The Cardiff Times

TOBACCONISTS COMMENCING.—See Illd. Guide 159 pp. 3d. Tobaccouistal Co., 196, Buston-rd, London

PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARRANGE- MENT. A SLAVE OF THE RING. A Romance of a Miner's Life. By J. MONK FOSTER. Author of A Pit Brow Lassie," The Queen of the Factory," A Miner's Million," "Chil- dren of Darkness," li The Lass that Loved a Miner," The White Gipsy," Through Flood and Flame, TheMinemaster'a Daughter," Judith Saxon, the Miner's Daughter," "The Watch- man of Orsden Moss," &c., &-c. SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CHAPTERS. Chapters I. to III.—In the colliery town of Ashlynton, Paul Massilon, a clever and ambitious young under-manager at the Myrelands Colliery, loves Mary Stanley, a factory hand, but a beauti- ful young coquette. He declares his love for her, and at the same time tells her he has found employment for her father and brother at the White Crow Pit. She is grateful for his kindness, but tells him she cannot be his wife as she only cherishes for him friendship instead of love. As they are talking news arrives that the White Crow Pit has fired, and there is con- sternation at once in the town. CHAPTER IV.—Arrived at the pit, Paul and a number of volunteers descend and find a num- bar of dead bodies. Pursuing their investiga- tions they come across a quantity of miners' clothes, and then find Ben and Job Stanley behind a fall of roof, but alive. Efforts are put forth to rescue them. CHAPTERS V. A VI.—Paul and his chief, Mr Baldwin, having done all they could for the mine, have an interview with their employer, Mr Jonathan Myrelands, who, now that the mischief has been done owing to an ill-ventilated mine, has contributed a hundred guineas towards the relief of the sufferers. They give a graphic picture as to the state of the mine, and he pro- mises to get it righted. CHAPTERS VII. & VIII.—Paul, besides being a clever under-manager. is also a smart novelist in raining matters, and becomes a lion in the colliery town. He is invited to several fashionable parties, and attends the Infirmary Ball- H it surprised to meet there Mary Stanley, and he extracts from her a promise to become his wife. CHAPTERS IX. & X.—Paul receives a letter from seme unknown writer warning him against Mary Stanley, and telling him to be at a certain place and he will discover what a heartless woman ahe is. He attends, and witnesses a meeting be- tween Mary and a man named Grant. She tells Grant that she loves him, but she has promised to marry Massilon. The love of the latter is turned to hate at the discovery. CHAPTER XI. The Day of the Gala. Ten or a dozen days hail gone by since Paul Massilon, crouching like a spy in the shelter of ths bushes at the toi; oi' the riverside steps, had satisfied himself of the falsity and hollowness of Mary Stanley's liy.4 and heart; and each of those days had been a trial and temptation to him. Only those who hare passed throngh the scorching xiaiu' of a like ordeal can realise all his sorrow and despair, his poignant solf-torluro and utter wretchedness. For the time being all the sweetness and lifit, seemed to have gone out of Nature, and life no longer held anything worth the fighting for. In the days chat followed on the heels of his disenchantment a hundred schemes—all of them equally wild and foolish—were decided upon nastily and abandoned almost as hurriedly. Now lie would resolve upon writing to Harry Grant, asking for either a confirmation or a, denial of all he had evor heard that night. a little reflection had brought forcibly home to him the utter folly of such a. proceeding. Whatever young Grant's shortcomings might be lack of love for Mary Stanley was assuredly not one cf them. The son of the millowner, whose failure was then the talk of the tOWII, was devotedly attached to the frail llea-nty who had at one time worked in his father's mill and after that thrill- ing and dramatic scene Paul had witnessed that night near the river there was no reason to sup- pose that Harry would withdraw one word he said in auger, yet deadliest earnest. For good or for evil Hairy Grant was master of the fair factory lassie-as he had put it so brutally and coarsely, and yet how truly she was his, body aud soul, for ever. After that what man could step between them Nav, what man who cared for his own manhood aud honour would care to do so ? Then Paul had resolved to meet Mary as had been his custom—had determined also to say that ha had heard she was with Grant on that memor- able night. If he did so how would she meet that statement ? Deny it altogether, or attempt to explain away bath the meeting and the damn- ing words. Explain those intolerable innuendoes away No, no. Not even an angel from 011 high could do that. Then in a revulsion of passionate feeling he made up his mind to go to Mary and throw the whole naked truth in her face. But even feen that course he withdrew shudderingly. In spite ,of all his strength of will, liis calmneaa of judg- ment, and abhorrence of hyppcrisy, he knew that if he met Mary he would bs as wax in her fingers. His great, his overweening, affection would maks him plastic as unbaked clay in her dt-ft haVids. The upshot of all this tribnlation and medita- t, on ivas that lie never saw her at all for many days. Instead of seeking Mary he avoided all those place where she was Jikely to oe seen, In tho morning ho went to work so early or so 12Lte that the chance of encountering bar was reduced to a minimum, and in the evening, when he fared forth at all hia walks took him beyond the places common to her feet. With the passing ef a oouple of weeks peace of a kiad came back to the sorely-troubled soni of the miner. Deep down in his heart tho embers of his ill-starred passion were still smouldering, but he had so far recovered from his enervating lieart sickness a to be able k> smile grimly, cynically, mirthlessly, at the whole of the miser- able serio-comic play. One day about thin time Massilon was sitting in his own little private room at his comfortable lodging?, whsn the kindly Fates sent him a visitor to drag him away from his morbid musings. It was an hour after noon, and the warmth and glory of a perfect day in the beginning of July were over the land. Paul waa reading, and now and again, as his eyes wandered from his hcok they alighted upon many small things that brought back to him the vision of a shapely gracious shape, and a. radiantly fair face. Those ornaments on the mantle, those pictures on the wail, that mahogany bookcase in tha corner had been purchased for the home he and Mary were to share—and now A spasm of pain clouded his fine, strongly-marked features, and he turned almost angrily to the book he was reading. He was poring still over the work in his hands when a quick rat-tat at the street door was heard. Paul paid no heed to the knock—did not even turn his head when the door of his own chamber was opened; but when a cheery voice cried out his own name he turned quickly to find Phil Lawrence at his elbow. I Phil peisuaclei Paul logo io the yaW. Hello, Paul, old man, how are you ? Bat what are you doing stewing here over a book on a day like this ?" There is nothing to go ont for," Phil. Isn't there, when the whole of the jolly old town is out of doors when bands of music are parading the streets, and every manner of fun and sport is a-foot. Jqmp up, get you dresaad, and let's be off to the Park Gala together." I don't care much for yonr programme. Phil," Massilon responded with a yawn. Galas are not in my way, and I'd rather natts the after- noon vith my book." il Norsense. To doze here on a splendid day isn't living, you know. Chuck that book, aud come out and enjoy yourself." But them is nothing at tho gala. That sort of thing iR only fit for children and old women." I- Nothing at the gala, eh ?" and Phil laughed pleasantly. •• There is someone there you'd like to see." What ?" cried Paul, with his keen glanca upon his friend' fftce, and wondering for an iu. atant if Phil knew of his affair with Mary Stanley. Perhaps I ought to have said," Lawrence answered with a. smile at the other's uurprho, that there will be someone in the Park who will be very pleased to see yon, Paul." W'ho do you mean ?*' Who can I mean but that fair eonsin of mine, upon whom you seem to have produced such an abiding impression ?" Miss Heywood ?" Of course. Maggie tells me that she has seen very little of yon lately, and is wondering hugely as to what sbe can have done to frighten you away from Milton Lodge." I have been out very little lately, Phil." All the more reason why you should go out now on a day and an occasion like this. Don't you think, old chap, that you have just the least tendency to take life a wee bit too seriously ?" Perhaps I do," Paul replied lowly, with an introspective shadow in his dark eyes. I am quite sure you do so j nmp up, get ready in quieksticks and come along. I pro- mised Miss Heywood that we would see them at the Gala between two and three." See them," Paul echoed. li WTio will be with Miss Heywood ? Someone I know No. But someone I know," Phil cried with glad eyes. Miss Clifford is an old friend of my cousin's, and some day, my dear Paul. I am hoping to make her my wife. I love her, old chap, ana I think she knows it. So you will understand why I want you to come with me." To play gooseberry, I suppose," Massilon ex- claimed laughingly. while you and your in- amorata inalke eyes and soft speeches to each other, eh ?" Put it any way you like, Paul, so that yoa hurry up and come." So I will, Phil," Massilon said in a sudden fit of resolution. Sit down and make yourself at home, and I'll be ready in a jiffy." Lawrence dropped into a chair, and the miner went to dress with a new thought swimming in his brain. Why should he deny himself all the small pleasures of life because of one false woman ? Why look upon the world so seriously when there was so much food for laughter ? Was she for whom ho had fretted his soul worth a passing thought of his Half an hour after this Paul Massilon and Phil Lawrence were malting their way across the old Market-square, as well-dressed and well-looking a pair of young fellows "s all Ashlynton could I show on that fair gala day. Paul was chd in a suit of grey tweed and brown hat, which set off his shapely figure and dark face to perfection; and the suit of chocolate-hued stuff Lawrence was wearing suited his fair face and slim form nicely. As Phil had remarked, all the good folks of the town seemed out in the sunshine. All the shops in the principal thoroughfares were closed, and hundreds of people, all attired in their Sun- day clothes, were hurrying in the direction of the Public Park, which lay a short distance westward of the Market Place. Gala-day was one of the institutions of Ash- lynton. For years it had been customary to hold an oper-air fete in the Park, and upon the ape pointed time each cotton mill, worKshop, an:1 coal mine in the district was closed, so that the workers might attend the annual summer festi- val. Sports and pastimes of various kinds were Erovided for the visitors, who—if fine weather lesaad the occasion—swarmed in to the number of twenty or thirty thouamd. A small charge was made, but all paid freely, for all the profits of the gala went to tho funds of the local infirmary. The Ptiolia Park at Ashlynton was yet in an embryonic state. It had been in existence for only halt" a score of years, aud had been con- structed on a piece of turfy, shrubless, and tree- less soil. The Pork Jacked all that grace which massive ialt-folig2.gec1 trees alone can give to a spot, and the pleasure that one may find under such a groen leafy shelter. The saplings planted here and there along tha eclgo of tho wslfea were yet but poor unhedged things that abott as much shade as a lainp-posi but the level lawn-like stretches of grass v.'ere preen and cool and refreshing to look upon, and tho flowar beds set here and there in the sward ware masses of vivid colour. Through the ornamental poraon of the Parlt a narrow sheet of water .ran for a few score yards, dotted with tiny islands, c-ach one having a separ- ate colony of aquatic fowls. A couple of stately swans swam on the breast of the lake, at one end cf which a landscape gardener had set himself to ape nature in the construction of a waterfall but it would have been a gross piece of satire to have called his effort a success. A short distance from the lake an ornate fountain of painted iron reared itself in the air it played on gala, dltYB and on other occasions, when someone made a mistake and turned on the waier. Round the ha.sin of the fountain a spiked iron railing had been placed by order of the corporation, for fear that some desperate urchin might attempt to slako his thirst if the water were left i;nguitrded. On some risirg ground, hpJf a hundred yards from the fountain, stood ;he paviliov. the ugliest excresenee of brick, iron, and glass that ever an architect spawned. Shaped somewhat after the fashion of a, Chinese pagoda, it lacked the airiness and grace one expected to llnd in such a style of building, and to make up the details of the structure a virioty of styles of architecture had been introduced, the result being a mongrel thing, that stood like a huge red ecab 'mid the soft green stretches of velvety sward and flower beds—a perpetual eyesore to every person of taste. A light iron st.f^way ran up one aide of the pavilion to the roof, whero one might stand and view Ashlynton s cotton mills and coal pits. Through each of the four entrances to the Park a stream of people was pouring, and all towards the western ijjde of the ffronnas, where the sports and amusements were just com- mencing. The west end of the Park was bounded by a railway etnb&nkmeut,and alongside the rail- way slope was a large stretcU of ronga grass, un- adorned by cither i'cv.ev bed or tree. At one corner a largo plat form had been erected, and thereon were to appear tie ariisies from the music hall in the tOWil, already Prof. I Duemain, ni his marvellous snteria.inr.ient of magic and Htyatery, was delighting a large crowd of auditors and sightseers. ¡ A great ring of gross had been enclosed by. a low fence, and therein were to take foot, {\ü,;b7. and bicycle races, jumping and wrestiing matches, football games, tugs of war, and pole- I leaping and even now the bell was ringing for 11 I the course to be cleared for the first racc. A few minute:! afterw.idn half a score of limber youths I' were bounding lieetly over the grass, each one eaiier to win the honour of first J)ll",e and tho piece of gold offered as a prize. Wha,t shouts greeted the straining laeti4 as they n eared the ¡ goal. Goo on, Dick 11 Wire in, Sam t. Good lad, Tack the pitmen cried, each ex- horting his favourite to further effort. There were now ten or twelve thousand people in tho park. JYom every district and vilh;;rc I surrounding Ashlynton a contingent of plensuro- seekers had come, and the sun seldom .'lazed upon a more gaily dressed and happier assem- blage of people. They who labour ligra alone I know how to enjoy a holiday. Their tastes may not be so refined, their p,ec,.sr,-re so ^stheti-j RS I those of superior folks, but their c^oyment is and hearty, and ho is tll,) cheapest d all philosophers who sneers, or affects to sneer, at those wno are out for the day." Here and there refreshment tents iiad keen erected, and the gaily-striped aw-i-ga lent colour I and pleasant effect to th,) scene. Swings, gal- vanic butteries, Aunt Sallies," stalls for the sale of nuts, cakes, ices, and lemonade, dotted the grass at intervals, aud the laughing, boister- ous crowds of younjc people that filled the inter- spaces made the Pari: sesm like a hng3 fair ground. Three bands located in different pitrts of the grounds played selections of music, suid there was a mighty grumbling amongst the younger folk because therd wan to he no dancing until nearly dusk, and the gentlemen responsible for it received many blessings, couched in the ex- pressive if rough and quaint vernacular of Lanca- shire. Among the great and constantly augmenting gathering of peopla Paul and Phil made their way leisurely, exciting not a little comirent from one and another of tho throng they walked amid. Most people anpoared to know something of the Ji glit-hcartsd son of the local brewer, and many of the men and youths present ac me gala iiad worked with Paul in the various mines the greater portion of his working life had boon passed in. Hither and thither the two young men strolled. Phil enjoyed the stir aud excitement immensely, he declared, and even Massilon with his lacerated heart found some pleasure in watching the gay crowd at play. Such a day, he knew from ex- perience, was a bi-calt in the monotony of their dtill lives, and they would bend their necks to the yoke of labour more willingly on the merrow because of that briei interval of pleasure. Phil's eyes were restless Pn the fluttering of tha wind-shaken leaves. Here, there, his "lance darterl in quest of his cousin and her friend, and the eyes of Massilon were not less vaprant. But the miner was not locking for Miss Heywood 1t11d Miss Clifford. Somewhere among those thousands of human beings scattered about the Park he felt thtlot Mary Stanley was moving with her fair face and her false tongue, carrying herself like an uncrowned queen of beauty, otlicl probably won- dering greatly ac to hii own whereabouts and acts. What interpretation, ha wondered, bad she put upon his own absence frot- her side, and his silence respecting the same ? Was it possible that she had learned some inkling of the truth, and in consequence had refrained from writing to him and putting herself in Ilia ^-y ? They were strolling on the high ground near the pavilion when that thought struck him. and just then his friend put hiB reverie to rout by tapping him smartly on the arm. What is it, Phil ?" Paul asked. You know Harry Grant, don't yon ? His governor wont bankrupt the other week, you re- member awfully bad job for Harry, too. Well, there he is down among the crowd; and that splen- did looking girl we saw him with at the ball is with him again." With his heart in his throat, and his teeth upon his lip, Panl glanced in the direction Phil pointed. It was Mary Stanley, looking ravish- ingly beautiful, in the palest of pink gowns, which fitted her fine undulating figure liko a glove, and at her elbow was the handsome, reckless looking man Paul rcmembcrod so well. They wero standing face to face-ms if they had just met-in tho niddlo of ODO' of the hra.d walks and tho surpassing fairness of the girl and the distinguished appearance rf her com- panion made the well-favoured pair the cynosure of all tho eyei about them. You know hor. I believs, Paul Lxwrerce remarked, as he watcher) his friend stare at the pair below in silence. At least my cousin told me you did." Yes, I know her," Massilon said impressively, controlling his voice and countenance with a great effort. Shall we wove, Phil "jTot yet, Paul. Maggie a.nd Miss Clifford promised to moot me here. See Harry stnd the girl h&vo Pat-tea and she ia coming this way. You might give me an introduction, old chap." I'd as soon think of introducing you •« the devil," Mii^silon cried passionately, his aucl' mastering his prudence fo" tba moment. Paul. I IDean that I Ji.-jlike the girl, Mld do not know hoi- sufficiently to present you. She is on'y a roW girl—and I happen to know her taocftU.5<4 her father and brother worv. under me. That is all, Phil." The look Phil bent upon his companion was L,, ore pointed than any question could be. but he was discrecl; enough to say no more just then. Instead he (Irol-, "ii upon one of the long garden stvita near at land and with a set and slightly a disturbed faci Paul followed his example, Paul," Phi) remarked after a short silence, the youiifj lady is standing at the top of the 'ii.eps now and is looking constantly this way, j Perhaps Rh« wishes to sneak to yon." Involuntarily Paul's eyes were turned, and in a moment be and Mary were staring at each other. Then she signed for him to approach, and with a hurried word to his friend ne stalked, white- faced and stern-eyed, to her side. You wish to speak to me, Miss Stanley ?" His tones were dispassionate, though his look I was forbidding, and when he looked her full in the face he saw t?:st her lips were ashy and I tremtJous. What is the matter, Panl ?" 8h a/sked, with a deep catching cf her broaib. Nothing," he said coldly. Nothing. And yet after asking me to be yocr wife you have never been near me for a fort- night or more. What does it mean she (1.. inanded. It rusan-i that I made a mistake, and that I have rectified it before it is too late. Is that sufficient ?" His keen dark eyes were fixed in a close piercing scrutiny upon her own luminous orbs of soft grey, as if he would look through them into the innermost recesses of her mind, and read all that was written there. She saw his glance, felt it also, and shivered for an instant. Then she was mistress of herself again, and she exclaimed with an affectation of pain and indignation. No. It is not sufficient. I wish to know more. You have changed. Why ? Who has been telling you things about me ? Tell me, Paul. Give me a ohanee to explain and defend myself." There is nothing to explain," he said coldly. Only understand this. All is at an end between us for ever. I wish you good afternoon." He mised his hat a.nd hurried away, fearful that his courage to be cruel might melt er the glamour of her wondrous beauty aud starry eyes. Once he half-turned when he heard her whisper his name, but remembering Harry Grant he hurried on as if he were flying from temptation. CHAPTER XII. The Winning of Margaret. It was dusk now, and the last glimpses ot the dying day were slowly dying on the western rim of the horizon. One of ths bands was playing the last dance, and madny hundreds of pairs of gyra- ting figures were footing it merrily on the green sward and many thousands more were lying and sitting in all postureig and directions on the grass, waiting for the last morsel of entertain- iiient-the fireworks, with which display the gala was to conclude. High up out of the hurly-burly, on a long seat 011 the green mound whereon the flagstaff towered with its fluttering pennon onr friends were senLted-Paiil Marsilon and Miss Heywood —side by side, and Phil La-yrence with his eager earnest, elever face presaeil dangerously near the soft satiny cheal. of Miss Clifford, his cousin's friend. I have done with yw. After taking leave of Mary Stanley so abruptly Paul had contemplated beating a complete retreat from the field, desirous of nothing at the moment but the peace of his own room. Bnt Fate, in the person of Phil Lawrence, willed it otherwise. In a minute hig friend had him by the arm, and was leading him where his destiny—Margaret Heywood—-and her pretty friend, Miss Clifford, were standing. After that Paul took his courage in bis lianas and crave himself up to the joy and gaiety of the hour. Whatever Phil or either of the- lacucs suggested he agreed to readily, and the whole of the afternoon was spent in riffiug the gala of its pleasures. Here and there this four of them strolled now watching on the edge ef running and jnmping, pole-leaping and other sports within then they would sit on the grass ancl witness the clowning of the mnsic hail artistes on the rough stitge; aud later would repair to one or other of the refreshment tents to refresh themselves. Hither, thither they wandered, happy and eye- less as any of the huge multitude, and when twilight came and dancing began, Phil and Miss Clifford. Paul and MiBS Heywood, had joined in the great eddying circle of dancers, and tripped it lightly and merrily with the best. 4 Tired now with the lieat and restless activity of the day, they were rssting themselves a little apart from the fagged host which ntilI crowded the Park. Many times during the afternoon Paul had seen the fair woman he had asked to be his wife, and on each occasion the graceful and graceless son of the bankrupt mill owner was at her elbow. „ That sight bad the effect of making Paul un- commonly attentive to MJSB Heywood* &nd he was not slow to notice the joyful eagerness with wil;cll his attentions wero received. Her dark eyeo lit up wondrously when he whispered some compliment in her ear, aud whenever their hands met the velveiy olive of her cheeks reddened deeply like the heart of a rose. Sitting there with Margaret Heywood beBiue him, Massilon found himself mentally contrast- ing and comparing the woman be might win with the woman he had lost. In looks alonehaa Mary Stanley the advantage of Maggie Hey- wood in all other respects tha beauteous mill girl was indubitably inferor to the young mistresH of Milton Lodge. One was a woman of education and refinement, was handsome and accomplished, had a com- fortable home of her own and a snug xortune which wonld maintain them in a respectable way —would even enable him to leave the mines and devote himself solely to his well-loved literary work As for Mary, she had little save tier beauty and that she had surrendered to another man. All those thoughts flitted through Paul Maa- silon's brain as he lounged there at Margaret Heywood's side, lazily smokiug the pipe he had craved permission to light, and now and again exchanging a word with his menus. Presently a muffled rOllor rose from the waiting throngs as a dozen roekets soared 1nt01.be wel- kin, and bursting at a great height, filled the air with a. starry host of luminous many-coloured glittering bubbles. I Then tho pyrotechnic spectacle begau, and for a. quarter of an hour tho dark masses of expec- tant people, the railway embankment and shadowed park, were ]it up suddenly and then plunged into gloom by the glittering corusca- tions of fiery projectiles, whoso glory was evanescent) ItS the darkness that followed their extinction. t At last the ebb and flow of lignt and snade caused, and as the bands began to play "God save tho Queen," the satiated thousands flocked home- ward. Then our four friends turned out of the north gate of the park and made their way aerosa the fields towards the home of Mies Heywood, where Miss Clifford bad arranged to stay for a. week or so. Miss Clifford's home was on the Cheshire side of the Mersey, and Miss Heywootl remsirkcd as they walked leisurely through the fields, with the cool delicious air of the sleeping snmmer lands about them, You have been somewhat pe- culiar in your, manner today." li Peculiar L he retorted, with & little start. In what respect, Miss Heywood ?" Your strangouess." she answered quietly, in a tone of apology, was much easier to notice than it is to describe. Sometimes yeu were very thoughtful—depressed looking almost; at other times yon were gayer than any of us recklessly, unnaturally gay, I thought. You were thinking of something unpleasant, I could see.. I was ha said, sternly. Bnt your trouble has vanished now, Mr Mas- silon 1" r Her voice was attuned to the deepest note of sympathy, her small hand tightened, perhaps un- consciously, on his arm, and her sweet, dark fee turned to him with an appealing look upon it, as she voiced that question. Not qnite, but it is vanishing," lid said, a little bitterly. V I was thinking of one of your sey, MiGS Heywood, whose words were as flimsy as those firework st»rs, and wondering where one must look to find the trne wonisn one reads about m the pages of fiction." Are true women so rare ?" Perhaps not, bnt the man who begins life by making a mistake in a woman is likely to be prejudiced against the whole sex for the m? mainder of his days." One false woman cannot spoil the world," she said, very lowly and gravely. 'l'b. is true, and some day on honest woman may wipe out the bitter impression the other cue has made 1" She made no reply, and alienee foil upon them far a space. w«w thinking ana looking alueacl whero tho figures of Phil Lawrence aoa Miss Clifford wexe y&gnely outlined in the semi- darkness of the fadd*- Suddenly Paul spoke, and she noted a new tous iu his toiies. Do you know what I am wondering about now, MiJss Heywood ?" he demanded lmOi8t gruffly, with hs eyes upon her fine profile. I cannot imagine I" elie protested, but her voice was uncertain,and her fingers were gripping his Arm again. I was wondering," he said in a strange voice, in which bove, fear, cyliiciuin, were curiously bUnt, if you would think me merely an impettinent ass or a inad fool wholly if I asked you to be my wife." Paul I" She had dropped his arm, had stopped sud- denly, a.nd was standing before him with a white, wondering face. I mean it," he said grimly, Am lass or fool ?" Dear Paul, I love you I" she sobbe(l,ancl when he took her in his arms and kissod her be saw that she was crying. ( To be cotilinum.)

AGRICULTURE IN WALES. An interesting meeting was recently held at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, when, in response to an invitation issued by a committee of present students of agriculture, a large number of those who had previously studied in that department assembled to hold a reunion meeting. There were present Principal Roberts, Professors Anwyl, Edwards, Lewis, and Murray, and Mr A. E. Brooke Hunt, the inspector from the Board of Agriculture, who happened to be in Aberystwyth at the time, together with about 70 students from the counties of Merioneth, Mont- gomery, Cardigan, Carmarthen, Brecon, and Stafford. Principal Roberts was voted to the chair, and after some preliminary business had been dis- posecl of, the following resolution was proposed y Mr J. G. Davies Pencarreg, Lampater: That it is the wish of this meeting to form a society which shall servo to unite together all who have studied in the agricultural department of the University College of Wales, and to promote the study and development of agriculture, and that such a society be hereby formed." The motion was seconded by Mr Walter Williams, Llanwrda, and was supported by Mr John Roberts, Towyn Mr Evan Hughes, Aberystwyth; Professor Anwyl; Mr Simon Blale, Stafford; Professor Edwards, and Mr Robert William Jones, Bala, and was carried unanimously. Principal Roberts then addressed the meeting. He pointed out the importance of the step which had been taken, and very seriously impressed upon the students the great influence they might exert on the life and work of their severaJ districts through such a society. It was, he said, a per- fectly spontaneous action on the part of the stu- dents, and he expressed his gratification at the spirit which had prompted it, Mr A. E. Brooke Hunt also congratulated the students on the eventful issue of their meeting. A scheme of rules for the regulation of the society was then drawn up, from which it appears that it is to be called the University College of Wales Agricultural Association, and its member- ship is open to all who have studied in the agri- cultural department of tho College. An annual general meeting of the whole association is to be held at Aberystwyth early in March, and the members residing in each county are to form local branches and to hold meetings from time to time. The following office bearers were elected :—President, the Principal of the Col- lege vice-presidents, Professors Middle, ton, Anwyl, and Edwards, Mr John Roberts, jun., Perfoddnant, Towyn Mr Morgan H. Williams, Bankylan, Llanaadwra, Llanwrda; general secretary, Mr J- Alan Murray treasurer, Pro- fessor Lewis local secretaries, Messrs Phillip John Williams, Ffosvgerwn, Brecon; Walter Williams. Bronsram Farm, Lianstdwrn, Llan. wrda; D. D. Evans, Llanio-issaf, Pont Llanio, Cardiganshire Samuel Jones, Neuall(I NLevrydd, Caersws Robert Nathinial Jones, Brynmelyn, Corweu a.nd Simon Blare, Alton Hall, Rugeley, Staffordshire. The otSce bearers to act as a com- mittee. It was agreed that the local associations should Cit-ITY OUt experiments under the direction and organisation of the general secretary, collect local statistics, initiate debates, and should read and discuss together books and originalliaper8 on subjects of agricultural interest and import- ance and they may, if they see fit, combine to purchase manures, implements, etc., at to lowest posible rates, and for any other mutual benefit in accordance with the declared objects of tbe society. The General Secretary agreed to distribute among members of the association copies of pub. liahed reports on field experiments and experi- ments carried ont at the College experimental stations. It was also resolved that an effort should be made to secure the presence at each general meeting of some prominent agriculturist to deliver an address to the members In the everning Principal Roberts held a recep- tion for the members of the association, at which all were liberally supplied with ttja, and other good things. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Principal Roberts and the professors for their kindness and co-operation during the re-union- Later, the students held an entertainment, at which speeches, songs, and recitations were given until, owing to the lateness of the hour, it was found necessary to separate.

NEWPORT GUARDIRNS. The weekly meeting of the Newport Board of Guardians was held at the Town Hall on Satur- day. The chairman (Colonel Lyne) presided. In accardri-ice with notice, Councillor Gower moved that the resolution adopting the report of the Caerleon Schools Committee, which recom- mended that the schools should be continued as a boarding and educational establishment, should be rescinded. Mr Gower pointed out that the continitteehma not carried out the reference, but had started its inquiry with the conclusion that the schools were to be continued as st present.- Mr James Hpskinp seconded the motion."In the discussion which followed Mr John. YOUDR declared that the day of poor law schools was past^Rey. Cbas. A-yliffe said that Dr. Darntktdd was prepared to taks the whole of the children at present in the schools at a charge of 5-3 psi week per child. If it was beneficial for the Catholic and Methodist children to be sent to other homes it would, Mr Ayiiffe stated, be equally beneficial for the other children. Many of the poorest children of Newport had passed through Dr. Barnardo's homes, and were now in Canada and doing well.—-Mr J. Williams, Rogerstone, said that the Wellington, Salop, Board of Guardians, of which ho had been vice-chairniau several yeMs ago, sent their children to public elementary school, with the result that the children had been greatly benefited.—Mr T. Dutllcld said that the time for dealing with the schools was inoppor- tune they should wait until the extensiona to the Workhouse had been completed in order to ascer- tain their exact position.—Councillor Gower's motion was adopted by 21 votes, 10 against and 3 neutral. The Chairman reported that, together with the vice-chairman (Councillor Wheeler), he had watted upon the Local Government Board with reference to their refusal to extend the period of repayments for the loan for the Workhouse ex- tensions to more than 30 years, but the Board had declined to alter its decision. It seamed to him that in practice the Local Government Board says they will do things as they choose. lie should like to see a radical reform of the Poor Law Acts, but the system was so I rotten that both Liberal and Tory Governments were afraid to touch it.—It was resolved to ask for the co-operation of the local members of Parlia- ment.

IT LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION. The annual general meeting of the supporters of the National Lifeboat Institution was held on Saturday afternoon at St. Martin s Town Hall, Cliaring-crosp. under the presidency of the Duko of Leeds. Among those present were Mr Justice Bruce, Sit J. D. Hay, Colonel Saunderson, M.P., Mr Wharton, M.P., Sir Ed. Rirkbeck, and other gentlemen. Mr Ritchie, President of the Board^ of Trade, wrote that he had quite hoped to nave the pleasure 01 asreuumg we meeting, out lie had been unwell, and he proposed, if possible, to leave town. If present he intended to express his sense of the aumirablo work done by the in- stitution in the past. The annual report pre- sented referred to the fact that a Select Com- mittee of the House of Commons had last yeir entirely vindicated aiid justified the institution and its management. It mentioned that the total number of lives for the saving of which the in- stitution granted rewards last year was 659. Of these 5.34 were saved by lifeboats and 125 by snore-boats and other me.ins besides which the lifeboat crews saved 30 vessels. Tho total amount received in 1897 in subscriptions, dona- tions, dividends, etc.. and including the amonnt received from the Lifeboat Saturday Fond, was £ 60,002 18s 2d, a falling off "of £ 14,585 Is 2d as compared with the correspond. ing total of the previous year. The legacies re- ceived amounted to £ 21,1.66 6s lid. The total expenditure for the year amounted to zE78,697 19s 4d. The Chairman moved the adoption of the re- port, and stated that when Mr Goachen presided last year, the institution was undoubtedly going through a serious crisis, which muat have made its friends feel grelve and serious respon- eihilitv. Thoy, however, met those charges at once, aud a Select Committee sat for four months to inquire into them, and after a most exhaustive inquiry it presented a report. No institution could have come out of an inquiry more trium- phantly than this. (Applause.) During the 74 years of its existence, the institution had been responsible for saving 40,474 lires. He urgad that the deficit in subscriptions should soon be wiped out. at, Colonel Saunderson, M-P-: seconded the adop- tion of the report, which was agreed to. t

IFf SMOKELESS COAL FIRING. A large party were invited to witness the new German system of smokele»H ooal firing for steam boilers on Sa.turda.y, at the Grand Junction Waterworks Pumping Station, at Hampton. The object of the (rial was to show the advantages of powdered coal as compared with litree coal. A few years ago Carl Wegener, a German engineer, brought ont a new process for utilising powdered coal,"which was tried with success at Bremen, and amon^ other advantages claimed for it was that there was no danger of explosion, and practically no mok. The only extra cost is that of grind- ing the coal, which will vary Recording to the locality fuid quantities ground, bnt, may be taken at 9s to Is per ton. Th«, system, which has now b3»n introduced into moot Continental countries, was explained on Saturday by Baron Balluseck, )Baron ILacdcubi-,?zk, Mr Drytip Donfoa, and Mr H. Graham Ifeddie., MJ C-E. 5 and ell tbose present exprossod tihcra^slve^ ItjI;ti!tfi.eù with the result of be fi-rs. English pnbHc exponent.

"IT ACTIVITY IN THE SHIPYARDS. The mem Sidy report of this Bolleniwtkars and Iron and Steel Shipbuilders' Society says the shipbuilding trade has not been in so brisk and flourishing a condition for many years. All the yards in all the districts are full of work. Inquiries are very numerous, but builders decline to take further orders for delivery this year. In several establishments there is a scarcity of workmen, end during the past month the society has received mors inquiries for men than have been experienced for a number of year's. In the other brauchos of the trade bridge and boiler building work io also plentiful.

Y GOLOFN GYMREIG. Dymunir i'n Gohebwyr Cymreig gyfeirio eu go- hebiaethau, llyfrau i'w liadolygu, &c., fel y canlyn: Dafydd Morgamvg, Morganwg House, Llantwit-street. Cardiff."

-0 AT EIN GOHEBWYR. "Y Gawod Wlaw."—Ymddengys. Ceirbraw- ddeg yn eich llythyr nad wyf yn hofli-" Er fy holt daerineb i dy orehfygu." Nid gorchfygu ddylai yr amcan fod, ond cael allan y gwirionedd. Gan mai &deryn raudol yw'r Aran (crane), fel y wenol, y mao yn ddigon posibl fod y naill &'r llall yn ymweled â Phalestina yn amser Esau a Jeremiah. Nid wyf am dda-dleu ar y pwnc, dim ond nodi beth ddywed awdwyr enwog am y garan crane, die. Dywed Bnffon, yn ei Na- tural History," fel hyn" The crano is known in every country in Europe, except our own. The Gigantic Crane will frequenty measure seven feet and a half when standing erect, and from the tip of one wing to that of the other fourteen feet ten inches." Yn" Ohambers's Information for the People," vol. i., p. 163, ceir a ganlyn:—"The European crane. In Britain its appearance is now exceedingly rare, though in former times it was well known in many parts of England. Its length is nearly five feet, and its weight about ten pounds." Etto,—"The crane Dutch, kraan; Old German, kraen; Latin, grua. One of the largest wading birds," Ac Dictiona.ry of Birds, by Alfred Newton, 1896. p. 109." Etto,-—" Natural History of Birds, by the Rev. J. G. Wood, M.A., F.L.S., 1875, p. 671. The total length of the crane is about four feet; but is rather variable in point of size." Mae yn arnlwg mai nid y murwennol (martin) yw'r crane gan yr awdwyr a nodwyd. Dyma fel y dywed y Parch. Daniel Silvan Evans, yn ei Eiriadur:— Martin (F. martinet), gwennol, gwennol y tai, mnr-wennol, gwennol y maes, gwennol y meisydd. Marthin, house-martin, gwennol y tai, murwen- nol, gwennol. Sand-martin, gwennol y glenydd, gwenpol y dwr. Rock martin, gwennol y graig." Chwi welwch mai marthin yw'r enw Cymraeg am martin gan y Geiriadurwr enwog. Dyne. ddigon i mi. Y Gydwy'ood."—Cymeradwy. Ymvl Gwisg yr Iesn."—Ymddengys. Yr Hen Fercli Weddw.Tmcidengys ond grepyn fod cymaint yn gwawdio hon. Unigrwydd Crist.Diolch am y darn, a diolch dyblyg am gynnwys y nodyn.

_n. BARDDONIAETH. UNIGEDD. Unigedd a,'i liedd o hyd-yw nwyfianfc Tangnefedd a gwynfyd; Rhyfedd ddidwrvv liefyd, Dor y bedd a phrudd-der byd. Pencader. R' I&FRYN Rkes.

Y TAFOD. Hoyw, gorfiniog arf hyiaod,-gwas enwog Y aciniau yw'r tafod; Geiriau'n biaitb 'e garia'n od 0 hwylui-ein teyrn-aelod. Caerfyvddin. IOAN MTBDDIX.

Y LLYGAD. Dor lvgtcl I tlws berl, llyn deter byw,-a nwyd Dan ael fel tiii gwefrfyw; Tad y gwelediad ydyw, Ac huan bach gwyneb yw. Cwmtwrch. MYFYF. TWECCH.

YR ARTH. Onid ofnaflwy. hyf, nwydwyllt,—rhwydawl Greadur ffyrnigwyllt, Yn crio u ddinag, rhywyllt, Ydyw'r arth, mewii llid ar wyllt ? CTfintwrch. GWELEDYDD.

Y WENOL. Hoenns ferch haf yw'r wenol,—yn Ngwalia'n Angvles ynifadol; Dai&r ia edy ar ol < I'w haddas bynt fiynyddol. Cwmfcwreh. GWELEDYDD.

Y CRWBAN. Creadur cry' ydyw'r craff—grwban gwar, 0 ben gwylit, llygadgraff; Nawdd y brawd, ei onead braff. Tan ymestyn ymostwng—diwy ei dwr I,w daith drwy bob cyfwng; Arwroi yw, 2. drwy'r wlad Drwy wastad eu a&rostwng. Cwmtwrch. GWELEDYDD.

MYFYRDODAU. Yn dy allu bellach ydwyf Am gacl sefyll yn mhob man; Mown temtasiwn pan y byddwyf, Bydd, fy Iesu, imi'n r -,tn. Wrth dy ysfelya cpugcro wnauf; Ond im' gael dy bresenoMeb, Nid oos elyn byth a sa'f. Llwm a thlawd yw'r anial isod Heb rawo-sypiau'r Nefoedd fry; Ffrwythau melus y Cyfamod, Ffrwythau uwch eu prisio sy'. A gaiff crwydryn o waedoliaeth, Un o'n aimheiiyhg&f rai, Eto dderbyn or cynaliaeth Y grawn-sypiau er pob bai ? Eto, Arglwydd, daw tyrflUJoÇhl At yr hen addewid fawr, Am faddeaant sydd i filoedd Yn yr lien vsfcordy lawr. Er gweinyddu i fyrddiynau Y maudeuant yn yr lawn. Mae dy fynwes fawr drwy r oesan 0 r macldenant llawn. So -p-i;.

Y CYMEDROLWR. Wel. dyma destyn newydd, spon, I awsn bardd o'r diwedd, M.I.I. ilitwa adnoddau canig Ion, Nen leddf, 'n ol fel bo'r duedd. Nid oes a wvr yn ia.wn beth yw, MM ansawdcl gudd ei gyllwr Mar anhysbyddol, ond mae'n byw 0 hyd yn gymedrolwr. Mi fum i'n meddwl ambell dro, Wrtli syllu ar y gwton, Ei fod e'n add urn yn y fro, Fel siampt i'w gyfoedion. Fo fedrai alw yn y Swan Bob nos am beint o gwrw, A dyfod allan yn y man,- Ni cheid of byth yn feddw. Fe ddenodd lawer gydag ef I fewn i'r Swan yn con, Profa.sant flys y ddiod gref, Maent crbyn heddyw'n feddwon. A dyma y dystiolaeth sydd Yn ngenau pob ymyfwr:— Rwyf weithian yn melldithio'r dydd OWneR ganlyn cymedrolwr." Mae'r cymedrolwyr, ebai nhw, Yn byw nwchlaw ardystiad, A rhylig, meddant, ydyw'r llw Dirwestol o'r dechreuad. Gwirionia.id ydyw'r bobl sydd Yn rhoi eu bol dan gloiou. Mae gaii bol) dyn ewyllvs rydd I ddewie Uwybrau union. Mi welais ami un o'.r rhai'a yn llithro dros y dibnJ. Maent yn y ffosycld, heb un graeii O batch i wraig 11a pblentyn. O xedd y cymedrolwyr mac Y meddwon oil yn dyfod, Ac yn fy myw nis gallaf lai Kaii gaiw yn ilwynogod, Mi walais gymedrolwr c&ll- CiLll'no. ei dvl) ei Itunitn-- u Yn myn'd i Westdy Tcyrn y rail, Tin hwyr, a'i unig faban; Yn ddifyr iawn ti-culia^ant awr Yn nghwmni y gyfeddach, Y byeban hoffai'r cwmni'n fawr' A rhedai yno'n amlach. Ca/dd fyw i weled ocdran gwr, Ond, Ow! ei flVB am ddiod A gcidw'i deulu dan y (lwr, Dihoeni maent mewn nychdod. Nicl oes tin orig o fwynhad 0 fewn ei lwydaidd fwthyn; Gwussth dilyn ffyrdd cvniedrol dad Y mab i fod yn feddwyn A.rafa, Gymedrolwr. clyw Ddolefus gri y miloedd Sydd wedi syrthio'n ebyrth byw I flva y meddtvol winoedd; E ly(1d doiefus gri'r l'hai hyn Fel marwol meryw bythol Yn poeni'th enflid yn y glyu,- Tro heibio'r cwpan meddwol, Gowerton. CKOO*BYN,

GLOFA NEWYDD CWMYRABER: Eiddo Geo. Insole m'i Feibiop. Tvdi, Cwmyrabcr, yr awrlion crechwena, Gwel arwydd dy gynydd, fe dorodd y ,va.wr; Mae ysbryd antutiacth er lloniant it' yllltl Yn creu eyfnewidiad diluddias yn »wr. Mae "tori'r dvwarchen," nod ail lofa'n siarad Yn <jvyf wrthyfc heddyw am vmbarotoi I dderbyn y fantais addawa'r deffroal, Tra olwyn glo-fasnaeh y lle'n decbreu troi. Ni chft,'dd dy henafiaid, trwy ddrych rhagolygon, Un drern arcab ym» yn anterth dy M j Ev cyrhaedd trysor&u uy gofi'rau cudd, llawnton, Agoriad dfir Uwydcliant droit gan ein boos ru. Cbwi ban ia4 yr agar, gwas wwyrtniol mown gal! u, Fydd Tom i'w glywed tra'n gvveithio n ddlball, Yn airwyn dy olna o'r dyfnder i fynf. Wrth til wad a rbeol badd-amcan diwall. Yn mynwss y Cwmni, fel tynfaen diwyro, Mae grym panderfyniad i gyrhaedd J pod; Qad dyahwel y eorchwyl ad-daliad i eiddo. A mawrlea i'ir Uuoedci fydd hefyd y# d'on. Lie evnt bu ychydig 0 wle&ig broswylwyr, A ttibwya drafodaeth yn ngolwg y byd, Tvrfaoeda 0 weilhwyr a. diwyd fasnaahwyi Yn nghylch dylodswy^idau fydd yma 0 hyd. Er enill yr annoeth o'i gam ali wrthuni I litioll sy'ia arwain i gyrhaedd bri oes, Cyfryngau dysgoidiaeth a themlau addoli Gawn yma gan bleidwyr ffyrdd thinwedd a moes. Cyfalaf a llafur mewn perffaith cydgordiad Fo yma'n ymserchu y naill yn y llall, A'r ineistri a'r gweithwyr, yn nbyn rwyman cariad, Yn paxebu egwyddor gydleaiant yn gall. Perth. J5, OPTWAB EPWABDS.

Knew Him. An old Georgia negro, hearing that his formei master had decided to enlist in the Cuban army said to him- Marse Tom, doan you do no sich fool thing ez dat—doan you do it." Why shouldn't I ?" Kase, Marse Tom "—and here the old man lowered his voice very considerably—" you's got a, touch or de rheumatism, en you can't run pf fast now as you run en-durin' er do war." A Plausible Explanation. Dime Museum Lecturer Yes, ladies and gents this here little insterment is th' indenteccal hatchet George Wash'n'ton used w'en he chopped down his pa's cherry tree. Farmer Kornbrad: Why, it 'pears all worn out! Dime Museum Lecturer Well, you see, George got into pollytics some time after the chern tree eppysode, an' I s'pose he wore it out a-nail- in' in campaign lies A Fatal Oversight. 1 should like to know," began the city editor, as he stepped among his subordinates with fire in each eye, "why-" A noticeable shudder of fear passed through the entire staff. the man who wrote up the dog show never once said that society was going to the bow. wows." From an adjoining room came the sound of < pistol shot and a heavy fall. The culprit had chosen not to survive hia disgrace. His Own Offspring. There was a crowd of excited darkies in a dark alley gathered around two negro boys who had clinched each other and were fighting away for dear life on the ground. There was one negro man present, and he urged the combatants not to give up. Gouge him in de eye, Bill! Sam, if you giva in I'll tan your hide fer yer. If you whip Bill I'se got a quarter fer yer. Chaw de end of hiB nose, Sam." A well dressed gentleman stopped and said to the negro man "You ought to be ashamed of yourself to en> courage those boy a to fight." Why, bogs, dem's my own childruns." Smartly Tricked. A penny" showman was making a great noise at the front of his exhibition concerning the won- ders he had inside, when a man standing in the crowd with a little boy beside him cried out I'll wa#er you five shillings that I can't see a lion inside." Done," said the showman, eagerly pat down your money." The man placed five shillings in the hand of a bystander, and the showman did the same. Now walk this way," said the showman, and I'll soon convince you. There you are," said he, triumphantly look in the corner at that beautiful lion." I don't see any," responded the other. What's the matter with yoq 9" aalged the showman. I'm blind," was the grinning reply and in a few minutes the blind man had pocketed Wi wager. On His Guard. An old sailor was once cited as a witness in » law suit. His nautical friends cautioned him to beware of the tricks of lawyera, who were always intent upon making a witness contradict himself, and thus convict him of being a liar and a per- jurer. This was very alarming to the conscientious old salt, and he was in great trepidation whss called to the box. After being sworn, the first question was What is your name ?" Here was a matter for deep reflection. The sailor was seemingly lost in abstraction until the question was repeated, and then he said slowly Theodorous Bailey." And then he added, explosively If that's perjury, make the most 02 it. I won' gay another word to criminate myself." Her Theory. She is a mild-mannered woman, but she has a vein of sarcasm in her composition which keepe people from presuming too far on her gentleness of speech. She was talking to the milkman. I can't uudersttilIHI," she said, why it is that, if you brings milk in from the country ev^rj day, as you gay, it sours so quickly. itwonlib4 very easily explained if you used milk that eam-F from a distance over the railways, as some dairy* men do." "I can t explain the workitt's of nature, in&'aiii," wao the reply. Milk's going to sow sooner or later." M But this always sours sooner. What I got from you yesterday is curdled new. I'll have te piake-cQttp«a ch6«eQ of wasting it. ilip J#*5 cottage cheese." Have you a well on your farm ?" Of course." Well, you might try an experiment- J shouldn't be at all surprised if the well were re ponsible. Maybe, if you were to try soft watai for a while it would turn out better. You can't expect to get anything but hard water from a well, and possibly it goe3 on getting harder and harder until it turne the milk into whey." A Cancelled Request. Robert Burns's wife, after his death, continued to live at Dumfries, and it was customary foi strangers to visit the place. One day a young Englishman palled upon the widow, and after'h« had seen all that she had to show, the poet's bedroom, his original portrait of Nasmyth, and bis family Bible, he entreated her to present him with some relic which he might carry away with him. Indeed, sir," said Mrs Burns, I have givet away so many relics that I have not one left." Oh, you surely must have something," said the persevering Saxon. II Anything will do- anything you please." Some further altercation took place, the ladj reasserting that she had no relic to give, and h« a3 repeatedly renewing his request. At length. fairly tired out with the man's importunities. Mrs Burns said to him with a smile, Dear sir unless you take me then, I dinna seo bow you ar< to get what you want." Her suggestion had the desired effect, and th petition was at once withdrawn. Very, Very Gay. The utter and absolute inanity of which thi human miud was capable was never better illutf trated than at a four to six; affair in cqlturo4 Boston one day recently. Two apparently sane women met at the r. freshment table and were overheard saying f, each other Are you very gay this wintah ?" Oh, verv. very gay Yes ?" Yes And are you very gay ?" 0, so va-v very ;.{Q.Y," "Yes?" Yes How lovely it is to be so very, very gay." 0, very lovely. 1es Yes I lovt, to be g,-ty." Atid I Yes ?" Yes This outburst of meteoric mental brilliancy evidently exhausted the capacity of each, for thf I conversation ended here in gurgling giggles. The Dog Voted. The ttev. Dr. J. C. Wingo was recently re- elected pastor of the Baptist Church at Carroll- ton by the most unanimous vote ever cast by its It was at the annual church meeting, over which Doctor Fitts was presiding. Qne of the members has a. pet dog that has been taught s number of tricks, one being to rise to his hino legs and walk at the command Stand." Doctor Wingo had retired in order that the church might vote on the question of his re-elec* tion. One brother had moved the re-election oi Doctor Wingo. Another had seconded the motion, and several speeches had been made, while the pug dog, blinking solemnly, sat in th< front part of the church. The question wait called for, and Doctor Fitts put it:— All who are in favour of the re-election ol Brother Wingo will please rise and stand." Everybodv rose, and then the pug dog got nf very solemnly on his hind legs and walked arount in front of the pulpit. Everybody laughed, and then Doctor Wingt was informed that he bad been re-elected by th* unanimous vote of the members and the dog. Fun Enough. If you would enjoy your work, go about it as i it were game you wero set upon winning. cording to an American journal, a certain elf farmer learned this seeret—-which ie not a us" one-while watching two city fellows plet-yint chess. The game was long, and he ventured tt interrupt it. Excuse me, he said, but the object of bott of you is to git them wooden obiects from wlieft they are over to where they ?" That partly expresses it," replied one of ti« players. And yon have to be continually on the look' out for surprises and difficulties ?" Constantly." And if you ain't mighty keerful yort're goill' to lose some on 'em ? iVYei." An' then there's tbat other game that yoi dress up odd tur, an' play with long sticks an'1 dress up odd tur, an' play with long sticks an'1 little ball." •You mean golf ?" I think prob'bly that's what I maaii. Is that game amusm' V '■ It's quite interesting and tho exercise is vetf beneficial." Well, I reckon it's a mighty good joke 0" me." To what do you refer f The way I've been bavin' fun without knowifl anything about it. If you gentlemen reely WROJ to enjoy youvselfs yon come over an' git me to you drive pigs. "5?ou git all the walkin' want, an' tne way you havo to watch for an' figgers so's not to lose 'em, would tickle J* 'most to death." an' figgers so's not to lose 'em, would tickle 1- 'most to death."