Welsh Newspapers
Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles
23 articles on this Page
[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.]
I ji By H. Rider Haggard. 6 Copyright; IfOl, by H. Ryder Haggard. [ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] CB "APTER XL'V.-TEE WAR WITH THE HALA. "{AU PEOPLE. Now, my father, I n ust tell of how TJmsIopo- taasthe Slaughterer anGaJazi the Wolf fared in their w 'a1' against tht People of the Halakazi. When I h. ,,1 gone from < £ ie shadow of the Ghost MoNntain. Uraslopcgaas -uin tnoned a gathering of all his ht stdmen, and told them it wrw his desire th3t the People of '.(he Axe should no longer be a J Sttie people, that :hey should grow rr8:iot and number their ca»a!e by tens of thousands. The headmf Ð asked how this •Tugnfc be brougnt about-woukl ha then make war 3a Dingaan the king ? Umslol )Oga3.S answered no, he would win the favour of tl » king thus and he told them of fcheLiiy maid and of the Haakazi tribe in Swaziland, and of how he would go up against that tribe. No*», some of the Madmen said yea to this and some said nay, and the talk ran high and lasted till th. I evening. But wten the even- ing came Ums'.ap >gaas rose and said that he was chief under the A: te, and none other, and it was his will that the f should go up against the Halakazi. If tht ce was any inaa there who would gainsay his will, let him sfcund forward and do battle with biiu, and he who conquered should order all tail igs. To this thei-e was no answer, for there wt. re few who cared to facu the heak of Groar.-Make r. and so it came about that it was agreed that th e People of the Axe should goupsgainst. the Hal'ikazi, and Um.sl0pcr;aas sent out messengers iio summon every fighting-, man to his side. But when Zinita, his wife, came to hear cf the matter .he was angry, and upbraided UmfJopo- gaas and heaped curste on me, Mopo, whocn she knew only as the mout b of Dingaan, because, as ehe said trulv, I had pDt; this scheme into the mind of the Slaughter* What she went on. do you not live here m peace and plenty, and must you go to make war on those who have not harmed you there, perhaps, to perish, or to come to other ill ? You say you do this to win a<jirl for Dingaan and to tine iavour in his sight Has not Dingaan girls mere than he can countIt is more likely shat, wearying of m, your wivts, you go to get girls for yourself, Bulalio and as for tending favour, rest qU')r.1È, so sh*Jl you find most favour. If the king sevds his impis againwt you, thw it will be time to fight, 0 fool with little Wit i" Tuns Ziaita spoke to him, very roughly—for she always blurted out what ^ras in her mind, and Umslopogaas could not challenge her to battle. So he must bear her talk as beat he migbt, for it is often thus, my father, that the greatest JIll n grow small enough in their own nuts. More ovei, he knew that it was because Zinita loved aim that she spoke so bifccerlv. Now, on the third day til the fighting men were gathers -d, and there might have been two thousand of ubera, good men and brs,ve. Then UmslopcT*8 went out and spoke to them, telhng them of this adventure, and Galasi the Wolf was witn him. Th«y listened silently, and it was plain to see that, as in the case of the headmen, some of tlem thought one thing and some another. T-ien Galazi spoke to them briefly, telliag them that he knew the roads aad the caves and the tlIDnber of the Halakazi cattle but stiM they doubted. Thereon Umslopogaas added Sbass words:— "To-morrow, at the dawn, I, Bulalio, Holder of the Axe, Chief of the People of the Axe, go up against the Haiivkazi, with Galazi the Wolf, my brother. If but "ten men follow us, yet we will go. Now, choose, you soidiers Let those come who wit!, and let rhose who will stop at home with the women ant! the little children." Now a great shorn i rose from every throat. We will go wi fa you, Bulalio, to victory or death So on the morrow they marched, and there was wiling among the women of the People of the Axe. Only Zinita clid not wail, but stood by in wrath, foreboding ev ii; nor would she bid her lord farewell, yet whe l he was gone she wept. Now, Umslopogaas ind his impi travelled fast and fw, hungering acd thirsting, till at length thoy eame to the land ..t the Umswazi, and after a while entered the tenltory of the Halakazi by a high and narrow pass. Tho fear of Galazi the Wolf was tbat they should find this pass held, for though they had har rued none in the kraals as they went, and taken or jy enough cattle to feed themselves, yet he knew well that messengers bad sped by day and nig ht to warn tho people of the Halakazi. But they found no man in the pe, and OIl the other- skle æ it they" rested, for the nighi was |atj6|jpcit. 5 At dawn Umslopogaas looked out over the wide plains beyond, and Galazi showed him a long low hill two hours' march away. r- 0< "There, my brother," he aaid, lies the head kraal of the Halakazi. where I was born, and in that hill is the great caw." Then they went on, and before the sun was high they came to the crest of a rise, and heard the sound of horns on its farther side. They stood upon the rise, and looked, and lo yet far oft, but running towards them, was the whole impi of the Halakazi, and it was a great impi. They have gathered their strength indeed," said Galazi. For every man of ours there are three of these Swazi3!" The soldiers saw also, and the courage of seme of them sank low. Then Umslopogaas spoke to thpn1- "Yonder are the Swazi dogs, iny children; they are many and we are but few. Yet, shall it be told at home that we. men of the Zulu blood, were hunted by a pack of Swazi dogs ? Shall our womett and children sing thai song in our ears, o Soldiers of the Axe ?" Now some cried Never!" but some were su*nti; so Uzaslopogaas spoke again— "Vcm back all who will; there is yet time. Turn back s-ll who will, but ye who are men come forward with me. Or if ye will, go back all of you, and leave Axe Groan-Maker and Club Watcher to see this matter out alone." Now there rose a mighty shout of "We will die together who have lived together Do you sv/ear it ? cried Umdopogaa?, hold- ing Groan-Maker on high. We swear it by the Axe they answered. Then Uiaslopogaas and Galazi made ready for the battle. They posted all the young men in the broken ground above the bottom of the slope, for these could best be spared to the spear, and Galazi the Wolf took couunand of them but the veterans siayed upon the hillside, and with them I?mslopog»as. Now the Halakazi came on, and there were ftur full regiments of them. The plain was tjaek with them, the air was rent with their ^routings, and their spears flashed like lightning. OP tto farther s»de of the slope thoy halted and iejiS a herald forward to demand what the People of the Axe would have from them. The S'at-ghtsrer answered that they would have three HMngo Fine, the head of their chief whose pl¥:6 Galazi should fill henceforth secondly, fair maid whom men named the Lily thirdly, a thousand head of cattle. If these things were granted, then he would spare them, the Hnlakassi if not, he would stamp them out and taka all. So tha herald returned, and when he reached the ranks of the Halakazi he called aloud his answer. Taen a great roar of laughter went up from the Halakazi regiment, a roar that thook the earth. The brow of Umslopogaas the Slaughterer burned red beneath the black when he heufd it, and he shook Groan-Maker towards the:r host. (i Ye shall sing another song before this sun is ..t. he cried, and strode along the ranks speak- litg to this man and that by name, and lifting up their hearts with great words. Now the Halafcizi raised a shout, and charged to com3 at the young men led by Galazi the Woli; but beyond the foot of the slope was peaty ground, and they came through it heavily, and as they came Galazi and the young men fell upon thetB and slew them still, they might not hold them back for long, because of their great num- bers, &«d presently the battle raged all along the elope, but so well did Galazi handle the young men, and so fiercely did they fight beneath his eye, that before they could be killed or driven back all the force of the Halakazi was doing battle with them. Ay, and twice Galazi charged with such as he could gather, and twice he checked the l^lakazi rush, throwing them into confusion, tilt »t tatfrfefe company was mixed with company aad' regiment with regiment. But it might not endure, for now more than half the young men were down, and the rElSt; were beins pushed back up the bill, fighting madly. Now, all this while Umslopogaas and the veterans sat in their ranks upon the brow of tho 81epe and watched. Those Swazi dor:i3 have a fool for their general," quoth Umslopogaaa. He has no men left to fall back on, and Galazi has broken his array and mixed his regiments as milk and cream are mixed in a bowl. They are no longer an impi, they are a mob." Now the veterans moved restlessly on their haunches, pushing their legs out and drawing them in again. They glanced at the fray, they looked into each other's eyes and spoke a word hare, a word there, Well smitten, Galazi Wow that one is down A brave lad Ho a good club is the Watcher The fight draws near, my brother!" And ever as they spoke their faces grew fiercer and their fingers played with their spears. At length a captain called aloud to U mslopo. Say, Slaughterer, is it not tune to be up and doing ? The grass is wet to sit on, and our limbs grow cramped." Wait awhile," answered TJmsIopogaas. Let tbem weary of their play. Let them weary, I tell you. As he spoke the Halakazi huddled themselves together, and with a rush drove back Galazi and those who were left of the young men. Yes, at last they were forced to flee, and after them came the Swazis. and in the forefront was their chief, rinsrxi round with a circle of his bravest. Umslopogaaa saw it and bounded to his feet, rearing like a bull. "At them now, wolves!" he shouted. Then the line sprang up as a wave springs, and their crests were like the foam on the wave. As a wave that swells to break they roee suddenly, like a breaking wave they poured down the slope. Io front of thom was the Slaughterer, holding Groan-Maker aloft, and oh his feet were swift. So swift were his feet that, strive as thtvy would, lie outran them by tha half of a spear's-throw. Galazi heard tho thunder of their rash; he looked round, and M he looked, lo the Slaughterer swept past him, mnning like a buck. Then Galazi, too, bounded foi-Aard I and the Wolf- Brethren sped down the h ill, the length of four spears between them. The i Halakazi also saw and heard, and strove to gathe r themselves together to meet the rash. In fron t of Umslopogaus was their chief, a great mac. h'jdged about with assegais. Straight at tl ie shield-hedge drove LTmslopogaas, and a score of f.-pea.rs were lifted to greet him, a score of shields 1 leaved into the air— this was a, fence that none imght pass alive. Yet would the Slaughterer pass it-and alone! See'lie steadies his pace, he gafcheife himself together, and now he leaps High intt < the air he leaps; his feet knock the heads of tfie warriors and rattle against the crowns of their shields. They smite upwards with the spear, brat he has swept over them like a. swooping bird. He has swept over them—he has lit—and now the shield-hedge guards two chiefs. But not; for long. Ou! Groan- Maker is aloft, he hils-nor shield, nor axe, nor Swazi skull may stay his: stroke, ail are cleft through, and the Halakazi l ack a leader. The shield-ring wheels 3 upon itself. Fools Galazi is upon you! Wist was that? Look, now see how many bone s are left unbroken in him whom the Watcher fa Is on full! What !— another down Close up; ;shield-men—close up Ai! are you Ned ? All! the wave lias fallen on the beach. Listen to its roaring—lisaen to the roaring of the shields Stand, you men of the Ha'.jtkazs—stand Surely they are but a few. So it is done By the head of Chaka! they bt-eak—they are pushed back-now the wave of sl-ptghter seethes along the sands—now the too i:; swept like floating weed, and from all the lin« i there cornea a hissing like tho hissing of thin paters. S'gce I" says the hiss. if gee A'jtc Ths;re, my father, I am o'd. What have I to do with the battle any 1110: re, with the battle and its joy ? Yet it is iietter t > die in such a fight as that 3h:in to live any otl er way. I have seen such-I have seen many such. Oh we could fight when I was a -nan, n father, but none that I knew could ever fight J ko Umslopogaas the Slaughterer, son of Chaka, and his blood-brother Gaiazi the Wolf So, so they swept them away, those Halakazi; tlmy swept them away as a maid sweeps the dust of a hut, as the wind sweeps tho withered leaves. It was soon done when once it was began. Some were fled, and some werei dead, and this was the end of "hat fight. No, no, not of all the fight. The Halakazi were worsted in the field, but many livett to win the great cave, and there the work must be finished. Thither, then, went the Slaughterer presently, with such of his impi as was left to 1 rm. Alas many were slain but how could they have died better than in that fight ? Also those, that were left were as good as all, for now they t new tha.t tbev should not be overcome easily wiide Axe and Club still led the way. Now they stood before a hill, measuring, perhaps, three thonsand rUCC3 round its base. It was of no grea.t height, ar:od yet unclimable. for, after a man Ititd gone up 0..10 little way, the sides of it were sheer, offering no foothold except to the rock-rabbits and the lizar<ls. No one was to bo seen without; this hill, "aor in the great kraal of the Halakazi that Jay to Sao east of it, and yet the ground alvout was trampled with the hoofs of oxen and the feet of men, and from within the mountain caice the sonn'i of lowing cattle. "Here is the nest cS the Halakazi," quoth Galazi the Wolf. "Here is the nest indeed," said Umslopogaas "but how shall w,- coisie at the eggs to suck them ? There are no brmches to this tree." But there is a hole in the trunk V' answered the Wolf. Now, he led them a li title way till they came to a place where the soil was trampled as it is at the entrance to a cattle kraal, aud they saw that there was a low cave which led into the cliff, like an archway such as you white men build. But this archway was filled up with great blocks of stone placed upon each other in such :t fashion that it could not bo forced from without. After the cattla were driven in it had been filled ul). We cannot enter here," aaid Galazi. Fol- low m: So th-ay followed him, and came to th" north side of tiie mountain, and there, two spear^-casts away, a soldier wa3 standing. But when he saw them he vanished suddenly. "Thero is the place," said Galazi, and the fox has gone to earth in it." Now they ran to the spot) and saw a little hole in the rock, scarcely bigger than an ant-bear's burrow, and through the hole came sounds and some light. "Now. where is the hyena who will try a new burrow?" cried Umslopogaas. A hundred head of cattle to the man who wins through and clears the way." Then two young men sprang forward who were- flushed with victory, and desired nothing more than to make a great name and win cattle, srying— Here are hyoenas, Bulalio." To earth, then said Ucuslopagaas, and let him who wins through hold the jpath a while till others follow." The two young men sprang at the hole, and h." who reached it first went down upon his hands I and knetis and crawled in, lying on his shield and holding his spear before him. For a little while tho light in the hole vanished*1 and they heard tho sound of his crawling. Then came the noise of bio-.vs, and once more light crept through the hole. The man was dead. This one had a bad snake," said the second man his snake deserted him. Let me 800 if mine is better." So down he went on his hands and knees, and crawled as the first had done, only he put his shield over his head. For a while they haard him crawling, then once more came the sound of blows echoing on the ox-hide shield, and after the blows groans. He was doad also, yet it seemed that they had left his body in the hole, for no light came through. This was the cause, my father: when they struck the man he had wriggled back a little way and died there, and' none bad entered from the farther aids to dr3g it out. Now the soldiers stared at the mouth of the hol.3 and none seemed to lovo the look of it, for this was but a poor way to die. Umslopogaas and Galazi also looked at it, thinking. "Now, I am named Wolf," said Galazi, "and a wolf should not fear the dark also, these are my people, and I must be the first to visit them," sl and he went down on his hands and knees with- out more ado. But Umslopogaas, having peered once more down the burrow, said: "Hold, Galazi; I will go first! I have a plan. Do you follow me. And you, my children, shout loudly, so that none may hear us move; and, if we wm through, follow swiftly, for we cannot hold the mouth of the place for long. Hearken, also! This is my counsel to you: if I fall choose another chief—Galazi the Wolf, it he is still living." Nay, Slaughterer, name me not," said the Wolf, for together we will live or die," "So let it be, Galazi. Then choose you,some other man and try this road no more, for if wa cannot pass it none can, but seek food and sit down here till those jackals bolt; then be ready. Farewell, my children!" "Farewell, father," they answered, ".go warily, lest we be left without a head, wandering and desolate." Then Umslopogaas crepe into the hole, taking no shield, but holding Groan-Maker before him, and at his heels crept Galaz:. When he had gone the length of six spears he stretched out his hand, and, as he trusted to do, he found the feet of that man who had gone before and died in the place. Then Umslopogaas the wary did this: he put his head beneath the dead man's tegs and thrust himself onward till all the body was on his back, and there be held it with one hand, gripping Us two wrists in his hand. Then he crawled forward a little space and .saw that he was coming to the inner mouth of the burrow, but that tho shadow was deep there because ofa graat mass cf rock which lay before the burrow, shutting out the light. "This is well for me," thought Utaslapogaae, for now they would know the dead from the living. 1 may yet look upon the sun again." Now beùeard Halakazi soldiers talking without. The Zulu rats do not love this ran," said ono, they fear the rat-catcher's stick. This is good sport," and a man laughed. Then Umslopogaas pushed himself forward as swiftly as he could, holding the dead man on his back and suddenly came out of the hole into too open space in the dark shadow of the great rook. By the Lily," cried a soldier, "^hertfa a third Take that, Zulu rat and he struck the dead man heavily with a kerne. And that 1" cried another, driving his spear through him so that it pricked Umslopogaas beneatfi. And that 2 and that! and that said others, as thoy smote and stabbed. Now Umslopogaas groaned heavily in the deep shadow, and lay stilt. No need to was to morf blows," said the man who had struck first. This one will never go back to Zululand, and I think that few will care to follow him. Let us makw an "'nel run, sotnu of you, and find stones to step the barrow, and now the sport is don-A" B" turned as ho spoke, and so did tho others, and this was what the Slaughterer sought. With a swift movement, he freed himself from the dead man and sprang tii his feet. They heard the sound and turned again, bnt as they turned Groan-Maker pecked softly, and that man who had sworn by the Lily was 0., more a man. Then Umslopogaas leaped for- words, and, bounding on to the great rock, etood there like a buck against the sky. "A Zulu rat is not so easily slain, 0 y. weasels he cried, as they name at him from all sides at once with a roar. He smote to the right and the left, and so swiftly that men conld scarcely see the blows fall, for he struck with Groan-Maker's beak. But though men scarcely saw the blows, yet, my father, men fell beneath him. Now foes were all around, leapingnpat the Slaughterer as rushing water leaps to hide a rock—everywhere shone spears, thrusting at him from this side and from that. Those in front and to the side Groan-Maker served to stay, but one wounded Umslopogaas in the neck, and another was lifted to pierce his back when the strength of its holder was bowed to the dust—to the dust, to beccmeof the dust. For now the Wolf was through the hole. and tho Watcher grew very busy he was so busy that soon the back of the Slaughterer had nothing more to fear—yet those had much to fear who stood behind his back. The pair fought bravely, making a great slaughter, and presently, one by one, plumed heada of the People of the Axe showed through the hole and strong arms mingled in the fray. Swiftly they came, leaping into battle as otters leap to the water—now there were ten of them, now there were twenty—and now the Halakazi broke and fled, since they did not bar- gain for this. Then the rest of the Men of the Axe came through in peace, and tho evening grew towards the dark before all ba.d passed tha hole. CHAPTER XXVI.—THE FINDING OF NADA. Umslopogaas marshalled his companies. There is little light left," he said, but it must serve us to start these conies from their burrows. Come, my brother Galazi, you know where the conies bide, take my place and lead us." So Galazi led the impi. Turning a corner of the glen, he came with them to a great open space that bad a fountain in its midst, and this place was full of thousands of cattle. Then be turned again to the left, and brought them to the inner side of the mountain, where the cliff hung over, and here was tho mouth of a great cave. Now, the cave was dark, but by its door was stacked a pile of resinous wood to serve as torches. Here is that which shall give us light," said Galazi, and one man of every two took a torch and lit it at a fire that burned near the mouth of thecavo. Then they ruahed in. waving the flar- ing torches and with assegais aloft. Here for the last time the Halakazi stood agamst them, and the torches floated up and down upon the wave of war. But they did not stand for very long, for all the heart was out of them. Wow yes, many were killed—I do not know how many. I know this only, that Halakazi are no more as a tribe since Umslopogaa.?, who is named Bulalio, stamped them with his feet—they are nothing but a name now. The people of the Axe drove them out mto the open and finished the tight by star- light among- tue cattla. In one corner of the cave Umslopogaas saw a knot of men clustering round something as though to guard it. He rushed at the men and with him went Galazi and others. But when Umslopogaas was through, by the light of his torch he saw a tall and slender man, who leaned against tho wall of the cavo and held a shield before his face. "You are a coward he cried, and smote with Groan-Maker. The great axe pierced the hide, but, missing the head behind, rang loudly against the rock, and as it struck a sweet voice said— Ah soldier, do not kill me 1 Why arc you angry with Ksf Now the shield had come away from its holder's hands upon tho blade of the axe, and there was something in the notes of tho voice that caused Umslopogaas to smiia no more it was as though a memory of childhood had come to him in a dream. His torch was burning low, but be thinst it forward to look at him who crouched against the rock. The dress was the dress of a man, but this was no man's form—nay, rather that of a lovely woman, and well nigh white in colour. She dnipped her hands from before her face, and now he saw her well. He saw eyes that shon like stars, hrvir that curled and fell upon the shoulders, and such beauty as was not known amoncr our people. And as the voico had spoken to him úf something that was lost, so did the jyes seem to shine across the blackness of many years, and the beauty to bring back he knew not what. 11.; looked at the girl in all her loveliness, and she looked at him in his fierceness and his might, red with war and wounds. They both looked long, while the torchlight flared on them, on the v/afis of the cave, and the broad blade of Groan- Maker, and from around roso the sounds cf the fray. How are you named, who are so fair to see' he asked at length. I am named tho Liiy now: onou I had another name. Nada, daughter of Mopo, I was once; but name and all else are dead, and I go to join them. Kill ma and make an end. I will shut my i>ye.«, that I may not see the great axe flash." Now Umslopogaas gazed upon her again, and Groan-Maker fell from his hand. Look on me. Nada, daughter of Mopo," he said in a low voice; "leok at me and say who am I." She looked once again, and yet again. Now her face was thrust forward as one who gazes over the edge of the world it grew fixed and strange. By my heart," she said, by my heart, you are U2n.slopog.1af-, my brother, who is dead, and whom dead as liviug I have loved ever and alone." Then the torch flared out, but Umslopogaas teak her in the darkness and pressed her to him and kissed her. the sifter whom he found after many years, and she kissed him. "You kiss me now," she said, "yet not long ago that gi-eat axe shore my locks, missing me but by a finger's hreadth/ and still the sound of lighting rings in my ears I Ah a boon of yon, my brother—a boon let there be no mora death since we are met,gnce more. The people of the Halakazi are conquered, anefic is their just doom, for thus, in this same way, they killed those with whom I lived before. Yet they have treated mo well, not forcing me into wedlock, and pro- tecting me from Dingaan so spare them, my brother, if you may." Then Umslopogaas lifted up his voice, com- manding that the killing should cease, and sent messengers running swift!y with these words This is the command of Bulalio that he who lifts hand against one more of the people of the Halakazi shall be killed himself andthssokliurs obeyed him, though the order oarne somewhat late, and no more of the Halakazi were brought to doom.. They were suffered to escape, except those of the women and children who were kept to be led away as captives. And they ran far that night. Nor did they come together again to be a people, for they feared Galazi g-the Wolf, who would be chief over them, but they were scattered widr; in the world, to sojourn among strangers. Now, when the soldiera had eaten abundantly of the store of the Halakazi, and guards had been sent to ward tho cattle and watch against sur- prise, Umslopogaas spoke long with Nada the Lily, taking her apart, and he told her all his story. She told him also all the tale that you know, my father, of how she had lived with the, little-people that wet e subjcct to the Halakazi, sh" and her mother Macropha, and how the fame of her beauty had spread about the land. Then aha told lum of how the Halakazi had claimed her, and of how, in the end, they had tak?n her by force of arms, killing the people of that kraal, and among them her own mother. Thereafter, she had dwelt among the Hal&kazi, who named her anew, calling her the Lily, and they had treated her kindly, giving her reverence because of her sweetness and beauty, and not forcing her into-marriage. "And why would you not wed, Nada, my sister," asked Umslopogaas, "you who are far past the age of marriage y Nay, I do nofc know," she answered, hanging her head but I have no heart that way. I only seek to bo left alone." Now Umslopogaas thought awhile and spoke. "Do you not know, then, Nada, why it is that I have mado this war, and why the people of tho Halakazi are dead and scattered ana their cattle the prize of my arm ? I will tell you I am com., here to win you, whom I knew only by report as the Lily maid, the fairest of women, to be a wife to Dingaan. The reason that I began this war was to win you. and make my peace with Dingaan, and now I have carried it through to the end." Now, when she heard these words, Nada the Lily trembled and wept, and, sinking to the earth, she clasped the knees of Umslopogaas in suppli- cation: "Ob, do not this cruel thing by me, your sistar,"she prayed; "take rather that great axe and make am end of me, and of the beauty which has wrought so much woe, and most of all to me who wear it! Would that I had not moved my head behind the shield, but had suffered the axe to fall upon it. To this end I was dressed aa a man, that I might) meet the fate of a man. Ah a curse be on my woman's weakness that snatched me from death to give me up to shame Thus she prayed Umslopogaas in her low, sweet voiee, and his heart was shaken in him, though, indeed, he did not now purpose to give Nada to Dingaan, as Baleka was given to Chaka, per- chance in the end to meet the fate of Baleka. "There are many, Nada," be said, who would think it no misfortune that they should be.given as a wife to,tbe first of chiefs." "Then I am not of their number," she answered; nay, I will die first, by my own hand if need be." Now, Umslopogaas wondered how it came about that Nada looked on marriage thus, but ho did not speak of the matter. he said only. h TóI1 me, then, Nada. bow I can deliver myself of this charge. I must go to Dingaan as I promised out father Mopo, and what shall I say to Dingaan when he asks for the Lily whom I went out to pluck and whom bis heartdesires.t What shall I say to save myself alive from the wrath of Dingaan ?• Then Nada. thought and answered, "You shall say this, my brother. You shall tell him that the Lily, being clothed in tb« war-dress of a warrior, fell by chance in the fray. Seen now, none of your people loiow that you have found me; they arc thinking of otb >r things than maids in the hour of their victory. This, then. ia my plan wo will search now by the starlight till we nnd the body of a fair maid, for, doubtless, some were killed by hazard in the fight, and on her we will set a warrior's dress, and lay by her the corpse of one of your own men. To-morrow, at the fight, you shall take the captains of your soldiers and, having laid the body of the girl in the dark of the cave, you shall show it to them hurriedly, and tell them that this was the Lily. alain by one of your own people, whom in your wrath you slew also. They will not look long on so common asigfab, and if by hazard they see the maid, and think her not so very fair, they will deem that it is death wWcb has robbed her of her comeliness. So the tale which you must tell to Dingaan shall be built up firmly, and Dingaan shall believe it to be true." "And how shall this be, Nada?" asknd Umalopogais. How shall this be when men see you among the captives and know you by your beanty! Are there, then, two euch Lilies in the land ?" 441 shall not be known, for I shall not be seen, Umslopogaas. You must set me free to-night. I will wander hence disguised as a youth and covered with a blanket, and if any meet me, who shall say that I am the Lily 1" ..fl And where will yon wander, Nad*! To ygvac death Must we. then, meet after so many years- to part again for ever ?" 44 Where was it that you said you lived, my brother Beneath the shade of a Ghost Moun- tain, that men may know by a shape of stone which is fashioned like an old woman frozen into stone, was it not? Tell me of the road thither." So Umslopogaas told her the road, and she listened silently. 41 Good," she said. "I am strong and my feet are swift; perhaps they may serve to bring me so far, and perhaps, if I win the shadow of that mountain, you will find me a hut to hide in, Um- slopogaas, my brother." "Surely it shall be so, my sister," answered Umslopogaas. "And yet the way is long, and many tmngera lie in the path of arnaid journeying alone, without food or shelter," and as he spoke Umslopogaas thought of Zinita, his wife, for he guessed that she would not love Nada, although she was only his sister. Still, it must be travelled,, and the dangers must be braved," she answered, smiling. "Alas there is no other way." Then Umslopogaas summoned GaJazi the Wolf and told him all this history, for Galazi was the only mr.n whom he could trust. The Wolf listened in silence, marvelling the while at the -beauty of Nada, as the starlight showed it. When everything was told, he said only that he no longer wondered that the people of the Halakazi had defied Dingaan and brought death upon themselves-for the sake of this niaid. StllJ. to be plain, fyisheart thought ill of the matter, for, death wasmot done with yet there-before them shone the Star of Death, and he pointed to the, Lily. Now Nada trembled at his words of evil omen, and the Slaughterer grew angry, but Galazi would neither add to them nor take away from them. 411 have spoken that which my heart hears," he answered. Then they rose and went to search among the dead for a girl who would suit their purpose. Soon they found ono, a tall and fair maiden, and Galazi bore her in his arms to the great cave. Here in the cave were none bnt the dead, and, tossed hither and thither in their last sleep, they looked awful m the glare of the torches. "They sleep sound," said the Lily, gazing on them; "rest is sweet." We shall soon win ir, maiden," answered Galazi, and again Nada trembled. Then, having arrayed her in the dress of a warrior, and put a shield and a spear by her, they laid down the body of the girl in the cave, and, finding a dead warrior of the People of the Axe, placed him beside her. Now they left the cavo, and, pretending that they visited the sentries, Umslopogaas and Galazi passed from spot to spot, while the Lily walked after them like a guard, hiding her face with a shield and holding a spear in her hand, and having with her a bag of corn and dried flesh. So they passed on, till at length they came to the entrance in the mountain side. The stones that had blocked it were pulled down so as to allow those of [the Halakazi to fly who had been spared at tho entreaty of Nada, but there were guards by the entrance to watch that none came back. Umslopog^s challenged them. and they saluted him, but he saw that they were worn out with battle and journeying, and knew little of what they saw or said. Then he, Galazi, and Nada passed through the opening on to the plain beyond. Here the Slaughterer and the Lily bade each other farewell, while f Galazi watched, and presently the Wolf saw Umslopogaas return as one who is heavy at heart, and caught sight of the Lily skimming across the plain lightly like a swallow. I do not know when we two shall meet again," said Umslopogaas so soon as she had melted into ths shadows of the night. May you never meet," answered Galazi, "for I am sure that if you meet that sister of yours will bring death on yet more than those who now lie low because of her loveliness. She is a Star of Death, and when she sets the sky shall be blood red." Uinslonogaaa did not answer, but walked s'owly through the archway in the mountain side. How is this. Chief 2" said he who was captain of the guard. "Three went out, but two return." "Fool!" answered Umslopogaas. "Are you drunk with Halakazi beer, or blind with sleep ? Two went out. and two return. I sent him who was with us back to the camp." "So bo it, father," said tho captain. Two went out, and two return. All is wclLa ( To be continued. )
--"' THE FATAL COLLISION NEVR…
THE FATAL COLLISION NEVR ILFRACOMBE. Board of Trade Enquiry at Cardiff. The Board of Trade inquiry into the circum- stances attending the collision between the steamship Earl of Dumfries, of Cardiff, and the ketch Railway, of Southampton, off Bull Point, on February 10th, by which the ketch was sunk and two lives were lost, was resumed at the Town HaJJ. Cardiff, on Saturday. The stipendiary magis- trate (Air T. W Lewis) presided, and on the Bench were also Captains Parish, Castle, and Dyer as nautical a. sensors. Mr Waldrnn appeared for the Board of Trade, Mr Hanoock for the cap- tain of the steamer, and Mr Ingledew, jun., for the owners of the ketch. The Court found that the Railway complied with all the rejfnlafiaps for preventing colteiona at sea, and the Court was satisfied that her lights were burning, tbe green light being extinguished by tho force of tha collision. The Earl of Dum. fries did not keep out of tho way of the Partway, thereby infringing Article 17, and she also infringed Article 18 by approaching ths Railway (it full speed. A good and proper look-out was kept on the Railway, but not on the Earl of Dumfries. The Railway had both lights burning, and as she lay becalmed tha Earl of Dumfries ran upon her at full speed. The effect of the collision might have been miti- gated if the second mate had stopped the engines and reversed at full speed. Every effort wa3 made to save life by those on board the Earl of Dumfries. The Earl of Dum- fries was recklessly navigated, but, having regard to all the circumstances, the Court did not censure the master or find him in default. The second mate, however, saw the Railway at a distance of 200 yards, on the port bow, and did not stop the engines and reverse. The Court, therefore, found him in default, and suspended his certificate for eighteen months.
ALLEGED HOUSEBREAKING AT CRICKHOWELL.
ALLEGED HOUSEBREAKING AT CRICKHOWELL. A Tramp Makes Himself at Home. At the Crickhoweil police-court, on Friday, James Grenville, a tramp, was charged by Ann Walker, a widow. living at Dunvant, Lian- gunider, with breaking into her house on Tues- day and stealing therefrom goods to the value of 118 4d. It appeared that prosecutrix, on re- turning home about 6.30 p.m., after being out all day, noticed a light in her bakehouse, and on getting near she found that the oven was full of fire. She immediately went to Penbryn Farm, near by, and Thomas Richards and Catherine Richards returned with her to the house. After lighting a lantern and going mside they found the back kitchen window broken and several articles pulled about. They went upstairs, where they found prisoner in bed. He said "I am here." A quantity of food had been eaten, and half-a-sovereign was missing. Prisoner bad in his possession a table knife which belonged to prosecutrix. He said to Richards that he had been sent there by a man named Richard Richards, of Tredegar.—P.O. Griffiths wassenb for, and prisoner was taken into custody.-In reply to the charge prisoner said "I am very sorry for what I have done.J'-Høwas committed for-trial to the Brecon Assizes.
CAST UP BY THE SEA:
CAST UP BY THE SEA: The body of » man, name unknown, wa$« /picked ttp on the beach at LI an twit Major on Friday afternoon about txvo-o'clock by ft widow named Elizabeth Jenkins. The man is supposed to have been from 45 to 50 years of age, SIt. ain. in height, with dark brown hair and whiskera turning rather grey. The clothing consisted of white and black Elain woollen shift, blue woollen socks, rown woollen stockings, feoted blue; red flannel drttwers, with blue strings, patched on knees and thighs and dark tweed trousers, with small dark stripe and the namo 44 Bordeaux" on tho buttons. The only thing found on the body was a black leather purse containing a key ring, and two small keys found in one of the trousers pocket. The body is supposed to have been in the water some four or five weeks, and has not been identified. An inquest was held on the body on Saturday, before Mr E. B. Reecc, coroner, when a verdict of Found drowned was returned,
FIRE AT SWANSEA, ~ .--
FIRE AT SWANSEA, Plucky Rescue by a Constable. Early an Sunday morning, while P.C. Mor- gans was on dritjln High-street he heard a cry of "Fire." and on going in the direction of the sound he saw volumes of smoke issuing from the top window of the shop of Mr Jabez Davies, grocer. The assistants lived on the premises, and these were rushing out of the burning building as the constable arrived. He asked if there waa anyone left behind, and was informed that a housekeeper, named Ann Davies, was still there, Without a moment's hesitation the constablev leaving the assistants to convey the alarm to the police.statfon,. rushed in, and after a great struggle with the nnoko, which was very dense, reached the housekeeper's room, where he found her standing with only a her nightdress on and in a dased condition. He succeeded, after great efforts, and amid much peril, in getting the woman out of the Itoose, and then, determined to satisfy hfmself that no one else remained, he, at great risk, explored the other bedrooms, but fonnd no one in them. Mean* while the flames had increased their bold, but the fire*brigade, in charge of Inspector Eynon (the other chiefs of the force arriving later ontyaa Boon on the spot with the usual extinguishing appliances, and there being » good supply of water the premises, which were by this tima. one mass of flames, were played on from several hoses and the flames were got under in an hour and <a half, but not before the premises were completely gutted, though the adjoining property was saved. The property is insured. How the fire originated is unknown, bat it is supposed to have- arisen in an upstairs storeroom.
Advertising
REMARKABLE DISAPPKAIIARANCB of all dirt from everything by using HUDSON'S EXTITACT OF SOAP. Howard t Purity. Bealth, Perfect Satisfaction by its regular daily txe. Leaves no smell. Sold Jn 'lfe • packets.
.---------.---GW YNETH. .
GW YNETH. A WELSH LOVE STORY, BY R. H. M. D. (This Story was awarded a Special Prize at the Swansea-National Eisteddvod, 1891.) CHAPTER IX. Anna had forgotten all about the trick she had played, and the folly of it. She had meant to tell Mrs Bevan bow foolish she had been, but it was too late when they returned fromlthe picnic, and her mind was full of other things. The next morning she was unpleasantly reminded of it when her friend crossed the room to wish Mr Jones good morning. "I hear you have been very unwell; I'm ex- ceedingly glad you are feeling better," she said. I. "Better, no, I'm not better, but that stupid doctor will have me down to-dav if I die in mv chair. I told hie} last night I didn't send for him 1 to tell me what is the matter with me and to insist on my getting up when I'm not fr; for it, but to give me something for my cough. Bed is the best place for me." Anna trembled, stooped down to bide her hlushing face, and wished she could tell Mrs Bevan not to question her aunt. "Mrs Jones didnotjleave her room yesterday V asked Mr Bevrvn, turning to Gwyneth. She had rather a bad day," answered tha girl '•in a low tone, hoping no more would be said about it. "A very bad day, Mr Bevan, the old lady answered, J couldn't come downstairs if you bad paid me. Why I've not left mv room since Friday, when I bad that sharp attack. You may well open your eyes, you are thinking Anna ought tphavestayedw)thme,and not go gallivanting about the country us she did." "Aant, you know I begged that I might be allowed to stay with you and you s:\ld you couldn't bear such a fidget in the same room with you." But what was Anna to do, she must tell her aunt that sho had personated her, and it must be done quickly before the others came down. Only Harry Rosser had heard what had been said, and she left the room to tell the others. 44 Aunt," said Anna, "I'm afraid you'll be very vexed with mo. What do you think I did on Friday?" The old lady turned round, and looked reprov- ingly at bar niece. "These young people were planning a trick they were going to play Professor Jones, and we knew they wouldn't do it if you were in the room. They had too much respect for you, so I put on your things and came downstairs." Anna drew back a step or two, and stood be- hind the old lady, as she said this. Her aunt turned round, there was quite a pretty smile on her face, and she laughed a3 she said. I didn't know there was so much as that in your head. I'm glad you put a stop to them. I could have done it myself years ago." Anna was astonished. She had been nervously fingering her aunt's shawl, and expecting her to take it off and fold it, as she always did when very angry. It was too much to believe that the old lady could, at any time of her life,have done a frolicsome thing but her smile and laugh told of something in her character quite unknown to Anna before. Was her aunt like her when young Had she been so full of wild spirits that she could scarcely keep them in check. Old Peg-gy Ty Capel had often said—4 Tis Miss Anna Pry's Cwmbran you are oyer again Miss Pritchard,' and Anna bad greatly disliked being considered like that other Anna who was now a soured crotchety old woman. Mrs Jones was still shaking her head and smiling. Was she thinking of the past ? Anna Pritchard wondered whether there were any traits of goodness in her aunt. Had she lived five years with her aud never found them out She bad tried hard to love her, but it seemed so impossible. How could you leve when there was no love in your heart? Every time she had said I will try to love her she heard a voice say, "Don't you know sho did this and that, and was she not cold and hard, and some- times cruel, when your heart was aching for sympathy? Do something for her, her higher nature had said. She will only misinterpret my motion and think I want her money, her lower nature had answered. She has lost all her children, and has had heavy crosses to carry, the good Anna pleaded. I've had crosses of my own she never helped me to carry them, the naughty Anna replied. And so she bad lived with her, doing all in her power to conquer her own quick temper and bear with tho old lady. That was a step in the right direction, but there she had stopped; love her she could not. She would try again that smile had won her. Perhaps there was some good in her. There must be; there is good in every one if the good In us will but search and find it out. Anna. was watching the door, and wondering what Harry Rosser and Mr Bowen would say. Would they take any notice of what she had done ? They looked very dignified when they sat down to breakfast; quite ignorecj Anna and Gwyneth, and talked among themselves. "I heard such a good story at the pump house to- day, "aaid Mr Bowen "have you seen a very tall lady with white hair; she passes here very often V Ob, yes, they had noticed her she was so interesting. And her story is interesting," continued the young man, her hair turned grey in one night, she waa jihed, and by whom do you think 1 The member for——he was here a week or two ago." 44 O110 doea hear such strange things at Llano drihdod," said theyonng widow joitiitigin, "(Have you seen that Miss Baines ? She is the Vicar of Cwm's governess they say that Mr Ognen pro- posed to her, not, knowing she was a governess, so tho story goes; of course, he had a right to change his mind, as she had not told him what she was, and now the poor thing is quite broken- hearted. But what could she expect ? said the little widow, looking across at Anna. It would have been so much better for her to tell him that she had been a teacher." 0 Ah, but," said Anna, as only Anna Prit- cha.rd could, "it was such a disgraceful thing to have to confess to." "I didn't mean that it was a disgrace, of course," said Mrs Owen, flushing hotly, and feeling rather ashamed of herself, "but he is in such a. good position." "And that position would suffer if he married a governess: so he thought it wise to break her heart. I understand," said Anna again. 41 Oh, I heard a much better story than that," cried Harry Rosser. "Better in what way ?" asked Mrs Bevan, who had not spoken before. "Can you tell another sad story of a heart more bruised than the last, and call it a better story ? I'm afraid I'm going to offend you young people very much. Do you think that the food provided for the body should be so much better than that provided for the mind ? You are offering us some very unwholesome dishes this morning. What would you call this kind of conversation ? We have had a great deal of it lately. This heart dissection does not suit my taste at all. Love, the most beautiful thing in the world, has been cheapened here; half-a- dozen hearts are laid bare upon us, and we are asked to cut them up, or it is done for its, aud we have only to give our opinion as to whether they are bruised, broken, or what. I venture to pro- test against it, just as I should protest if happen- ing to overbear a conversation at Park House, I found your hearts laid bare. Do let us have more nourishing fcad." There was a profound silence for a moment, broken at last by Mr Owen. Anna and Gwyneth could scarcely believe what they heard. I am so sorry," said the pretty little widow, you make me feel so ashamed of myself. I certainly-should not like people to dissect my heart. I promise not to offend y°u again, Mrs Bevan. There was nothing much in what she «aid, but the grace with which she accepted the correction and acknowledged her fault won all hearts, and raised her much in the estimation of some. That was » severe reproof very graciously accepted," remarked Mrs Tyrrel, a sweet English woman, who sat next to Anna. They had become great friends since they had met a week ago. Mrs Tyrml'g loving ways with her daughter, who was with her, constantly reminded Anna of her own mother, and her warm interest in the Welsh 'bad won Anna's heart. They had had long talks about the Welsh Sunday schools associations, and eisteddfodau. Anna Pritchard was now telling her English friend bow Professor Jones, when a boy of fit teen, had won a prise at a local eisteddfod, and he had said it was the determining influence in his life. Do tell Mr Tyrrei all about that first prize you had," asked Anna as Professor Jones passed the open window where they were now sitting. He smiled a, he asked, Is it worth telling ? and when blrs tyrrel assured him it would interest her he began. I was a bashful youth of fifteen, but a friend of mine, who xe&s a year older than myself, and had pluck eliogh for a dozen boys, suggested rffidfodf°r The ES; sum of fivftSlSinw was offered for% clad], Jddifyfvr Mrs ?"tchard has told you that nWta Im^r^riTitu debate. We sertt m onr names <w th^CSt and the snail. Being a tali stripling, to fcST ani now, my name was not very aP1 as jjy friend Dan, a short, stout, Tittle fefiow .plr^lv reaching up to my shoulder, j called hinuelf^rtlephant but if that animal is plucky, it certafniy was not a misnomer. The subject English versus Welsh amuse- ments." Prnf^r Jones laughed, a most musical laugh, aa hM-.dllrd the scene and soma of the thing* he&aS Twe"ty boys carne.iorward j Ibere andt)jsweli8t TiohborneB aId Bismarck?, but you will be glad to hear that the prize was awarded amid shouts of applause to u elepbant» and John, the snail, every- body remarking;, those boys will make thoras&lves lwiown yet. One of them has not disappointed ithose prophets. He is now one of the best known and most respected of the Welsh clergv—Canon Jones, of You know him, Miss Pritchard -0.. better, nobler man never breathed." The young Professor turned away as he said this, and Gwyneth came begging that Anna. would go for a walk with her. What am I to do asked Anna. Now is Mrs Tyrrel begging for that Welsh song I sang so beautifully last night, and you entreating me to go for a walk. What shall I do ? I feel so important." I must have the song," said Mrs Tyrrel, smiling, as she put her hand gently on Gwyneth's and adding, 44 My poor nerves are in such a state that it will soothe them." 44 Oh, yes, do sing,"said half-a-dozen voices. And Anna, with exquisite pathos, sang her favourite Welsh song. She had a beautiful voice. Harry Rosser standing near began to think Miss Prit- chard could sing. "Do come now, Anna," asked impatient Gwyneth, as Anna closed the piano, 441 know a lovely place by the lake where we can sit in the shade," said the girl, putting her hand coaxmgly on her cousin's arm. It is too warm to talk, is it not. If you do not object to a dumb companion I will come," said Anna, giving her little friend to understand she was in no mood for talking. Anna Pritchard, do come back, you've wandered so far away," said Gwyneth, when they had walked on in silence some time. "I want to talk to you, I'm so happy and you are too, are you not, yon enjoyed yourself at the picnic, did you not ? But why were so anxious to walk back with me. It only just occurred ta me this morning that I would ask your reasons for doing so. I do believe Mr Lloyd Price proposed to you." "Nonsense, Gwyneth. I hear so much about proposals that I almost feel I ought to walk off and propose to someone myself. Well, I will do so. I propose that you do not talk nonsense." Gwyneth was saying how much she wished' Anna would say yes to Mr Price's question. What a beautiful home it would be for her, and how much nicer than living with a. peevish old lady again. She did not reahse that she was urging Anna to do what. she was trying to undo herself. She had promised to become Mr Thomas's wife, and so secure for herself a. coni- fortable home now she would give years of her life to be able to take back that promise. 44 You think it would be right to marry one man when you love another ?" asked Anna. JNo!" "No. 110, a thousand times no. I'm not going to worry any more about finding a home for my- self. You know I went to hear Mr Kingston last night aga.m. He read the thirty-seventh Psalm. I wish you could have heard him. When he came to tho twenty-fifth verse he looked into my eyes as much as to say—' Now I've been told to say this to you,' I have been young, and now am old, yet have I not seen. What, have you not seen David? The righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread ?' He said fhe last words in a way that made them a real truth to mo, and when you believe a thing strongly you can live upon it. It is just as if you found a bridg-3 strong enough to hold you wlr-n you had thought you must wade through dark waters, deep enough to drown you. Now I'm going to make a bridge of 'I shall never be forsaken.' I "Mark my words, Gwyneth," aud Anna. em: phasises each word, tapping her cousin's fingers lightly with her sunshade as she did so, I shaH hear of some nice home to go to before I leave Llandrindod. Whv, I ought never to worry, when I can turn back a few pages in my life's history and read how help has come to me just when it was most needed. I had almost given up hoping when I heard of the last situa- tion, and when I went to old Mrs Wheeler's she told me so funnily how she had decided to have a companion. She had always thought she would not like it. But one day the maid spilt some ink cn her lovely Indian shawl, and sho said to her daughter-in-iaw, 'I must have a companion, my dear, these girls ara so clumsy and awkward. My oyes were full of tears when I heard how it had come about. The old lady thought my tears were for the ink stains on her beautiful shawl, and was much pleased but in reality my own thoughts had brought the glistening drops into my eyes. I was saying to myself, "Provi- dence, kind Providence, your thoughts are far away, the other side of the lake you've 110 idea what I've been talking about." "Indeed I have," cried the girl 44 you were saying you had spilt some ink ou Mrs Wheeler's shawl." I'm sorry I accused you of inattention, dear. Your brief resume of what I've just said proves you have followed me very closely. Now I must give you all my attention. What do you want to talk about, and why are you so happy ?" Anna looked straight into the girl's eyes, a lock that told her she was ready to listen with her whole heart. I've nothing much to say after all, so don't put on your eager, sympathetic look but I do like to talk to you so much, you understand me so well— better than I understand myself, I think. Didn't I say I couldn't love anyone ?" Anna turned, a startled look in her eyes. shook her head, and lifted her finger. Oh, nonsense, no I non't mean to say I have fallen in love with anyone," (Gwyneth was not prepared to confide her secret to Anna. yet) "only just that I know it is possible." I see, I see," said Anna. Pritchard, smiling slightly, and turning her head away that Gwynetii might n'ot seehow much she saw. "Do you know Anna I've never met such chaimiag man as I've met here. Did you not like that young clergyman who came in last night 1:' "Very much." Did you really Anna or arc you saying it to pleaae me?' I did really. I'm rather glad you admire such men," returned Anna, "your taste and mine has differed much with regard to some." "Senoe, you may as well put in the name, but haven'fc I told you I never will marry him," said Gwyneth Vaughan, pulling the petals of a lovely rose she was wearing. "Oh, there, I've ruined my beautifnl rose, and I did so want to keep it. What a. funny thing, I destroyed it in speaking of Mr Thomas. Do you believe in omens Anna? She never heard whether Anna did or not. Anna guessed why the rose was so precious and trem- bled for the girl; she had forgotten herself sadly —she, a girl who was to be married in October. She said she would not, but Anna, knowing her aunt, feared she would be the victor in this battle.. prizeing so highly a rose given bp a man she had only known a few weeks. Anna's observant eye had seen much these last few days. She wished she had seen less. Her thoughts turned to Pro- fessor Jones the moment Gwyneth spoke of the possibility of falling in love, she remembered what tbo. girl had said about vulgar Noncon- formists, and could not restrain a smile as she thc.u<*ht cf Cupid's unaccountable tricks. Why, Anna, here is the very one I was think- ing of," exclaimed Gwyneth, forgetting she had not been thinking aloud, and her secret was now told her companion laughed outright, but checked herself as Professor Jones and the young clergyman they had spoken of drew near. Anna and Mr Howol walked on, Gwyneth and Pro- fessor Jones following them. There was an awkward pause; they did not speak for some time, Gwyneth turning her head away and watch- ing some happy lovers on the lake. It was just such a. day as yesterday Gwyneth remembered what they had talked about the last time they walked together, and did not know what to say. "Were you not surprised," aha asked, after considering a moment and thinking that this would not lead to their conversation of the previous day, when Mr Bevan spoke out at breakfast. We are all so tired of the gossipping talk that goes on at meals, it does seem rather hard that such good food should be provided for the body, and the poor mind liv- ing all the time on such rubbish. I wonder what the conversation is like at the Pump House and The Rock ? "AIr Price says it is delightfulthere," answered Professor Jones. What a pity you are not staying there," said Gwyneth, secretly hoping that he had hia reasons for preferring Leek House. Yes." "Then why can't you leave Leek House T said Gwyneth, impatiently. Well, I might certainly. I should nob be missed, and perhaps I should be happter one hears things sometimes that makes one feel' very unhappy. That accounfcsfor yourdolefullooks; I couldn't imagine what had happened you've had bad news." Gwyneth's eyes were full of sympathy. 1 m so sorry, I've had so much trouble this year. it makes me feel so much for others "Yes." I wish you would say something. Yes is no answer, and you say it m a tono that makes me think you are weighed down with tiouble. It wouldn t be right to ask you what it is," she said, hoping he would take it as question. I could have told you everything yesterday," answered the young minister, "but last night there was much of what Mrs Bevan would call heart dissection going on after you left us, and I was told —Professor Jones laughed, he could now, looking into those honest eyes—" a most absurd story about you. I almost believed it, and was perfectly miserable. But I cannot speak to you without being copvineed there is no truth in the very good sfcery tola." Gwyneth's heart sank within her. It is only three weeks since we met, but it' seems to me we have been more than friends. H»vue w? not r he asked, looking down. faceT^-ushed hotiy; he did nofc think i.much 9* that. His question had been rather em- [.barassmg; 0f course she would biush. I was quite heart-broken uatil I remembered f°felfe ^r^Pted tbat rOSe 1 ^ave y°u> and tJ'en I felt sure there was no truth m the story I you like me to repeat it ?" Please don't; I really do not care Professor J ones laughed again. It cannot hurt you; it is too absurd. Some- one has drawn a picture that makes you a perfect stranger to me. You're an arrant lfttle fi «o ifc-hav^aC hT Mrs ,0wen would put it nave a dozen strings to your bow, but And this is the impossible -parfc of the story. You aro ThomaV Y Fedwen, a richmS and Are to bo married next month. You do nofc carev!ry much for him, T oucht to nS? money. Clan you forgive me 1 beAgov^ C. know you, he and,- al/shefeffc1 "sha w repl7» but her face expressed SlnZl w«* l^ew almost wor. 441^iLy«?JnotipeaKto me?" he 8aid- jmarry him I dldi^H"80' BATI Vever' NEVER can I promised to~ w wha': love was when 441 am sorry I didn't know this before I must not ser; you again." » musi Gwynctl)h°W y°U punish me exclaimed "Punish you? I am punishing myself more. I ve always Said I would* trust a flirt. And J r: J certainly will have something better than a broken heart for the foundation of my happiness. Besides, knowing Mr Thomas as I do, I shall not care for the loss of the woman who could love him." J3fe was taming away. 4* Do listen to me. Mr Thomas will nofc break his heart; he didn't love me in the least," cried Gwyneth, in tones of deepest agony. 44 Perhaps you will say the same of me ?" They were his last words. Gwyneth was standing alone. She scarcely knew where she was. She only knew one thing: Professor Jones would not be at Leek House when she returned. I To be continued.)
CARDIFF BOARD OF GUARDIANS
CARDIFF BOARD OF GUARDIANS The weekly meeting of the Cardiff Board of Guardians was held at the Union Workhouse, Canton, on Saturday afternoon, Dr Paine presiding. WELSH-SPEAKING INSPECTORS OF POOR. The Clerk (Mr Harris) read a request from the Merfchyr Board to petition the Local Government Board to fill a vacancy in North Wales by appointing a Welsh-speaking inspector, and to fill all future vacancies in Wale3 by the appointment of persons who speak Welsh — Mr Watkins proposed that |. the Board petition as desired, and Mr Rees seconded.—Mr F. J. Beavan said if the request had been confined to North Wales the action proposed would have been a. step in the right direction, but as it applied also to the whole of Wales, ho did not see the force of 14,, as the majority of people housed in the South and members of the Boards were not Welsh speaking. So far as the inmates were concerned, most of them were Irish, he thought, and, therefore, they might rather have an Irish inspector. (Laughter.)— Mr Rees argued that as there were some persons who spoke Welsh the proposition should be agreed to.-Iu the courso of further discussion, Mr Cross and others dissented. Mr Cress said he believed it was simply a cry of 44 Wales for the Welsh." ("Oh," and "Order.") He maintained it was nothing else—(" Oh !")—because the demand was that every inspector appointed hereafter mu"t; bo a Welshman-(" No, no ,)-to the exclusion of. others. (" No, no.") The request said so dis- tinctly, and that he maintained. Instead of that he thought they should be grateful to those outsiders who had come to live amongst them and assist them-f" Oh and laugh- ter) — for where would Wales and Cardiff have been if it had been left entirely to tho Welsh ? (Oh, and hear, hear.) When they raised tho cry of 44 Wales for tho Welsh he disagreed with them.—Mr Plain supported the resolution.—Mr 0. H. Jones moved to insert a clause to the effect that inspectors for districts where the people did not understand English should have a knowledge of Welsh, and Mr Watkins withdrew in favour of that proposal, which was carried. BUND AY-CLOSING FOR ENGLAND. The Clerk read e. communication from the Sun- day Association for stopping the sale of intoxicat- ing liquors on Sunday, Manchester, asking the Board to petition tho House of Commons in support of t!)9 Sunday closing Bill for England^set down for second reading on April 6th.—Mr F. J. Bsavan said that having had experience of the great blessing in Cardiff, he pqiosed that they assist their English brethren out of heathenism into something liko the leisure attaching to the sanctity of the day.—The Rev Mr Buckley seconded. — Mr II. J. Thatcher moved, as an amendment, that the petition and communication lie 011 the ta.o. Ho thougbt it was a great pity that the licensed houses, which were under the super- vision cf the police, were closed, whilo so many iiiicit places were springing up in all parts of the town. To deprive working-men of one of God's blessings, on one of tho brightest days of the week, was a thing to be deplored. He would"rath"r that thoy should have their glass of beer, and agreed with the Bishop v/ho aaid it was better for them tobefreotharlsober. Tneyuughtnottotry and fores a measure of that kind on England. He had had some experience of Sunduy-clojing in Cardiff, and it had proved a curse instead of a In blessing. ("No, no," and hear, hear.)—Mr Alderman Jacobs seconded assertin? that Sunday-closing in Wales had been a miserable and cruel failure, and stating that if they petitioned Parliament to regulate the hours of opening and closing on Sundays they would make many homes brighter and happier than they were now.—Mr 0.: H. Jones opposed the petition, not on the merits of Sunday closing, but because he believed they had no right to iuterfere with English people in im- posing such a restriction upon them.—The motion was rejected by 13 to 11, and Mr Thatcher's amendment was carried. The Board afterwards adjourned.
THE FATALITY AT CARDIFF DOCKS.
THE FATALITY AT CARDIFF DOCKS. On Saturday afternoon, at the Cardiff Town- hall, the district coroner, Mr E. B. Reece, con- ducted an inquest touching the death of Daniel Jones Walters, aged 22, an engineer belonging to the steamship Island Prince, who was drowned in the Roatli Dock on Thursday evening.—Robert William Appleby gave evidence that he and the deceased on the night in question walked to the Roath Dock together with the intention of going on board the vessel, when the deceased, who was walking near the edge of the quay wall, tripped on theftxhaust pipe and fell into the dock. He sank at once, and never rose again. He was quite sober afc the time.—P.C. Hanley, of tha dock police, gave evidence as to the finding the body, and the jury returned a'verdifct of 44,Acci-' dental death."—Tho deceased's father, who was in court, called the coroner's attention to the exhaust pipes, and Mv lieece promised to see into the matter.
EAST CARMARTHENSHIRE CONGREGATiONALISTS*
EAST CARMARTHENSHIRE CONGREGATiONALISTS* The quarterly meeting of the Congregational is ts of East Carmarthenshire was held at Rehoboth Chapel, Five Road. Uanelly.on Tue-dayltndWe(i- nesday week, the Rev W. Davies presiding over large attendances. Votes of condolence were passed with the relatives of Rev C. H. Spurgeon and Principal Lewis (Bangor College), and a resolution was passed expressing satisfaction at the results of the County Council elections, whilst another WM unanimously adopted re- joicing that Mr S. T. Evans, M.P., had intro- duced his Bill referring to the leasehold of places of worship. A vote of sympathy was passed with the Rev Dr Thomas, of Liverpool, in his indisposition, and satisfaction that the proposed testimonial to the venerable minister was being so heartily supported.—The Rev II. Etvet Lewis preached an eloquent sermon on Some of the phases of Mission Work," and the rev. gentleman was asked to publish it as a r Alderman Joseph, LIangennech, was appointed to represent the Association at the meeting of the London Missionary Society. On Tuesday evening tho Rev M. Thomas, Llan- gadock, and the Rev D. Morgan, Pontardulais, preached, and the Revs M. Richards, Mothvey — Jones, Pontardulais — Rees, and D. Lewis, Dock, on Wednesdny.
THE WELSH SHERIFFS..
THE WELSH SHERIFFS.. The London Gazette of Friday last contains the Privy Council Order appointing the sheriffs for the year 1892. The following are mentioned for Wales Anglesey—Harry CI egg, of Plas Llanfair. Breconshire—Jonn Andrew Doyle, of Pen- darren, Crickhoweil. Cardiganshire—Thomas James Waddingham, of Hafod, Ystradmeurig. Cariziarthenshire-Ed ward Henry Bath, of Alltyferin, Carmarthen. Carnarvon—Joseph Broome, of Sunny Hill, Llandudno. Denbig-hshire-Jitmes Coster Edwards, of Trevor HaD, near Ruabon. Flintebire-Richard Henry Venables Kyrke, of' N nntyffraith. lai tughire Glamorganshire-Arthur Gilbertson, of Glan- rhyd, Pontardawe. Merionethshire—Sir Henry Beyer Robertson, of Pale, Corwen. Montgomeryshire—Edward Davies, of Plas- dinam Pembrokeshire—Gilbevfc David Harries, of Llanunwas. .R.a.dnorshire- William Hartland Banks, of .Ridgcboume, Kington, Herefordshire.
LOSS OF A PORTHCAWL-BOUND…
LOSS OF A PORTHCAWL- BOUND VESSEL. The Mate the Only Survivor. The Swedish ship Marguerite, from London to Mobile, in ballast, put into Queenstown on Sun- day, having on board the mate of the French schooner Lespoir, of Regneviile, which vessel sunk on Friday at 2 p. nt. near Land's End, after being in collision with the Marguerite. The mate, whose name is Le Caplin, is the sola sur- vivor, his captain, named Eiverfcj and the other three hands being drowned. Le Caphn, who was landed at Queenstown, states that thf'Y wero bound from St. Malo to Porthcawl with pitwood. They were struck amidships, and the schooner was capsized, all but himself being drowned.
EXECUTION OF FOUR NEGROES.
EXECUTION OF FOUR NEGROES. The African mail steaurer which arrived at Liverpool on Saturday from Accra, capital of tho Gold" Coast colony, brings particulars of the execution in James Town Prison of four men, all negroes, three having been found guilty of the murder of a messenger engaged by the firm of F. and A. Swanzy, of the Gold Coast and London, while the fourth man murdered his wife. Hanging in tho same method as in this country was the mode of execution, all suffering death on one scaffold. Four native warders acted as the executioners, under the supervision of the sheriff. The Rev S, P. Thompson, one of the attending clergymen, fainted when the drop fell.
MURDER AT MALVERN,.
MURDER AT MALVERN,. A Self-Accused Prisoner. Ernest Henry Ray, a. respectably-dressed man, atfdesoribed as a traveller, residing with his mother Brixton, was remanded at Rochester onSaturday, of murtieriiir, Kato Maria Potter at Malvern, on June 18th, 1891. Hisstory had been investigated, and the Brixton police said his mind was supposed to he affected through a love affair at Malvern, and be had been recently medically attended. The TJpfcon-on-Severn policesaid JCate Potter's mother Jcept the Wellington Hotel. Mai- nv"si t$o daughter keeping; the Royal Hotel. Onestepham. The latter was alive a$Christmas "J-, tr.
Y GOLOFN GYMREIG. IS'
Y GOLOFN GYMREIG. IS' Dymunir i'n gohebwyr Cymreig gyfeirid eu goheb- iaefchan, llyfrau i'w hadolygu,&o., fel y canlyn: Dafydd Moroanivg,MorgavAvj r House, Llantwit- street, Cardiff.
"AT EIN GOHEBWYR.
AT EIN GOHEBWYR. 44 Y Dyn Hunonol."—Os mai ieuanc ydych, fel y dywedweb, arferwch ysgrifenu ar un wyneb i'r papur, wrth anfon i'r wasg. Mae a.mryw waJIau bychain ar y llinellau, y rhai a gywirwyd, fel yr ymddangosant. Yr Oriawr."—Y llincll claf yn wallus. New- idwyd hi. 44 Y Llygad."—Cyrchia^ gwallus yn y Hinell cyntaf, a'r linell olaf and un yn wallus. Cywir- wyd y rhai hyn hefyd. Y 1rfochyn.Daw ef i'r golwg yn ei dro. 44 Y Ddafad,"—Newidiwyd y llineH olaf. T&n."—Gatiwn feddwl ei bod yn boethach na "chynesol" "dan lwyth o dan glo yn llosgi." Rhaid ail drefnu hwn, frawd. "Edifelrwch y Meddwyn."—Y mae'r llinell olaf sill yn rhy hir. 41 Cwm Garw."—Yr unrhyw fai ar hwn etto. Yr Eryr."—Medr hwn ehedcg i'r Golofn. Y Bel-droed."—Nid yw yn werth ei chicio. Influenza."—Yn ei dro. 44 Coffadwriaeth Mary Jane."—Y llinellau yn rhy annghelfydd. Pahr.m, yn enw Ceridwen, yr esgeulusir odli yn gelfydd ?
BARDDONIAETH.
BARDDONIAETH. GWENOL Y GWEHYDD. Un dda. hollol i wau'n ddillyn—yw'r wenol, Arweinia. bob pwytbyn; Dihafal gryd edefyn, A'i liyw doeth ydyw llaw dyn. GWAKNANT WILLIAMS.
Y MEDELWB.
Y MEDELWB. o law lor un gasgla yd—yn helaeth Yw'r medelwr diwyd; Un wrth lyw angen bywyd, Eiilia dir i bortbi'r byw. GWARNANT WILLIAMS.
MASNACH WAEL.
MASNACH WAEL. Gwacl drat yw marchnata-foreu a hwyr Heb fawr iawn i elwa; Rhaid bod, cyn gwneyd d'wrnod da., Yn gynil wrth fargena. GWAKNANT WILLIAMS.
Y WENOL.
Y WENOL. Wiw estrones trwy anian—yw'r wenol, Arianaidd a bu-xn Hi erioed fwria ei rhan Efo oriau'r haf eirian. Wenol haf, grwydrol hefyd,—heinif iawn, Fyth ga groesaw hyfryd; Edii lion, mae hon o hyd Dan haf heb auaf bywyd. Merfchyr Vale. IOAN THOMAS.
BLODEUYN Y GLASWELLTYN.
BLODEUYN Y GLASWELLTYN. Swynol, tlws, wywol lysieuyn,—i wywiant Blodcua'r glaswelltyn o hyd daw y blodeuyn A hanes taith einioes dyn. Cynar leda'r blod'yn,—y boreu mewn Bri mawr, yi hwyr wedyn Dyna'i vrfa i'w deriyu— Delw ocs diail yw hyn. Merthyr Vale. IOAN THOMAS.
DEIGRYN FY MAM.
DEIGRYN FY MAM. (Gwobrwyedig yn Nghystadleuaeth y Cardiff Times.") Pan o'wn yn faban hychan, Yn chwareu ar y llawr, Heb neb ond mam ei hunan I'm gwylio ar bob awr, Mi welais ddeigryn gloewaf Fel pe am roddi 11am,— Darn crwn o'r "cariad cyntat ill Oedd deigryn bach fy mam. Ml dyfais fyny'n hogeu, Hfib ofal yn y byd Ar dro, yn dda a llawen, Ac weithiau'n ddrwg i gyd. Nid oedd gan mam wialen l'mcoshi am wneyd cam,—• Ond gwell i mi na'r fed wen Oedd deigryn bach fy mam* Bob nos cyn myn'd i huno 'Roedd mam &'i Beibl gwiw, Yn darllen a gweddio, A chanu Saimau Duw; O nefoedd oedd bod yno, Ni ddeuai atom gam,— Ha angel Duw yn gwylio Oedd deigryn bach fy mam* Gadewais gartref dyddan, Es i estronol wlad, Gan adael Duw ei hunan I warchae bwth fy nhad; I'r orsaf daeth cyfeillion, Ac hefyd 'mam ddinam,— IC Ffarwel fy merch a'm calon!" Medd deigryn bnch fy mam, Ni welais byth mo'r perlyn, Oedd megys gwlithyn tlws Ynharddugruddyrhosyn A dvfai ger fy nrws; Fe sychodd Haul Cyfiawnder Y deigryn cyn cael cam, Y11 awr rnue enfawr bellder Rhwng grudd a deigryn manh. Ffarwel, y deigryn puraf Ffarwel, y rudd oedd bur! Ffarwel, fy main anwylaf Vaf wePd eich gwedd cyn hir, Mewn gwlad He na fydd dagrau* Yn gwylchu grudd ddinam, Ond p&wb yn moli'r Meichiau, Heb gyinhorth deigryn mam. Llanelli. lOAN ELIAS.
--GENEDIGAETH CRIST.
GENEDIGAETH CRIST. (GWOBB WyEDIG.) Cyn i'l' goleuni loewi gwedd y dyfnder, Yn moreu oes y byd—cyn geni amser,— Yn llawn tynerweh, fel mae haul v nefoedd At lewyreh claer yn creu mwynhad y bydeedd, Ymwyrai nieddwl Duw at ddyn yn rasol, Ac Iacnawdwiiaeth ar ei blyg ysbrydol. Fe safai'r Mab gan edrycli yn dosturiol Dros eangdiroedd maith, draw i'r dyfodol, J ec*^ e' Kreu yn yr unffurfiaeth, Ac ynddo'n clyived cri gwaedd y ddynoliaeth. Yn gwaoddi'n eiddil am gael ei gwaredu Byth rhag eueidiol angeu—t&n trueni,— Nes tori allan, 44 Wele, 'rwyf yn dyfod I brynu dyn yn rhydd i'r net o'i bechcd." Mae Satan yntau'n eychwyn tua'1' ddaear, G'm orfoleddu gyda'1' dydd yn gynar Ymrestra oi fyddinoedd, O! mor drefnu3, Ac ymwrola'i ddewrion eiddigeddus Ei amcan ydoedd rhwvstvo'r Ymgnawdoliad, Nou gau i fyny lwybr yr Esgyniad Ac wrth fyn'd heibio try y Lloer ddysgywen I ddwys ymwrido yn y wag ffurfafen. Ar Imiau r fam mae'r Baban bach yn gwenu, A Hyga-tdbyw sydd gyda'r dydd yn gloewi; Fob itwr o r dydd i'r byd yn dangos mitur Yr Hanfod Ddwyfol ar ei rudaiau'n e^lur; Yn dangos inavvredd, mawredd a wasgerir ^?rOS/»r^ j-a y "^ear a orchuddir Gan "prdiau gloewon o dosturi Dwyfol— Arvvydaion o ddyfodiad yr Anfeidrol. Ar draws yr wybren yr oedd myrdd yn mcli Nes oedd bugeiliaid gwlad Judea'n crynu, Yr oil fel plant yn crynu dan ddylauwad Y nefol gerad, yn brysio gan eyd-siarad Am harddweh gogoneddus y llu nefo!, lei rnywbeth dyeithr, tramor. ac ysbrydol! 1 stablau r dref i edrych am y Baban- Unig-anodsg Duw yn cychwyn allan; Yiniawenhant wrth weled yn y Plentyn Ogonedd byw, mawreddog, nefcl, dillyn; Y llygad santaidd, dwyfol yn serenu Gwirionedd, a. thrugaredd, a thosturi. Pob mynwes yn dychlamu gan lawenydd, Yn agor ou calonau fel o'r ncwydd, Gan eu tyneru i ysbryd addoliadol; Ymgrymanfc ger ei fron, O! ngwedd nefol, Mewn diolchgarwch o flaen Duw presenol- Duw yn yr ymyl, yn y natur ddynol. ^ae seren draw o'r dwyrain yn ymdorJ, Goleuni dysglaer, dwyfol mae'n lewyrcha Dros eangfeusydd y ffurfafen loew; j htubio'r ser yn nefol hoew; "ra gwahanol yw i deulu'r nefoedd, rud oes un tebyg iddi'n mhlith y lluoedd, Mae 11 argyhoedcli'r byd o'i phwlpud uche], 1? od Duw mewn cnawd yn rhwym mewn preseb 1seI. 0 c'digofarnfc, yn cyhoeddi— iihaid lladd y cyntaf 'nedig yn mhob teulu JNi cba yr orsedd hon yn wir yn eiddo, Ar iron ei fam ei hun rhof derfyn arno!" Ac, 0 r gyflafan ddu yr echryslonaf, Hon dynodd dros y byd y llinell dduaf! Digofamt Brenin yn cwtogi dyddiau iiatm lu o blanfc diniwed, yr un boreu yn rhif ei ddeiliaid yr oedd ef yn rhiio Un o bob teulu i gael ci lofruddio Ha gwel y baban bach yn codi'i freichiau Am wddf y gwaediyd wr fel pc adwaenai Y cythrauldu cythreulig sy'n dadweinio Et gleddyf llym wrth agosau i'w daro. Gwao, gwae yr awr! pwy fedr dynu darlun O ing y fam wrth weled gwaed ei phlcntyn Yn cael ei tywallt gan fraich gref, gvhyrog Gormeswr creulon, mewn gwedd anrhurrarog! Nid oedd o fewn y He ond wylo da.grau, Yn syrthio hyd y bedd mewn gorthrymderau. Yr hyn a radwasgarwyd drwy'r cysgodau, Yv nyn fjnegwyd gan brophwydi'r oesau, Yr hyn fu n amcan i'r holl addewidicn, Gyflawnwyd gan y Tad drwy'r Mab yr awrhon. Yranhawsderau a'r holl anfanteision, Nid ydynt holl ond fel corsenau gweinion; Ymdeithia n fuan—blino ni.ddaw'n agos Byth iddo ef; nid oes un nwydd aros vntJ'SBywId« ydyw ganddo Y b^d, tra 1 north yn cadw bywyd ynddcu Mae n &wel d ei lun yn amlwg a naturiol, riV W\JJ ) a'r o'r teulu dynol. Cyn iddo syrthio, y niae Duw a'i lygad Yn canrod dyn yn mhob rhyw gyfuewidiad, A chyn y byddo wedi gorphen gofyn, 0 gellocdd gras y mae yn dechreu der'oyn. O! ddwyfol synia.d pwy ond Duw ganfyddai Y waredigol drefn, dileu pechodau Y collfarnedig fyd ? pwy rydd esboniad Ar weithreaiadau rhyfedet Duw v Cariad ? r meddwl mwyaf byw, mor anchwjliadwy Yw cyfrin befchau Duw anolrheiniadwy Nid oes un cyfrwng at y fath wybodaeth, Mae yn anfeidrol uwch na'n holl ddirnadaeth DirgeJfan yw y lie mae y materol Yn dyfod i gyffyrddiad u'r ysbrydol. Taibacb. SEES LLEWELTN. Fenderson: Had a, great time last night. Was at a donkey party, you know. Bass: Were you; And who were the others? Penelope (sighing): Ah! the men are not what they used to be. Tom Barry: I'd like to know why not ? Penelope They used to be boys, you know. SHE LEARNED SOMETHING.—"Travel is a great educator," remarked Amy. "That's so," replied Sue. "Why 1 could not flirt a bit before I made the tour of the watering places." Benevolent old lady, who has just given a penny to a small rustic Now, my dear, what do you say Small rustic, with native politeness Give us another.—Collapse of old lady. An old Scotchman saw a railway train for the first time, and was naturally greatly surprised. On being asked what he thought it was, he re- plied, "I just think it's the de'il running away with a row of houses Mr Smith, to Mrs Parvenu, who has been telling him about her new house I suppose you will have dumb-waiters in the house ?—Mrs P. No, I shan't. I had a deaf cook once, and I vowed then never to have another crippled servant Two friends meeting, one remarked, 441 have just met a man who told me I looked like you." "Tell me who it -.vas, that I may knock him down," replied his friend. Don't trouble your* self," said he, "I did that myself, immediately." SOMETHING WAS MISSING.—44 You say the chicken soup isn't good ? Why I told the cook how to make it. Perhaps she didn't catch the idea." Boarder: 44 No; I think it waa the chicken she didn't catch." BUT HE WAS NOT A THIEF.—Jeeson Did voo ever see a man rob himgelf ? Gason No. Did you ? Jeeson Yes. I just saw a butcher steel his knifo before cutting a steak. And JeesoW smiled wickedly as he vanished round the corner. PROVED TOO MCCH.—Old Friend: How did you and your wife come to re-marrv after so many years of separation ? Jimson Well, you see. io the cross suits for divorce she made me out so bad and I made her out so bad that there wouldu" anybody else have either of us. NERVOUS GUEST (on ninth floor of summ«r hotel) Ah porter, in case of fire, is it easy for me to get out ? Porter Oh yes, sir. Take that flight of stairs at the end of the hall. Ner. vous guest: Where do they lead to ? Porter: The roof, sir. Isn't Jones a Christian scientist? A believer in the faith cure?" "He is." 44Is it true bØ wouldn't have a doctor for his wife the other day when she was sick ?" "J tis." 44 Well, I saW" doctor go into his house just now." 44 Oh, that's all right. He's ill himself now h Stranger: You are the only gentleman in the' room.-Guest: In what way, sir ?— Stranger When I tripped in the dance and went sprawling- on the floor, tearing my fair partner's dress, you ;« were the only one in the room who didn't laugh. Guest: The lady is my wife, and I paid for the dress. "Do you love me, Jennie ? I do." "Have you ever loved before?" 441 have." "Then, darling, be mine I've long been looking for » truthful girl. If you had said "No,' and I had afterwards found out that you bad, it would undermined my confidence in you." 44 That's wb»* I thought," said Jenny softly to herself. Mr Sliptongue: I have not met your wife, Is sho here this evening ? Mr Hansome: Yes, bu# at this moment she is engaged—over there at the piano. Mr Sliptongue (with affected enthusiasm}' Ah, I see. She is that goddess-like beauty playing an accompaniment for the mountain of flesh who is singing. Mr Hansome (stiffly): My wife doel not play. She sings. Mr Serimpps: I asked your daughter a yerf j important question last night, and she referred me to you. Old Gentleman Humph Wh&* j did you ask her ? "I asked her if she'd marry | me." 44 Well, she won't." 44 Eh? Has she sai» | so ?" 44 No, but from what I know of the girt. don't believe she would have oothered herselt. about me if she bad really wanted you." A LITERARY NOTE. —Publisher: Hello, old man I haven't met you in years in fact, not since we left school. How have you been getting, along ? Visitor I have made a cool million out of leaf lard. Publisher Gee Whiljikins and £ hadn't heard of it. Say, can't I induce you to write an article for my magazine on Intellectual Decadence pf Modern Europe!" MISTAKEN POLITENESS.—There is a curio#* instance of mistaken politeness, recorded of tbfl firsfc Chinese Ambassador at tj)e Coijrfc of VeS* sailles. For the first few days of his residence P* never passed the shop-window of an eminent hair-dresser without performing the great konto* or ceremony of nineteen prostrations, before tM waxwork figures it contained, supposing them tØ represent the gods of the Western barbaric0* placed there for public adoration in a richty'* ■ decorated temple. | FALSE PPETENEE.—" I want my money back^' I said the square-jawed woman. This stuff aio'i I what it's cracked up to be, by a heap '4 No f. F ventured the druggist. No, indeed, Dosen'fc$[ say on the bottle that 4 three applications to [ bair will convert the most pronounced brunefctf j into a charming blonde ?" 44 I guess it 44 Well, ifc didn't work with me, J'ui enough, but I don't seem to charni for a çep" He's gone and married that pug-nosed widge, ptJ Central avenue." THE BEST LAm FLANS, ETC.—Mr Smarted (who thinks he see3 the opportunity of his lif0U I have noticed that business has been very d*»»* lately. Employer Yes, it has. Mr Smartchaf' j And your profits havo been greatly reduced, j 110 immediate prospect of improvement. ^*2 I Hardhardt: That is true. Mr Smartchap '• I have therefore conie to ask you to reduce 1 salary. Mr Hardhardt (m a hurried whisper 1 his secretary): Humour the poor fellow while go and telephone to the insane asylum. To be as good as our fathers we must be betted Thoy silenced their fears and subdued their pf* judices, inaugurating free speech and equal'# with no precedent 011 the file. Europe Madman!" and gave us forty years for the abif? wreck. With ssrene faith they persevered. us rise to their level. Intrench labour in cient bulwarks against that wealth which, with011 the tenfold strength of modern incorporatioØr wrecked the Grecian and Roman States j with a sterner effort still, summon women i civil life as re-enforcement to our labouring rafl** in the effort to make our civilisation a success. CURIOSITY REBUKED.—A man was on trial south-western state for a very grave offepce. In jury were slow in coming to an agreement, many people were waiting about to know.1:.J verdict. Afc this stage of affairs a coloured came out of the jury-room and hastened down °ji of the corridors. 41 Hold on he'd on caU^ out a man who was waiting, Have the agreed?" 44 Yis, dey done agreed," said bailiff, grinning. 44 What's the verdiO.6 Well, boss," said the bailiff, 44 ye see 'tvVJ dis erway Dey was some on 'em wanted wichee, an' some on 'em wanted pie an' buW dey done 'greed dey'dhab some orackers 'n che^0' an' dey sen' me out fer to fotch 'em ?" AN EGYPTIAN CURIOSITY-.—In July, 1881, were discovered in the ancient city of Thebes ancient mummies ot Egypt's mightiest Pbarao)5* among them that of Rujpesesthe Qreat. were also found seals, coins, statuettes, presort". food, and a few rolls of papyrus, some of latter being of great value, curiously bound gether, and, notwithstanding the mould and &■( dew of ages upon them, as easily read a3^ written yesterday. A queer little book en# | "ANignt with Rameses II." has been execu^ i so cleverly that the oxydized seal, suggestion f mould, antique colouring, and partially decaff and ragged-edged papyrus carry at once to mind the possession of a veritable relic frcua dawn of civilization. TKHEACE ABOVE TEKEACE.—The architecture ?J[ Tangier is much more impressive when 60efl 2j I mass than when seen in detail. Looking to^rj I the city from the steamer in the early dawn r view is beautiful. Terrace above terrace rijJ L white, flat-roofed houses, over TYUeh tower minarets of two or three mosques. The city A 2 divided into two parts, through which runs j principal street, leading from the 44 water j I to the 44market gate" Upon the western | highest acclivity 13 the karbat or citadel -a f bination of residence, fortress, court of jus^ and prison—a forlorn and unattractive Alb*^ bra. Tho shops, bazaars, and dwelling-hoU^J are interesting because so completely differ^ from those to which Europeans are wonted. is the boys' school held just opposite the do<* Jj the Hotel Continental. Twenty bright-ey^-d lit^ fellows seated on the ground, were ta '*5^'15 an old man in turban and spectacles tc rep^ over and over again verses from the Koran sing-song tone, while cards with the Arabic were hold in their hands. < THE OBJECT.—44 Captain and Mrs Burrell here," we read in Memoirs of an Ex-Mini^ 44 The former related an amusing adventure wh1^ happened to him at Newcastle, where he quartered. He had a severe attack of small-P^ and was confined to his b d at the hotel. Du^J his illness a young lady, of fashionable app^jf ance, with her carriage and servants, arrinj there, intending to stay for one nm only but, on hearing that a young officer dangerously ill in the same house, she expre^v great interest, and, instead of leaving next ing, she announced her intention of remaining few days, constantly repeating her inquiries the state of the sick man. Captain Burrell <v!t extremely touched at her romantic conduct, dangerously ill in the same house, she express- great interest, and, instead of leaving next ing, she announced her intention of remaining few days, constantly repeating her inquiries the state of the sick man. Captain Burrell <v!t extremely touched at her romantic conduct, I he took as a personal compliment; but. whetl f" covering, the doctors announcing that he waa sfuf and the lady being informed of the fact. [ ordered her carriage, after telling the waiter aba was much disappointed, as her object in s I I pirg was to see a military funetal."