Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

-=: A NEWPORT MYSTERY. A CHILD TIED UP AND DROWNEDi Between 2 and 3 o'clock on Monday afternoon, •wnile seme boys were playing near a large pond at the top of the Alexandra Dock at Newport, they saw a dark-looking, globular object floating on the surface of the water, .an:d, thirk-iiigthat it might be a football, threw stones about it with the intention ,jf floating it towards the bank. On finding, however^ that y \pas a parcel, the police were eosamunicated wi*J and Police-' constable Why man, of the nvindra Dock force, took -charge of the f}#ckago-' On opening it, the dead body of a newly-boSi but ppa- 1 reratly fuli-growiu male ckild was discovered, wrapped up ina piece .ed: female water-proof OoLhilig, which had been tied rc-und the neck una other parte of the body with a boot lace, The bo%, which appeared to have been in the "Water a few dtsys, was roeaoved to the mortuary at Pill Police Station to await zu inquest. rp to the present there ;.sac information xs to who placed tbe body in r.he water or whose -child it was.

PONTYPOOL POLICE COURT. SATURDAY. Before Mr E. J. PHILLIPS (chairman), Dr A. DAVIES, Mr W. L. PRATT, Mr W. P. JAMES, Mr A. A. WILLIAMS, and Mr LL. LLEWELYN. DRVNKENNES8. Frederick Thomas was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Abersychan on the 8th of May.—P.O. Powell said that at 10.10 p.m. on Monday larjt he was on duty in Station-street, Abersychan. when he saw the defendant coming out of ^he Railway Inn very drunk and making a grer"t disturbance.—Two previous convictions were. proved against the defendant, the last be\ng in 1891, and he was now fined 10s, or 7 Thomas Powell was charged under a warrant "with a like offence at Garndiffaith on the 13th of April.—Defendant pleaded guilty, and the case was proved by P.C. O'Donnell.—There were two previous convictions against defendant, and as he had failed to appear at the last court, he was fined 15s, including costs. SUNDAY GAMBLERS. George Salter. Thoma.s Harper, Edward Sala- thiel, Valentine Underwood, and Ivor Price were charged with playing a game of chance in a pub- lic place at Freehold Land on the 7th instant.— Mri A. K. Watkins, who appeared for Under- wood, asked that the charge againsi his client might be dealt with separately.—Supt. James opposed the application on the ground that it was a joint offence, but the Bench decided to grant Mr Watkins's application.—P.C. Stephens said that at 2.30 on Sunday afternoon he waif on duty in plain clothes at the back of Mr Pratt's residence, in company with P.C. Watkins, when f he saw the four defendants, in company with Underwood, sitting down in a round ring on the ground playisg with the cards produced. When they saw witness and Watkins they ran away. Witness saw Salter pick up something and run away with it, and heard money rartle as it dropped into his pocket. Witness caught Salter, and told him he had been playing for money. Salter replied that be had 5s coming out of the house, and had 5<. then.—P.C. Watkins corrobo- rat,ed.-All the defendants admitted playing, but denied playing for money.—The Bench consi- dered that the charge of playing for money was proved, and fined defendants 10s each.—In the case of Underwood, it was denied that be was playing at all, but that he merely happened to take a walk towards Treveihia, and encountered the other four defendants, and engaged in con- versation with one of them (Salathiel) ;Ibont the sports at the Pontypool Recreation Grounds. —Salathiel, Harper, and Salter were called, and gave evidence to this effect.—The two constables I swore they saw Underwood holding a card up. ft and putting it down.—The Bench considered the | case proved, and fined Underwood 20s, including costs, the costs III his case being lis 6d. JS ht.Lli; h i UK L V i'.KS. William Graves was charged with driving a horse and trap after sunset without lights at New Inn on the 5rh inst.-P,C. BJadon said that at 11 pm. on Friday, the 5th inst., in Company with P.C. Wilson he saw the defendant driving a horse and trap at a trot on the highway *t Lower New Inn. Defendant had a small i*tnp attached to the tr^p, but no light in it.— defendant alleged that the lamp had been lit blkt bad pone out, and that he called the con- stable's attention to the warmth of the oil can.— The constable admitted this, but said the can was not warm.-A fine of 103. was imposed. Joseph Davies was charged with a similar •ffenceat Pontymoil OR the 9th May.-Defendant pleaded guilty, and on the evidence of P.C. Wilson, was fined 10s Francis Levis was summoned for & like offence at Pontymoil on the 9th inst.-Defendant was re represented by his brother., who admitted the offence, and a fine of 10s. was i-Posed. P.C. Wilson prov-ed the case. Atkinson <■Crossleiy failed to appear to answer a similar chasge, and a warrant was ordered to be issued. A DANGEROUS PRACTICE. William Bush, jun., and Atari: Watson, boys "were charged with throwing stones to the danger of the public at Llanhilleth on the 4th May.— Defendants pleaded guil-ty,P.-C. Prosser said that at 5.10 p.m. on the 4th inst. he was on the highway near Llaniiillebb. aDd saw the defendants on a place overlooking the road, throwing stones. They threw three or four cwt. of big stones alto- gether. The road was much frequented by the Public, and any passers by at the time might nave received serious injury.—:The Bench com- mented upon the danger to which the public would be subjected by such a practio«, and fined defendants 10a. eacli. y THE ATTEMPTED SUICIDE AT GRIEFITH^TOWN. Thomas Collins, labourer, was brought up on remand charged with attempting to commit suicide at Griffithctown on the 20th April.—Dr O'Keefe, medical officer ef the Workheuse, said, in answer to the Bench, that for a few days after the occurrence prisoner did not appear altogether rational, but since then he seemed te be per- fectly responsible for hit actions, and behaved rationally aid intelligently and witness ha. EO reason to think there was any permanent mental injury.—Mr Hartley Feather, master of the Workhouse, produced army discharge papers relating to prisoner, which were marked very ood.-The Chairman observed it was a pity to See a respectable, intelligent, man like prisoner in Such a position, which undoubtedly was brought about by the drink. Woald he"give them an .1 1 1 1 -1 «3»urance tnat ne would not attempt .sucn thing ggain ?—Prisoner replied in the effirma- tiye, adding that he didn't know what he was doing at the time he cemmitted the offenae.-He Was then discharged, the Chairman strongly advising him to sign the pledge. AN ANGRY RETORT. ^Samuel Broun was charged with assaulting Hopkins, at Pontj'pool, on the ■8th May.— •defendant pleaded guilty.— Complainant, a .youth, saad he was at the Town Station on the date in question, when the .defendant came up £ o him and struck him in the mouth with his Witness believed it was rfeecause he owed efendant s 6d.—Defendant admitted striking Jbe boy, bet said he first ealled him a liar.—A of 6d, and costs, was iieposed, 8s in all. TCRUELTY TO i HORSE. Henry Ltet&ies wu charged with unlawfully nd cruelly ill-treating a horse by working it in 'n unfit state, at Llanfrechfa, on the 19th April ^■Defendant pleaded guilty.—Inspector Warr, who appeared for the prosecution, *aid the defendant was a haulier working for himself, and on the 19th ult. he was Been wocking horse attached to a lead of timber. The Animal was very lame on the near fore limb, and also on both hind legs, from very old injuries sustained in the pit. The defendant bad since destroyed the horse, and as he was a Poor man with a large family, he (Inspector Warr) would be content with a nominal penalty at their worships' discretlOIL- T.he Bench ordered defendant to pay 7s 6d, including costs, adding £ «at if it had not been for the statement of the ■Inspector, the fine would have been heavier. CLAIM FOR WAGES. Wilckell and Sons were summoned by William Leitch for non-payment of 16s lid, wages alleged to be due.-The Clerk said that in this ijase 16s lid had been paid into Court since the &ue of the summons. Complainant now wanted ^is costs for coming there, as he had received no ffotice of the payment into COurt.-The Chair- man remarked that the defendants might have' Paid complainant the money instead of paying It into Court. In any case they should have Advised him of the payment, and under the Circumstances the Bench ordered them to pay lhe 168 lid, together with 5s, which they would "110W complainant, for costs. DEFAULTING RATEPAPERS. Mary Shepherd was summoned for non-pay- r4ent of 9s 4d poor rate.—Defendant said she CtOUldn't pay.—Rate Collector Powell said he had be same difficulty with defendant over every ,te, and the Bench made an order for payment In a fortnight. Abraham Rosser (represented by his wife) was Summoned for not paying 13s 4d poor rate.—Mrs josser said the work had been bad.—Ordered to Pay in a fortnight. I Bartlett Lewis was summoned for not paying j^>s poor rate. The defendant said the work had ?een slack—The Chairman But you are living a house ef your own. We can't let you off.— Ordered to pay in a month. UNLICENSED DOGS. < James Berryman was charged with keeping a og without a licence at Pontypool on the 19th Jpril.—Defendant pleaded guilty.—Mr B. M. ohnson, supervisor, Newport, prosecuted, and l(l the defendant promised the officers to take a licence, but had failed to do so.—Defen- ^Ut was fined 7s 6d, or 4 days. llees Price (represented by his mother) was tnmoned for a like offence at Pontypool.— om8 ^>r.^ce admitted the offence, and said she took to;'a licence the day after the officer called.— •"loed 7s 6d. 0r/°hn Rod way was charged with a similar JoK°Ce at.P°ntypool on the 4th April.—Mr anri So° sai(^ ^e^eil(lant was licensed last year, to r^new was sent him on the 8th j • He promised to take out the licence, and Still the authorities wanted support in the licences taken out in the proper time. fine of 7s 6d was imposed. floi w/f J?nelwas aIso charged with keeping a 4ttf ^thout a licence at Pontnewynydd on the hi« j^Pnl.—Defendant admitted the dog was at bouse, b.ut said it wasn't hia.—Fined 7s 6d THE COST OP BREAKING FAITH. tsjcrcms Fielding, a foreman brickmaker, was «ecl under a warrant with neglecting to maintain his wife, and lng in arrear under an Order to the amount of £5 4s.-The Clerk said tke defendant w-s brought up at that court five weeks previously, when he paid JS4. He after- wards w':Jnt to Swindon, and had paid nothing since, although he promised to pay.—The Chair- man said the defendant had broken faith with the court, and they had no alternative now but to commit him to prison for two months. If he four d he money, he would be released. THE THEFT OF MONEY AT PONTYPOOL. Thomas Anderson. formerly a bootmaker's assistant, was charged on remand with stealing £ 21 (including £ 15 in gold, a £ 5 note, and £ 1 in Jubilee coins), a. gold-plated snuffbox, an ink- stand, and a box of pens, the property of C. S. Peel, at Pontypool, on the 4th inst.—Mr. Supt. James conducted the prosecution on behali of the police. Charles Steers Peel said I am an electrical engineer, and reside at No. 9, Avon-terrace, Osborne Road, Pontypool. The prisoner also lodged there. On Thursday the 4th inst., I went home to lunch at about half-past one. The despatch-box (produced) was then in my room securely fastened. It contained the money and aranys nu.med in the charge. I left the house at 2 o'clock. Shortly after 5 o'clock Mrs Harwood carm to me and said that the box had been broke a open and ransacked. I found that the mu&.ey and articles named had been stolen. ^liiojig.t the money was about a pound's worth of ri corns, including one or two 4s. pieces, a couple oi halt-crowns, a florin, and a sixpence. 1 iuv;ntj;y che tour-shilling piece produced as my property. It has an "E" scratched on the ribbon of the order. I made that mark myself some time ago, and had a reason for doing so. Tue Clerk (to prisoner) Do you wish to ask him any questions ? Prisoner Yes that 4s. piece is mv own. The Chairman Ask questions. You can make a statement again. Prisoner iSo, I have nothing particular to ask him. Kiioda Harwood said I am a widow and reside i at 1S0. 9, Avon-terrace, Osborne Road. The prisoner has lodged with me for about three months. Un Thursday, the 4th inst., I left the no use at about 2.50 p.m. Prisoner was then m the house alone. I asked him to lock the door when he went out. He aid he would do so, but that he did not ,think he would -go out for a few hours. 1 returned at 5 o'clock. Before reaching the house I me: the prisoner by Mr. Ford's. He dId not speak. On arriving at the house I found the box produced in the back room broken up. That was the room downstairs. I also noticed the hammer produced in a different position from that in which I left it. The prisoner was at tbo house when I arrived there. He must have passed me when I cailed at Mr Furlow's. He said nothing to me, but another lodger, Mr. Davius, told me. Mr Peel's box had been broken He said nothing to me, but another lodger, Mr. Davius, told me Mr Peel's box had been broken open. I saw Mr Davies and the prisoner going < to the house just in front of me. When I got there Mr Davies said This is a fine thing Mr Peel's box has been broken open." Prisoner: Wasn't it 20 minutes to 3 when you went out ? Witness No. You looked at your watch .and told me it was 10 minutes to three. You also sam that if I wanted to catch the train I should have to hurry. Prisoner Didn't yon ask me if I went oat to lock the door, and leave the key in the door ? Witness Yes. Prisoner You couldn't get in otherwise « Witness No. Pri-soner Didn't I and Mr. Davies r together ? Witness 4 I saw you ia front .*>>' He overtook you, and you w* house almost togeiher. Prisoner Did I tell yc tired, *ad would not go out ? Witness: Yes, ane-I .,Pov d, u were ashamed to wa,ik about, as Ncca,we out of work. Ihe Chairman (to«the Clerk.) Put that down, James Davies said I am a& agent for Sisger'-e Sewing lachine Co&npany, lodged with Mrs Harwos.>a. Prisoner also ledged there, and the prosecutor. On Thursday the 4tk inst., I SW7 prisoner at about a quarter r, four in the Forge,liammer. lie camelll1 lIiijh>gt I was these. He staged there about a-fl«artef%if an hour, and Jeft about 10 minutes before I did. I nextmw him about 50 or 450 yard-, irom the house. I wouldn't be sure whether £ met him or evertisk him. He stopped to talk to augentlemaa on.the road, and I waited for liii-a. He then told me that someone had broken into iho broke Lv2I. o« boi.t-s. "We went in* the iiov.se almost together. When w. got into the back parlour there was a bc>x similar to a lie one produced, b&-iken open on the floors. I went upstairs to see if my box was broken, aiid found it had not been disturbed. I found that prisonot 'a box hf d boen broken, and the things all on the floor. When I went downstairs he went-up, and then returned and tolJUle his own box had been bw>ken oi>en. I heard ,'ifter.wai'ds of Mr Iiiirs (anclher's ledger) ibox"being broken open. Prisoner I told you ciy box had.been broken open ? Witness Yes. Prisoner That was ttfter yeu had been .up- stairs.? Witness Y<jp. Policersergeaot Saunters said'- Fr»m irrfor- mation I/received on the 4th .inst., .1 went to No. 9, Avon-terrace, Osborne-road, at about a quar- ter to six. I was shewn the box ,prodnced by Mr. Peel. I asked the pt-issner to prodRce -what money he had in his packet. He did so and I found he had 1 examined the money carefully to see if he had.any Jubilee. coins, but found he had not I asked him how he accounted for the meney he had, and he said be bad changed a sovereign in the Clarence Hotel for two bottles of beer, and that was all the money he had. Prisoner Didii't you ask me if that was all the money I had in my pocket ? Witness Äo, I asked you if that -wag.all the money ^ou had. Prisoner I had -money in my box. The Jubilee coins were in a purse there. Witness I asked yo»u if you had lost anyt hing from your box, and you replied that you had not. that you had no money, only clothes there. The Chairman.: That is important. P.O. Lawrenee said JVom information received, I went to Pontvnaol Road Station, on Luesday the 8th kist., and arrested the prisoner as he was about to leave by train. jHe had booked to Cardiff. I charged him with stealing -C.21, the money of Mr Peel, from No.9, Avon-terrace Osborne-road, and he said he was innocent. I searched hiisL, and found £ 1 ,6id on him, including 12s in Jubilee -coins, and the 4s piece now produced, aid identified by the prosecutor as his property. PrIsoner Did you see me in Commercial- street on Monday evening ? a ^itness Yes, and you told me you had been mifFanSea your friends. i xus was all the evidence. Prisoner having been formally eautioned, elected to make a statement. He said The 4s piece I had, I believe, at the Mumbles or the Landore Inn. I am most certain it was the Landore Inn, and I had it Lost Monday morn- ing. The Clerk You mean you had it given you there ? Prisoner Yes, in change for a sovereign. The Bench committed prisoner to take his trial at the Quarter Sessions on the charge of stealing £21, including the Jubilee 4s piece. He was then removed to the cells, and subse- quently taken to Usk prison.

I WEDNESDAY. Before Mr W. L. PRATT and Dr J. W. MULLIGAN. AN OLD SCORE. Edward Green was brought up in c I:torly charged with non-payment of X5 10s due under an affiliation order to Haunah Evans, Varteg.- Prisoner admitted that he owed comp auiant money, but not as much as was alley d.—As complainant did not put in a detailed ac ou r the case was adjourned till Saturday, prisoner being admitted to bail in his personal recognizance ———i

THE QUEEN AND TTfE VOLUNTEERS. It is stated at the War Office that her Majesty the Queen, on representations made by the Com- mander-in-Chief, the Secretary of State for War, and many Volunteer commanding officers, will shortly recognise the services of Volunteers be- low commissioned rank who have been returned twenty and more years as "effiGient," There are about 15,000 Volunteers in Great Britain entitled to the proposed honour, exclusive of those in India and the Colonies. The matter has been under consideration for a long period, but will probably be definitely settled on the anniversary of the Queen's birthday.

R,S F-EVQR FLOGGING.—At Tun- bridge Wells, the Rev Ruck Keene, vicar of St. John's, Crow borough, Sussex, was fined £ 2 and costs for thrashing a schoolboy named James Bond so severely with a stick that the little boy's parents in evidence said that the bruises were so bad the boy could not let the bed clothes touch his body. The magistrates strongly re- marked upon the nature of the assault

-t,V MB COilY XKV TXSffE EIGHT HOURS' BILL Aisneeting of the -Caerleon Liberal and radi- cat was held at the Drill Hail, Caer- leon, OR Thursday week, the Bev W. M. Thomas, president > .Associ;U.ou in the chair. Amoua thoj^ we Jtr^QijSord" [ Gory (Liberal eaA^at.. .M.()n..u.hJ,. Peincipal Edward" D.D., 'the lievs D. Beavan Jones, and W. J. Jaties, and Messrs W. Williams, W. II. Brown, ous speech from the chair, Mr Clifford (orv de- livered an..addreso on th(\political siiuationT In ,regitrd to the Eight .Hours' iBill, Air Cory -said he was prepared to support such a iL-easure if the majority of the electors of the division was Ín, its favour. For his own,part, if an Eightflours' ■Bill was to pass, he thought it should be made coaapulsory for the whole .country rather than I liave the, principle ef local option applied. The mining industry wae one great whole, and the same IKW should ap,p!y to erv district.—Prin- j cipal Edwards and Councillor W.,11. Brov/a also addressed the meeting, which concluded with the usuahotes of thanks.

A IRELAESE AFTER THIRTEEN YEARS. gamuel Powell, who since 1880 has borne a good character, but who previous to that date had been several times in trouble, acd had served two terms cf imprisonment, had a relapse last week at Newport, where he has been for two vcape, as he states, ..in the -employ of M^jssrs Thompson >& Shakell. Last week he^had a drink- ing I)Out, and whilst under the influence of Bacchus he lilted a travelling cug from the clothes line of Mrs Caroline Walsh, the, wife of a marine engineer, resident in Eveswellrstreet Maindee. In consequence Powell found himself in the prisoners' dock at Newport police-court on Men- day, on charges of beir .xg drunk and stealing the rug. Prisoner ,seemed thoroughly penitent, acd attributed the theft to tibe drink -—The sentence af the isaagistrates was three months imprison- ment.

TJIE LARGEST CAB&O OF COAL OUT OF SARRff DOCEL I 011 Saturday s tide the fine steamship Lord' Erne,, belonging te Messrs. T. Dickson and Co., Belfast bK' Daniel Dickson the Lc«-d Mayor of Belfast, being the .managing owner, sailed from Barry Dock for Bembay with the largest eargo of coal which has ever passed out of Barry, the actualcuantity on board, caggo and bunkers, be- ing 7,897 tone 10 cwt. The Lord Erne is a twin- screw steamer, commanded by Captain Dunu she is ot 3,b47 tons register, and 5,610 toes .gross, her engines being 2,70'1 horse power indicated. The next highest quantities of coal shipped in single cargoes from Barry Dock were on board the Idar, 6,500 tons, and the British Oueen. -6,300 tons.

ABERGAVENNY MAY FAIR. This stock and pleasure fair, which was held on Monday, was rather smaller than usual as regards the stock. The sheep and lambs were a small lot, pigS were scarce, and horned cattle under the average, business being slow. Amongst the cattle was a consignment of Jersey cows with calf, disposed of by Messrs Straker & Sons. A few agricultural horses of good quality were sold at reasonable prices. A considerable nnmber of hacKs were shown, mountain ponies being some- what scarce and of a smaller class than usual.

ROMAN POTTERY.—A few days ago, while the workmen were digging the foundation for the Grand Hotel, at Clacton-on-Sea, they came upon two Roman urns embedded in the clay some 100 feet from the surface, one in a good state of pre- servation. It is supposed that Clacton-on-Sea was an important place occupied by the early Romjyis. The urns will doubtless be placed in the new hotel. THE SIBERIAN RAILWAY.—A Reuter's tele- gram from St. Petersburg states that the con- struction of the Siberian Railway, which had considerably slackened during the winter months, is now being carried on with renewed vigour, the work being chiefly entrusted to the military and penitentiary departments, as the Government is better satisfied with the results thus obtained than to the progress made by private contractors. it is expected that the line will be opened for tratticaf3 far as Nikolsk in August next, and to a further distance of 150 kilometres before the winter. THROAT IRRITATION AND COUGH.—Soreness and dryness, tickling and irritation, inducing cough and affecting the voice. For these symptoms use Epps's Glycerine Jujubes. In contact with the glands at the moment they are excited by tha act of sucking, the Glycerine in these agreeable confections becomes actively healing, gold only in boxes, 7id., tins Is lid., labelled "JAMES LPPS & Co., Homoeopathic Chemists, London." Dr. Moore, m his work on "Nose and Throat Diseases," says: "The Glycerine Jubjubes pre- pared by James Epps and Co., are of undoubted service as curative or palliative agent," while Dr. Gordon Holmes, Senior Phrsician to the Municipal Throat and Ear Infirmary, writes After an extended trial, I have found your Glyperine Jujubes of considerable benefit in almost aU forms of thmtdise&se.'

THE ADJUTANT'S LOVE STORY. [E&OM THE FRENCH OF LE COMTE ALFRED DE VIGNY.] I. I was brought up in the village of Montreuil. by the cure of the place. The happiest period of my life was that time when I was a choir boy, with plump, rosy cheeks, a clear voice, and fair hair, wearing blouse and sabots. As I had given evidence of possessing a musical ear, the goof* father, who had himself been in former day A a. notable singer and choirmaster at Notre D kindly taught me my notes. listen, Mathurin," he said to me (jay "you are only a peasant's son, but you £ >uaff weli your catechism and sol-fa, and so'^p. per. haps, if you are good and industr',ou^ may become a great musician." This speech filled me with (dcv&sure and pride, and I twanged more f-ev- and vigorously than ever upon my teac s' shrill and discordant old harp. 1 The favourite re^Wa^on of my leisure hours was to walk to farther end of the park of Montreuil, ano^ eat my dinner there with the workmen ^n.0 were building, in the avenue of Versallle. little musical pavilion, by order of the ^ueeii. It was a charming spot. > used to take with me upon these excursions Alittle girl of my own age, named Pierrette, who, because she had such a pretty voice, was also taught to sing by the cure. In her hand she would carry a larere slice of bread-and-butter, with which her mother, who was the cure's housekeeper, had provided her. Together we watched with great interest the growth of the pretty little house. Pierrette and I were at that time about 13 years of age. She was already so beautiful that strangers would pause by the way to pay her compliments, and I have seen grand ladies descend from their carriages in order to caress her. She loved me as a brother. From our infancy we had walked always hand- in-hand, and this grew into such a settled habi t that in all her life I cannot remember once giving her my arm. Our visits to our favourite spot won for us the friendship of a young stone-cutter, some eight or ten years older than ourselves. He was a gentle-natured fellow, sometimes, but not often, mildly gay. While he worked, we would sit beside him upon a stone or on the ground. He had made a little song about the stones that he cut, in which he said that they were harder than the heart of Pierrette, and he played in a hundred ways upon the words Pierre, Pierrette, Pierrerio, and Pierrot, to our endless amusement and delight. For our new friend was a poet. His father had been an architect, but in some way (I know not how) bad come to ruin, and it fell to Michel to retrieve the family fortune, With his rule and hammer he supported a mother and two little brothers. He worked bravelv at his stones, mating couplets all the '■ime "with eath iarge block he would begin a iw poem. His fuil name was Michel j ean daiue. II. VMy parents I had never known, for they had died in my infancy, both about the same time, of the small-pox, but the cure had been a good faCer to me. At the age of sixteen I was wild and foolish, but I knew a little Latin and much abont music, and was, moreover, a fairly skillful gardener. My life was a very happy one, for it was passed at the side of Pierrette. One day, as I was engaged in lopping off the branches of one of the heeches in the park and tying them together into a small bundle, Pierrette suddenly cxclaiawd:- .1 o h., Alatbvrlr- l I am so frightpnedl Look at those fine ladies coming towards us through the alky Wbat, can they be going to do ? Look pg in the direction she indicated, I saw two .young women, who were walking at a. rapid pace time dead kv es. One, who was, a trifle taller than the other, wore a gown of rose- colouredailk. She ran rather than Walked, and her companion kept just a little behind. Like the poor ,peasant lad I was. I was seized with a kisd of instinctive panic, and said to Pierrette; Lq; us bide ourselves But for that there was now RO tii^e, and my terror was redoubled when I saw the rose- coloured lady make signs to nay blushing i -Pierrette, who regained as if rooted to the s,pot, grasping my hand tightly. i pulled off- my cap, and scot.d leaning LigamL thE; tree. This-lady came -straight up to Pierrette, an touching hex under the cfein, as rij^S^ghowIter<fc> iter frie*jd,'said s—- OJ m;W*8 I riot rM^ifc?. IF, -y tbiag Sor niy•lujlktuaiSf'8costuxce on T1 What a pretty little girl it My chi d,iwiilyou give yourclothes, just as they are now, to the ser- vants whom I wiii send for them? I will send you mine in exchange." "Ob, cia.da.meT was all that:Bierretteicauld«fcy. The other yoiicg lady aiow forward, and, laying her hand upon Pierrette's 'bare arm, -encouraged her with gentle voids, telling her ;that this lady was one w'.iom everybody obeyed. Then ..Madame 3Eose-coijui spoke again Demure that you alter nothing^in your cos- tume, little sbku-g at the g-irl Ler dainty Malacca cane. "See" Ilore is a (handsome ienow v ho will-be a soldier, and to whom I will ;marry you." ( So beautif ul was she that I almost went .onany iifnees to her. She had d he appearance of a little, good fairy. She talked fast andgaily. Bestowing a playful -pat upon PiVersette s cheek, she turned and tripped .away, ifollowee- by her companion. .Hand-i,u-lian'd, aeeordigg to our custom age returned homoe, in silence, bat with harasy hearts. r u I went straight to tlie.cure, and said to Kitw; Monsieur Imettrjz, I wish to be a soldier. The good ma n -was astounded. How ie it, my dearçhild," said he, "that you desire to leave i ne ? Do you (no longer love me ? Do you no long-er love Pierrette ? What have ■ we done toyou that you bevegraun tired of us ? And is all the ediication I have given voex to be thrown away ? ^Answer, you naughty boy! he coxemandeot, with a.shakectf my aDm. With my .eyes Iixed upon my shoes, I re- peated :— "J wish to e a sioldier." Pierrette's xaotfoec, who fead brought in a flassful of water to .cool the care's agitation, egan to cry. Pierrette wept also, but she was not aEgry with me., for she knew well it was in order to marry her thas I wished to go away. At this moment appeared two tall, powdered lackeys and a lady's maid, who inquired whether a little «irl had got ready the costume asked for by the Queen and the Princess de«Lambalie. W hen these visitors had gone, and the com- SEotion they caused had subsided, I was left alone with the cure, Pierrette and her mother having withdrawn in great excitement to try ozz" the contents of the box which the Queen had sent in exchange for the little girl's frock and cap. My guardian then requested me to relate to him the occurrences of the morning, which I did, same what more briefly thai* I have told them here. And it is for this you would leave us, my son ? said myold friend, when I had ended my recital, holding my hands in his. For a long time he pleaded earnestly with me. setting forth the numerous hardships, perils, and temptations of a soldier's life, which, said he, would ullfitme for becoming the husband of such a good pure 00 little being as Pierrette. To all which I replied, doggedly :— I wish to be a soldier." I had my way. III. I enlisted into the noble corps of the Royal Auvergne. My training began, and T was nrn- i mised that, if I behaved well, I should be ad- mitted by-aud-by into the first company of Grenadiers. I soon had a powdered queue falling in an imposing fashion over my white vest, but I no longer had Pierrette, or her mother or the cure of Montreuil, and I made no more music One fine day, when I, confined to the barracks, was undergoing some absurd little punishment for having made three errors in the management of my arms, I received a visit from Michel Ah, Mathurin I he said to me you are well punished for having left Montreuil You enjoy no longer the counsel and instruction of the good cure, and you are fast forgettin" the music which you used to love so well 0 No matter." said I I have my wish." ,'You+Ino longer tend the fruit trees and gather the peaches of Montreuil with your Pierrette, who is as fresh and sweet as the- No matter," said I; I have my wish '7 You will have to work hard for a very long time before you can become even a corporal No matter," said I again "when I am a sei- geant, I will marry Pierrette." £ b, Mathurin!" continued my friend; e eve me, you are unwise. You have too much ambition and pride. Would you not like someone to buy you out, so that you might return to marry pierette ?" s I nftpn1!0u1'' Michel!1 "have you not Eacxh one must make his own lot ? I do not choose to marry Pierrette with the money of others, and I am making my own lot, as you see. Besides, it was the Queen who put this idea into my head, and the Queen must know best. She said: "He will be a soldier, and I will marry you to him.' She did not •sa^'» return after having been a soldier. 6 But suppose," said Michel, the Queen were ¡ to provide you with the means of marrying I would you not accept her bounty ? No, Michel! Even if such an unlikely thing were to happen, I would not take her money." And if Pierrette herself earued her dot f Then, Michel, I wo-ald marry her at once." "Well! returned he. "I will tell that to the Queen." Are you crp I gy ?" I said to him, "or are you now a servant in her house ? Neither the one nor the other, Mathurin, although 1: no longer cut stone." j'( y0U cut then ? asked I. cut pieces out of paper and ink." Is it possible ? Yes, my boy: I write simple little, plays, easy to be understood. Some day, per naps, you shall see one." IV. Meanwhile, my faithful Pierrette did not for- get me. And one day a wonderful thing hap- pened to her. She told me all about it after- wards. It was Easter Monday. Pierrette was sitting before the cure's floor, working and singing, when she saw a gorgeous carriage, drawn by six horses, coming through the avenue. It rolled ngnt up to Vne cure's house, and then stopped. Pierrette flOW saw that the carriage was empty. As she was gazing with all her eyes, the equerry, taking off her hat with great politeness, begged her to enter the vehicle. Pierrette had too much good sense to make a fuss. She simply slipped off her sabots, put on her shoes with the silver buckles, folded her work, and, assisted by the footman's arm, stepped into the carriage as if to the manner born. Soon she found herself at Trianon, where she was conducted through gilded apartments into the Queen's presence. With the Queen was Madame de Lamballe, seated in an embrasure of a window, before an easel. Ah exclaimed the Queen gaily, here she is I" And she ran up to Pierrette, and took both her hands in her own. How pretty she is she went on what a dear little model she will be for you I Sit there, my child." With these words, Marie Antoinette gently pushed the bewildered Pierrette into a very high chair, where she sat with her pretty feet dangling. "Now, listen to me, little one," continued the Queen. Two gentlemen will shortly be coming here. Whether you do or do not recognise one of them is no matter, but whatever they tell you, that you must do. You will have to sing I know that you can sing. Whenever they tell you to enter or to depart, to go or to come, you will obey them exactly. Do you understand me ? All this will be for your good. This lady and I will help the gentlemen to teach you, and all that we ask in return for our pains is that, for one hour every day, you will sit for madame. You will not consider that any great hard- ship V Pierrette was so much more than satisfied with the bargain that she could have embraced the Queen in the exuberance of her gratitude. As she was posing for Madame de Lamballe, two men entered the room. One was stout, the otner taii. AT, signt or the tali one, she ex- claimed: wily! it is then stopped her- self. "Well, gentlemen," said Marie Antoinette, what do you think of her ? Was I not right ? It is Rose herself replied Sedaine. A single note, madame," said the other, M. Grevy, "and I shall know if she be as perfectly Monsigny's Rose as she is Sedaine's." Then, turning to Pierrette, he said to her :— Sing the scale after me, thus Ut, Re, jJi, Fa Sol." The girl repeated his notes. Stiejias a divine voice, madame was his verdict. The Queen clapped her hands and jumped for joy, as she exclaimed :— She will gain her dot! V. Of all these gay proceedings I, of course, was ignorant. Ever since Michel's visit I had felt very wretched. I had no further tidings of my friends at Montreuil, and began to think that Pierrette must have quite forgotten me. The regiment remained at Orleans three months, and I had a bad fit of home-sickness which affected my physical health. One day, in the street, an officer of our com- pany called me to him, and pointing to a huge play-Mil, said:— Read tlat, Mathurin." 1 By order. 41 On Moifday next will be given a special Pc)r- foriaauce ef Irene the new work of M. de j Voltaire, te be followed fey Rose and Colas, an opretta by M. Sedaine and M. de Monsigny, for the bnet of Mademeiselle Colombe, of the Came die Italienne, who will appear in the secondiWece.. Her Majesty the Queen, has gracintmff promised to be present. What "nas that do ■with ate, iny captain? inquired "You are a good-looking fellow," said the officer. "I will get yea powdered and fritted cut, a bit, and station you at the 'door of the Boyal box." Thusit came io pass that the night of the per- formance found me in the theatre, resplendent ia full uniform, standi-Eg UpOE. a blue carpet, and rrounded on.all sides by flowers and festoons. While awaiting the Queen's arrival, I over- byard a conversation between M. de Grevy and die manager of the theatre. The latter seemed anxious concerning the-qualiifcations of Madem- oiselle Colombe, who, -apparently, was quite un- known to him, while ihe .other reassured him upon that point, and gave to him her Majesty's guarantee that .a sum equal to half the night's receipts shouldibe paid to him for the use of his theatre. Evidently, the whole affair had been get up by the Quaen. Their -dialogue was interrupted by a sudden hustle and corametion, and the Queen entered so that I had bar ely time to present arms. W<U;h her was the other young lady whom I had seen at MontreuiL The performance commenced at once. All the.l.ime tkat 'IrexLe' was going on, the Queen laughed and chattered, but as soon as the operetta began, she was all attention, her example of course, being followed by everyone in her box. -u j a woman's voice which thrilled me to the heart, and se.t me trembling so that I could scarcely hold n^y gun. Surely there was but one voice like tbat in all the world I Through the gauze curtain drawir. across the tiny window of the box, I got a glim Dse of the performers. It was a little lady' who was singing;— Once a birdie, Grey as a mouse, Built for his children A tiny house. Why I this charming Rose was just like I Pierette She had her figure, her red and hln", frock, her white petticoat, her pretty simple manner, her small shoes with the silver buckles her red and blue stockings Dear me said I to myself," these actresses must be clever indeed to be able to make them- selves look so much like other folks! Here is this famous Mademoiselle Colombe, who, no doubt, lives in a fine house, has several men- servants, and goes about in Paris dressed like a duchess, and she is exactly like Pierrette But my poor little girl could not sing so well although her voice may be quite as pretty I was so fascinated that I could not turn mv head away from the glass, and presently the door of the box struck me in the face. Someone had opened it, because her Alaiesty cemplained I am perfectly satisfied. My first gentleman- in-waiting may tell Mademoiselle Colombe that she will not repent having left tome the manage- ment of this affair. Ah! it amuses me so much! 11 There is no doubt, madame," said the Prin- cess de Lamballe, "that your good deed is a complete success. Everyone is here. Rpp all tHe good townsfolk of Orleans are enchanted with this splendid singer, and the whole court is ready to applaud her." She gave the signal for applause, and the audience who, according to custom, had hitherto remained silent out of respect for the Queen gave full vent to their enthusiasm. From that moment scarcely a word of Rose's was allowed to pass without tremendous clapping. The Queen was delighted. e. At the end of the piece the ladies threw their bouquets to Rose. Where is the real lover ?" inquired theQueen of the Due de Lauzun, who thereupon left the box, and beckoned to my captain in the corridor. Again the nervous trembling seized me, fori felt that something—I could not guess 'what was going to happen to mê. My captain bowed respectfully, and conversed in a low tone with M. de Lauzun. Marie Antoinette was looking at me! I leaned against the wall to keep myself from falling. There were footsteps upon the staircase, and I saw Michel Sedaine, followed by Grevy and "the podgy and pompous manager and they were bringing Pierrette, the real Pierrette mv Pierrette, to me — my sister, my wifp' mv Pieirette of Montreuil! my The manager was exclaiming joyfully • "Here is a good night's work! Eighteen thousand francs I The Queen now came forward, and, taking Pierrette's hand, said in her gay, kindly manner "You see, my child, there was no other way in which you could honourably earn your dot in a single hour. To morrow I shall take you back to the curé of Montreuil, who will, I trust, absolve us both. He will forgive you for playing in a comedy once in your life." Here the Queen, with a gracious bow, turned to me. To poor, bewildered, stupid me I hope," said she, that M. Mathurin will deign to accept Pierrette's fortune. I have added nothing to it; she has earned it all her- self I —From the Strand Magazine for May.

NEWPORT TURKISH BATHS. IMPROVED SYSTEM OF VENTILATION. MODERN MASSAGE TREATMENT. BEST REMEDY FOR COLDS, RHEUMATISM, GOUT. SCIATICA, KIDNEY & LIVER COMPLAINTS. LADIEK -F Mondays, 10.0 a.m. till 7.0 p.m.: i Thursdays, 10.0 a.m. till 1.0 p.m. f Every Day except Sunday and f Every Day except Sunday and GENTLEMEN -< Monday. Thursdays from 1.0 (. p.m. till 7.0 p.m. Prospectus, medical testimony, and advice free on application to the Superintendent. 18. Stow-hill. H. JAS. KANE. PONTYPOOL MILK SUPPLY. H. A. JONES BEGS to inform the inhabitants of Ponty JD pool and district that he will DELIVER TWICE DAILY Pure Milk, & Thin or Clotted Cream, Eggs, Poultry, & Fresh Butter. H. A. JONES, Hawthorn Villa, New Inn, nr. Pontypool. C2, R NOTICE TO CYCLISTS. SPECIAL CLEARANCE OF CYCLES, ALL BY T',jE BEST MAKERS a.nd in Good Con- dition, comprr Arig Machines by J.K. STARLET & Co HOBART. BIRD, & Co., ALLDAYS & ONION ,5 ORMONDE CYCLE Co., AND NEW How IE' MANUFACTURING CO. THE ABOVE "lO BE SOLD AT A VERY M 7 IIOW FIGURE To effect a Clearance. No P reasonable Offer Refused. J. WIr uLIAMS TROSNANT "WHARF. PONTYPOOL. JOHN JYJOSELEY, PARK ROAD, PONTYPOOL, PATENTEE AND SOLE MANUFACTURER OF MOSELE Y'S PATENT BRAKE FOR CARTS AND WAGONS, HAS in STOCK NEW & SECOND- HAND CARTS & TRAPS. Carriages, Traps, and Carts Repaired. Well- Ground Mortar always Ready. Prioes and Resigns given for all kinds of work wfi-thor in Stone, Brick, Iron or Wood. A firs't-x&'tfe Shoeing Smith kept., BUNDLED FIREWOOD. rpO SHOPKEEPERS and RETAILERS FIREWOOD.—We Supply BUNDLED FIREWOOD at a price that leaves a handsome profit for retailer. Delivered free within 20 miles. PONSFORD BROS. CLARENCE WHARF SAW MILLS, NEWPORT FURLO W' S CAKES, B READ, pASTRY, SWEETS, AND CHOC()LA TE. V -(: o: )- The Best that Money can Buy. -(:0:)- | -1 2 0 0-EOKGE j^VTBEET, AND 14 CRANE STREET, p ONTYPOOL. READ THIS. SIR GARNET HOTEL, PONTYPOOL. When you come to Pontypool, call at NEWTHS For a GLASS of Guaranteed Pure Malt & Hop HOME BREWED ALE. You will enjoy it. Orders also taken for 4! and 9 Gallons of the above. Wines, Spirits, Cigars, and Wills' Tobacco A1 Quality.—G. NEWTH, Proprietor. ESTABLISHED 50 YEARS DAVID FRANCIS, CURRIER & LEATHER SELLER (WHOLESALE AND RETAIL). BUTT Bends, Insole Redsides, Kips, Cow- hide, at lowest Prices. Harness Hides, Strap Butts cut in lengths, or Straps made to order. A Large Stock of Closed Uppers of every description always on hand. Grindery and Kit kept at lowest prices. Leather Aprons and Leggings^ Griffins' Leather Preservative and Waterproof Compound, unequalled for Brown Leggings and Boets. ——— NOTE THE ADDRESS— 48, COMMERCIAL STREET, NEWPORT MON.).