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Being a lurther Volume of the Memoirs of Sir Lacaita, K.C.B,. of Scotland Yard By W. A. MACKENZIE, Author or HL; Majesty's Peacock." The Bite of the Lreeh," '• The Giitteria" &c.. & ° CHAPTER XVi. I From the Book of Revenge. I bad some thoughts of making up this chap- ter o! noth ng but extracts trout Pierre Lap.ir- cerie's diary; but after consideration I have I come to the conclusion to tell the storv in lav own way first, because the facts are so hidden away in a per feet wilderness of usanc ineoherencies, and secondly, because I have no right to inflict unnecessary effort on my readers. A plain story should be a plain story. Nevertheless, where I think the narrative can be illustrated by Pierre own words, I shail introduce an extract or two. Where the diarv fails—that is, with regard to the events immediately preced- ing the clue), and the duel itself-I take the facts given bj Pierre in his deposition, made the day after the duel A deposition you sa- "How could a madman make a deposHion" It was not a madman who made the statement to a magistrate it was a sane man. For the opening of the old wound in his head had done what all the doctors in the world might not have been able to do had they tried for fifty vears—restored sanit) totn intellect tliat, liaa been clouded, just as accident has done in other cerorded cases The first part of the diary consists of a sort of óónmmarv-recounting the trial of the two brothers for treason, their condemnation, their transportation their life in the penal settle- men, and their escape from the horrors of an existence of Hurculean labour and semi-starva- tion The escape I have already treated in the Prologue, and I need not dwell on it now. I begin, therefore, with what happened after the tight between the two brothers—the fight on the sands in the moonlight. Tlteiittlewaves running up the sands washed the raw wound on Pierre's head, and the salt water rasping the raw edges awoke him to find that he was alone— ilon6 and without food on the border of a new and unknown country Where he should find Human habitation, where he should find food to sustain him in his search, were problems that he evaded at first. The one fact that appealed to him "as that his brother Gaston, the brother he had loved, the brother he had shielded on so many occasions, the brother lie had helped so often wit bout afterthought of benefit to himself -thIS brother had abandoned him callously and cruelly, as if he had been of no more account than an old rag And not only abandoned him but bad robbed him ",i,st. had taken from him the mere means of subsistence. The last of Pierre's illusions, about his brother had been pricked, the last dream was over. For hours lie set. on the sand, a dul. pain throbbing at the back of his head, a duller paiu throbbing at his Heart. Under the silver of that lovely moon, and in that wide loneliness, with only the silence and heaven for witnesses, he swore an oath by the Southern Cross, that had before been his sign for hope, and that now was to be his sign for vengeance. Then he fell asleep, feeble and exhausted. When lie awoke it was at the touch of a not too gentle band on his shoulder. A man was standing over him. Pierre spoke French only, the man English but by dint of signs Pierre made him understand that he had escaped from New Caledonia. The man, once a convict him- self and now a farmer took Pierre to his home, scarce three miles away, round a headland to the right. Gaston, you may remember, had struck inland and to the left. That day Pierre i el I into a raging fever and remained in that state for many weeks Conroy —that was tbe name of the farmer—and his wile were all kindness. They nursed him back to life and ultimately to strength. As the fever left him. remembrance of his brother's treach- ery left him too and it was oniv aiter about two years, and on re-visiting the fpot where he had landed., that the memory returped, at first slowiv-then in all its full bitterness. His oath, toc,, Ite remembered. He left the Conroys and, with only his blind purpose for guide, set out to track his brother. It ms7 seem strange, in this century of al- truisr i, brotherly love, and all the other phile .jpliical bubbles, to come across a case where the old passion of revenge, o preached against, so scouted, could sustain a man in a scarce that was to last so many years, and not only to sustain him but to grow in firmness and tenacity with every fruitless setting sun that saw his purpose unfulfilled. Time, they say, wears down everything gutta cavat lapi dem," as the writers say whose Latin is derived from the appendices to dictionaries: but in this case, revenge was I he drop of vitriol that wore avtriy the stone of time. Was there a corner of the wide-Australian continent Pierre did not search 1 Was there a village or town or city he did not explore in its every street ? Was there a moment he did not listen for some one to say to him—" 1 know your face. You were here a year ago." Hither and thither be went for years and yenrs, work- ing just enough to earn a mea and, when it; was wanted, clothing never slackening in his quest, never becoming weary, never losing his desire for reverge. In romances, I believe, writers tell you men do such things for Jove I wonder, do they ? I have never met a case, but here is one where hate turned a man into an untiring sicuth-hound. It is not any the less wonderful because madness lay behind it, all. Once or twicc he had news. But when he arrived at the placcs where his double had been, tbe double had moved on. But, at last, in Sydney, he found something definite. He was wandei-ing aimlessly near the dock used by the Orient Steamship Company. Not looking where he was going he ran into a man who was carry- ing a portmanteau from a cab into the baggage ?hed The portmanteau fell, and the labourer ■wheeled round un him with a mouthful of curses such azi only the Sydney dock labourer can ever hope to achieve. In the middle of his eloquent flow the man stopped and stared. Strike me blind bloomin' pink said he Let rue fee! you," and tie grubbed Pier re's arm NC) I by the Holy Poker, he's not a ghost Xo," said Pierre, I'm not a ghost," and alwayj ready for news of his double, he added quickf-v. Where did you see me fast ?" "Hee ye last?" echoed the man. See ye last? Didn't J carry your luggage on board the Ormuz three weeks ago this b!essed day Did you ?" said Pierre. Did Isaid the man. P'r'aps' ye'II be askin'me next what 3 our name is." 11 And upposing I did," said Pierre, rather cunningly Then I should tell you," said the man, as it were Bowcharnp-G, Bowchamp. Ain't that your name V" Well, and if ii is ?" said Pierre. If it is? It is. An' what I want to know is how you leave Sydney three weeks this blessed day, an' I finds you 'ere now on this spot—this minute—not over there but 'ere, pov'nor—not yesterday or. to-morrow, but now." in the docker's Bowchamp," Pierre recog- nised Beaucliamp, his mother's maiden name. G. Beauchamp couid be none other than his trea.1 herons double. At the offices of the Onent Company he learned for a certaintv-a clerk showed him the sailing list-tbat 1-1 G. Beau- champ" had sailed for London three weeks before. He, too, then, tmr-t follow to London- follow—follow to the end. To get across the world needed money, and Pierre had none. However with tliegrimness of purpose that had kept him goini: all these years, he sought work, and. being a man of some ability, he found it At the end of a year he had saved enough to pay a third-eias- passage from Sydney to Lon- don and [eavo enough to support him modestly for a few months. To London, then, he came Before he left Sydney he spent two pounds of his money in having a ring made which bore in high relief the sf-ai" of the Southern Cross. I did not need," says the diary, any reminder of my purpose, but I wished to have before my eyes always something to recall to me in the Northern Hemisphere, first of all the sign of hope, and then the s.ga of hate." To look ior a man ii Londoa is like looking for a needle iu a i.aystack, with this difference -that til the straws in the haystack of Londo.) are known aud fixed. Even with that in his favour, Pierre fouu'd his task almost hopeless Still, knowing his brother' extravagant tastes —and he felt sure that time had not modi- fied these—he frequented the West End rather than the East. He couiitedigairiorilinving happen to him something like the incident of the Orient dock at Sydney. For weeks— nay, for months, he haunted Piccadilly, St James's Street, and Pall Mail. His funds were getting perilously low. Again he had to find work, and again he found t. By day slaving as a clerk to a French merchant in Soho, he spent his evenings walking in search of the chance And the chance came. Among the other places where Pierre used to frequent was the Cafe Monaco Seated there one evenine he was stared at rather closely by a-entlt-rnan at L neighbouring table Pierre looked at him as much as to sav, Well, what do, ou fin 1 ii angn in u.e ? After a few seconds the gentleman talked up to him and sai l," I'm •ure i can't be mistaken, although you have worked a won lerful > hange n y »urself What on earth have vou done it for?' Done what ?" gaid Pierre. Whv, Due, I don't want to be personal I mean-dyeing your hair. Oh, that ?" said Pierre, with a wave oJ the hand as if to dismiss the subject. But. why did you Say 'Due'?" "Too formal?" said the stranger. Well, then, di Saraluna. J thought you were in Rome.' In Rome ?" echoed Pierre. Well," said the stranger, you said you were going there when I saw you last. Perhaps you've lieen and come back." No," said Pierre, I have not been. but I am going now ?" and rising, he left the gentle- man a statue of astonishment. The Dac di Saraluna Rome! There were the two facts that dinned themselves into Pierre's ears. He left for the Holy City at the sarliest moment next morning, beginning a chase through Europe that was to last for nearly a year. Not until the night of the dinner at the Cafe Anglais did he eve succeed in catch- ing sight of his brother's face But that night lie did see-him for a moment as be was getting into his carriage. He had st-en him, too, shakt hands with ff- uIkes-Abiiev. Next day. in hunting the Rue de la, Paix and the Place Vendome, he encountered and recog- nised the poor old Ue-.u. I wished my villain of a brother to know that I was near—with death for him. I wished, too, to know the place where he lived. So I gave the white-haired old man an envelop marked with the sLrs of the Southern Cross in red. Gaston will know the meaning of that-yes, he will know, and he will begin to fear. I shall not make my revenge a thunderbolt coming out of the sky. A swift death is too merciful. I shall play with him as a cat with a. mouse. As the agony of waiting had been long and bit cr, so I shall make my revenge long and sweet. 1 followed the old man to the Continental Hotel. He was carrying my envelope in his hand. I have found out from the register of visitors that the Due di Saraluna—Holy Virgin the Due —" The extract for that dav stops there. The Due's flight to London Pierre set down to fear. He did not know" of course, that the Due had made up his mind to be in London next morning he did not know that the Due was going to act on Mademoiselle Calmette's vision of the Drexel Dream. Pierre hung about the Hotel Continental until the Due dashed for the Gare St. Lazare, followed him thither, fr ightencd the old Beau for the second time, came on by the same train and the same boat to London, and then, at Victoria. Station losing track of the Due in the bustle and confusion of arrival, contrived to follow fToulkes Abney. Even madmen have some vanity, and know- ing that he would not gain adinittan-, c to a gentleman's rooms in the then disordered con- dition of his dress, he tyeut and made himself presentable in a little hotel in Soho. Return- ing then to the Albany he rapped boldly at the door of the apartments. It was fToulkes-Abney who opened it. This was the third time that Pierre had appeared before him. The "ight seemed to freeze the poor old fellow with terror. I asked him." said Pierre, in his disposi- tion, where my brother was stopping in Lon- don. He turned and fled into an inner room. I followed him again asking my question. He had lost his speech. I was mad, and 1 would have it out of him. I shook him, and shook him, and still he would not answer. And still I shook him-he would not speak, but he fought mo as a wild cat fights-trying to bite and scratch with his naiis. Still 1 shook him, shook him until he fell limp in my hands. He was dead." There is no need to repeat the story how he left ffou kes-Abney's chambers for the theory enunciated by Lascelles and recorded in a pre- vious chapter was confirmed in every detail by Pierre. hvery detail, too, was confirmed of Pierre's meeting with Lukey. It was chance, that brings about so many things in this world of ours, that brought Pierre and Gaston Lapar- cerie face to face in the Green Park just as it was Chance w!th a very big capital C) that brought me to be a spectator of that strangest of strange fights-the end of the fight that had been begun so many years before on the silver sands, under the Southern Cross. CHAPTER XVII. The Professional Beats the Amateur. When I returned to St James's-square from St George's Hospital, I was not too well plca--ed to hear, Please, Sir Nigel, Lord Drake is in the drawing-room with her ladyship, and wishes to see you at once." What in the name of all that was good could Drake want with me a.t that hour ? It was not far off- midnight now. Drake was too much a man of the world to worry over things unless they were rtally important, and I felt he would not have come to St James's-square at that hour except there was something in the wind. There have been men from the office twice for you. Nigel, and the telephone bell has beeu buzzing like an infuriated wasp for the last two hours and more," said Lady Dolly as I entered the drawing room. Where have you been Yes, Lacaita," put in Drake. Where have you been ? These are not elders 'oors." I laughed—although really I was very un- comfortable, for the sight of Drake recalled to me that Mrs Drexe) would be at the Yard at ten the next morning, and I was tacitly pledged to produce her jewels then. As before, Drake," said I, I have been on your buiine«s—or part of your business. I have been seeing after the physical and spiritual wel- fare of ffoulkes Abney's murderer." Don't joke," said Drake. Also," said I, I've been having an ani- mated one sided conversation with your friend the Due—he did all the talking-and a little rough and tumble work besides." You've got him" cried Lady Dolly, eagerly. No," said I, not just yet but when we meet, and I hope that won't be long now, it's for keeps. J must go down to the Yards-I ought to have been there before this, 80 you'll pardon my asking you, Drake-this is not a friendly call, is it ?" No, it's not," he said, looking a trifle embarassed, and I saw he did not wish to talk before Lady Doily. "Very well," said T, "if Lady Dolly will cxcusc you, you can walk down with me and we can talk on the way." Well, now," said Lady Dolly, •• that's rea mean of you, as Mrs Drexel would say. I'm just dying to hear all about everything. You must be content to-night," said r, with knowing that to-morrow you'll get your suede gloves." Ah well she sighed, I suppose T must. When I know there's a thrilling story some- where, to be fobbed off with a dozen pairs of suedes Drake and I were outside now, and had turned into Pall Mall. Hansoms were flying by from the theatres, westwards to the clubs for supper and Victoria Station, eastwards for the newspaper offices with heavy critics, for it was Jl, first night at the King's Theatre. I just remembered that. So you didn't go to see Ribbons and Robes: Drake 1" said J. A first night without you is like Hamlet with the Prince of Den. mark left out." Oh, they'll have my name all the same. They keep me in type. No. I didn't go I sent Effie and the Drexels instead. They went late. Do you know why I didn't go ?" 1 ? No." Y ou'!l have to take me on your staff, Lacaita Um ?" I never knew a man who told a whopper with so little conviction." Drake You went to yourdesk for your jewels, and you didn't find" them." Did I ?" You thought I didn't know. My dear Lacaita, you must really thank me for distract- ing Mrs Drexel's attention." I laughed. Very well,Drake, if you think you did me any service I thank you-I do thank you most heartily. And I thought over things afterwards. Your real detective goes into his study, pulls down the blinds, lights his pipe. and without leaving his comfortable chair solves the most abstruse problems That's what I did I'm your real detective," and Drake laughed boi- sterously. "You're the real book detective m one thing, Drake," I retorted You talk." Well hit, well hit!" he laughed. But I'll astonish you. Listen. You were a very fool- ish man to go to Stroud Green this afternoon— ves, it is st.ill this afternoon—you should have known better than to walk right into the Due's trap like that." Due's trap ?" How did Drake know of this ? "Tell me-am I right or am I wrong? Didn't the Due get you out of the way so that he might get the jewels from your desk?" What on earth, Drake, put that into your head ?" And as I asked that, I was debating whether I should tell him the truth or not. ."This gave me the notion. I spotted that you were inventing, Lacaita, and 1 wanted to find out why. You didn't want Mrs Drexel to know that the jewels were not where you had put them. So after I had packed off my people to the theatre, I put on my noble and honour- able thinking-cap and began to consider. I'm not going to expose my methods to you. Lacaita, vou'd be bagging them, they're so original- but as a result I said to my noble and honour- able self: Lukey may know something of this. Go and see him.' And you 'id ?" I did. He had just b, en tucked in, and was feeling pretty comfy The doctor fel ow wasn't lor letting me see him, but Lukey told him he'd undo the bandages unless I was allowed up. If his future father-in-law couldn't see him, who could ?" Father-in-law ?" Well, well, I think I shall have to be. That time yesterday when the Due palmed off his walking-stick on him, Lukey came to ask me for Effie. I put off my answer for a week. But, by gad, he's a plucky fellow, and as Effie says she wants him, have her be e>hall. Yes. Lukey's got grit. He told me the story of Merry- thought Road- Merryweather Roa.d," I corrected. Merrythought is better, as far as Lukey is concerned," said Drake. He told me the story, and I could see he didn't want to make any thin" ot the part he .clayed Ilikedthat. md ir I know anything of Effie she'll like it too." I Good luck to them both," said I. Good uck to them both" We were at Scotland Yard now Come in,' said I, and wait a few minutes; nnd then I'll tell you whether you were right or wrong I'll tell you whether you II make a. de- tective or not" ou please. sir," said the night porter, (nspector Willingale has just come and asked for you. He said he was Going on in a few minutes to St James's Square." Good said I and- taking Drake to my room I left him there, bidding him wait for me Then [ hastened along the corridor to Willin gale's room. It was then three minutes to twelve. Willingale was taking a pair of handcuffs from a drawer. I cmid not help starting at the smile of pleasure that irradiated bis face, so different from the chagrin and gloom that shadowed it in the afternoon. You look pleased, Willingale," said I. And with good reason, sir," said he. got him?" said 1. unconsciously using the words Lady Dolly had used to me but a few minutes before. Ko, sir, said he," not just yet,"—a parody of my reply. You know where he is 1" Ves. sir. and also where he will be inside another hour." How do you know ?" Mademoiselle Calmette told me, She told him where the jewels were—on two occasions she told him. Why shouldn't she tell me where be is ?" Splendid Splendid Where is he, then 1" He is now in bed, in room 47, at the Boling- broke Hotel Then why are we dawdling here ? Come— let us away." There's no hurry, sir. He won't run. I pin my faith to Mademoiselle Calmette. You will see, sir, you will see said I," you can tell meon the way. You had better get one or two men to help." I don't think we ll want them, sir, butthey may as well come." A word and they followed us. I forgot com- pletely about. Drake. Where is Mademoiselle Calmette now ?" Receiving every attent on at the Royal Free Hospital, Gray's Inn Road; in the next bea to Mrs ( higman Mrs Chigman ?" said I. Landlady of the bouse that was burned in Calthorpe Street, and wife of Billy the Twister And wilh that introduction Willin- gale gave me Fraynham's story and his own By the time he had finished we were at the Bolingbroke. I inquired for the manager, gave my name, and in a moment he was with me. When he saw that I had men with me. his face grew long. He suspected something. You wish to speak with me. Sir Nigel ?" and he pointed the way to his private room. I want to see the hst of your guests," said I. There is someone here, Sir Njgel- he began. Bring your register at once," said 1. "I have no time to waste." For moment he looked as though he would dispute the order, but he though: better of it. He went away and returned with the book in a coupls of seconds. I ran down the list of names and the corres- ponding numbers of the rooms allotted No 47 was not among the numbers, and there was no name that looked like Laparcerie or Saraluna or Reauchamp 1 turned to the manager. Who occupies No. 47 ?" If it is not on the list, Sir Nigel, the room is empty." Your clerk may have made a mistake." We don't make mistakes at the Boling- broke, sir." Is it not oceupied," said Willingale, by a gentleman who arrived without luggage ?' The manager drew himself up very starchily. We do not receive guests without luggage at the Bolingbroke." Tut, tut," said 1. rising to my feet, what a waste of time. You have no objection to our visiting No 47 ? We believe we shall find a criminal there." The manager lifted his hands in horror. if he is," said I, you can trust my men not to make any disturbance None of your guests shall be annoved, as far as we can help it. Come sir. show us the room Very reluctantly he led the way. I enjoined the greatest quiet. As we turned to mount the stairs, Willingale whispered one of his men to secure a four-wheeled cab. At the door of 47 we dismissed the manager- Willingale examined the lock The key was on the inside. With long thin pliers he turned the key, and with the utmost caution we pushed the door open and entered the room—the thick pile carpet deaden- ing any sounds our boots might have made. Johnson, Willingale had said to the other assistant in the corridor, when you hear me sav the word Now: touch the electric switch by the door, and then rush forward to help me if I shouid need you. But 1 think I can manage by myself." Willingale and I movei forward a step or two and then he laid his hand on my arm and signed for me to shop stopped I could bear heavy breathing The room was in total darkness. The thick curtains cut off all light from the lamps in the courtyard, and all the electric candles in the corridor bad been extinguished. A moment or two passed in silence, and then came a sharp Now from Willingale, sharp as a pistol shot. The light flashed, and Johnson leapt past me. But Johnson was not needed. Willingale had calculated weil. The Due had leaped up at the word Now," his arms out, pushing away the bedclothes, his sleep-dimmed eyes shut against thesudden glare of the electric light In that second Willingale had the handcuffs on him and the cat ches snapped. It was one of the smartest things I have ever seen or wish o see. (To be concluded).
RARE WELSH BOOKS.
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RARE WELSH BOOKS. ADDITIONS TO THE WELSH LIBRARY AT ABERYSTWYTH. Some exceedingly rare items have recently been added to the Welsh I-ibrary, Aberystwyth, including several hitherto unknown works A rare Bunyan work is Pregeth ddiweddaf John Bunyan, Cymraeg gan John Morgan Cynwil Caio." This scarce little work was printed a.t London, 1744. There is no copy of this work in the Cardiff collection. Another very valuable work is Adnodda, ar rai Lleodd—ar fcdydd plant gan Mr Fowler Walker, mewn llythyr at yr awdwr." Printed in I<ondon, 1732. This is the celebrated reply of the Baptists of South Wales to Fowler Walker, of Aberga- venny, which was written by David Rees, of Hengoed, Baptist minister to the church at Limehouse, London, 011 behalf of the South Wales Baptists. An English work on the same subject, an hitherto unknown work on the Fowler Walker controversy, by an unknown Welshman it is entitled Infants not the subjects of Christian Baptism," by one Oswald Edwards, printed at Dublin, 1732. Another book not to be found in the Welsh Bibliography is a remarkable little pamphlet, the title of which is "Barn y Dydd Mawr" This is by a South Wales writer of the early part of the 18th century. It contains a very curious typographical peculiarity, the name Jesus Christ being printed merely in initials as I.C." Also a collection of Welsh pamphlets by Thomas Evans (Tomos Glyn Cothi), includ- ing Amddiffyniad," printed at Carmarthen in 1792 The earliest work by Thomas Evans re- corded by Rowlands is one printed in 1793, a year later Bound with these is the first col- lection of Welsh hymns for the Unitarians by 1 olo Morganwg, printed by XS Williams, the Merthyr printer, in 1814. These hymns, the most poetic and expressive in the Welsh lan- guage, are now very rare. Another Merthyr book which is really rare is Traethawd Byr ar Undol," by William Morgan, school master at Merthyr Tydvil. Published in 1800. Alto- gether some very interesting items have been added to the national collections.
DIED AT TONYPANDY.
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DIED AT TONYPANDY. A Young Irishman's Estate. Before Judge Bryn Roberts, at Porth County Court on Saturday, Michael Lehey, of Kilmarly, near Ennis, county Clare, sued Joseph O'Keefe, Primrose-street, Ton; pandy, for £102. monies left by his brother. Mr D W. Jones. Merthyr, appeared for plaintiff, and Mr A. T. James, Pontypridd, for defendant. Lebey said his brother, who was a young labourer, died suddenly at defendant's house. Aft,r arrangements had been made for the funeral to take place at Tonypandy a relative at Cardiff, named Heckey, countermanded the order, and the body was taken to Ireland for interment. The expenses amounted to £50 16s 3d, which witness contended were excessive and unwarranted. For the defence Mr James argued that Lehey could have ocuntermanded the order for the funeral in Ireland, seeing that he only lived six miles from Ennis. His Honour held that neither Heckey nor anyone else had a right to authorise such an expenditure. For perfect strangers to take upon themselves to spend so much money was monstrous, and de- fendant had acted most unwisely m not con- sulting those who had the administration of the estate. He would allow £15 for expenses. which he considered reasonable, and the award would be for £83 Os 6d and costs. J350 to be paid at once and the remainder in & month. Mr James explained that his client had already offered to pay JB50 down.
THE MEYERS CASE.
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THE MEYERS CASE. Charges Against Abersychan Man. At the South- Western Police Court on aturday (before Mr de Grey) the magisterial inquiry of Myers, of Abersychan, to the charge of conspiracy against Abel and David My»-ri was resumed. The charge arises out of the bankruptcy of Joseph Myers, the brother, who has already suffered a term of imprisonment in connection with the transaction involved Mr A Gill appeared for the prosecution, and Mr A. J. David for the defence. On the case being called on shortly after 2 o clock. David Myers was placed in the dock, and Abel Myers being called upon to surrender to his recognisances. Mr David said he was forry to say that some difficulty had arisen with regard to the resumption of the case, as a result of which Abel Myers had not been notified. It was neecssary for him to attend. It was no fault of the Court, but the result of a misunderstanding. It was agreed that the caM should stand adi tn Friday naxt.
A Story of a Prejudice.
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A Story of a Prejudice. By GILBERT STANHOPE, Author of The Sandalwood Box," Told By the Typewriter," The Old EstelUi, iVC., &c. Whoa do you think wa sluill reach Bom- bav. Captain The patient skipper replied, with his usual courtesy: About three in the afternoon, Mrs Beelby." Think of it, Muriel cried Mrs Beelby de- lightedly, turning to the giri who had come out under hcr charge. Only twenty-four hours more and we shall be there Muriel Lauriston tried to look pleased, but the effort was not a conspicuous success. The fact was she looked forward with dread to her arrival in India, dreaded the journey up to the small station where her father lived, dreaded most of all her meeting with that father, whom she had not seen since she was two years old. Muriel's mother had made no secret to her daughter to the fact that she and her husband did not' get on that she never meant t ;') back to him. nor did she ever contemplate the possibilitv of Muriel's having to Her notion of hei father was merely of a per- son who sent them monthly remittances. When her mother died—an event that poor little Mrs Lauriston had never considered as within the bounds of probability—Muriel, m addition to the grief of her loss, found herse'f obliged to obey her father's suggestion that she should j< in him at Bhurpoorie. The voyage had shaken her out of her grief the n. vcltv of life on board and the meeting with so many fresh people had been good tor her but she could not sympathise with Mrs Beeibv's anxiety to reach her journey's end. "You don't look any more pleased than I am, Miss Lauriston," said a voice behind her Muriel turned to see a man with a pale, handsome face and brilliant dark eyes, who took his place beside her with the ease of old acquaintance, though they had met for the first time ou board of the Simla One would think you were going back to the treadmill, as I am, after levelling for six months in London Clubland „ I am going to such a new and untried life, said Muriel. My mother never told me much about India-she was not out there long-and my father is such a complete stranger to me." Oh, you'll get to like the life very much." rejoined Blake Fratton Ladies geneially manage to have a very good time of it. If I can be of any use in showing you the ropes I shall be only too happy. I am stationed quite close to Bhurpoorie." Muriel opened her eyes wide. Why you never told me that before." No The fact is, Miss Lauriston—you will have to find it out sooner or laler—your father and I are not on the best of terms. í ought to have told you before, so that you could have dropped me if you preferred to—but." and here his vo'cs shook a little. I couldn't risk the spoiling of these brief happy weeks." f am very to hear it. But," said Muriel frankly, I can hardly be expected to take up LY father's likes and dislikes all iu a moment, can I ?" You don t know what a relief it is to me to hear you say so So you know my father ?" mused Muriel; do tell me exactly what he is like That I will not. You should get your im- pressions of him from a friend, not an—no, for your-sake, 1 will not count myself his enemy." Perhaps I .shal) be able to make you friends again." suggested Muriel hopefully. Blake Fratton shook his head. Come down and sing to me he pleaded. Remember this is our last evening." To Muriel this conversation gave food for much thought. Why would he tell h<-r nothing about her father ? Was the reality going to be even worse than her fears ? Mr Fratton had been so nice to her had paid her all those deferential attentions that to a very young girl mean so much she had felt so proud at being singled out by such a handsome and attractive man, that she placed a great value on his opinion. The next day duly brought them to Bombay, and Muriel was much impressed with the beauty of the place, the fine sweep of the bay with its amphitheatre of distant bills. Mrs Beelby's husband had come to meet her. anu Muriel would havetijelt very lonely and "de trop but for Mr Fratton, who was also going to stay a night in Bombpy. and who offered to take her for a drive to sec all that could be seen in the short time at their disposal We might take Miss Watson, too, to play propliety" he dded. Miss Watson was a medical mis-uonary, who had shared Muriel's cabin. Mui iel gladly consented Half an hour later he called for them at the hotel, and handed them into the carriage. First you must see Malabar Hill," said Fratton. Blake Fratton exerted himself to amuse them, and they spent a delightful afternoon re- turning in time for dinner. I was to find someone to look after you as far as Allahabad," said Mrs Beelby, and I have luckih come across old Padre Simpson, who is going there to-morrow Your father will come down as far as Allahabad to meet you." Yes he told me to wire from here the train I started by, and he would be there without fail." Then Dick will wire to him in the morning that you start at eleven." Muriel found her travelling companion of the ne: t day a very cheery old man, with an Ill- veterate habit of making puns. be was not exac ly surprised to find Blake Fratton also go- ing up by that train and though his seat was not in their carriage he came into it occasion- ally from one station to another, r joined her whenever there Avae a long wait. Muriel's anxiety about meeting her unknown father was not aliayed by Mr Fratton's way of speaking of him. He seemed to take it for granted that she would be lonely and not very happy, and implied a sore of offer of himself as comforter and confidant which, Muriel thought most kind. But after Alia abad, where her father duly met her, she sa.w nothing more of Mr Fratton for that day. A tall, ungainly man. with a plain face and a stiff and awkward manner, this was Muriel's first impression of her father. And what did George Lauriston see ? A girl who had all her mother's grace of movement and delicacy of feature, but was possessed of a much finer physique and who looked him full in the face with a pair of dark eyes under broad, level brows in a way her mother never had done. A meeting is bound to be constrained when two who are to live in close and intimate inter. couise are such utter strangers to one another Lauriston was perfectly aware of the judg- ment against him formed in his daughter's mind He had been prepared f"r it; only a -faint ray of hope that she might come out with an open mind and wait before pronuuncing her verdict had lingered in his heart, to be extin- guished now. Weeks passed, and Muriel began to grow ac customed to the strangeness of her surround- ings. The life was undoubtedly a lonely one the few English ladies in the station were not favourable specimens of Anglo-Indian society. and Muri I could not take to them Her father treated her with unvarying kindness and cour- tesy, but made no attempt at drawing into closer relations. She did not know haw far her own armed neutrality manner was answer- able for this. She thought she understood now how her gay, impulsive little mother had been repulsed and finally driven away. One evening.' when they were out driving to- gether, they met Blake Fratton face to face. He raised his hat to Muriel and gave her one of his long pleading glances, to which she re- pliel with a smile and a blush. She glanced at her father, but he did not seem to be aware of the other man's existence. Nevertheless when he bad passed, he turned to Muriel and asked Where did you make Fratton's acquain- tance 1 He came out with me on the Simla.' Surely I mentioned it." J don't think you did." And then, a sudden thought striking him, Was he the mau Mrs Beelby wrote of, who took you about in Bom. bay Muriel was furious with herself that she could not help the flush that overspread her face as she replied in the affirmative. I am sorry for it," he said gravely. I should not like you to make a friend of him. He is not a man of good repute." It was on the tip of Muriel's tongue to retort, He said. or implied, very much the same of you," but she refrained. "He was very kind to m; on board, father. What has he done ? Is there any definite accusation against him ?" Lauriston smiled enigmatically. I know of no law that he has broken, but he behaved in what I consider a cruel and blackguardly way to a poor lady I know. I am the only one who knows the whole facts, and for her sake I keep it quiet." Muriel felt hot and indignant. She did not believe a word of it, this accusation that could not be formulated Besides, who was he to talk of cruelty to a woman ? She regarded this in her own mind as the first appearance of the cloven hoof she had been 100- ing for. "Then do you forbid my speaki g to him, fa.! her? she asked, in a dangerously quiet tone. I don't forbid you speak to him when you meet. sin, e he was kind to you on board, but I should he very sorry to see you admitting him into any closer intimacy." Nothing further was said then. and Blake Fratton's name was not mentioned- between them for many weeks. But he was not allowed to pass out of Muriel's thoughts. In whatever direction she happened to go for her early ride, which she took at a time when her father was too busy to accom. pany her, she would almost always meet Blake Fratton, and the days when this did not happen brought a very blank sense of disappointment, with them. At first they would only exchange afewwor. and ride on then he would turn back and a compacy her. Their horses got to know ea other's paces, and fell naturally iuto a walk side by vide Muriel had put the widest inter- pretation on her lather's saying that he did not absolutely forbid her to speak to Mr Fratton Soon it Came to open confessions of love on his part. permitted by her with a shy, half- reluctant, wholly charming submission She thought it so wonderful that. a man of his age and experience should .stoop to lore a silly girl like herself. She regretted her lather's prejudices against him. 1 shall have a bad quarter oi an hour when I tell him we are engaged." He told her he was expecting to come in for money from an uncle who could not by any pos-dblility ljVt much longer Till then he could not afford to marrv, nor to keep his darl- ing as he would like but as soon as that hap- pened he would take her from her unloved home and surround her with all that love and devo- tion could suggest to make her happy. He almost suggested keeping silence on their e\1- gagement till then, but the startled look that came into Muriel's eyes at the first hint of such a tiling checked him Then he offered to go back with her then and there, and face the ts rant, but gave way finally to Muriel's arguments and allowed her to bear the brunt of the explanation. It was a ve.-y unpleasant interview for both father and daughter. George Lauriston de- clared plainly, though with a pained look on his harsh features, that he would not give his consemt to tl1 marriage You taunted me with making vague accu- sations, be said. I have now written for proofs of the treacherous conduct I told vou of; If you mean Mrs Studwick." retorted Muriel. her head held high Blake has told me all about that, and I do not consider he was to blame in the least Her father's compassionate smile, as he thought how different Fratton's own version might be from the one he would present.nearly maddened Muriel. I have no real home here," she criei no one to care for me this is my one chance of happiness in life, and it is cruel to deprive me of it 1" Jeorge Lauriaton's Hps twitched. God knows," he said," your happiness is the one thing I desire. Let the matter stand in abey- ance, Muriel at least until T get an answer to a letter I have written. Promise me that you will do nothing rash There is no fear of that. I do not forget that you 'are my father, and that I owe you obedience, at anv rate until 1 am of age." George Lauriston sighed. This was not exactly his idea of filial relations. One morning, aboul ten days later, Lauri3on. who had been su -ering from an obstinate head- ache, determined to take a holiday from official work and try what fresh air would do. lIe went to his daughter's room to see if she had already started. Missy Haba gone very early," the Ayah told him Fratton Sahib's syce bringing letter and Missy dressing very quick." Then he still dares to write to her," mut- tered Lauriston. He rode off at a quiat trot. taking the same road that Muriel had followed, as he could tell by the recent hoof-marks, for the rains had be- gun and the ground was soft. Presently his horse shied violently at a piece of white paper lying on the road. Lauriston spoke to him soothingly, a.nd brought him up to it again and again to assure him of its harm- lessness. A gust of wind blew hack a corner of the crumpled sheet, and he saw his daughter's name. Hedismounted instantly and secured the paper Muriel should not be so careless with her letters," he said in that fellow's writing too He was about to cram it into bis pocket I when one line caught his eye, Wc can be married in Bombay." Then be set his teeth together and read the letter al! through- Fratton wrote to tell Muriel that he was sum- moned home at once, owing to his uncle's ill- ness. He implored her to leave her father and come with him. They could be hastily married in Bombay, and he would find a home for her in London while he went down into Cornwall. He could not bear the idea of leaving her, he declared, perhaps to be forced by her father into a marriage with someone else. I start by the 9.30 train to Allahabad. Will you. dearest, join me there when you are out for your ride ? Never mind luggage we can get all you want in Bombay." Then followed vows and protestations that she should never have cause to repent trusting him, etc., etc. A wrathful flush came to Lauriston's brow. "The scoundrel Surely Muriel would know I how to treat such a proposition." Then the words came back to him— how that Missy Baba had hurried off unusually early, after the receipt of a letter, and an awful fear struck his heart. If she had believed him and gone Lie looked at his waish. "Nine-thirty." he muttered, and it's past nine now The raad to the station was a long one he could not do it in the time. Then a thought flashed upon him. The road was in part a cut- ting that wound round the of a hill. By rid.'ng across to a certain point and scram- ling down a precipitous slope he would save more than a mile, and could perhaps just get to the sta. ion in time. It was a difficult feat for the young horse he was riding if it had only been old Sultan, who had borne him tor many a long day and in many a rough place, it would have been less hazardous. But Muriel was the first thought in his mind, and he turned rein the very instant the idea occurred to him. He galloped across the hill and then put his horse carefully to the descent. For two-thirds of the slope all went well then a large stone on which the nervous animal had rested a forefoot rolled from nndr it; there was a sudden twist and Lauriston knew no more It was Muriel herself who came upon him Iv. ing there— luriel. who after the receipt of her lovers letter had ridden off. not to join him at the stat ion, but to think out in the fresh air the thoughts that were oppressing her, the first faint doubts as to whether Blake Fratton were all that she believed him. There was something in the letter—the letter that she had stuck in the bosom of her dress from where she bad unaccountably lost it—that did not ring quite true. He protested rathpt too much. The girl's mistrust was awakened. She had sent a note to Fratton, saying that what he asked was impossble she had prom- ised her father to take no rash step. Then she rode off, aimlessly at first, till sud- denly the idea occurred to her to go a little way along the station road, just to see from the dis- tance the smoke of the departing train, that might have carried her off to love and happi- ness—or to disillusion aud misery. t Thus it happened that on turning the corner of the road she came upon the amazing spec- I tacle of a horseman trying to make hj way down the precipitous slope. Her first thought was that it must be some madman, till she re. cognised her father's hoise and held her breath in amazement, not daring to "call out in re monstrance lest her voice should startle him and make him slip. She was just thinking that the worst was over when the catastrophe happened, and she heard the thud with which the horse and rider came headlong into he road. Luckily it was cot long before help came. The Quartermaster General was the first to pass by, and he foun i poor Muriel leaning over her father's prostrate body. He soon had the unconscious man taken home, and the poor horse, who had a leg broken, he took upon him. self to shoot. And now came an anxious time for Muriel. Her father was suffering from concussion of the brain, and many days passed before he fully re- covered consciousness. A deputy was found to do his official work, but Muriel found herself obliged to attend to all his correspondence, as well as to nurse him. And as she went through the sick man's papers she began to get an insight, into his character such as she had never had before. There were allusions in other people's letters to many a kindly deed that she had never hsard him speak of. And from the way his superiors in the Service wrote, she ga'hered some knowledge of the high esti- mation in which he was held. Her whole notion of his character had to be reconstruc. ted. In one drawer she opened in searching for a. bill she found memorials of her childish self a pencil portrait, a flaxen curl, but no letters for her mother had never suggested her writing to the absent father. The bundle tied neatly together and laid in another drawer, labelled Muriel's letters were her mother's. J-he would have liked to read them. Something told her they might. put a different complexion on the whole story from the one it had hitherto worn in her eyes. But she was beginning now to understand her father sufficiently to know that he would itot wish to be rehabilitated in her opinion at the expense of his dead wife. Her eyes were further opened by the sym- pathy which all, rich and poor, European and native a ike, showed for his accident She would never have thought of her father as a popular man his manner was against that; but the esteem in which he was held by all around him was very evident now. George Lauriston, coming slowly back to himself, was conscious of a vague sense of well being, of an atmosphere of loving attention, as stian e an delizhtful as it was impossible, in his feeble state, to comprehend When the memory of his accident and its cause flashed upon his mind, he glanced round to where Muriel was sitting. Then you're still here, Muriel; thank God Muriel, who had found her crumpled letter in his pocket and knew the object of his reckless ride, came and knelt beside him. Yes, father," she said. I had no thought of going. I had already written to f-efuse the— the suggestion." He put out his hand, trying to stroke her hair. It hurt me to grieve you. Muriel— but I knew he wasn't—the right sort. When the right man comes, little girl —you won't find mactiDg the stern parent." Muriel took the hand, that had failed lament- ably to achieve its purpose, and laid her soft cher-k against it,. The tears came into Lauris- ton's eves at this first sign of affection on her part. Has a. letter come for me—from Ireland he prr>sentJy. Yes, father 1 will fetch it. I did not open it, as it was marked private.' She opened it for him. and found an sured addressed to herself. Can you bear to read it, my child ? Have you courage to hear the truth ?" 1 must know the truth, father," said Muriel, and seating herself ia a low chair beside him she opened the letter. It was signed C.-lia Studwick," and began with a very grateful mention of Muriel's father, but for whose kindness and help, as :1' it was generously given tbi> writer said. sht would never have been able to emerge from the slouiih of misery, remorse and self-loathing into which she had been brought by the cold- hearted treachery of Blake Fratton. She did not spare herself, for she owned that she had listened to him and left her husband for his sake.only to hear him coldly laugh at the idea of really carrying out his fervent promises But for Georre Lauriston's kindness she did not know what her end might have been and if the knowledge of her story could save his daughter from losing her heart to a specious villain, she would not regret having reverted to the miserable past. Muriel cried George Lauriston anxious- ly, as a long silence succeeded her reading of the letter. "Munel. my darling He said the word hesitatingly, aLnost as if he were taking a liberty. Muriel turned to him quickly. You are not angry with me, dear girl ? You do not hate me for depriving you of a, lover ?" Muriel's arm had stolen round his neck. I could bear the loss," she whispered, "now that I have found—my father And George Lauriston sighed a sigh of deep content as her soft lips pressed his cheek.
NEWPORT PILOT CUTTER
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NEWPORT PILOT CUTTER In Peril Off Bull Point. During the severe weather on Friday night the S. G. Homfray (pilot cutter), owned by Mr W. J Evans, Adeline-street. Newport, was damaged while off Bull Point, near Ilfracombe. The cutter's mast, main boom, and bowsprit. were carried away, and the forward deck was torn up. Mr Evans, the owner, who has been a pilot for 29 years, had the assistance of two seamen, but despite their combined eJorts the cutter became unmanageable. They sent up distress rockets and burnt" Bares." and driitcd for about five hours. The cutter was nearly run into by an outward bound st-eamer As the steamer approached they left the cutter for the punt, but this also had been damaged by the falling wreckage, and was partly filled with water. They subsequently returned to the cutter, and about 6 o'clock on Saturday morning they fell in with the pilot cutler Mascotte, owned by Mr Thomas Cox. Newport, which was in charge of Mr W J. Cox. The S. G. Homfray was subsequently towed up Channel by the Mascotte, and arrived at New- port about 7 p.m. on Saturday. Interview With the Pilot. Our Newport representative interviewed Mr W. J. Evans, the owner of the pilot cutter, at his home on Sunday. Mr Evans said: We left Barry on Friday morning. The weather was Fne. and continued so during the greater part of the day. Towards night, however, the weather became rough the wind was fairly strong, and the seas were heavy. About 11.30 p.m. we were just opposite Bull Point, when a heavy sea carried away our mast, main boom, and bowsprit, and tore up our decks forward- The cutter became unmanageable and we sent up distress rockets and burnt flares, so as to get assistance, but we did not get any until we fed in with the Mascotte, which towed us up to Newport." You have no doubt about sending up the distress rockets V" No certainly not. Wc had one or two narrow escapes of being run into. A big steamer all but ran into us, and we had to leave the cutter for the punt. but this had been dam- aged by the falling mast, and was neariy full of water. We shouted to the big steamer through the speaking trumpet, and she just managed to pass by us. Fortunately, the Mascotte came along,"and we were towed back to Newport."
MAESTEG CLUB.
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MAESTEG CLUB. Struck Off Register-Interesting Point. At Bridgend on Saturday an application was marie by the police that the club known as the Maesteg Volunteer Bind and Institute at Maesteg be struck off the register under Sub- section F of Section 23 of the Licensing Act, 1902, which provides that no club shall occupy premises in respect of which within 12 months next preceding the formation of the club a licence has been forfeited or a renewal of a licence refused. Mr T. J. Hughes (Messrs H ughes and Lewis, Bridgend) appeared for ute police, and Mr Evan E Davies, solicitor, Maes- teg for the club Mr Hughes said this was the first case in the county under this particular section, and he was instructed to point out that this case was particularly flagrant. The premises of this club were formerly licensed as the Greyhound Inn, but last year the Bench-referred the licence for compensation, and ou the 18th rune the com- pensating authority refused the renewal of the licence aud awarded a sum as compensation, JB700 of which went to the leaseholders, the Rhondda Valley Brewery Co. The house was closed on the 12th September, but the Rhondda Valley Brewery Co. appeared to have at once set about letting the premises, and on the 30th October the club was registered with a mem- bership of 46. This year it was registered with a membership of 2:6. Inspector Benjamin Evans gave formal evi- dence of the refusal of the licence of the Grey- hound Inn These proceedings, he said, were beirjg taken on the instructions of the chief constable I Mr E. E. Davies said the only point was as to the construction of the words of the section. When the club was being formed the pro- moters had doubts as to their position, having regard to the sub-section under which these proceedings were now being taken, and they wroie to the Rhoo Ida Valley Brewery Com- pany. The company, after consulting their solicitors and taking counsel's opinion, were advised that the sub-section did not interfere with their right to let the premises as a club, and they wrote to the club promoters to that effect- Mr Hughes I quite agree that it did not affect them. Mr Davies then argued that the sub-section of the Act of 1902 could only apply to licensed houses which had been refused a renewal of their licences on one or more of the four grounds specified in that Act, and that it coold not apply to houses referred for compensation under the Act of 1904 on the ground that there were too many houses in the district. The magistrates decided to strike the club off the register. Mr Davies said there would probably be an appeal.
SWANSEA WOMAN'S FATE.
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SWANSEA WOMAN'S FATE. Companion's Dramatic Story. On Saturday night a woman named Selina. Rusbrook, of the Strand, Swansea, came to an untimely end by drowning in the canal not far from Maliphant's lock- About midnight a man named Ernest Witts, of Danygrag, Port Tennant; Swansea, came up to P.C. Price and said a woman had fallen into the canal. Wi ts relates his story as follows :—" The woman and myself were going up the canal side when she said Follow me up these steps.' and I did so. She then crossed a small footbridgo, and told me to be careful. She got across the bridge and went against the large wooded lever with which the lock is closed, and falling backwards went into the canal. I tried to catch her. but only suscee. ded in grasping her shawl." The police immediately took measures to recover the ody and grappling irons were used, and the canal was dragged. The lockman hav- ing come upon the scene the water in the canal was lowered, and the body was recovered about 3 a.m.. and identified as that of Selina Rus- brook, an unfortunate. Wilts during the drag- ging operations rendered all possible assistance
SUICIDE AT HENLLAN.
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SUICIDE AT HENLLAN. Sad Disclosures at Inquest. On Saturday Mr J. H. Evans, district coroner, held an inquest on the bodv of Mrs Mary Richards, of Parcattan, Moesllvn. Thomas Richards, the husband, deposed that deceased was 53 years of age. They had had nine children, and four were alive. His wife was not strong during the latter period of her life. She complained of heat in the head and pains in the chest off and on. She was subject to fits occasionally and worried about their circumstances, which were fairly good. Witness left for his work as road labourer about 8 a.m.. and was called back by neighbours shortly afterwards, and found that his wife had cut her throat with a. razor. A verdict of "Suicide during temporary insanity" was returned.
CLOTHING IN FLAMES.
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CLOTHING IN FLAMES. Fatality at Pontypool. At Pontypool on Saturday the deputy- coroner for the district. Mr Norman S. Matthews con- ducted an inquest on the body of Lleanor Hicks (15), daughter of Charles Hicks, labourer. of < anal Bank, Pontypool. On Wednesday the deceased girl, who was an imbecile, was left in the house with a younger sister, and whilst she was putting coal on the fire her dress became ignited. She ran out into the street, and a neighbour apparently put the flames out. How- ever, the fire again broke out, and the whole of the girl's clothing was burnt off her. She suc- cumbed to her injuries the following day. The jury returned a verdict of Death from shock, caused by burns."
[No title]
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Kind Lady Here's a sixpence for you, my poor man. Notv don't go and spend it in vile drink.—Tramp (heartily): Thank you mum I'll not. ) suppose you are referring to the wretched stuff they got a t the Dun Cow. mum. Ah, but I'll go to the Black Bull; they keep right good liquor there.
INew Welsh Department _---..
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I New Welsh Department PERMANENT SECRETARY WITH DRAWS FROM PUBLIC LIFE. Mr A. T Davies, the newly appointed per. manent secretary to the recently .created Welsh department c.f the Board Qf Education, formally withdrew from the public life of Den- bighshire on Saturday afternoon. When the unexpected news of his appointment to White- hall became known, the Cciriog Valley Liberal Association called an emergency meeting of the members together for Saturday. This was pre- sided over by Mr Win. Par ry, of Pandybach, and was attended by Mr and Mrs A. T. Davies. The Chairman at the outset expressed the regret tb.ey h it at the prospect of losjng Til Davies as 1 he representative oi the district on the County Council, a regret which was not unmixed with pleasure at the honour which had been confened epon him. and through him upon their own County Council. Mr Davies afterwards formally intimated the withdrawal of his candidature for the represen- < tation of that division at the forthcoming elec- tion on the County Council. Having thanked them for the kindness and siipport which had been extended to him during the five vea.r8 he and his had been among them, and par- ticularly during the three years he had bad the pleasure of serving them on the County Council, Mr Davies, referring to his new appointment, impressed upon the meeting that he had not sought, neither directly nor indi- rectly, Government office, and there was no one more astounded than he was when t hree weeks ago he was summoned to London and was there proffered the honour" to which their chairman had all\j8ed. He had deemed this to be a call from the very first, a call to serve hia country, such a call that a soldier received, and regarded in that light he felt his answer must. be Yes," and yes it was. Proceed- ing, Mr Davies recalled his connection with that county. Truly, be was born in Liverpool, and had spent the greater part of his life there; but his family belonged to the county, he had come of very humble surroundings, and God grant that he mIght no* forget it And now he was to go elsewhere, giving up the trust they had reposed in him and layinsr down his work in the social and moral prob cms of Liverpool, and he was going to London with an honesty of purpose to do his duty fully and fearlessly on behalf of his country, and especially on behall of the little children of Wales. (Applause.)
LOST PARCEL OF DIAMONDS.
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LOST PARCEL OF DIAMONDS. Merchant's Unbelieved- Story. At Clerkenwell on Saturday Isaac Eidinow, diamond merchant, of Hatton-garden. giving an address at Grove-road. Victoria Park. was charged with appropriating to his own use diamonds of thevaiue of £71. The solicitor for the prosecution made a statement 10 the effect that the circumstance of an alleged diamond robberv as reported last March were that defendant alleged that on going to Birmingham Post Office he placed a pocket-book on the counter containing diamonds of the value of £4.500. It disappeared and the whole of the stones were lost. Among them was a small parcel, the subject of the present charge, which had been obtained from \V. A. Stemburg. a dia- mond broker, of Hatton Garden. After the loss Eidinow was made bankrupt. Then fol- lowed an action against a pawnbroker by Mr Good worth- Prisoner was alleged to have pledged some of the diamonds with the pawn- broker- Accused, however, stated that they were not Steinburg's diamonds, but his own, which were pledged The jury held that pri- soner's statement was not true, and found in favour of plaintiff in the action, thus finding; that, as a fact, the diamonds were not lost but pledged. There had previously been a difficulty in bringing the matter home. There was another action pending, and pri- soner would also be further charged, in all pro- bability, with respect to other diajnonds and under the Debtors Act. A detective stated he found two packets con- taining some stones and pledges at accused's home. Accused was remanded, the magistrate offer- ing bail.
OLD SERVANT'S BREAKDOWN.
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OLD SERVANT'S BREAKDOWN. Painful Libel Case. At the Mansion House, London, on Saturday. John A. Drury (57), traveller, of Grange-road, Hford, was charged with having sent libellous postcards to Alderman Sir David Evans. A police-officer stated that after his arrest pri- soner said he wrote the postcards for an article in a weekly journal. He added that Sir David had been very kind to him, but his (Drury's) family tantalised him, and said he was living on charity. God only knew he had walked all over London in search of work A representative of the firm of Messrs R and D. Evans, of Watling-street, said, prisoner had been in their service for 32 years, but was discharged in January, when he had a nervous breakdown, anch they had no further use for him The firm allowed accused 30s a week for 13 months Three post- cards produced were in Drury's handwriting. One read Dear Sir David Evans,—How magnified you are. Your past life through my brother-in-law is known. You have had 32 years of my life. You make your thousands, and now you starve me. More to follow.— Signed, Drurv." Witness said prisoner had been a source of annoyance for a long time past. An employee of the firm stated that last Monday he heard prisoner say, twill serve them the same aa Rayner did Whiteley." Drury No. no. It is an entire misconstruc- tion of my words. I have no malice in my heart. Prisoner was committed for trial, and will examined by the prison doctor.
PEPPERED HIS EYES.
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PEPPERED HIS EYES. A Maesteg Husband's Allegations. Thomas Collins, labourer. Caerau, Maesteg a tall, well-built man summoned his wife, Eliza Collins, a woman about half his size, for assault Collins said that as he was eating soup for dinner the other day he asked for the peppar. H wife got a hand.aland flung it into his eye.?, blinding him for a moment. While he was in that predicamenk she got a kettle of boiling water and poured it over his head, and had it. not been that he was wearing a cap he would have been scalded bald. (Laughter) Then she flung a jug at him, cutting his head. and a salt cellar, which gashed his temple. Mrs Collins said that her husband came in drunk, knocked her down. and beat her. She threw a jug at him in self-defence, but missed him. and he picked up a piece of the and deliberately cut himself, saying, I've copped you now." He knocked her down and kicked her, and she threw a kettle of water at him to prevent him murdering her. She had lived a. dog's life with him for 15 years, and wanted 4 separation. The case was dismissed.
CARMARTHENSHIRE RATEPAYERS'…
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CARMARTHENSHIRE RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION. Alleged Extravagance of the County Council. A general meeting of the newly-formed Carmarthenshire Ratepayers' Association was held at the Guildhall. Carmarthen, on Satur- day. Mr D. James. Baileybedu Llanllwni. presided, and in alluding to the h!gh rates said it was high time that they ousted those mem- bers from the County Council,whose chief bobby appeared i 0 be to lritter away the ratepayers' money on extravagant schemes. Mr Mervyn Peel. J.P.. Danyrallt, observed that they were not far off the time when the electors ail over the county would have once more their chance of making th ir choice of those whom they wished to represent them on the County Council. They could first, as a ratepavers' association, pass a reso ution most strongly con emning the waste and extrava- gance of County Counci's in the past and. secondly, pass a. resolution urging upon the county electors in every electoral division to only support those candidates upon whom they could rely to support a policy oi the strictest economy. (Hear, bear.) He moved— That this meet:ng of the Carmarthenshire Ratepayers' Protection Association most strongly protests against the high rates wh'ch have become such a heavy burden upon the ratepayers of the county, and con- siders that this comes in great measure through the waste and extravagance of the County Councils in the past and the present wh eh they cannot too strongly condemn. The resolution was seconded by the llev. George Evans, Pensarn, who. however, sug- gested the elimination of the word waste." Mr G. O. Lewis. EgJys Cromen, protested against such an elimination and said be did not think the resolution was worded strongly enough. The Rev. D. Davies, Cilycwm. in supporting the motion, referred to the audited accounts of the County Council for the year 1902, in which the expenses of the chairman of the County Education Committee in attending the Cor- onation were given as £22 2s 7d. and asked if that was not a waste of ratepayers' money (Cries of" Yes.") Mr John Johns, Parceithyn. said he hoped they would not blame the County Council wholesale for 1 he increased ra i es The resolution was then pat to the meeting and carried unanimously. Mr Mervyn Peel then submitted a second re- solution as fo lows :— That this meeting desires to mprws upon the county electors in each electors! division the necessity of selecting candidates, at the forthcoming e]. ction who wll 'not only pie ge themselvi s but who c"n be relied upon to support a pobcy 01 reform by wh'ch the utmoi t efficiency can be obta.ne com. bined with slrict economv in the future The Hev. D Davies, Cilycwm. seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously. Id Mr Thomas, Pantrhead, said they should clear out the present members of the Comity Council wholesale, including Mr John Johns* and put in their own men. Mr John J. Hughes. schoolmaster, one of Llangennsch delegates, proposed a resolutioØ impressing upon all electors not to suppor^a. county councillor who pledges devote the ratepayers' money towards tn and upkeep of Alltymynydd Sanatonum- A storm of protest greeted the j of such a motion, two delegates |only voting wsr it.