ability to contribute, is to pay not exceeding 5s. a week to maintain a child at a school. A child who has attained the age of 16 is not to be detained in a certified industrial school except with his own consent in writing. There are various other provisions, numbering ip the whole 54, to insure proper management of schools established under the new law.
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Indian papers are still occupied with the sufferings of a large portion of the population of Bengal, consequent upon the great and general scarcity prevailing in many districts of that province. The accounts are, indeed, harrowing, but the authorities have the credit of spar- ing no effort to abate the frighful calamity. Many of the wealthier native inhabitants, too, are fully alive to the momentous character of the crisis, and are daily dis- tributing relief upon a liberal scale. Misfortunes do not come singly, and to add to the evils of famine a great storm has devastated Western Bengal, sweeping away crops, cattle, and railway bridges before it. ,j
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tn. I Diiricn ,^hnil)fioio: CR. THE SECRET OF THE ELIJ: GROVE. By THE AUTHOR OF "JOHN GISSOK.VE'S WILL." CHAPTER XI. THE IAGO OF MODERN LIFE.—THE REAPPEARANCE 0, CECIL DASHWOOD.—THE RETROSPECT ENDED. Notwithstanding the signal repulse with which Hugh G res wold met his cousin's attempts to shake Jii3 confi- dence in Clara Mersfcham, the young farmer was not altogether unaffected by them. He did not smile again that day, but he. pondered deeply upon Varley's cut- ting allusion to what the world thought of Clara Mers- tham's elopement. It was the first time that the case had been put so plainly to him. He had never looked at it exactly ia that light himself. Still, he loved Clara so that he tried to thrust the poison from his mind and he succeeded to the extent that he only now and then dwelt upon the awkward facts of her adventure with Ensign Dashwo d, and he hoped that the world's suspicions were-a-s they often are-terribly unjust. He thought too, that he was making great progress in winning the love of Clara Merstharn. She had told him that she would try to leve him, and to do her jus- tice she did try till she was able honestly to own that sbereturtn-dhis affection. It was, impossible, indeed, to help loving such a kind, generous, simple hearted creature, and withal, so well-looking and excellent a specimen of the race. His fine, manly countenance, and well-knit powerful frame-his ruddy health-and his never-failing good temper-could not fail to take a strung hold upon the regard of a woman to whomhe stood in so delicate a position as he clid to Clara. She was obliged to own to herself that it was impossible not to love Hugh Greswold with what, in contradistinction to positive ardour, may be called a pleasurable, every-day love. But with all this, Hugh was unable to stir the deeper passions of Clara Merstham. There was none of the hot, eager love for him that had been flung away upon Cecil Dashwood. He reached her heart, that was all. He did not grasp it so as to master all its pulsations. However, time went on, and Hugh began to think of marriage—to think of the day—and even to talk wiih Clara of the nearly-expected haven for which he had ventured himself. Clara," he said, one day, after their courtship had lasted out a reasonable time, when will you be my wife?" She started as though the question was one of an un- sxpected and sudden character. "When," he repeated "shall it be, darling ?" The endearing word, uttered so softly, so earnestly, brought the tears to her eyes. When you and my father wish," she replied. He took her hand, and kissed it fervently. J' And you love me now, Clara ?" he asked. Love you she replied. Why do ask that ? It is late, is it not, for such a question ?" I will tell you why, Clara," he said. It is because I have sometimes thought that you were dull and cheerless when I have met you. Because I have fancied He p-tused suddenly. The words were painful to him. What ?" she asked, turning her head aside. That you had not quite forgotten the past" The past ?" she repeated, dreamily. Yes, Clara, the past. I have never before spoken to you, as I am now doing. But when the time is drawing near for us to be man and wife, I cannot help asking you whether I have thorough possession of your love ? Do you understand me ?" I do- that is, I think I do," she replied. But why do you doubt? You give me pain-deep pain, Hugh— by your question-" Then I will ne^er question you again, love!" he exclaimed, with a great burst of passion. My heart, my life, my whole soul, Clara, are yours. I will never doubt you After this conversation, the young farmer was so happy and so confident in the love of Clara Merstham, that he could even meet Varley Shrubsole and smile when, upon Clara's name being mentioned, as in his exu- berance of spirits, Hugh took care that it often should be, he thought he detected a suspicious sneer on his cou- sin's dark countenance, and an inclination on Varley's part to break out anew upon the awkward topic. Var- ley, however, did not break out; he contented himself with philosophical generalization with such cynical re- marks upon love, upon women, and upon the consU-ucy of lovers in general, as are hinted at in our first chapter. He wasicompietely, utterly silent about Clara Mers- tham, till one day he came over to Manor Farm, and Hugh burst out with the uew3 that to him was the only news of that day worth talking of. "Varley," he said. We are to be married this day month. It is all settled. This da/month Clara and I are to be married." lodeedl" said Varley, with a seriousness in his tone that puzzled Hugh Greswold as much as Iago's "indeed" did Othello. That's an ugly way to receive good news, cousin aaid Hugh. If ever you should have the good luck to tell me that you are going to be married to the woman you love, Varley, I shall look you smilingly in the face, take your hand, and wish you happiness, That's what I shall do, Varley." Varley Shrubsole ehook his head drearily. You won't have the chance, cousin," he replied, "I am not a marrying man. However, if you wish it, I will take your hand, and smile, and hope all sorts of goods things for you. But He made a long pause there. Hugh was impatient. "But what?" he asked. But I always like to be within bounds, Hugh, and not to throw my good wishes away." "You speak in riddles, and like a cynic as you are." said Hugh. But never mind that. I'm about to ask you something. Will you be my bpat man ? Gladly," replied Varley. That is, if I should happen to be wanted." "Happen to be wanted! You are wanted, cousin. This day month, I tell you, I shall be married." You may, Hugh," replied Varley. There was that in his tone which chilled his cousin's blood, and made him feel a something at his heart that be had never felt since Varley's suspicious suggestions sent him ful lof anxiety to Clara. 0 "Varley," he said, with deep feeling, In Heaven's name. what do you mean ? Do you know of anything that should prevent me marrying Clara Merstham." Varley Shrubsole did not reply^plainly. He seldom did. If you talk of knowing lie said. It is as difficult for me to know that you will not. marry Clara Mers- tham, aa for you to knmv that you wilL More difficult, of course." But you have an idea that I shall not ? "Well perhaps so—a vague one." He had spoken without any great fervour till now. But, seeing that Hugh was much perplexed, and, in- deed, worked up to the proper pitch for something deeper, he suddenly changed his tone for one of inteHse seriousness." "nugh." he said, clutching his cousin by the shoul- der, if I tell you something that you should know, will you take the news calmly, and not hate me for bringing it ? Hugh's ruddy countenance grew absolutely pale and he turned his large, clear blue eyes full upon his cousin with a vacant stare of wonder. Something that I ought to know," he said. "What is it ? Out with the truth, man if you. have such a thing about you; only, cousin, I warn you.. Bring me no idl& tales-no suspicions ? I bring you nothing but facts," was the reply. Will you hear them patiently I will," said the young farmer hoarsely. "Then here they are," continued Varley. You are aware that I am acquainted with most of the officers at the depot here, and amongst them, with one Lieutenant Spanker, a great friend of Cecil Dash. wood's." "Yes, yes, go on. What, of that V Why, that I have heard some strange news of Cecil Dashwood. He was to marry a cousin of his-au heir. ess. She is dead." What of that"' asked Hugh, What has all this rigmarole to do with me He spoke boldly. But a terrible fear was upon him. It has this to do with you. He has written to Spanker to say that he is now free to play his old game. Those are his very words. Spanker read them 'm me from the letter—a letter full of other stuff that you would not care to hear." And what is his old game ?" asked Hugh simply. Can't you see ?" said Varley. Will it be plain to you when I tell you that he talks of again visiting South Mailing, where, he says, he has an outstanding account to settle with Captain Messtham ?" "What account 1" A hostile one, as I ^understand it." ¡ "What, a challenge'?" „ Ko,—a deeper revenge. Plainly, Hugh rf you will have it. Cecil Dashwood is coming to South Mailing again to pursue Clara Merstham. And what, do you think, will be tiie rog^ilt, us *dui "■ "<. f <f That we shall see," replied Varley. But it were wise of you to be beware ui his influence over Ciara- He is a dangerous man." Yes," said Hugh, bitterly. He is. But the danger' is on his side. I do not fear for Clara. But should f come across him. there will be mischief, if, as you say., he contemplates further villany." "He does contemplate it, lie will endeavour to compass it," replied Varley. I know enough of Cecil Dashwood to know that "And when," asked Hugh, is this man expected to arrive ? When will he be iu South Mailing ?" "This week, I believe," said Varley. "He was on the continent when he wrote. But he spoke of return- ing to England immediately. I tell you to beware of him, cousin. I have known cases were old loves have been revived, and new ones thrown to the winds. Therefore, I say, beware!" Listen to me, Varley," said the young farmer. You tell me to beware. Now, 1 have no more fear of Clara falling again under this rascal's influence than I have of falling beneath it myself. S/i« is safe enough, 1 would stake my life upon it. But as to him, I say that he needs warning. You can Live it to him, if you please, or to his friend Spanker for him. Let him keep clear of Clara Merstham Varley Shrubsole turned away. He had sail enough, and he saw that, although his cousin affected to treat the expected arrival of Cecil Dashwood as something that could bring harm only to himself, he was, in truth, deeply concerned at the news and not so happy in the prospact of his marriage with Clara as he had been be- fore the conversation took place. arley's envious, cynical nature gave him a deep sense of enjoyment at this, and le was satisfied with his success. On the very day that ilugh Greswold had taken, as it were, his first firm step iu the path of rOBei. he, Varley, had planted a thorn there that he knew was already rankling in his cousin's flesh., lie left him, and as he was upon terms of intimacy with Captain Merstham and his daughter, he thought, he would pay them a visit. He felt that he had a. secret in his breast that Clara would like to know, and it gave him pleasure to study her under such circum- stances. He did not hurry himself, however, and he took the Invest road. Something induced him to go by the way that led from the fields to the Grove of Elms. He crossed the stile, and walked leisurely along tha grove, between the tall trees musing, wondering whe. ther this match between Hugh Greswold and Clara Merstham would really come off. As he did so, he was suddenly made conscious of tha presence in the grove of two persons. One was a. slim elegant man, with a light sweeping moustache, and a distingue air; the other was a small, silly-looking country boy, who stared up in the gentleman's face with a ludi- crous expression of doubt as he listened to something upon which he was receiving instructions. Varley walked on till he reached this pair. He ob- served that at his approach the gentleman paused in his seeming instructions, and stared at him with an ex. pression that betokened doubt. He passed on, how- ever, merely repaying the stranger by a glance as search* ing as his own, and he left the lJroveof Elms intending to enter Captain Merstham's house. His hand was all but on the gate when he paused again. No," he said. I believe that man in the grove U Cecil Dashwood- I will see." He lingered near the head of the grove, till, to his great gratification, he saw the country boy approach- ing. I will see what I can make of this boy." he said. If that should be Cecil Dashwood# I think I know his errand." The boy turned the corner of the grove, and ran full against Varley Shrubsole, who, after looking at him severely, spoke Where are you going, boy ?" he said. And what is that you are holding so carefully under your smock frock ?" The boy looked foolish, and Varley could hear tha crumpling up of something that was undoubtedly paper. Come continued Varley. "Answer me What is that you are hiding ? Quick, boy. speak The messenger made an effort to escape but Variey had him by the collar. "I know what it is," said the captor. You have a letter there." Yees, sir," replied the alarmed youth. it be a let- ter, sir." Then let me look at it." But I musn't, sir. I'm going we it to Captain Mustum's and I'm not to give it to any one but the lady there." What lady." Miss Mustum. And did the gentleman I saw you witlt Sa t2tftgK8M| give it to you 1" "Yees, sir." "Very well," said Varley. "That will do. You may go now, and deliver it." But I aint to deliver it at the house, air. I'm tow; till I sees the lady, and to beckon to her "Oh I" said Varley. And is the genjjeUNt to for an answer ?" "No, air, but he's to come bp;" to morrow; tad then, if I do what he told me^ca to Wf. crown." To morrow, at this time ?" "No, air. At dusk." Varley was quite satisfied. He left the boy, telling him to be sure and earn his half-crown, and walked at once to the gate of Captain Merstham's cottage. He found Clara at home alone; that is, Capfeaia Merstham was absent in town upon some businoM possibly connected with his military inventions. She received him graciously enough, but it was quit* evident that she had no great love for Hugh Gre3.. wold's dark cousin. She talked common.places to him, merely, and she offended his vanity by a kind of calm lofty indifference to his smartest sayings, ? of a word passed between them about Hugh Greswold and tha marriage that was arranged for that day month. They were sitting in a parlour that commanded a view of the road, and Clara was nearest the window. After she had fixed her eyes intently upon something she saw through the window, she rose from her seat, and said as though to herself. What can that boy be beckoning and grimacing about, I wonder ?" Varley rose, too, and he observed that the boy ceasei to beckon, and even turned his back upon the cottage. Varley therefore resumed his seat. There he is, again," said Clara. It's very strange, what can the boy want ?" "Perhaps you had better see," said Varley. I will," she replied. But why does he stand there instead of ringing the bell ?" "Boys are proverbially foolish—especially country boys,' said Varley. But if I were you, I should g(. to the gate myself. The servant may misunderstand him." Ah, true," returned Clara. Perhaps hehas been sent by my father." She left the room, and went to the gate. Varley wa,t,ched from the window. He saw the letter taken from beneath the boy's smock-frock, and placed in Clara's hands. Then he stepped hastily back to his seat, for Clara had turned round, and was looking with a strange agitated stare at the superscription. He bad to wait some time before she re-appeared in the parlour. When she did so, he saw plainly enough that some deep absorbing thought bad taken possession of her mind. Her face, too, was flushed, and her eyes looked as though a tear or two had passed them sine* he last saw her. But more ominous than all, she did not say a word about the letter. Varley was too polite to mention it; and indeed, he had his reasons for not doing so. He feigned a aeces- eity for his departure, and he left the cottage. She will be there! he said to himself as he walked from the house. She will meet him in the Elm Crova to morrow at dusk! I know it. That night he kept his secret to himself. He hugged it he enjoyed it, he determined to use it. Upon, whom ? With what purpose ? To save Clara? No. He had a deeper plan in bis mini He would bring about the catastrophe 1 It was a misehief that he liked a kind of revenge upon his cousin who dared to be, happy- «I will tell Hugh of this," he said, at the eleventh, hour. He shall know it in time to see with his owak eyes what his stubborn confidence in OUra will not let him believe without the plainest proof. I will eead him to the Elm Grove at clusk to morrow." With this secret in his breast, he rose on that Sep- tember morning which saw the opening of our etory. With it, he left his lodgings in South Mailing ani wandered leisurely across the fields till he came upon. Hugh Greswold ignorant of the terrible blow thyt was so soon to fall upon him and tratupiag happily enough over the stubbles with his dogs and his gun. Then the time was ripe. Then he bad his triumph. He sent his cousin to the Blrn Grove, and his etmoua cvnical soul was glad. Pomethmg may come of this that will do me good," he thought. Something did come of it. But whether good M'ttl came to Varley Shrubsole for his paina remains-to *»• told. v Z70- kM L