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LORD WALDEMAR'S HEIR.
Copv r iq h C. LORD WALDEMAR'S HEIR. By MRS. HARRIET LEWIS, Author of "The Hampton Mystery," "The Bailiff's Scheme," "The Lady of Kildare," "The Old Life's Shadowy" "A Daring Gauao," &c., ic. CHAPTER XXXVII. Tn. VICTIM SECURELY HIDDEN. The farm burnn ». Tl,, r landed possession of Pau < the reader knows, a recent grft to him from hie uncle, Lord Waldemar, is situated ,111 the north-eastern portion of Huntin donshire, and is as lonely and secluded as if situated in the far desert of Sahara- Such a gift from the noble and wealthy Baron Waldemar savoured strongly of satire and irony. All around it for ai radius of many miles are dismal and dreary fens, where the water lies rtagnant, and the air is pregnant with malaria. Three-fourths of the farin bad been drained and »fforded excellent pasturage for the short- horned cattle crowding it. The farmer's low ■tone house is upon this drained land. 6 rcniaining fourth of the two hundred v j w»8 a rude and swamp-like fen, the 0 water-fowl in great numbers. Stunted trees dotted its surface, and at its outermost boundmry, where it adjoined the property of other owners, was a thick grove of willows and cypress trees, the latter so far predominating as to give a funereal aspect as well as a name to the place. In the midst of this grove of cypresses, ap- proached by a paved read from the highway, ■ut not to be seen from the farmer's cottage 110r from the public road, was the house. It "at an ordinary farmhouse, built of rough atone, two storevs in height—a square box without a break in its outline, and without a fleam of picturesque charm, save what possibly might be afforded by the small mullioned .indows and the quaint stone porch. The house wore a gloomy and neglected air, many of the windows having been boarded up upon the outside for year, It had been for a long time uninhabited, bearing the reputation of being haunted. A murder had once transpired In the grim old dwelling, and the horror of the deed clung to the place still, making it shunned and feared by all the people of the countryside. Even the unlettered farmer who lived at the further end of the farm visited the house as aeldom as was compatible with his duties of taking charge of it. No tenant had been found autBciently devoid of superstition to iuha]'i' a dwelling of such evil reputation, but possibly the fact that it was situated in th" nudst of a death-breeding fen may have contributed to its avoidance. Behind the house were kitchen garden, otable-yard and stables, all enclosed by a high atone wall, which abutted upon the house walls, .Affording a private enclosure for all those offices. This, then, was the place to which Darrel roer had caused to be brought bis young bride. t was in one of the low upper rooms, under steep, overhanging roof, that young Honor had been immured by Bing and his assist- ants. The valet flung himself down upon one of the fcigh-backed settles in the low ancient kitchen before the rousing wood fire, whose warmth and light filled all the room, while his daughter took possession of another. Jacob Bing went out with the lantern to the stable-yard, to care for the horses, and Miss Bing bustled about to prepare breakfast for the rcwly-arrived guests. It was not yet Lght, and the ruin was falling With a steady dreariness, promising to continue throughout the day. Miss Bing drew out a square tnble and pro- ( seeded to lay the covers. She lighted a candle and went into the adjoining pantry, coming out quickly with a dish in her hand, upon which was a single cooked fowl. She contemplated the interesting object in the greatest excitement, M if it had been some dangerous live creature. "Look at that! she exclaimed, extending "the dirh at arm's length, and adjusting her spectacles that she might command a better -▼WW of it. "Look at that, 1 say! I could •Imost think I had lost my senses. Perhaps 1 m dreaming eel hope I'm not," said the valet. "The fowl's a decent specimen of its kind. Have you gone crazy, Judith ? "Not yet, but I think I'm going said Miss Bing, in a theatrical voice. "Yesterday there Were two fowls upon this dish side by side. I roasted them in expectation of your coming. I saw them before I went to bed in my room upstairs; and now one is gone! Where is it? Where is it, I ask ? "How should I know?" demanded Bing imily. "Direct your inquiries to the proper quarter. Probably Jacob got hungry in the -ttif ht and ate it up." Jtiss Bing shook her head incredulously. WI know better," she said. "Jacob went to w«d before I did, and did not get up until I |*Utd him. The house is certainly haunted, I Watson. »o human being carried off that! TOWl. The thief is the ghost who haunts this ^tfaise.w "Nonsense said Bing. lb**ferhaps you know more about it than I do, Mid Miss Bing sharply. "I say the ghost stole fowl. And that's not all. 1 missed a loal Jn bread the night before last. That was stolen ■tfore Jacob came. And the night before that, P*missed some cold roast beef and half a small Ptfrl-and-ham pie." i "Set a rat-trap and you'll catch your ghost," jfrclared the unbelieving valet. "I don't be- in the kind of ghosts that devours veal •K" You don't know tt all yet!" replied Miss 9ing, with a slight sneer. "I repeat, there is *p|host in this house. It whispers through my .^yhole at nights—— yknXbe wind!" -■"it rushes through the attics," continued jttUaBinrr, with a glance of scorn at her brother. r"It rustles through the hall. It displaces ■tfhiture. I've searched the whole house from %ie to oellar and found no trace of it, but I it's here. I am not superstitious. I have Pto tear of ghosts but I am almost sorry we to this house. What if the disembodied WtUg should rush out upon me from some What if the world should come to an end I ilmt"MuPtod Bing impatiently. "You say yon ill* superstitions, but you are. Fancy a -i5 your sense talking about ghosts t Sou *1?l" JQUr sleep *nd ate the pis, ml™ «w W your own self T demanded Miss Bing, la #Mu«astie voice. •' 1 0 -fVery likely, "plied B!ag euuperatinglv. woman of your •»ierpqaeL might do even I'll ssarch Uie house to-dayfand in the mafcliae I would recommend you to nut f*Sr head in a poultice. Ghosts! Bah 1 » Tat. aggrieved Miss BlOC set down her 4isk with a force that orackfd it. Then & ominous silence she proceeded to prepare LOrnine meal, producing clatter th*» have don. credit to the actmty of » IfKa cooks is concert. the time the faint light came struggling ■a al the wet and dingy windows, and Jacob jRjfcg returned from the stables, Miss Judith ■M&'frtpared a tray with a smtfll pot of tea 3IQII it, a plate of buttered toast, and another ■#old fowl, and taking a light in one hand d the tray on her arm, she went up to ¡the young prisoner. Honor was piecing her floor in the firelight, flka had removed her outer wrappings, and hei long dyed hair streamed over her shoulders fau wild disorder. Miss Judith set down her tfty and light upon a small table near the and abruptly retreated to the threshold. r^Xi it light yet? asked Honor wearily, With • fiance at the darkened window. jiiist coming light," answered Miss "There's a wooden shutter over your tfiadow on the outside, but the light will come by-and- bve through the crevices and the "ot-bolel. ,1..A Who are you t i!zqiiired Honor. Judith Bing, 4i» sister," and the iphister nod.ied sigmlicantly in the direction of kitchen. Honor's vivid eyM searched the woman's floe with a gaze like that of an hour earlier, kut there was no glean of womanly pity or kindness in the sharp, harsh features, nor in ttw oold and speculative eyes. With a sigh the young girl turned from the ttokNqplaiioa of .lik. aM Bing went, downstairs to servo her family last. sinor drank her tea and ate her meal, as a' iter of course. Then she walked to and frol 'r her floor for hours. The light crept! lly in in faint, gleams and bars through the, enings it) the shutters, and the girl climbed er table and peered out through a knot-hole the rough board over the window, but she w nothing except the heavy gloom of some •nsely-shading tree. Once or twice she fancied heard a rustling sound in Miss Bing's Him,with which hers was connected by a door, Md once or twice she fancied, also, a faint, whispering sound came through the key-i ole of her door—a sound that was not madei v the roving wind. v the roving wind. At noon Miss Bing brought up the young •dy's dinner, and took away the breakfast '•av. She appeared again at evening, with "&st and tea and smoked sa'.mon, and casually ,emarked that her brother had gone away and vould not return for the present. This information afforded Honor a great deal )f relief. She feared the unscrupulous Talet mly less than she feared his employer. Miss Bing returned to the ki!chen with thei linner-tray. The valet reclined upon thej settle, smoking a pipe. [Ine evening had leepened into darkness, and the rain was fall-I ing ceaselessly and dismailv. Jacoo Bing and 'lusty, both disguised as gipsies, had just driven nwav upon their return march to Lancashire. "Miss Glint, thinks it's you that have gone, Watson," said the spinster. "So much the better," responded the valet. 'She won't, be so much upon her guard as if rethought me still here, Jacob and Gusty vill make the night's journey-as I made that if last night—unseen by anyone. The rain vill keep every farmer's lad indoors, and lie"11 be in Leicestershire before day, and not a -oul will suspect that the waggon's been down here, or that he's not the same fellow that drove it before—alt.I o igh, indeed, I was carcely seen by anyone since leaving Holconibe .Moor. It's been a pretty nice job, pretty nicely executed all through, Judith." executed all through, Judith." When shall you leave also ? inquired Miss Bing. "To-morrow morning fe fore daybreak, if possible. I want to get off before the farmer suspects that you're not alone here." suspects that you're not alone here." "You could stay here a year and he'd not suspect it. How the furniture was ever taken care of, I can't tell. When he brings the milk and fowls he refuses to enter the house, 'cause he's afeared of ghos's,' he said to me, very reluctantly, when I hunted him down. That story about the glio.,t makes this the best liding-place in England, for it keeps visitors away. Even the farmers avoid the road that leads pai-t The Cypresses. And if it wasn't true that there's a ghost here- "Bother! Haven't [ searched the house to-day from top to bottom demanded Bing. "You are as foolish as unreasonable. Why, even G u>! v ha~ more courage than you "I have courage enough when I have to deal with beisij.-s of fle^h and blood," said Miss Bing with a shudder, "but when it comes to invisible creatures that mock one through keyholes and rob the pantry, then I own I am afraid." "Set a rat-trap, and catC'l your ghost-that's' all I can say. I have something of more im-j portance on my mind than these petty bothers of yours. If I can get that marria,e certificate! to-night, I'll be off before morning, and wall- to the nearest town. 1 shall disguise myself, because the police may be on the look-out for me at the London terminus, and I shall not approach London from this direction. I shall make a long detour that will bring me in on the Dover or Brighton road. I'm an old fox, and not easily to be caught. And, to make all extra sure, I shall probably walk the last! few miles, and arrive in London on foot, tc make it appear that I have not been out of town. If I fail to procure the certificate to- [night, I shall doit to-morrow night. Sit down, Judith. We must devise a plan to get the paper from the girl's neck. She wears it in an oiled silk bag attached to a necklace." The fellow-conspirators engaged in a dis- cussion of ways and means that evinced the highest ingenuity on the part of both. Honor had been restless all the day, and had for much of the time paced her floor, finding relief for her tortured mind in wearying the bodily forces. She drank her tea mechanically. The candle burnt out early. The fire was heaped up afresh, burnt out early. The fire was heaped up afresh, but burnt dully, the moist air being very heavy. A small bath-closet adjoined the chamber, and was fitted up inexpensively with a portable bath, and a pump by which water might be brought np from a cistern in tile cellar. This water was very cold, but Honor pumped up a sufficient, quantity fur a bath, with which she refreshed herself. She removed evory particle of dye trom her fair sl.in, which was found to have '!een not injtired by the application, and washed her long and wavy tresses of pale gold until the lake blackness had been completely removed. 'She'was herself again, fair as a pearl, with •/olden hair all kinks and waves, and with dusky eyes that seemed fuller of midnight shadows than ever. Miss Bing bad procured from some ladies' than ever. Miss Bing had procured from some ladies' outfitting establishment a supply of delicate nnder-garments, with brushes and other neces- saries, for Miss Glint, and Honor put on a nlled night-robe and sat down again by the fire. She had in her hand her necklace, to which were attached her onyx ball and the oiled silk hag to which the sharp-sighted Gusty had lluded in conversation with her father. She Mad put this necklace round her neck after the Hungarian Countess had been conveyed from her room in a state of unconsciousness, and just before leaving Lady Thaxter's house upon er momentous journey to Bolton. The onyx all was her choicest possession. The little oiled -ilk bag contained the certificate of her marriage t o Darrel Mocr. She opened the bag to assure erstlf of the safety of the important paper, and hen clasped the necklace round her neck under er gown. She crossed the room in her bare feet 'and xamined the door. It was locked on the outer *ide. By the expenditure of considerable trength, Honor pushed her heavy high-post ^dstead against it. There was a second door nading into Miss Bing's room. Honor pushed gainst this door frame her heavy chest or drawers. "The door gives into that room,so that it can he opened without difficulty," she said to herself. "But I must hear the woman if she. iiushes the chest of drawers. What object can he have in entering my room at night? It is ,vell that I am a light sleeper, however. I hall awake at the first sound," She was more tired than she had thought. he went to bed and was presently sleeping soundly, the sleep that comes to tired youth, deep and dreamless and refreshing. It might have beet^ an hour later that the door communicating with Miss Bing's room was softly unlocked, and swung ajar as nolse- lessly as if oiled, which it was undoubtedly. Miss Bing's sharp face peered into the room over the chest of drawers, and retreated abruptly. "She's asleep, in the first sleep, which is always the soundest," Miss Bing whispered to her brother. "Now's our time. W< must push 'he chest of drawers away elowly and very carefully. It's on wheels. Now for it." The worthy pair put their shoulders against the' obstacle Honor had placed in their way, Mnd very gently pushed it forward upon the carpeted floor. It was soon removed sumoisntly crpjr*^ 'H* ?*uat ot Bingto vr1«P into Honor's chamber. The »ntentlveinain*? in sister's room, watching — «-* Were in yarn stock- IoIbm h;.?T" towards the bed was noiseless. The flight was brighter now, and ,ts ruddy gleams felf full upon the bed aAd the lovely sleeper. The topmost button in the girl's nightrobe had come unfastened, and the frill had fallen away from the dainty throat, expos- ing a slender line of gold. "The necklace!" thought Miss Bing, her eyes gleaming. She put out her bony finger and softly un- buttoned the second faiitenillg of the pretty t;own, and drew away the frill, leaving bare a patch of white and tender throat, and ex- posing the little bag of oiled silk. She had her scissors in her pocket; she produced them and cut loose the little packet, clutching it tightly in her hand. "Bravo 1" whispered Bing, peering in at the open door, his evil face thrown into relief against the light background. The young sleeper turned restlessly on her pillow. Miss Bing began a swift retreat, her eves fixed upon the bea. At the third step her scissors fell to the floor with a clanking tftiinj _=-=-- In ar instant, H-nor was awake. She sprau2 p in her bed, her wild gaze falling upon th- nire of the thinf. Her hand flew to her throat; Bought the packet of which she had been >Kbed. Miss Bing held up the little bag, waving in triumphant delight. "It's here!" she exclaimed. I've got it. fou slept too soundly, miss She retreated behind the chest of drawers nto her own chamber. The valet thrust his ,inister face forward again into v ew and relief. I tie caught the packet from his sister and lourished it exultantly. "'All is fair in love and war," miss," he exclaimed. "I shall take this p'iper to my rafter. It is of the utmost importance to him. t leave this house within an hour on my tr;:nip .0 the station. You've fought it out wa11, miss, I !JUt you are fairly beaten at laqt, He closed the door with a n'uu, and locked jit. About an hour later he the house, Oil his secret return to London a ci 1 barrel Moer. CHAPTER XXXVIII. NO CLUE YET FOUND. It must not be supposed that Sir Hugh Tregaron had been idle during these days of Honor's secret and enforced journeying down into Huntingdonshire. He had been most active and indefatigable in his search for her. He had summoned down from London one of the most efficient of the Scotland Yard officers, 'and had stimulated him to the utmost exertion [by the promise of a pri"f-lv reward when he should have restored Honor to her friends. He had incited the local police to search Bolton thoroughly, and h .d the police of Manchester and Liverpool also Oil the look-out for the missing girl. He had visited and questioned i Mrs. Glint and her daughter, and had assured himself that Miss Milner was not the author of the lying telegram which had brought Honor to Bolton. I He questioned every cabman in the town, including the one who had lent his vehicle to Bing, but had failed utterly to obtain any satisfaction. No suspicion attached to any particular cabman. The man who had taken Mrs. Early and Honor to the Red House, and who had been dismissed by the disguued Bing, clearly proved his own innocence in the matter. The police believed the cabman to have come from another place. Mrs. Glint denied all knowledge of the "Irish servant who had dismissed Mrs. Early's cabman, and affirmed that she kept no manservant, unless the boy in buttons might be so termed. Bing's precautions had been so well taken, his disguise was so perfect, his movements so well planned and timed, that no one—not even the police—hoard anfht of a gipsy's waggon which was travelling swiftly by night to the south-east. Not n. clue could be found to the missing girl. The cab in which she had been taken away, with its apparently intoxicated driver, had been seen at Four Lane Ends on that eventful night, and was then directed, as it seemed, towards Holcombe Moor. But it was not traced further. Beyond Four Lane lEnds it might have been swallowed up in the earth like Korah and his host, for all trace that remained. Upon the third day after Honor's mysterious i disappearance, Mrs. Early, heart-sick and nearly ill, travelled back to London with poor Lucky Banner, whose anguish at the loss of her iyoung mistress was terrible. The girl asserted, and persisted in the asser- tion, that Miss Honor had been murdered. Some of the police officers, impressed with her belief, had echoed it. A search of the [river and canal was instituted, but of course Iwithout avail. Mrs. Early found Lady Thaxter quite worn [out with excitement. Telegrams were arriving 'twice a day from Sir Hugh Tregaron, bearing the message, "No trace yet," and her ladyship was constantly replying to them. By the utmost care upon the part of Sir Hugh 'and his Scotland Yard official, the affair had been kept out of the newspapers. Lady Thaxter shrank from publicity, and did not even inform Lord Waldemar fully upon the subject. Perhaps in this she was guided by a wish not to betray her distress to the one who might have occa- sioned it, namely, Darrel Moer. The Hungarian Countess had been electrified at the tidings of the young girl's disappear- ance. She had shut herself up in her own room for half a day, but at the end of that period had orderod a carriage, a d appeared in street costume, pale, but calm and resolute. Without laying anything of her intentions to Lady Thaxter, she drove directly to Scotland Yard, and sought the services of an able officer, to whom she told the circumstances of Honor's d i sappearance, ad d i ng: "I have reason to believe that this young lady has an enemy in Mr. Darrel Moer, nephew •of Lord Waldemar, and I think the easiest way [to find her may be Jo watch him. Let him be 'kept under a constant surveillance, day and night; also his valet, Bing." "It shall be done, my lady. Both shall be shadowed faithfully." The Countess paid a retaining fee, and drove back to Park Lane, convinced that she had taken a most necessary step, and the only one that could lead to success. Every morning thenceforward dime a sealed note to her address with the report of the detective, and each time it was to the same effect. Darrel Moer was at his uncle's house, went to his club, drove or rode in Hyde Park with his uncle's heiress, and dined with a friend but there was no light gained on the mystery of the young lady's disappearance. Upon the fifth day the contents of the note varied from those that had proceeded it. The man Bing had been found living in an obscure lodging, which be had engaged a week before. The detective had disguised himself as the landlord's agent, sent to examine the house; and in looking through Bing's room had managed to ingratiate himself with the valet, who had. been turned off by his master, Bing said, a week before. The valet appeared dis- tressed at having lost his situation, and was on the point of going back to his late employer, humbling himself, and begging to be taken again into favour. The detective had studied the valet very closely, and believed him honest. The detective had also questioned the other lodgers in the house, and those who knew of the existence of Bing were ready to affirm that he had not been away from his lodgings during the wook. The astute detective might have altered his opinion of Bing's honesty, could he have seen that worthy directly after his own departure from the house. "That a landlord's sent I muttered Bing. "Not much! He'a too inquisitive for a business- man short of time. Itinute he asked me if I was an old lodger here, and could tell him about the plumbing arrangements, that minute I knew hit pedigrs*. I know them Scotland Yard fellows. 1 suspsoted Sir Hugh Tregaron'd sot one after me. Duckv I didn t go to Jar* Lane when I came oael from Huflitiitfdonshire. Lucky I took every precaution possible. Lucky Hot my friend Dart, who's out of a place, occupy my room at night during my absence. Makes everybody in the bout* believe I was hen. They'd swear that I've not ceen ttway t •ingle night, if necessary. I think now, con- sidering the way I put it to the detective, other- wise agent, that I may safely Tisit Park. Lane this evening- Mr. Moor must be gottiug anxious. Accordingly, that very evening Bmg, with the oiled silk packet on his person, made bis way tb Park Lane. As he approached the Waldemalr mansion, he beheld Darrel Moer coming lightly down the steps. A man was lounging near the house, looking in an opposite direction, apparently waiting for someone. Bing took his measure directly* Another detective," he said to himself. And, as it happens, I've got to meet Mr. Moer within earshot of him. It a too late to turnback. Mr. Moer means to speak to me. If my master is sharp enough, we'll get through yet and hood- wink all Scotland Yard at the same time." With some misgivings as to his master's course, and feeling sure that any attempt to warn Moer would bring suspicion upon them, or rather deepen it, he took off his hat humbly, and drew nearer to him. As he had foreseen, he encountered Moer at a point not five feet distant from the lounger, whose back was turned towards them, and who seemed impatiently awaiting an arrival. Moer did not give his valet time to speak, but addressed him immediately, with consider- able sharpness: "Is that you, Bing? Have you found another situation yet ? "No, Mr. Moer-no, sir." stammered Bing. You won "I was just coming back to see if you would [kindly overlook my insolence and give me [another chance." I told you you wouldn't soon find » BUtN Vin-1 to tou as I've been," said Moer enre- 'ps-lv. "If you think you car bchavt. yourself I —why, you can come back. Go IW to my room md put mv things in order, I'll rpc you when f Ilrt home from my club Moer sauntered on, the picture of eleeant "8(>, handsome and smiling, apparently without ? e-tre or anxiety. IRin7 procured admittance into Lord Wal- Vmar's house, tcld the servants he had been lisTY)isse(I hv his master the previous week, but had now been restored to his former position, rd finally want up to Moer's room. The lonnjer in the street followed Moer at a listance. seeing him to his club. "It all looks fair and aboveboard," the detec- tive thought. "I a!,i inclined totbink that Mr. Moer and his man Bing don't know anything -ibout the girl. She's beautiful. No doubt she has other admirers. We are perhaps westirrr time upon the wrong tack. Still, if my lady =ays so, we can keep a watch on Mr. Moer a week or two longer. He's innocent, or he's the artfullest man in the world. The pronosition was not unreasonable. Darrel Moer came home at the usual hour that evening, lingered an hour in the drawing- room with the ladies, and finally ascended to his own room. Bing was stretched out upon a. couch. He rose as his master locked the door. "I suppose you know that that street, lounger, was a detective, Bing? eiclaiir.ed Moer. "I've been I shadowed by the fellow in dozen disguises during the past week. The only news I have heard of your movements has been through Lord Waldemar's remarks, and the, presence of that detective who follows me everywhere. I am glad you did not write, nnd that you did not return before. I gave out that I had discharged you." "Our stories agree, then. I told a detective to-day that I had been discharged, but was coming back to humble myself, said Bing. "Well, what luck?" "This!" cried the valet, holding up the oiled silk packet. Darrel Moer seized it and tore it open. The certificate of his marriage to Honor Glint fell out upon the flocr. He picked it up, read it carefully, and laid it upon the fire. It flamed up and burnt to a ash. "So perishes the last scrap of evidence of that foolish marriage! muttered Moer. I was impatient until I had contracted it. but even while I stood at the altar I repented of my folly. I cannot imagine how I ever threw myself away upon a nameless, penniless girl. Well, the marriage is now dissolved. At any rate, I defy the girl, and Tregaron too, to prove the marriage." She is very beautiful," said Bing. "As beautiful as an angel! said Moer. "My affection for her begins to revive, now that she is no longer a clog upon me. Where is she ? "At The Cypresses. My sister guards her. I. she to remain there, air ? "Until after my marriage with Miss Floyd, a, yes. How much longer, I can't tell. I am not quite certain as to my disposal of her. Are you sure she is safe-that you have not been traced to The Cypresses—that you loft no clue ? The detectives are very keen, and Tregaron is all alive in his eagerness to find the girl." Bing replied by narrating in what manner he had conducted the forcible transfer of Honor to Huntingdonshire. Moer was enraptured with his skill and ingenuity. I can take lessons of you, Bing," he said. "You'd ma e a Br laa8 detective. They ought to have you on their list in Scotland Yard. We'll keep away from The Cypresses till the search is blown over. Meanwh le, my courtship here is prospering finely. We'll lot matters run. Eat, drink and sleep as if you were under surveillance. We have then but little to fear." Moer adopted this precept for bis own guidance. Every word he said, even to Lord Waldemar, was duly weighed and considered. Upon the day succeeding the return of Bing to Park Lane, Lady Thaxter received a despatch from Sir Hugh Tregaron that a young lady, answering in most particulars to the description of Miss Glint, had been seen at Liverpool, and he was gone to that town to follow up the clue. A later despatch announced that the clue was a false one, that the young lady bore no resemblance to Honor, and that Sir Hugh had seen her. e Similar false clues were discovered and followed during the week that ensued, but the right cue was not found. Darrel Moer and his man Bing in London were "shadowed in all their goings out and comings in, but to no avail. In the course of a fortnight, the Bolton police were confirmed in their belief of Honor's death, and a newer mystery arising in London, calling upon the ablest men of the force for their efforts at its elucidation, the officer employed by the Hungarian Countess begued her to suffer the mystery of Miss Glint's dis- appearance to remain in abeyance, to be taken up at some future time, declaring that he could not make headway in his attempts to solve it at present. .Accordingly the "shadows" were removed from the paths of Darr, 1 Moer and his servant. "It seems to be left to me to study out the matter alone," said Lady Rothsmere to herself. "But there is Sir Hugh Tregaron, who may be able to help me. I'll direct his researches. I know that Honor is living. I know that I shall find her." r Sir Hugh returned to London opportunely, but so exhausted by his labours of day and nifrht that the Hungarian Countess forebore to set him upon a new search until he should have become thoroughly rested. He was pale and thin and worn, ana his grave, sad eyes had in them at times a look of unutterable longing. "It is nearly three weeks since Honor dis- appeared," Sir Hugh said to her lndv*hip and to his aunt. "My "poor little girft Where can she be ? She must think I have abandoned her. She is not dead. That I feel with the force of conviction. But where is she ? Into whose hands has she fallen ? Is Darrel Moer concerned in her disappear- nee ? He is—he must be! I'll see him to-morrow and wring the truth from his lying throat. But fate had contrived to thwart Sir Hugh's design. That very evening Grimrod, who had spent the three weeks which had elapsed since Miss Floyd's betrothal to Moer, in Yorkshire, appeared at the Waldemar town house* and bad a private interview with Moer. The substance of the interview was contained in this remark, from the lips of the Mephisto- phelean manager: "You've resided in this parish long enough to render your marriage here valid, Mr. Moer. I've got to go down into Surrey on some business for my lord, and I shall be absent three days. I leave town in the mprning. This is Tuesday. I shall be back uu Friday. Suppose you grt out your licence on Friday, tod marry Miss Floyd on Saturday, allowing me to be pre- sent at the marriage ceremoidy ? 11 "The time suits me perfectly well," said Moer-—" better than an earlier day. The truth is, I am Bot feeling well to-day. I fancy I have taten a cold. Jt is settled,, then, that I 11m to be married on Saturday ? I wjj.1 speak to MitsTIoyd to-night. Be did so, finding her well pleased to ^hasten on the clandestine marriage. She agreed to aocottopapy him to church OR Saturday morning. Several times during the evening, Moer inci- dentally mentioned that he felt ill. He retired early m consequence of indisposition, as he •aid, and once in his room rung a sonorous peal for Bing. His valet appeared. "Lock the door, Bing. said his master. "The day of my marriage is bed for Saturday of this week." "I congratulate you, sir.* O' "On ths fortune I am getting for myself 1 1 shall be a rich man, Bing, and I shan't forget your services. I must see Honor before I marry Miss Floyd. An impulse has come over me to visit her, and I always obey my impulses. It won't be so easy to get away after marriage as before, I fancy. The detectives have been drawn off my track, and I know a disguise in which I could even pass them if I liked without risl of discovery. I can go and return in twenty- four to thirty-six hours. You must give out that I am not feeling well. I've prepared the way for such an excuse by saying to-night that I am ill; and you nitist. keel, my door locked until my return. Remember—let no one in on any pretence whatever." Bing gave the required promise. A little later, that same night, Darrel Moer slipped out of the area-way of his uncle's house, skilfully disguised to represent a certain frequent visitor of Bing, a relative, an elderly man with a patch over one eye, a long wig, and a stooping gait. No one would have recognised, in the aocurate copy of a real personage, the craoeful and handsome Parnl MOM. .i cl in rer< p-msed and unsuspected by rrlenu ce. Darrtl Moer proceeded to Huntingdon- .tv n!«ht train, booking himself for the ■i ion nearest the Cypresses, and finishing his r., y ( n foot. Vlur. Sir HuLib Tregaron arrived at Lord uldt n ar's residence, worn yet resolute. with e, fiie of determination in his grave grey e', h,- m-as assi,red by Mrs. Watch lev that r. Moer was ill in his room with sick head- lie, and could see no one.. The young Cornish Baronet hesitated and "etlicted. "1 won't tell Lord "Taldeillar tin his nephew's iiiilt is proved Lerond all cavil, he thought. "He suffered enough through h is son. I'll s^are him all pain as long as possible, even as Lady Thaxter and Lady Rothsmere have done. I3ut I'll meet Moer face to face and know the 'ruth." hastened -nre, returning me* < 7.
Soldiers Charged with Wounding…
Soldiers Charged with Wounding at Dinas. CAB PROPRIETOR ATTACKED At the Ystrad Petty Sessions on Monday— before His Worship the Stipendiary aaid Mr T. P. Jenkins-two soldiers from Dinas. named John Hallisy and Charles Richings, v. tre charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding William Norman, cab and brake proprietor, Trealaw, on the night cf the loil-i inst. Mr James Spickett defended Hallisey and Mr James Phillips prosecuted. The case was heard at the previous Court, when it was adjourned, prosecutor being unable to attend owing to the serious injury received. Both defendants appeared in Court in uniform, Hallisy being a sapper in the Royal Engineers, and Richings a private in the Gloucester Regiment, now stationed at Jersey. William Norman, when called, said he was a cab and brake proprietor at Trealaw. On Friday night, the 10th inst., he was returning home from Porth, When near the Dinas bridge he saw three men there standing to- gether, viz., Charles Ford, a brake driver, and the two prisoners. He shook hands with Ford, who asked him to stand a drink. Hal- lisey said, "Yes, yes," and he (witness), said "No." Hallisey then struck him a blow on the neck with his right hand, and aimed another o i the left side of his face, but missed him. Both fell to the ground. After he got up Hallisey again struck him in the side. Then h" clinched him. Charles Richings then came in, and punched him in the side and pulled his hands from Hallisey. Subsequently, when h. was in a leaning position,something struck him on the head, and he saw something like stars, and he fell to the ground, and became unconscious. When Charles Ford picked him up he was bleeding profusely. His injuries were afterwards attended to by Dr Llewelyn. In the cross-examination by Mr Spickett. prosecutor admitted he had had about three glasses of beer that night, but was not drunk. It was untrue that he was a little handy with his fist when he had had a drop to drink; in fact, he was much better tempered when he had had a glass. Mr Spickett: I put it to you that you turned out of your way to address Ford that night. You said to Ford, "Come and work ro me to-morrow," and Ford replied, "Give me 6d for us to have a drink, the soldiers are going away in the morning. Then you said, "Soldiers is no b-y class," and immediate- ly went for Richings, and missing him, struck Hallisey. Hallisey caught hold of you. and both fell to the ground. Then Ford picked you up, and Richings came forward to ask you if you were hurt. Prosecutor r It did not happen like that. Dr Llewelyn, surgeon at Penygraig, said he attended to injuries received by prosecutor. Upon examining him he found him bleeding very extensively from a wound in the right side of the forehead five inches in length, penetrating and exposing 3i inches of bone. He arrested the bleeding, and put twelve stiohes in the wound altogether. In his opin- ion it was done by some direct violence; it cculd not have been done by the knuckles of the hand. Possibly it could have been done by a fall or a kick. Prosecutor was practical- ly out of danger now, but not absolutely. P ,t). John Thomas proved arresting the two defendants. In reply to the charge Itichings said, "He had no right, to come up to us first." Hallisey said, "We had a scuffle, and both fell to the ground." The Stipendiary then formally charged both prisoners, and they elected to give evi- dence on their own behalf. Hallisey bore out the statements made by Mr Spickett in cross-examining prosecutor, and said that prosecutor, replying to Ford, stated that "Soldiers is no b y class," add- in6 that he could beat two such men as him (meaning Ricshings). In endeavouring to strike Richings he missed him, and Struck witness. Both had a scuffle, and fell to the ground. He (witness) could see some blood, and Richings said, "If his nose is bleeding be can have my handkerchief." Prosecutor was afterwards taken away by Ford. The man Charles Ford gave evidence, which according to the Bench's opinion, was not very reliable. Both defendants were committed to take their trial at the coming Quarter Ses- sions, bail beincr allowed, themselves in L50 each, and two of fm each.
Decision Reversed. -
Decision Reversed. At Pontypridd County Court, Mr T. Phil- lips applied on behalf of Thomas Jones 3 id Lynn Jones for new trial in an action brougu- by A. Davies and Co.-all of Tylorstown-in which judgment was given at the last Court against defendants for two suits of clothes sup. plied. Mr Griffiths appeared for A. Davies and Co.. Mr Phillips' grounds of appeal for new trial was (1) surprise, (2) discovery of new evidence. His Honour oecided he must re- hear the case, and in delivering his judgment, which was to reverse his former decision, said that as Davies and Co. had treated the defen- dant's father as the responsible person, having entered the goods on his ledger in the father's name, and sent him a bill, and now because he found the father had gone away, attempted to make the defendants responsible. His Honour said judgment would be. of course, reversed in favour of defendants, with all costs.
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The Rhondda Cymmrodorion Society.
The Rhondda Cymmrodorion Society. LECTURE BY THE REV C. TAWELFRYN THOMAS, GROESWEN. If there is anything that has a powerful in- fuence in fostering the cultivation and reten- tion of the Welsh language, it is the establish ment of such institutions as the Cymmrodor- ion. Of late years, a number of sincere and true-hearted Celts have joined together in different districts with a view to starting these societies, and invariably success has crowned their efforts, and it was a delight at the Rhon- dda Cymmrodorion on Tuesday evening to hear Tawelfryn addressing the society. In Pontypridd, unfortunately, we find a. dearth of Welshmen with souls and hearts that know nj limit, of Welshmen who are anxious that the language of their forefathers should be heard for ever and for aye on her hills, and hi her glades, and of Welshmen who are will- ing and eager to add their quota, to the new born spirit that animates the true son of Wales to-day. The heart. as Pontypridd may b1, of a coalfield, it' cannot boast of such a society as the Rhondda Cymrodorion. Llan. elly, Swansea, and Cardiff (more especially the Rhondda). We must live in hope. The success of the Rhondda Cymrodorion is in a great measure due to the able and most gen- iol and eneregetic secretary, Mr Tom Davies. and to the other officers, as well as to the gentlemen who, from time to time, read papers or delivered lectures on Welsh characters or topics affecting Wales-her literature, her traditions, her language, or her people. We firmly believe that it is their love for kith and kin, and for the fatherland, that prompts these gentlemen to devote their time and their energies to the service of their race. The meeting on Tuesday night was held at the schoolroom of Hebron Chapel. Mr E. B, Davies, J.P., C.C.. presided, and was sup- ported by Nathan Wyn, Rev E. W. Davies, M. Tom Davies, Mr D. Thomas. Mr John Jones, Mr D. J. Davies, M. E. Roderick, and othefrs. The president having made a few appropriate observations, Miss Worthington, Ton, gave a fine rendering of a solo, and the Rev Tawelfryn Thomas was called upon to deliver his address, and said he had selected as a subject of his paper, "Y Peth Nesaf at Law." He remarked that they felt very simple in seeing and finding him amongst them again, but he received a communication from Mr Davies informing him that he had been disappointed for that evenmg, having re- ceived a letter, owing to Principal Edwards, D.D., Cardiff, being unable to attend owing to other engagements. But finding that the secretary was pressing him to give the vacancy he iCame, (Loud applause). They would, therefore, find that he could not prepare very much. but he would try to say something about "The nearest thing at hand." Did space but permit us, we fear it would be im- possible to do justice to-the lecture by giving a resdme of it. The bard's inimitable style of delivery enraptured all his auditors, and the way he grappled with his subjects-weaving pathos with humour-was really excellent, and Elfed only we know of who has impressed us so much. Certain it is that the lecturer knew of the law of the society-that not a single English word was to be used during the meeting; but Tawelfryn has a fund of langu. age, and with a rich vein of humour, for he never failed to captivate the hearts of his hearers. The lecture bristled with illustra- tions and quaint stories of the characters, and he well deserved the rounds of applause accorded him at intervals. At the close a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the rev. gentleman on the proposition of the Rev E. W. Davies, Ton, seconded by Mr Daniel Thomas, and supported by Nathan Wyn and Mr J. Jones. Preparations are being made to hold a great "meat tea" on St. David's Eve to celebrate "Gwyl Dewi Sant" on Febru- ary 28th, at 5.30 sharp. The meat tea will be held at Jerusalem Vestry. The arrange- ments for catering are in the able hands of Mr J. Collier and Sons, Pentre. All true hearted Welshman are invited to attend. A meeting will be held later to honour the diff- erent toasts which the secretary has drawn out, and probably the meeting will be ad- dressed by Principal Edwards, D.D., Cardiff, Many well known gentlemen are expected to take part in the gathering. Eminent artistes are expected. "Hir oes i'r ysgrifenydd a'r gymdeithas."
--.------------_--Tonypandy…
Tonypandy Jews' Sabbath in Court. At Pontypridd Cotinty Court (before His Honour Judge Williams) on Saturday (a Jew- ish Sabbath), Phoebe Kosel sued Harris Gar- dash, roth of Tonypandy, for the return of 10a 6d, being 10s paid on account of the price of a chest of drawers bought by plainitfffrom defendant, and the 6d was for the carriage of the article which plaintiff returned to defen- dant. The latter, for whom Mr T. Phillips appeared, ooaiut-er-daimed 15s for damages done to the chest of drawers, consisting of a leg being knocked off, scratches, and damage bj rain. The case created great deal of amusement, the lady plaintiff delivering her address to the Court with such volubility that His Honour had to substitute her daughter for her, and amongst roars of laughter by the audience prevailed on her to sit down. In the end His Honour said there would be judgment on both, for plaintiff for 10s and for defendant against plaintiff for 15s. His Honour re- marked that had he known the parties were of the Jewish faith''he would not have set down their case for trial on their Sunday. Mr Phil- lips replied on his client's behalf that ne ap- preciated his Honour's remarks, and that being so, his client and witness were so piously religious that both had actually walked all the way to the Court, and would not indeed even tuavel by rail. His Honour: Quite right.
Ancient Lights Case.
Ancient Lights Case. At Pontypridd County Court His Honour resumed the hearing of this case on Wednes- day, which had been adjourned in order that His Honour might view the locus in quo. The plaintiff, Mr Jordon, who sued Mra Griffiths, Globe Inn, for 910 10s for obstructing his light and air. appurtenant to his premises in High Street. His Honour held that Mr Jordon was a monthly tenant, and the damages weuld be sj inflnitesimably small he could not see how to assess it, and therefore gave judgment for defendant. During the case Mrs Griffiths be- came quite excited, and caused roars of laugh- ter in answering the plaintiff's solicitor in say- ing what she had said before in this case was quite untrue.
Royal Counties Friendly Society.
Royal Counties Friendly Society. The agents of the above flourishing society together with their officials, held their annual banquet at the County Hotel, Pontypridd, on Thursday, February 16th, when about 60 sat down to partake of the splendid repast pre- pared by the genial host, Mr Cmne. After satisfying the inner man and the tables cleared the chair was taken by Mr Peter Jones, the district manager, supported by the chief sec- retary of the society, Mr J. Williams; Mr W. Lane, superintendent for the Rhondda; Mr G. Williams, superintendent for Swansea Valley, and Dr Makuna, the medical referee. After a few remarks by the chairman, the folio-sang interesting programme was gone through:- Song. "Bay of Biscay," Mr W. J. Sidney; song. 'The Ride of Jenny Macneil," Miss Jane Terry; song, "The Holy City," Miss M. A. Bound. At this stage of the proceedings Krs Peter Jones presented Mr Daniel Jones, Tre- herbert, with a gold medal, being the local prize for all round results during 1898. This contest was very keen. Song, "Genevieve," J M Dan J. Edwards; comic song, "What does sh" know of railways." Mr E. B. Williams; recitation, "The Arab and his Horse," Miss Catherine Terry; song. "Llam y Cariadau." Mi R. Williams. Then came the chief event of the evening—the presentation of a gold watch, value JS12 12s, to Mr John Terry, Pen- ygraig, for making the record increase of the society, namely £ 16 4s 7d in 16 months. Mr Williams, in awarding the prize, said that he was always glad to encourage individual efforts on the part of the agents, and that the wonderful progress made by Mr Terry fully merited the prize, because notwithstanding the large increase he made, he 3dn2]];" closed his accounts for the year with a much more and provable debit b alancc. a feat he wished all present would imitate. Son?. "The song that reached mv heart." Mj.\ Bound; comic song, "Curiosity." Mr E. B. Williams: song and chorus, "Success to the Royal Coun- ties," Mr W. J. Sidney. The chief toast of the evening. '-Su^>ess to the Rhondda Divi- sion, was proposed by the chief secretary, Mr Williams, who. in the course of his remarks paid a very high tribute to the abilities of Mr Peter Jones, the district manager, and to Mr W. Lane. the Rhondda superintendent, for the satisfactory manner they conducted the dis- trict, and announced, amidst thundering ap- plause. that the Rhondda division had made the magnificent increase of £45 18s 3d in weekly debit during the last 18 months, a record any staff might well be proud of, es- pecially in the face of the late disastrous strike. He further added it was a source of great pleasure to him to meet the Rhondda agents, as they possessed ibo "hwyl Gy- mreig." which was very refreshing after the monotonous life at the head office. Song, ,Mentra Gwen." Mr John Morgan. The medical toasts having been honoured. Dr Ma- kuna responded, and in a few words testified to the business qualities of the representatives of the society. Mr Gwilym Williams, super- intendent, Ystradgynlais, responded on behalf of the "Visitors," and in a rousing speech, ex. pressed himself highly satisfied with the meet- ing throughout, and much admired the enthu- siasm of their representatives. It should have been said that Mr David Phillips. Ynysybwl, presided at the piano. The singing of "Ilen Wlad fy Nhadau" terminated a most enjoy- able evening.
Hearts of Oak Benefit Society.
Hearts of Oak Benefit Society. We are pleased to find such activity on the part of the members of the above Society at Ynysybwl, who have become affiliated with the National Federation, hitherto termed "County Members' Representative Association," which by reason of the District Representation Scheme, passed recently by the Delegation Board, has necessitated this trivial change n name only. Under the above scheme voting will, in the forthcoming and future elections, be on the principle of "One man, one vote." The departure from the old method undoubt- edly will prove highly beneficial and interest- ing in future contests, and will eventually result in securing better and more qualified members to represent us on the Delegation Board, and, likewise result in re-organising the local branches, whose material object by concentrated energies to procure candidates best, qualified to discharge the duties devolv- ing upon such important post as delegates in this noble Society, will naturally create greater stimulus in the general body of members. The failure to nominate in time by the Ferndale Branch must be deplored, which, being inclu- ded in the Mountain Ash District, reduces the opposition materially. The candidate of the Mountain Ash branch of the National Federa- tion we learn has a strong opposition to battle against locally. Again the selection of candi- date by the Ynysybwl Branch in the person of Mr Edwin Lewis, checkweigher, Windsor Colliery, which, being also included in the Mountain Ash district, adds to the keenness of the contest. Mr Lewis is in touch with the recent changes in the rules, and is. therefore regarded as being thoroughly acquainted with the scheme which has entailed the adoption of the "on& manrOne vote" principle, «a<ij»etieve that with loyalty tB^'firt of the Yaysybwl section,, he will bid fair to become the popu- lar c^adidate,, and prolably Aecart-,)g trium- phant return at the f»ll. We understand the Ferndale Branch intend calling a meeting of their, members this week in order to dis- cuss the situation, and to accord their sym- pathy and support with 4be candidate con- sidered most suitable to voice their sentiments. Every member of the above Society should rally round their local organisations wherever located ,aad thus materially aid the branches in securing the most qualified to represent them on the Administrative Board of this the larg- est. centralised society in the kingdom.
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