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( Csygright.) RED MONEY BY FERGUS flUME, Author of "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab," "The Silent House in Pimlico," "The Indian Bangle," "Hagar of the Pawn Shop, CHAPTER^ vi.II— CONTIHUBE. "Mrs. Moxton met her husband here ? "Yes. Janet let her como to the hall some- times. and she roet Moxton. Both girls are lecent, doc, so don't say that I run 'em down. Tanet, is a girl in a thousand. She left us a week or two figo. I expect she has gone to live nth her sister now. They will have old 'loxton's money. I daresay." "Who do you think killed Moxton ? asked lass, "My dear boy. ask me something easier," laid Polly, applying the powder-puff to her Hope. "I haven't the slightest idea. He was nasty enough to have any quantity of enemies." "Do you know a man called Zirknitz, Miss Horley ? Polly turned round with a smile. "Do I know the nose on my face ? she said, lightly. "Of course I do. It is funny you should talk of him, for he is coming to see me in a few in minutes. If you'll wait, I'll introduce him to you." Ellis and Cass exchanged looks of congratula- xion at this good fortune, and the unsuspicious Polly, little thinking she was weaving a halter clor a man'r neck, babbled OJl. "He might have found out the truth if he'd only gone to Dukes- field -in Jnt night as lie intended." Ii Ihd ho go there ? asked Ellis, eagerly. "No. Janet was tifre on that .night. She got leave from Schwartz to fee her sister, Zirknitz. who is a friend of Janet's, intenôed calling for her to take her home, but Moxton got drunk here, and /rl-altz didn't go lest there should ce a row. So—Come in." She broke off as there vas a sharp knock. The door opened, and a handscme, light- haired young man appeared. ''Oli, here you are," cried Polly, jovially, 110: this is Mr. Rudolph Zirknitz.

RED MONEY By FERGUS HUME, Author of "The Myr-terv of a Hansom Cab,* "The Bilent House in Pimlico," "Tfce Indian Bangle," "Hagar of the Fawn Bhop, &c. .— 8NOYPSIS OF PRECEDING- CHAPTERS! ) Robert Ellis,a young- doctor without practice, has rooms in a London suburb; a youi, journalist, named Cass, with whom he is friendly, has rooms above him in the house of Mrs. Basket, a cypical working landlady. Ellis is called at mid- night to the house a fast, ne'er-do-well, named Moxton, who has been murdered by a stab in the liavk white in his gtirden at Myrtle- villa, Jubilee-road. Tho widow, who is pretty, %ud had been married only a yrar, is suspected, but the doctor champions her cause. On the arm of the dead man arc. crypt in marks, representing **R. U. Z." and a linr.i. 'Jhr.ie days before the murder the uncle of the dead man, Edward Moxtoii, a rich picture dealer, had died from natural causes. Tie- murdered man was his heir, but his executor was a nephew, Richard Busham, a usurious advocate in the Temple. The will of 'he murdered man was missing. If it were found all the money of tli(- U"I,Ie would come to the widow; if not found tiv1 moneywould be divided between her ?nd Hr.shan>, his cousin The doctor, who is fii!v with the widow, learns she has a sister naineT .Janet Gordon a half- brother, named Rudolph Zirkniix. C HAP T !•: It I X. THE ACSTUIVX. Can and Ellis examined the new-comer swittlj U they^ returned his bow. It was a foreign bow, including a smart click of the heels. Zirknitz was tall, slim, and remarkably handsome, his good looks belli" set. off to the fullest advantage by the quiet perfection of his evening dress. He wore no jewellery, the whitest of linen, tht aeat*«t of bow?, and a silk hat with a wonder- » ,tre", As the n'ght was chilly he had on a tur-hned coat with sable cuffs and collar, and his slender hands, encased in grey gloves, held a gold-topped bamboo. Altogether Mr. or Monsieur, or Herr Zirknitz was, to all appear- ances, a man who valued hie looks as part of hi« Stock-in-trade to enable him to carry on his business of adventurer. But, in spite of his care, the hoof betrayed the devil, for there was a rakish, fast air about him whichet.amped him as dangerous. Ellis thought that such a scamp would not, draw the line at murder, c long ad he could save himself from punishment. I am pleased to meet your friends, Madame." said Zirknitz, in good enough English, but with » pronounced foreign accent. "'And the names ? "This is Mr. Cass that gent is Dr. Ellis." The smile died mvaj on the Austrian's lips. Ellis!" he in a hesitating manner, "and 1 doctor-of Dukesfield ? u M. Zirknitz," replied Ellis, grimlv, wof Dukesfield." Morton ? *'le V>dy of my poor friend JVere you a frlend of his ? who' km ,jf.fr,mri he had' doctor, If 1 L^ew tn,™ to U™ 'P"d "'y r,1)eated cast;. 148() YOX think t. man 1 e ? „ "J .8° by *he evidence at. the inquest. Zu-lmt., with bow. "The <1«'r «pUi„d W" at -t.. e inqufst tnat a man must have struck I I said that, indeed, M. Zirknitz. Bui a Ionian mav be mixed UD in the matter." I" Here all of you I" cried rolly, With Im- patient good humour, "I can't have you three talking here sdl night. I want to dress and go lionte to my chicks. Rudolph, you must come and see me on another night. Mr. Cass, doctor, look up your. titily whenever you get a chance, and good-night to you, my dears." In thi<* way the star bustled them out of her dressing-room, and the three men went again to the front of the house. It seemed, indeed, that Zirknitz wa? inclined to leave them, but after a glance at the haggard face of Ellis he changed hi3 mind. Cass invited him to sit at their table, which he did, and accepted a lemon-squash. "I never t.-tt-.e :iiytl)ligstronger," he said, gracefully. "It is bad for the nerves; it makes the hand shake." I can understand that as applying to a Idoctor like myself, M. Zirknitz, but to you— how does it apply to you ? What profession do you follow that requires nerve ? "I play cards, doctor. I earn my living in that wav and, let me tell you, one who does so must" have a steady hand, a clear brain, and i nerves of steel. As he spoke Schwartz, all alone, strolled past. He nodded to the Austrian, but frowned j slightly when he saw him with Ellis. Then, pausing by the table, he tapped Cass on the shoulder with a piuu.p be-ringed hand. "Mr. Cass, mine goot frend, vill you with me gome ? I hai pisness with you that gannot wait." "Is there money in it, Schwartz?" The German cast another look at Zirknitz, who was trifling with a cigarette which he took out of a handsome silver case. "I dink zo," he said, pointedly. 'Tn that case 1'11 come. Wait for me here, Ellis. M. Zirknits, I wish you good evening," and Cass went off in high spirits with the fat Schwartz, so that Ellis and the Austrian were left alone. The table at which they were seated was placed in a comparatively secluded corner, out of the crush of people and the glare of the light. Yet, quiet as it was. Zirknitz, after a glance around, apueared to be annoyed by the position. "Will vou come to my box, doctor r he said, rising. I fancy we shall be more com- said, rising. "I fancy we shall be more com- fortable there." "But my friend Cass ? "I shall instruct the waiter to bring him to the box when he returns here. Come, doctor," added iftrknitz in a whisper, "I wish to speak with you-about the murder." A thrill ran through Ellis as he followed the Austrian up the airs. Was the man about to confess t. cri tiie ? That was hardly probable. i'-r^ups he intended to explain the cypher. Yet that, also, was doubtful. By this time Ellis had seated himseif in a shady corner of the box. He was thoroughly puzzled, and could conceive of no reason why Zirknitz should seek this interview. The young man closed the door, removed his coat and hat, and offered Ellis a cigarette. The doctor refused, on the plea that he had smoked enough, for he could not bring himself to accept, anything from the hands of M. Zirknitz. They were those of a card-sharper, a awindler-a murderer! In this belief Ellis decided to let the Austrian do most of the talking, hoping to trap him-if not into confes- sion at least into damaging admissions. His own role was to say nothing-to know nothing, and to give M. Zirknitz a sufficiency of rope to weave a halter. The situation was uncomfortable and Ellis felt as though he were dealing with a graceful, but dangerous tiger which required dexterous and diplomatic handling. I am glad to meet you, doctor, said Zirknitz, in his quiet voice. "Indeed, had I not done so here by chance I should have called on you." With reference to the murder ? "Say with reference to Mrs. Moxton and her us husband's will. Also, sir, with reference to her husband's cousin." Busham ? "Ah, yes, that is the name—Mr. Richard Busham, the advocate." "Do vou know him ? "I! No but I hope to know him if he does aot behave well to my sister." Dr. Ellis leant back in his chair with a gasp of astonishmcnt. "Yoursistert" "Mrs. Mexton, or, rather, I should say, my half-sister. Did you not know ? How should I know ? muttered Ellis, not yet recovered from his amazement. "Because my sister, Mrs. Moxton, told me that you were her best friend. "I hope I am her friend. But I confess that I am astonished to hear that you are her brother. Are you not a foreigner ? "Yes. To speak truly there is no blood rela- tionship. Mrs. Gordon, the mother of my sister, married my father, Adolph Zirknitz, who was a widower. The marriage of our parents is the bond between us." I see. And you have two sisters ? "Ob, yes. Mrs. Moxton, who is Laura, and Miss Janet (rordon. Who told you ? "Polly—Miss Horley." Ah, muttered Zirknitz, with a look of dia-, pleasure, "she talks so much, oh, so very It; uch. Here was a discovery. The mythical lover of Mrs. Moxton, the murderer of her husband, J if the blood signs could be believed, turned out to be her bic ther by marriage. A queer sort of relationship truly, which Ellis had not me; with before, still one sufficiently close to put any question of love out of the case. If so, j what was Zirknitz's motive for committing the crime ? Ellis felt that he was floundering in deep water. "Why do you teU me all this ? he asked, suspiciously. "Because Laura says that you are her friend, and will help her through with this matter. "Of the i, i,,rder ? Tardy, and of the will. Busham is not an easy man to deal with, and he is amazed that old Moxton's money should go to Laura." "How do you know it will go to her ? "Laura told me she thought there was a will leaving it to her." "M. Zirknitz," said Ellis, after a few moments of reflection, "will you answer a few ques- tions ? Oh, yes, most, certainly! I have much confidence in you, Dr. Ellis. The other did not. reciprocate this sentiment, but had sense enough to keep his doubts to himself. "You knew Moxton very well, I presume ? "Oh. yes Zirknitz shrugged his shoulders "but we were not friends. He was always drinking and quarrelling. I do not like such men-' "You disliked him "No. I dis'ke no person. It is troublesome to do that." "Did you visit him at DukesBeldr "I did not. He hated me, you understand. Sometimes at, night. I went to see my sister when all was quiet." Ellis reflected that these visits must have been conducted with considerable secrecy, seeing that Mrs. Basket was ignorant of them but to •J-rr* they took place :after dark. "YVere you Mrtle Villa "n, the night of the murder ? answered Zirknitz, coolly andpromptly. I though of going for my sister Janet, but I changed ray mind. Moxton was drunk so I fancied he might make trouble." Then you saw Moxton on that night ? "Oh, most certainly! He was—he was—" Zirknitz hesitated. "He wae m secret gambling-room of Schwartz," finished Ellin, guessing his thoughts. The Austrian's face became as blank as a r-heet of wlute paper. "But I do not under- stand," he said, with a shrug. "Oh, well, as you please," returned the doctor, coolly. L l know nothing about tha matter myself. To continue where we left off. Where did yon soe Moxton last on the night he was killed ? "Ob, at the Mr in there." Zirknitz was clever enough to taktf his cue; '*he was drunk— not very bad—out. no: ~y and troublesome. Ho > drove away in a cab," "Sight down to Dnkesfield ? "That I do not know. I went home to bed f myself. This was a lie, as VlMs shrewdly guessed, but I the Austrian eir, i oif with an air which shewed that ne was an uucjju <n wit^uur. When did you hear of the murder ? "I saw it next day in the evening papers." "Then why did you not go to Dukesfield to help Mrs. Moxton "Whv should I," said Zirknitz, with a charming smile. Murder is not pleasant. I don't like such things. And I might have got into trouble. I do not, mind saying, doctor, that mine lias been a of adventure, and 1 care not for the police. "You are afraid," said Ellis, wondering at the selfishness and brutal candour of the con- fession. "That is it. I am afraid. Oh, think badly of me if you like. I am so bad that I can be 110 worse. But I shall help my sister over the money." „ Because you hope to get some ? "Eh, why not. I am extravagant. I Ellis felt a strong desire to kick this hand- I some smiling creature, but he doubted if even a kick would rouse any shame in him. The man seemed to have no moral sense just such a soulless, brainless being who would commit a icrime. The doctor began to look upon him as a psychological curiosity, and felt more convinced than ever that he had killed Moxton. The want of money supplied the motive. Who do you think murdered Moxton ? he asked, resolved to startle the man into a con- fession. "Who do I think murdered Moxton," re- peated Zirknitz, blandly. "Why, my dear sir, I think Mr. Busham did." Ellis jumped up. "On what grounds do yoa I make such an accusation ? "Ah, I will not tell you that now," replied Zirknitz, coolly. "I do not yet know you well. If Mrs. Moxton agrees, I may do so." "But if you will "Oh, no, I tell nothing. See, the performance is over. We must go." While the Austrian was reassuming coat and I hat, Ellis felt sorely tempted to tell him about the blood signs and accuse him of killing Moxton. But as yet he had not sufficient evidence, and it was unwise to put Zirknitz on his guard until he could get him into a corner. Before he could decide the Austrian n-odded, and, still smiling, slipped out of the box. Ellis stooped to pick up his stick and followed almost [ immediately, only to find that Zirknitz had vanished into the crowd. What his attitude was towards himself, the doctor could not quite determine. "I shall question Mrs. Moxton about her brother," he reflected, as he went in search of Cass. The journalist was in the office of Schwartz, but came out when he heard Ellis inquiring for him. "How did you get on with Zirknitz?" h, asked, as they hailed a hansom. "Oh, pretty well. He talked a great. deal, and declared that Busham killed Moxton." "The deuce How can he prove that ? "I don't know. He refused to give any proof, and cleared out before I could question him further. What did Schwartz want to see you about ? "To warn you and me against cultivating Zirknitz. Is he a bad eger ? "The worst in the nest from all accounts. I believe he killed Moxton on his own hook." "He denies that he was at Dukesfield on that night. "Denies it? Like his brass. Why, he left this hall to take Moxton home." Who says so ? "Schwartz." Do you believe Schwartz ? Cass drew a long, long bfeath. "I don't know what to believe," he said. "All these men form part of a gang of rogues. There is more devilry in this case than we know of, Bob." CHAPTER X. A STRANGE DENIAL. On arriving at their lodgings, both men were too excited over the case to feel inclined for sleep. Instead of going to bed, they made up the fire, lighted their pipes, and continued the discussion commenced in the hansom. It was then that Ellis repeated the statement of Zir- knitz anent his connection with Mrs. Moxton and her'sister. So you see, Harry, the man is Afro. Moxton's brother, or half-brother—not her lover. "He is really no relation at all," retorted Cass, rather amazed by what he heard. Mrs. Moxton's mother married the father of Zirknitz, did she ? That makes the young man brother bv marriage, but so far as parentage and blood go" ho could marry Mrs. Moxton to- morrow. "I tell you the man isn't her lover. "Possibly not, after what Zirknitz has told you—thai is, if it is true. But he may be the murderer for all that." "Oh, I argee with you there," said the doctor. "The creature is one of those selfish, soulless beings without moral feelings. So long as he could do so, without risking his neck, I quite believe he would go so far as murder. Then he is a spendthrift and a sybarite; so to get this money it is just possible he killed Moxton. But if he is guilty Mrs. Moxton does not know of his wickedness." "Then why did she faint when his nan-ie was mentioned ? "Because no doubt she is aware of his dangerous nature, and may perhaps think that he is guilty. What I mean is, that up to the moment I mentioned the name she did not sus- pect Zirknitz. "Iftitnph! said Cass, looking at the fire. '■'It might be so. What do you intend to (Ic now ? The situation it complicated." "I will see Mrs. Moxton and tell her that 1 have met Zirknitz." "Will you tell her also that he accuses Busham ? I "Yes! because from what he said, Mrs. Moxton may know the grounds upon which he bases his accusation." "Then she must be inculpated in the crimo," cried Cass, decisively. "I don't see that," said Ellis, much annoyed, "Come what may, I believe that poor little woman is"innocent." "Because you are in love!" It may be so," assented the doctor, gloomily. "Love warps my mind, perhaps, but the whole case is so extraordinary and mysteri- ous that it is difficult to say who is, and who is not concerned in it. "In my opinion the whole lot are concerned in it," said Cass, "and the desire for. money is the cause of the crime. By the way, I asked Schwartz about the Gordon sisters." "He knows both, I suppose ? "Yes; but he praises only one—Janet Gordon. Mrs. Moxton he appears to think very little of." That may be because he does not know her so well. Janet was in the employment of Schwartz as a programme-seller and attendant, but Mrs. Moxton,° being a type-writing girl, only occasionally visited the hall. In any case I admit that the Gordon girls appear to be shady." "Yet you think of marrying one." "I shall not do so if 1 find out anything wrong." said Ellis. "It is true that I am in love with Mrs. Moxton, but should her past be a bad one I am nW\n enough to crush down my feelings. Still, t believe that she is more sinned against than sinning and it will be my task to <> solve the mystery of this murder-to prove that my belief is a true one." "I am with you there, Bob, and I shall help you with all my heart. But I tell you plainly that Schwartz has no very good opinion of Mrs. Moxton. He declares that she is frivolous, vain, and foolish." "She is none of the three, Harry, believe me. And Janet ? 11 "Janet is staunch, honest, clever, nnd honourable. Schwartz respects her highly, and he is not the man to bestow praise unduly. "I should like to see this girl," said Ellis, thoughtfully, "particularly as she may throw some light on the murder. From the descrip- tion of old Ike I believe the woman he drove to Pimlico was Janet Gordon. She must know something or she would not have been crying on that night, nor would she have given up her situation at the Merryman Music, xxall so suddenly." "Perhaps you consider her guilty ? "No. On the authority of those signs on the arm of the dead man, I believe Zirknitz killed him." Ellis rose and stretched himself. "We have a terrible tangle to unravel, Harry," he said, after a pause. I "I don't see why we need trouble ourselves to do it, Bob." "I do. Mrs. Moxton must be proved guilt- less. '• (ass shook his head. "Even if she is innocent of the murder her past is shady," he said. "She is not the wife for you, Bob." "When the crooked is made straight we shall see about that, Harry. With this confident assertion Ellis retired to bed, but not to sleep. In spite of his love he could not but see that Mrs. Moxton's reputa- tion was in peril. So much as he had gleaned of her past from herself and other sources was, to say the least of it, shady. The people with whom she had associated were scarcely repu- table. Her husband had been a dissolute scoundrel and Zirknitz, the so-called brother, was an idle vagabond, devoid of self-respect and morals. Then the sister! Schwartz praised her, but Schwartz was not over clean himself in character, and the employment of the girl at a second-rate music-hall was not the style of thing to recommend her to respectable people. Then, again, Mrs. Moxton's conduct was sEifty and underhand. She declined to tell the truth, yet from the surrounding circumstances it was plain that she knew it. Taking these things into consideration many a man would have cut himself off root and branch from the widow but'some instinct told Ellis that she was not so evil as she appeared to be, and made him anxious to sift the matter to the bottom. Therefore he got up in the morning still bent upon dealing with Mrs. Moxton and her doubt- ful past. After all she might prove in the end worthy of his love. Shortly after breakfast Mrs. Basket waddled in with the announcement that Mrs. Moxton was at the door. Ellis was surprised. This was the first time she had come to his house since the terrible night of the murder, and the first time of their meeting since her fainting at the name of Zirknitz. The doctor hailed this unexpected visit as a good omen. If she were guilty she would scarcely take such a step; and it might be that, weary of fencing, she had come to confess the truth. It was with Judas-like affability that Mrs. Basket introduced the widow into the room. She believed in Mrs. Moxton's guilt. She wished to see that guilt made clear, and desired that it should be punished. Yet she smiled and gabbled, and was ostentabiausly friendly until dismissed by Ellis. Mrs. Moxton breathed a sigh of relief as the door closed on the treacherous creature. She looked pale, but was as pretty as ever, an-i Ellis felt the charm of her manner sap the doubts he entertained of her honesty. At first he thought that *he had come to explain about Zirknitz, but at the outset of the conversation Mrs. Moxton did away with this idea. Her first remarks revealed the reason of her call. "I have found it, doctor," she said, producing a legal-looking blue* envelope. "The will of Edgar is in this packet." "Where was it hidden, Mrs. Moxton ? "You will never guess. Under the matting of the sitting-room. I expect he concealed it there in one of his magpie-fits when he was drunk, and forgot its whereabouts when he got sober. This is the will, doctor, and it leaves all his property, real and personal, to me." "So you are a rich woman, Mrs. Maxton," said Ellis, eyeing her gravely. "I congratulate you." "Don't be in too great a hurry to do that," she rejoined, coolly, "I have yet to reckon all with Mr. Busham and his suspicions." You can disprove those, can you not ? "I do not know I cannot say. First I must learn what his suspicions are, and that will be easy enough. :1 have only to shew Mr. Busham that will and he will corns out with his accusa- tion. Whether I can refute it remains to be seen and it is for this reason that I wish you to visit the lawyer with me." "Visit Mr. Busham ?, said Ellis, consider- ably astonished at this unusual proof of confidence. "But .hat can I do ? Two things. Firstly you can be a witness to the charges, which I feel certain Mr. Busham will bring against file." "Then you trust mo so far as to let me hear those charges ? "I do, because in the face of all circum- stantial evidence to the contrary ycu believe that I am innocent. For that reason I regard you as my friend, for that reason I ask you to stand by me in my time of trouble." Ellis looked at her doubtfully, not knowing what to make of this speech, which, indeed, was puzzling enough. An honourable woman, entangled in the net of villians a scheming adventuress. Dent upon arriving at her own ends —Mrs. Mozztop. was one or the other and the love which Ellis had for her inclined him to believe she was honourable. Still, there must have been some shadow of doubt on his face, I'. for Mrs. Moxton became bitter and angry and unmeasured in speech. "Am I mistaken in you ?" she demanded, sharply. "Have you repented of what you said to me the other day ? Is it with you as with other men—words! words! words! If so, tell me, and I go—go never to trouble you or see I. you again. You must trust me all in all or not at all." The doctor was astonished at this sudden outburst, and hastened to assure Mrs. Moxton that she did him an injustice. "I firmly believe in your innocence, and I feel certain that you can explain away the charges against you." They have yet to be made, doctor," replied the widow, cooling down. And when they are I wish you to be present. That desire will ehew you whether I can answer them or not. I Another reason why I desire you to visit Mr. Busham in my company, is that I am anxious I for you to protect me from his violence." "Confound the fellow I" cried Ellis, firing up. Will he dare to lay hands on you ? "Not on me, but on the will. If I defy Mr. Busham he is quite capable of taking the Will from me by force and destroying it." f' We sh»ll see about that," said Ellis, after a mfltment's thought. "However, 1 see from what you say that Busham is a tricky, shifty scoundrel. Certainly I will come with you, Mrs. Moxton. When are you going ? "To-morrow morning. We can take the underground railway to Esher-lane." "Verv good. I will see you in the morning. In the "meantime will you leave this will for I me to look over ? Ellis made this demand with the intention of seeing how far Mrs. Moxton would trust him, as it was scarcely fair that the confidence should be all on one side. To his secret astonishment and openly-expressed pleasure, she agreed at once to the request. "As you trust ine, I shall trust ycu," said Mrs. Moxton. Keep the will by all means till to-morrow morning; but take care of it, as it is an original document." "I will put it away now and Ellis locked the document up in a despatch-box v hich stood near his desk. "And I thank you for this proof of confidence, Mrs. Moxton: you will not find it misplaced." "I am qnito sure of that, doctor. I trust you thoroughly." "In some ways, yes, in o'V,p;», no. For instance, why will you not toil me about Zirknitz ? Mrs. Moxton turned pale. I cannot tell you about him-yet. Ellis was vexed. "Well there is no need, said he, a little crossly. "I know about this J? man. "About Rudolph ? About- "Yes, about your brother by marriage. The widow, who in her exciteinont had half- risen from her hair, loll back into it again thunderstruck. Where did you meet him she stammered. "At the Merryman Music H ill." "Do you know that place?" shrieked Mrs. Moxton, much agitated. "I was there last night. There I met Zirknitz. and he told me of his relationship to you. Also, and here Ellis grew grave, ne informed me who murdered your husband Mrs. Moxton's capacity for amazement was exhausted by these repeated shocks, and she sat limply in her chair. The last remark, however, seemed to brace her up for the moment. "And who does he say killed Edgar? she emked, with an anxiety she strove vainly to conceal. "None other than Busham, the man who 1} Mrs. Moxton interrupted him with a burst of hysterical laughter. "Dr. Ellis," said she, in a choking voice, "I know that is false. Mr. Bumbam did not kill my husband." (2b At continued.)

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A NEW LANGUAGE. Alderman: And you gave 'hc prisoner directions in extenso, did you ? Witness In what, your Honour ? IN extenso. No, sir I gave him directions in English can't, speak any other language, sir.'

HIS COW FLA INT. Two medical ollieer were called upon to new the condition of some Irish habitations situate at. Leeds. One of the medical men asked the mistress of one of tile houses 'I Why don't you keep your hon>2 cleaner?" The reply made by the woman was that she WItS a poor widow, and could iiwt, aiTord it. How long have you been a widow ? "Sure enough, yer honour, for three years." Of what complaint, did your huibar.d die ?" said the man of physic. "Och, he never died at all; ht ran away with another woman."

A PAR FOR THE LADIES. Young Wife You are not going out to- night, are you? Husband: "Yes, my dear; i must go back to the office and post my hooks. I'm afrrJd I'll be kept lute." Y. W. Not going anywhere except to the office ? II.: No-o." Y.W.; "Well, then,step into Strong^Smell & Co.'e, around the corner from your ofjee, on your way down. They'll be open until eight o'clock. Get a couple of mackerel, 8 bring them home with you when you CDllle. H.: Ye-es, my dear. Good night. Wife (to herself, as lier husband ^parte): lie won't do much theatre-going with those mackerel in his pocket.'

WORSE. u It has come at last," sobbed the lovely bride of a month the first, quarrel." « What, with your husband ?" inquired her pitying friend. N-lio," she faltered, lifting her tear- steeped eyes; much worse—witli the cook I"

NATURAL MISTAKE. My good man, you abouidn t be sleeping out doors like this," said the belated citizen. "Noue e yer clatter new, or 1'11 take you in." Beg your pardon. I had no idea that you were a policeman."

POSTMEN IN KHAKI. BY A MAN FROM THE FRONT. NEWS from South Africa is so meagre, that a contribution from one lately at the front is welcome. A few dayssince, therefore(writes a reporter in the Weekly Dispatch), I paid a visit to the com- fortable little home of Sergeant Arthur Lee, of the 6tb Battalion of the 4th Middlesex, who is now at 68, Westmoreland-street, Londoa, S.W., having returned from South Africa not long ago. As I anticipated, he was able to tell a most interesting story of his hardships during the present war. Sergeant Lee, who has become the principal partner in Messrs. F. E. Lee and SOB, the j D°wn practical gardeners ef Latchmere- road, Battersea, has a military bearing and an outspoken manner that come from an acquain- tance with the camp fire. It was," says Sergeant Lee, in the early °fkst year that my regiment was ordered Africa, and we landed in Capetown somewhere about the middle of February. To prevent the Boers interfering with tàeWliRe of communications, we were sent to an important junction called Piquetheig Road, in Cape I Colony, about a hundred miles from Capetown. It may have been our misfortune, but we saw Sergt. Arthur Lee-4th Middlesex. little or no fighting but night and day, storm or sunshine, we had to be ever on the alert for the wily Boer. I had the hardest job in the regiment, for I WAS REGIMENTAL POSTMAN, and it was an ordinary occurrence for me to start from my tent early in the morning and be on duty until long after nightfall. "Piquetberg is about the most celebrated place in South Africa for rain it falls in sheets. It was nothing for us to throw ourselves down soaked to the skin, and wake up the next morning in the same condition. KHAKI IS NOT WATERPROOF, and rain runs through it like a sieve. Easter, 1900, I got a soaking that lasted several d&ys, and I woke up one morning feeliBg as if every bone in my body was being torn asunder. I manae-ed to crawl about, however, for when you know that hundreds of your comrades are perhaps suffering qaite as badly, it makes you pull yoarself together and keep quiet, although you may he ready to drop. At last I got so bad that my hands and sty feet began to swell, and then I knew that my old enemy had got a grip of me, and that I was in for a long spell of rheumatism. The Doctors at the Field Hospital decided that mine was a chronic case. I had a bad record in the matter el health,J for I had been invalided from the regiment and temporarily discharged two years before, owing to a very had attack of rheuma- tism. Consequently I was now sent home to England as unfit for farther duty. When I reached here, I was so full of pain that I found it impossible to get any sleep aft night, and I could not raise a glass to my lips without trembling go that I upset the contents. When I had been home about three months my wife one day suggested Dr. Williams' pink pills for pale people, as she had heard of very bad cases of rheumatism that they had cured. I said I would try them, and by the time I had got to the end of my first box I was already slightly better. At the end of five weeks I had improved so much that I could not only eat and sleep better, but actually began to get about once more. In a few more weeks the swelling of my hands and feet had disappeared, and my crooked fingers fot back to their proper shape, I never felt etter in my life than I feel now. I am free from pain and well enough to go out to the front again if they want me. There are many instances in this country of similar cures of rheumatism by Dr. Williams' pink pills, but the above typical case of a hero :rom South Africa is an illustration of tha far- reaching influence of this world-famous medi- 2ine. Even in the most remote countries of the world cures are being constantly reported, Mid these include cases of anemia, consump- bion, eczema, rheumatism, and the other iiseases which arise from one form or another of impoverished blood. By reason of. their strengthening effect on the nerves. Dr. Williams' pink pills are also unrivalled as a tonic, and have cured debility, St. Vitus' dance, consumption, and paralysis. They may be obtained post- free at two shillings and ninepence a box, or thirteen and nine for six boxes, from Dr. Williams' medicine company, Holhorn Viadnct, London, and are sold by chemists. Mind you ask for Dr. Williams', however dishonest traders offering substitute pills under misleading titles should be avoided.

LLANRWST. CouN.om. At the Urban District Council of Llanrwst, on Friday night, Mr J E Humphreys was unanimously elected chairman for the third time.

YOU CANT FRIGHTEN THIS CHILD. In an old-fashioned churchyard in Scotland a pile of skulls and bones had been turned up in the process of gravedigging. The ploughmen in a bothy near by offered the "loon" fite shillings to go at night and remove one. The lad agreed, and started in the dark. An ambush had been laid to frighten him. As he lifted one skull a hollow voice called: "That's mine U A' richt said the lad. laying the ghastly fching down to lift another. Again came from the darkness a voice: That's mine Gae awa', ye haverin' idiot, ye canna baa twa skulls!

MUST DO SOMETHING. An inhabitant whose heels were striking sparks from the pavement as lie walked, entered the water-works office the other day, selected his clerk, and fiercely announced: Sir, you can send up and take your old gas- meter out of my hOHse." This is not the gas office." It isn't ? 41 No, sir, this is the water-works office." "Oh, it is! Well, then, send a man up to my house at once and turn the water off! J'm not. going to walk a mile and a-lialf for nothing!"

THE Glen-Spey Distillery, situated in the finest Whisky-producing District of Scotland, is the property of W. & A. Gil bey. This Whisky is made entirely from home-grown Barley and is kept absolutely unblended in His Majesty's Bonded Warehouses to mature, and sold by W. & A. Gilbey's agents in every towa at 3s. 6d. per bottle. &20.02 OLD FALSE TEETH BOUGHT. Full value in cash or offer per return of post. R. D. & J. B. Fraser, Ltd., Prinoes St., Ipswich. The largest and oldest buyers in the world. m3o' ASTON & SON'S SALE BY At Argyle-street, Wrexham, every Monday, 12 o'clock. AUCTION of FURNITURE, &c. Every Tuesday at 14, Watergate-street, Chester, 1 o'clock. » « j

(Copyright.) RURAL LIFE, BY A SON OF THE SOIL. ON AIREDALE TERRIERS. There is just now a boon, in Airedale terriers, the breed which for so long has been associated with the Yorkshire valley from which it takes its name. Formerly known as the water-terrier, being used for rat-hunting, it is still popular as an all-round variety for the country, and I can honestly recommend it to the correspondent who writes asking me for particulars of a handy doc good for the house, and also suitable as a com- panion in the country. As a guard the Airedale terrier has not many rivals, and, as will be seen by the accompanying illustration, it is a smart- looking dog. The boom mentioned has extended to Australia, a south-country breeder telling me the other day that the colonials have sent over many commissions to purchase useful specimens AN AIREDALE TERRIER. since seeing a consignment in the quarantine stations at Sydney and Melbourne. Americans, also, are going in for the breed, a famous terrier, Clonmel Monarch, having recently been sold for the highest price yet paid for a specimen of the breed. He is, of course, intended for show, but the terriers sent to Australia are meant for work, and there is little doubt that when the value of the breed becomes better appreciated in the Antipodes there will be quite a rush for working terriers. My correspondent asks for the names .d addresses of a few reliable breeders, and I am pleased to be able to give him the information under cover. RADISHES. The round varieties now so popular are very quick being clean and short-topped, and they also make pretty dishes on the table when f, reed early in the season. They can also be 2Town m successional crops all through the spring and summer. The flesh is crisp and sweet eating. A good way of cultivating for early market may I). described as follows: About Christmas, or e-r.ier, a nice dry border, sloping to the south," i; dug and well broken it is then lightly trodden hy walking ever it with feet close together- then raked level, and with a light hoe driiis are drawn at about 3in. apart, and lin. RTABISHES. deep. Into these good new seed is sown; then there is spread over it a dressing of well-totted horse dung and gritty sand that is scraped off the roads, this being an excellent preventative against slugs. Sea sand is also used for the same purpose, and answers well if the ground is rich. It is then smoothed with the back of a shovel, and then comes the nicest part of the., process, and that upon which success or failure mainly depends, namely, the covering with long wheat straw or very long litter made from the same. Just sufficient should be evenly spread over to bring up and protect the young plant, without smothering or drawing; and this may be deemed sufficient when the straws form a kind of close network, so that the soil may be seen between them. Upon the straw must be laid sticks to keep it from being disturbed by the wind, and so it may remain until the plants can be seen, when it must occasionally be raked off on fine days, and returned again before night. When the process of raising is delayed until March, or even April, the covering is much sooner dispensed with. SEED FRAME. A frame of which I gave a few details one or two months back was good in its wav, but for all-round use there is not the least doubt that the one now illustrated, and designed by Mr W Duncan Tucker, is far ahead of anv before the

1115 GOT THERE. The diffident young man had wanted to pro- pose to the girl, but for the life of him he did not know how to get about it. He read books on the subject and sought information from men who hnd experience, and while the theories were admirable in every instance, he found that the practice thereof was a different s thing. He was walking with her one evening, ] thinking over these things, when her shoe i became, untied. She stuck out her pretty i little foot with a smile, looked down at it, and » lie fell on his knees and tied the lace. I .-Then he walked on with her, and the shoe became untied again. Shoes do that with great persistency, it seeais, especially these summer shoes. The third time it happened he was read)-, as before. See if you can't tie a knot that will sticky" she said as lie worked away at it. lie looked up at her tenderly. 1 f I can't, I know a inall who c, he said. Do you want him to tie it ?" she asked coquettishly. Yes," he replied. She jerked her foot. away. He smiled to himself. II It's the parson," he said, and lie rose to his- feet and finished the work.

PLANT PRESERVER. I public. Its construction and general appearance are shewn by the illustration, and it is made in sizes from 6ft. by 4ft. to 16ft. by 6ft,—the latter only suitable for large growers. ARRANGING CUT FLOWERS. The arrangement of cut flowers for the adorn- ment of the house appears to be, as a rule, very little understood. Very often flowers, in- dividually of the greatest beauty, are wedged together in a glass or vase so tightly as to be almost unrecognisable, no regard whatever being paid to harmony of colour or to suitable foliage for forming a setting to the blooms. Wherever possible, flowers ought to be arranged with their own foliage, and only one kind ought to be used in the filling of the glasses or vases, STAKING PEAS. Early staking undoubtedly helps the plants in many ways. The sticks break the force of high winds, and help to prevent attacks from birds, especially partridges and wood-pigeons, which often do great damage to the young plants when left unstaked long after they are up. Previous to staking, a little ridge of soil should be drawn up on each side, but not close to the rows, as this will help to retain any rain that may faU or any artificially applied water. The object in drawing the soil to the rows in this way is often lost sight of, and we find it drawn right up to the plants, so that they stand out at the apex of a single ridge instead of being, as they should be, in a channel or depression between two ridges. In spite of the many hints that have been given from time to time as to the manner in which peas should be staked, we still fre- quently see the sticks set so that the tops meet, and by the time the plants reach their full height they are choked into a tangled mass. If u are 8et wider apart at the top than the bottom, the plants have room to branch out I and spread in a natural manner, which will greatly enhance their bearing qualities. Another common fault is being too sparing in the use of sticks; there is no economy in saving a few faggots and letting the peas fall through on either side the row. All pea sticks should have an ample quantity of brushwood on them, and be long enough to reach 1ft. or 2ft. above the advertised height of the variety being staked; finally, finish off the work by sticking between the larger stakes short pieces of the light brush- wood trimmed from the tops when being pre- pared, as these will assist the young plants in their first efforts to climb and until they reach the brushwood higher up. GUINEA FOWLS. These birds mate in pairs, and, therefore, an equal number of cocks and hens must be kept, otherwise some of the eggs will prove infertile. There is often a difficulty in distinguishing the es, the chief differences being in the colour of the wattles, which are more of a red hue in the male bird, and more tinged with blue in the hen. Guinea Fowls are of wandering habits, and require an extensive range, but ara fairly profit- able, as they pick up nearly all their food in their wanderings. The hens are prolific layers, and the eggs, although small, are of excellent flavour. The chickens are tender, and should not be hatched till after March. Hard-boiled egg chopped fine and mixed with oatmeal is the best food to supply to the young soon after jbeing hatched. Th<jy will die if klpt without food for three or four hours, and should, there- fore, have a constant supply near them till they are old enough to be allowed full liberty to forage for themselves. The flesh of the young Guinea Fowl is well-flavoured and delicate. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. OTHIRS. — The stove illustrated can be got through almost any iron- monger, and direct of T. W. Robinson, Dennis Ironworks, Stowbridge, Inquiries concerning appliances illustrated or referred to in this column, should be addressed to "A Son of the Soil," care of the Editor of this journal. Replies will be given in "Answers to Correspondents," or, if a stamped addressed envelope is enclosed, the required information will be forwarded by post.