Denbighshire Free Press

(Copyright.) RED IONEY By FERGUS HUME, Xnttior of The Mystery of a Hansom Cab," "The Silent House in Pimlico," "The Indian Bangle," Hagar of the Pawn Shop," &c. SYNOPSIS OF PRECEDING CHAPTERS: Robert Ellis, a young doctor without practice, has rooms in a London suburb; a your." journalist, named Cass, with whom he isfriendlv, has rooms above him in the house of Mrs. Basket, a typical working landlady. Ellis is called at midnight to the house of a fast, ne'er- do-well, named Moxton, who has been murdered by a stab in the back while in his garden at Myrtle-villa, Jubilee-road. The widow, who is pretty, and had been married only a year, is suspected, but the doctor champions her cause. On the arm of the dead man are cryptic marks, representing "11. U. Z."and a lizard. Three days before the murder the uncle of the dead man, Edward Moxton, a rich picture dealer, had died from natural causes. The murdered man was his heir, but his executor was a nephew, Richard Busham, a usurious advocate in the Temple. The will of the murdered man was missing. If it were found all the money of the uncle would -Come to the widow; if not found the money would be divided between her and Busham, as his cousin. The doctor, who is friendly with the widow, learns she has a sister named Janet cordon, and a half-brother, named Rudolph Zirknitz. He meets Zirknitz at:a music-hall, who attributes the murder privately to Busham. The missing will is found in Mrs. Moxton's .house. CHAPTER XI. A HALF-CONFESSION. Mrs. Moxton made the statement regarding Ðusham's innocence with so much decision that Ellis looked at her in surprise. It was ■trange that she should defend a man she dis- liked. "How is it that you think him guilt- less ? he asked, anxiously. "Because he is a coward, and too timid to kill a man." "Your husband was stabbed in the back in the darkness. That looks like a coward's deed." "All the same, I feel sure he is innocent," persisted the widow. "I can ace no reason for his killing Edgar. He knew that old Moxton made another will shortly before dying, and that he would not inherit. Nol look at it which way you will, Mr. Busham is not the murderer. I detest the man, but I must be just to him. What else did Rudolph tell you, or rather, on what grounds does he accuse fr. Busham ? "He refused to tell me the grounds without your permission." "My permission! Why, I know nothing I about the matter." "From what Zirknitz hinted it would appear that you do," said Ellis, a trifle drily. "Then he shall tell his story in your presence," rejoined Mrs. Moxton, quickly, "and Jou will see that I know nothing." "I shall be glad to be convinced. Tell me, why did you keep silent about this young man ? "Because of the blood marks on the arm of Edgar. "Oh, so you knew the secret of the crypto- graphic signs ? "I did! I do! As a matter of fact I taught that cryptogram to my-" here Mrs. Moxton closed her month with the nervous gesture of one who thinks she is saying too much. "To your sister," finished Ellis, quietly. Mrs. Moxton fenced. "How do you know that I have a sister ? "From the books in your house, some of which contain your name and that of y0^1" lister Janet. Also from a cabman on the rank here, who described to me a woman so like you that I am convinced she is your sister —possibly, from the exact likeness, your twin sister." The widow became the colour of chalk at these words. "Where did the cabman sea her ? "He drove her to Pimlico on the night, 6nd about the time your husband was Murdered." For a moment or so Mrs. Moxton looked doubtfully at Ellis, and passed her tongue over her dry lips. The doctor could see that she trembled. His unexpected knowledge evidently inflicted a shock on her nerves. Yet for all her emotion, she still strove to baflle his curiosity. "You seem to know a good deal about my husband ? she said, irritably. "I do. Because I am anxious to clear your name and extricate you from a difficult position, Mrs. Moxton-" Ellis rose and bent over her with great earnestness—"why will you not be frank with me. You tell me much, but you will not tell me all." She moaned and moved away from him. Heaven help me, I dare not tell you all." "Yet I am your best friend." "I know it, but you would shrink' from me ^id you know the truth." Ellis took her hand gently. "Tell me who Murdered your husband P he whispered, Urgently. "I don't know! I swear I don't know!" ril)d the widow, with much vehemence; "if 1 did I would tell." "The blood marks hint at Zirknitz." Yes, yes, but I am sure he is innocent. Rudolph is foolish, vain, shallow, but he never *illed Edgar 1 swear." j "Yet the name on the dead man's arm ? "I don't know the reason of that; I can't ftY why Edgar wrote it. I read it myself, although I denied all knowledge to you. It was # J°r Rudolph's sake that I lied. 1 was afraid ,est he should get into trouble. I asked him if b" was in Dukesfield oa that night, but he -deles that he was." » "And your sister Janet ? A. tremour passed through tH frame of Mrs. IdOxton. "She came to see me on that night, we quarrelled she left before Edgar came and I suppose went crying down the road ° take a cab home. "Did she see the murder committed ? asked Ellis, tentatively. "I don't know," said Mrs. Moxton, under her breath. "I am—oh" she burst out. "I can't tell you more. I have had to do with villains and rogues all my life, and I am pay- ing the penalty of their sins, not of my own. I have tried to be a good woman, so do not shrink from me. I swear that I do not know who killed Edgar. Some day I may tell you more, but at present I cannot—I cannot." She hastily let down her veil and stood up to go. "You trust me still you believe in me yet?" she said, entreatingly, and with tears. "I do 1" replied Ellis, touched by her emotion. "You puzzle me more than I can say, yet I am sure you are innocent of all evil. But if you would only tell me- "Some day! some day!" she interrupted, hastily "but not now. Yet what you should know, you shall know. Come 1 o me between four and five to-day, and you will meet Rudolph. He shall confess what he means by hinting at my knowledge of Mr. Busham's guilt." "I will come with pleasure, but do you think ZirKnitz will come? "Yes. I will telegraph for him now. He loves me and trusts me, and I have great power over his weak nature. In my hands he is like wax, and if the truth is in him you shall hear it this afternoon. But I know that Rudolph is innocent. I am certain that Mr. Busham did not strike the blow. Heaven alone knows the secret of Edgar's death. i Good-bye, good-bye, Dr. Ellis, and do not think badly of me. Indeed, indeed, when the moment comes I can put myself right in your eyes. What other people say or think I do not care, but you must be shewn that I am more sinned against than sinning. Good-bye," she stretched out her hand, and withdrew it abruptly ere he could touch the tips of her fingers. "Not yet, not yet," she muttered, and swiftly glided from the room before Ellis could recover from his Burprise. This woman was more inexplicable than ever. Apparently she knew a great deal, as could be seen by the information which Ellis had dragged out of her. Yet she refused to be candid, although at the same time she admitted that she wished to preserve her friend's good opinion. The hints she had dropped in her last hasty speech shewed Ellis that he was right in trust- ing to his instinct concerning her nature. Whatever Mrs. Moxton might be, mysterious, shady, dangerous, she had a straightforward, honest mind. It was warped by the circum- stances in which she found herself placed through no fault of her own, and she was forced to fence and lie, and act a tricky part for some strong reason which she refused to impart to Ellis. Privately he thought that all her energies were bent upon shielding her sister, as formerly she had striven to shield Zirknitz by denying all knowledge of the cryptogram. Could Janet Gordon be the guilty person ? Ellis twice or thrice asked himself this question, but could iind no answer to it. Her hasty flight on the night of the murder, her tears, her silence and absence from the music-hall hinted-if not at personal-guilt-at least at guilty knowledge. If she did not kill Moxton herself, and on the face of it she could have-had no reason to do so, she must have seen the crime committed. Perhaps she had met with the .assassin face to face, and had fled horror struck and weeping to the cab-stand. The way to learn the truth would be to see her. No doubt she had confessed the cause of her terror to Mrs. Moxton, and it was this secret which Mrs. Moxton loyally doing violence to her nature, wished to conceal. But if the widow would not speak, Ellis made up his mind that Janet Gordon should there- fore he resolved to find out the number of her lodging in Geneva-square, and call upon her. Failing Mrs. Moxton, Zirknitz might supply the information. In her own despite Mrs. Moxton must be rescued from the plots which appeared to surround her. She had con- fessed with less than her usual caution that she was paying for the sins of others, and Ellis was bent upon bringing the truth to light and making the actual sinners suffer for their own wickedness. The fact that he was more deeply in love than ever, greatly assisted him in arriving at this conclusion. Yet a wise man, a worldly man, would have called him a fool to still love and trust Mrs. Moxton in the face of all he knew about her. But in this instance instinct was stronger than appearances, and Ellis was satisfied that the woman he loved would yet emerge vindicated" and spotless from the dark cloud of troubles which obscured her true nature. Precisely at half-past four he presented him- self at Myrtle Villa. The door was opened by Mrs. Moxton herself. Apparently she had been watching for his arrival, and Ellis, guessing as much, felt his heart swell with joy. Strange that his love at this moment could move him to emotion. "Rudolph is here," whispered the widow. "Let me question him. I know how to make him speak out." Ellis nodded, and when ushered into the sitting-room was sufficiently composed to meet Zirknitz with a smile. The Austrian looked an Adonis in the day-time, and was admirably dressed in a smart frock-coat, fawn-coloured trousers, and patent leather boots of high polish. He was a modern D'Orsay in looks and dress—just the handsome kind of scamp to attract silly women. Ellis had no doubt that one day or another Monsieur Rudolph would pick up an heiress, and become respectable. The young man was shallow and selfish, yet- if one could jndgéby his smiling face-harmless enough in other ways. I am delighted to see you, doctor," said the Austrian, blandly. "You must forgive me for leaving you so abruptly the other night. But you were beginning to ask me indiscreet questions, so I—vanished." "Rudolph always considers himself first," observed Mrs. Moxton, who was making tea. "He is the most selfish creature in existence." "The most selfish!" assented Zirknitz. "I think of no one but myself. Why should I ? Quelle betise." "Every man should think of others said Ellis, hardly knowing what to say in the face of this cool confession. "Oh, molt cher monsieur, that doctrine is out of date. Thank you, Laura. I will have some tea. Three sugar bits, my dear. I love sweets, and sunshine, and pretty girls—as a butterfly should. I Mrs. Moxton looked at the pretty youth with something of contempt. "You need not blazon forth vour follies, Rudolph. I know what you are; and Dr. Ellis will soon hnd you out. What is this story you have been telling him about me? T, "Story ? None What is it, monslcur. i oint de moquerie "You accuse Busham of this murder. "Ah, yes, now I remember; and I refused to tell you my reasons until permitted by my sister. Have I your consent, rrta chi re Laura ? "Tell everything you know," cried Mrs. Moxton, with a frown. Why you should bring iny name into the matter I don't know. There is no need for you to explain, Rudolph you will only romance. Why do you suspect Busham ? Zirknitz looked at Ellis. "Can I speak freely ? he asked, doubtfully. "Certainly. The doctor is my best friend." "Ah! so charming to have a best friend. Hear, then, monsieur, and you my dear Laura. When I was at Dukesfield on the night Edgar was kitted "Why said Ellis, with something of anger in his tones, "yo» told ^me you were not at Dukesfield on that night* Zirknitz shrugged his handsome shoulders. "I told a lie! Oh, yes, I always tell a lie when necessary. I did not know Laura wished me to speak, so I told what was not true. What would you, monsieur. 1 our questions were indiscreet. My answers were false. "Never mind excusing vourself, Rudolph. What about Mr. Busham ? .n j, "Eh, my dear sister. I believe IO killed our poor Moxton Why not ? I saw Ahis excellent Busham in Dukesfield on the of the death." > I CHAPTER XII. I MR. BUSHAM, SOLICITOR. Lounging in his chair, Zirknitz made this astonishing statement as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Mrs. Moxton looked at Ellis in surprise, and both looked at Rudolph. Is this true asked Ellis, doubtfully. "Eli, men cher, most assuredly. I tell lies only when necessary." "Rudolph, you must explain how it was you came to be in Dukesifeld on that night." "My dear sister, did I not say I would come for Janet ? "Yes, and you never kept your promise." "No, chimed in Ellis. "Polly Horley said the same thing." 1 Rudolph smiled in a most engaging manner. Ah, that excellent Horley How much she knows of what she knows not. My sister, have I your permission to smoke? Mrs. Moxton impatiently nodded an assent. "But I am waiting to hear how you did not come for Janet and yet were in Dukesfield on that night." With great deliberation Zirknitz selected a cigarette from his silver case and lighted it before making any reply. Selfish in his every act, he offered none to Ellis-an omission which troubled that. gentleman very little. He had no great love for this egotistical butterfly. My Laura," said Rudolph, blowing a whiff of smoke, "on that night I was playing cards in the salon, of the music-hall, and I won twenty pounds from Edgar. He had not the money, but he gave me an "IOU." Then, mcst furious at his loss, he drank and drank "0 till he was as a wild beast. I was going for Janet, and at the station I saw our Edgar; but to avoid him I went in another carriage. At the station of Dukesfield, I tried to run from him but he saw me and followed quelle bjtise There was trouble, and he wished to fight. So when he went home I saw it was foolish to come for Janet, as Edgar would be raging. I took back another train, and a cab to my rooms in Bloomsbury. Voila, the story! "Not all the story said Ellis. "You have left out the most important part-about Busham." "Ah, that dear Busham. When Edgar was angry with me on the platform of the Dukesfield station, I see out of my eye's corner that clever advocate. He was watching our dear Edgar, but did not come near him. I knew him. Oh, yes, I knew his face very well. "I did not know you were acquainted with him, Rudolph ? "Best of sisters, I do not tell you all I know, or do. Our Edgar one day took me to see the excellent Busham in his office where they did fight. Oh, J I tell you, monsieur, the good Busham sent us away with a flea in our ears. Edgar spoke of his father, and said that Busham was a rogue wanting the money so we had trouble, and we left very enraged. So I met Busham, the pig," finished Zirknitz, smiling, "and I do not forget his face." "He was watching Edgar on the night of his death ? C, Eh, yes. He thought I saw him not, but I did see him. Na foi I have quick eyes, Laura, as you well know. He ran out of the station after Edgar, and I am certain followed to kill him." Ab out what t ii i e, rus this ? "On eleven. I c.i hear the clock of the station strike when I was enraged with Edgar." "And Moxton was drunk ? inquired Ellis, anxiously. "He was straight drunk, for he could walk; and cross-drunk, assuredly, since he wished to fight with me. But I care not for boxing," said Mr. Zirknitz, gracefully. "And I go home to bed before twelve of the clock, like a good little boy. Aha, monsieur, you think I kill Edgar, do you not ? Eh bien You demand of my landlady if I was not in my bed before twelve of the clock. I did not kill our poor Edgar. Why should I when he owe me twenty pound ? Cher Ellis, you are in the wrong box. "You had better wait until I accuse you before excusing yourself," said Ellis, drily. But even with this story of Busham having been at Dukesfield, I do not see how you can be certain of his guilt." "Eh? To me it appears clear. This clever Busham wanted the money of his uncle, and murdered Edgar to get it." "But, Rudolph, at that time Mr. Busham knew that a second will had been made. Most certainly, chfre Laura. If no second will had been made this excellent Busham would not have killed Edgar." "We can say nothing for certain until we see Busham." said Ellis, after a pause, "but there is one thing probable, Mrs. Moxton. If Busham accuses you in any way we can turn the tables on him." "You call on Busham, Laura." "To-morrow. I must see about the will." "And the money," smiled Rudolph. "Eh, ma sociir, forget not the most important thing." To you, perhaps, not to me," replied Mrs. Moxton, with contempt. "My object is to get free of all this trouble." "Of course. I will help you eh, most cer- tainly. But ask me not to meet the police. I do not like the police. For if- "Monsieur Zirisnitz," said Ellis, cutting short this speech, "how came it that your name was indicated on the dead man's arm ? The Austrian was in no wise discomposed by this remark. "Ah. Laura spoke to me of that. I do not know I cannot say. But I think, ah, ma foi, I think. "What do you think, Rudolph?" "My sister, I quarrelled with your good hus- band at the Dukesfield Station, and lie went away enraged with me. When Busham struck him in the back- "You can't be sure of that," interrupted Ellis, impatiently "Eh, but I am sure," insisted Zirknitz, politely; "and Edgar, not seeing who stabbed him so cruel, thought that I did so. Then he wrote on his arm to tell Laura." "But why in cryptographic signs ? "That I cannot say. The sign of a lizard was always the good Edgar's little jest on me. For my name is that of a town in my country where there are many lizards. Edgar found it in a book and always jested. Very little jests pleased the good Moxton. But now I must go," said Zirknitz, rising. "I have told you all you wish. My sister, do you desire me to speak more ? No! My good doctor, have you a policeman without for my arrest. No! Ah, then I will take my leave. Not adieu, dear friends, but oru rcvoir." When Zirknitz sauntered out of the room Mrs. Moxton looked after liim with a singular expression. What do you think of him ? she asked. "He is clever. It is a great pity he does not put his talents to better use." "Oh," Mrs. Moxton shrugged her shoulders, "I don't ask you about his character. I know about that well enough. But do you.think he is speaking the truth ? "Yes. He has no reason to tell a lie. I daresay he did see Bushaui. "And do you think Mr. Busham is guilty ? I can't say. We have not sufficient evidence to go upon. Mrs. Moxton turned the conversation abruptly. "Did you read the will ? "Yes. I see that all the money is left to you. I will give you back the document to-morrow. What time do you wish me to call ? "About eleven o'clock. I have written to Mr. Busham making an appointment for mid- day. I am glad you are coming with me," said the widow, sighing "it will be a difficult interview." "That remains to be seen. At any rate, we are not so defenceless as we were before. If Busham accuses you—although I don't see on what grounds he can do so—we can denounce him on the evidence of Zirknitz." He will deny that lie was at Dukesfield." 'Zirknitz can swear to his presence." "No doubt, but will Rudolph do so. He is so afraid of the police." Ellis reflected for a moment. "You are not so candid with me as you might be, Mrs. Moxton," said he, seriously, therefore you render my task the more difficult. But answer me truly now. Has Zirknitz ever done anything tor which be fs wanted by the police "Not to my knowledge," replied the widow, frankly, "but he is such a coward and his life is so open to danger, that the very name of the law terrifies him beyond expression. It is for this reason that I am certain of his innocence, and for the same reason I shielded him by feigning ignorance of the cryptogram. But we can talk of these things later. I am tired now." In this abrupt way she dismissed Ellis, and he left the house sorely puzzled, his constant state of mind in reference to Mrs. Moxton. If he did marry her he would marry the sphinx. That was clear enough. Mr. Richard Busham inhabited a dingy set of offices in Esher-lane, adjacent to the Temple. His staff of clerks consisted of two under-fed, over-worked creatures who scribbled in an outer room for dear life at a miserable wage. The inner room, which had two dusty windows looking on to Bosworth-gardens, was occupied by their employer. A more dreary or barren room can scarcely be conceived, but Mr. Busham being a miser it suited him well enough. He called himself a lawyer, but he was really a usurer, and gained a handsome income by squeezing extortionate interest out of the needy. If the walls of Busham's private apartment could have spoken they would have protested frequently against the sights they were compelled to witness. The Holy Inquisition tortured people less than did this rat of a lawyer. He ground down his victims to the lowest, he lured them into his spider-web, and rejected them only when he had sucked them dry. His law was a farce, his money-lending & tragedy. The man himself resembled in looks Fraisier, the rascally lawyer so admirably drawn by Balzac in "Le Cousin Pons." Like Fraisier, Busham was small, sickly-looking, and pimpled; his expression was equally as sinister, and his heart as hard-that is if he had a heart, which his clients were inclined to doubt. He scraped and screwed, and swindled, and pinched to collect all the money he could yet what benefit c he thought he would gain from this hoarding it is impossible to say. He never spent it, he lived like a hermit, like a beggar, and gratified his sordid pride with the knowledge that he was becoming a wealthy man. And when he arrived at wealth ? What then ? Busham never gave this consideration a thought, perhaps becaue he fancied he would never become as wealthy as he wished to be. Altogether the man was an unwholesome, evil creature, who should, for the good of humanity, have been in gaol. But he was clever enough to keep on the right side of the law. At midday Mrs. Moxton and Ellis presented themselves before this engaging being, and looked round with disgust at the frowsy office. Another chair had to be brought in from the outer- room for the accommodation of the doctor, and when his visitors were seated Busham welcomed them with a nervous titter, which shewed that he was not quite easy in his mind regarding the interview. Indirectly he resented the presence of Ellis. Well, Mrs. Moxton," said he in a thin, high voice, is there a will ? The widow produced the blue envelope and laid it on the table. There it is," she said, it leaves all the property to me." Busham went green and gasped. "All the property to you He snatched up the will and hastily read it over. "I see it does," was his answer; then, after a pause, he cast an evil look on Mrs. Moxton, and opened a drawer of his desk. Evidently he was about to bring his accusation. Since you have shewn me the will, I have something equally interesting to shew you," said he, quietly. "What do you think of this, Mrs. Moxton ? And on the table he laid a bone- handled carving-knife, on the blade of which were dull, dark stains of blood. (To be contifuttj.) .o

f ALREADY FEEL 20 PER CENT. SETTER. :12, HANOVER SWARS:, BRADFORD, Jan. yth, iSgi. GENTLSMSX,—I mm thankful for the bottle of "Gwllym Evans' Bitters "you sent tyir by your Bradford representative. I have onl taken a few good strong doses, and I alread: feel 20 per cent. better, b\it having sui fercd from Ague for some months in India l do not expect it to work wonders at once. To-day, while dining in the town, two of my friend? remarked that I was looking much belter. I told them that the cause of it was n;y t:>un £ yocr "Qulninu Bitters," when a t<cntic:uaj> siuing opposite askol the name II v: It. ) was very (.'lensed to full 1:I.n. and also where lie could net it in Bnu'Kjrd. H has been suitering from Indigestion, and I hope •• Gwilym Evans' Bttterx" will do b;m as much goon as u has done to me. I With every wish for their success, i axii, Gentlemen, Yours faithfully, C. K. THOMAS.

( Copyright.) I RURAL LIFE. I; ——— ï BY A SON OF THE SOIL. A BEAUTIFUL HYHRITJ PERPETUAL BOSK. The hybrid perpetuals, of which La Fr*n<'<1 i* one of the choicest, are very beautiful roses. A a class, indeed, they are rapidly superseding all j others in cultivation. They have all the essential j qualities, size, form, colour,.fragrance, and con- i tinuance of blooming. In colour they range | from pure white and the faintest blush through all shades of pink, red, and scarlet to velvety black. They are of robust and vigorous growth, suitable for either standards or dwarfs, and some of the stronger growers make fine pillar roses. 1 They are also well suited for growing in pots for < i LA FRAXCE ROSE. I exhibition or decorative purposes, making re- 1 markably handsome specimens. Nearly all this class grow and flower better budded than on their own roots. As a trial, I established a small rosery two seasons ago, giving La France, W. A. Richardson, one or two of the Scotch species and Gloire de Dijon the preference, and it must be said that not one has made the pro- gress on'ground not altogether suitable for rose I growing that the beautiful La France has done. In colour it is bright rosy lilac, with silvery I centre, and although its size renders it a little too big for button-holes it is unrivalled for table decoration. My experience is that it is one of the easiest varieties of all to grow. SHORTHORN CATTLE. I cannot, of course, publicly give "T. Amos" advice as to where to go for his pedigree short- horns, but having sent him a list of breeders likely to have good stock for sale, he can readily make his own selection. As a matter of fact. he may be able to get better value by attending one of Mr. John Thornton's sales, the dates of which are always announced in the live stock papers some weeks ahead. As regards the difference between pedigree stock and that bred from parents of different varieties, opinions naturally differ., but the fact that a well-bred animal costs I no more to keep than a cross-bred one cannot be j got over. Some of the latter, bred with an idea of elimination of faults in the pedigree stock, I SHORTHORN DAIRY COW. are very useful indeed: but it cannot be denied that the best all-round results are obtained from pure stock. The shorthorn is quite an aristocrat among cattle, and will do well on any ground being hardy, and not liable to the ailments which cause so much trouble among herds of imported stock. CHICKENS DYING IN THE SHELL. There are numerous causes for the deaths of chicks in the shell, but of them all the most general is that of faulty stock birds. If the parent hens be too fat, or underfed, or in any way diseased, they cannot generally produce offspring; should they succeed in doing so it will be with the greatest difficulty imaginable that the chickens can be reared. If, however,'the birds that laid the eggs are perfectly healthy, and in good breeding form, attention must be turned in another direction. Care should be observed that the air in the incubator-room is pure, and that the machine is properly ventilated; the temperature should not be allowed to get too high or too low, and pure air should be allowed to circulate in the egg drawer. There should be sufficient water in the trays, but during a naturally damp season very little additional moisture is required. Sheer want of stamina or constitution, either hereditary or caused by semi-suffocation due to injurious odours of a badly ventilated machine, is also a common cause. THE DISC CHTJHN. Since the time mentioned by my correspondent in South Wales, the disc churn, which created so great a sensation at the show of the Royal Agricultural Society at Chester, has been taken tip by most dealers in dairy appliances, and can now be purchased in almost any town. I myself have seen it bring butter in five minutes, the pats being made up well inside a quarter of an hour. The grain can be regu- lated to a nicety, and there is no fear of over- churuiqg. As regards the process of washing, nothing can rival the simplicity, ease and A MODEL CHURN. thoroughness of the system adopted by the in ventor of this churn. A few turns of the handle 80 mix the brine with the butter that five minutes will accomplish as much as twenty minutes under the old system. There is also increased rapidity and completeness in drying the butter grains, it being almost impossible to overwork the product if the directions given with each churn are closely followed. FORCING ASPARAGUS. The idea of forcing asparagus in the field is probably quite new to most growers. As this crop has already been cultivated on the farm, it may be worth the while of farm growers ^to consider the plan here referred to, for it has been successfully carried out in the United States. The asparagus is planted in the field in rows. Between each row a ridging plough is drawn, so that the soil is thrown up on the asparagus rows, while the trenches left are made uniform with the spade and kept from 3in. to 4in. lower than the crowns of the asparagus plants. These trenches are subsequently covered with boards resting on wooden blocks on each side of the trenches, and above them 2in. or 3in. of soil is plaeed, followed by horse manure, which is spread over the whole bed to a depth of from Sin. to Rin. Thus the trenches form tunnels between each-row of plants. A steam boiler is necessary, and by its aid steam is conveyed by a pipe to the central tunnel and trom thence forced into the other tunnels. It penetrates the soil, and heats it to the necessary temperature. At the experi- ment station where this plan is carried out a ten-year-old asparagus field was first tested. Steam was applied on November 14th for the first time, the discharge lasting five minutes at a time, and it required about an hour to heat the bed up to 60deg. Fahr. After the first day's heating the bed was steamed twice m three days, five minutes being giv- ;n to each tunnel, with the result that the first asparagus was cut ten days afterwards, and the cuttings were most satisfac- tory, continuing daily for a month. Another bed was steamed exactly a month afterwards, this bed being 25ft. by 75ft., and the first cutting was made fourteen days after steaming, and was prolonged, although cutting was more irregular, tor nearly two months; but more steam was required as the weather was colder. The forced plants were allowed to grow during the year without cutting, and they regained their normal rigour. EARLY POTATOES; SEcnET OF SUCCESS. Growers in the Channel Isles attach great importance to having strong, sturdy shoots on their tubers before planting, says a writer in Gardening Illustrated,. They keep their seed tubers in a shed free from frost, and pick them over at least once a month. Six weeks before planting Lhe seed tubers are all placed in open boxes and given as much light as possible. The boxes are vern, cheaply made, consisting for the most part of i-in- wood. The boxes are about 2in. deep, ind have four uprights, one at each corner. iwo bars run across the sides, upon the uprights, ilnd across the centre there is another bar for convenience in handling. Great care is taken so as not to allow the shoots to be drawn. When f.lantni £ they have at least two strong shoots of jm in length. The ground set asid! for the potatoes IS trenched two spades deep and manured the previous autumn. Before planting, the ground is lightly forked and the tubers are placed in trenches,taken out with a spade, about it. apart, the rows being 2ft. After the potatoes areJln- lugh, the soil is drawn up at the sides of each row with a hoe, and as they grow they are given an occasional dusting of Clay's fertiliser between the rows (care being taken to prevent it Jettling upon the haulm), just before a shower of rain. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. S. M." Castbourne).-I have handed your letter re the "land for sale to the gentleman interested. He will no doubt communicate with you. 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. RepHes will be given in "Answers to Correspondents," or, if a stamped addressed envelope is enclosed, the required information will be forwarded by post.

LOCAL PATENT. The following abridged description is spec- ially drawn for the Denbighshire Free Press by Messrs. Hughes & Young. Patent Agents, 56 & 5fi, Chancery-lane, W.C., who will give advice and assistanoo free to our readers on all patent matters. Patent Applications. 7676. Mr. Henry Hameoek, and Mr. David Walters, 50, Miers Street, St. Thomas, Swansea. Trolley connection guide for electric traction." -7772. Mr. Jenkias Morgan, and Mr. John Charles Lowell, 192, Broadway, Roath, Cardiff. "The combination sketching easel.777.3. Mr. David McLachlan, and Mr. Fredrick Hamcox, Evelyn Street Decks, Cardiff. "The solid flanged herse shoe in one piece."—Patent Illustrated. 25,070. Ropesookets and shaekles, Wr. J. Ctddy, Great Western Colliery, Ponty- pridd, Glamorganshire, and Mr. F. W. Scott Atlas Wire Itepe Works, Reddish, near Stock- port, Cheshire. A cup or secket for the end of a winding or other rope. The ends of the wire rope is bent ever and enclosed is a conical split casing formed with interlocking pro- jectieas. The halves of the casing are enclosed in a conical cap en whioh is seenred by a nut screwed OR to the smaller end of the easing.

ILANARMON YN YALE. THE DEATH 'OF MR EDWARD EVANS.—WE regret to rpcord the death of Mr Edward Evans, joiner, of this place, which took place on the 18th ult. The deceased had been a worshipper and first tenor singer at the above Parish Chureh for upwards of forty years. He has left a widow, four sons, and four daughters to mourn his loss. The funeral, which was well attended, took place on Tuesday, the 23rd ult, the Rev E Evans officiating.

# -4 GARTONS GRASS SEEDS FOR PERMANENT PASTURE, TEMPORARY PASTURE, And 1, 2, and 3 YEARS' LEY, Purity and Germination guaranteed, MANGEL SEEDS AKD TURNIP SEEDS.1 Carriage paid and 5 per cent. discount. For prices and all particulars, see CataIoeMj- post free. SEED GROWERS & EXPERTSj WARRINGTON. 273mli TOBACCONIST- W. BULLER beg to return thanks to his numerOtf Customers for past favours, and to axmoUUOQ that he has a very LARGE STOCK of the Finest Brands in CIGARS, Havanas, Indians, Borneol. Mexicans, Manillaa, Finest Brands in the Market. CIGARETTES all the leading Foreign and British Blake" in Packets, Tins, and by Weight Rossian, Turkish, Brazilian, Egyptian, etc. All the Leading TOBACCOS. American and British, Sweetened and Unsweetened; also Boer Tobac. Sole Agents for Loewe, BBB, Peterson's and other Pipes; ALL PEICES, All Smoker's Reouisites in great variety; CIGAR ANE CIGARETTE CASES, VESTA BOXZST STANDS, etc., etc. A call repectfully solicited; lowest SfcOM Prices. Note Address;— BULLER, Cigar Importer, DENBIGH. 4 Rook and Rabbit Sb ooting. Large Selection of Rifl.. for the above on view, by all makers, from 12s. 6d. each. RIFLE AMMUNITION Ifor all Bores. Send for List. TROUT AND SALMON FISHING. Largest Selection of Tackle in North Wa.le Best Trout Flies on drawn gut, Is. pat dozen. Six dozen post free.1 H. W. Roberts & Co., Gan Ammuclition and Fishing Tackle Dealers, HIGH STREET, RHYL. 71U.C Albert Clayton, PRACTICAL BASKET MAKBB. Priib Winner at Pari. and various other Exhibiticm. AU kinds of Baskets and Hampers made to Order. REPAIRS NEATLY EXECUTED ADDRESS COBNELi COTTAGE, Workshop.lRoger'a Yard. Lower St AIWT ASAPB. a T. R. RUTTER, 6, Vale Street, Denbigh. TAILORING IN ALL ITS BRANCHES. Raglan Coats A Speciality. A Grand Assortment of Hats, Caps, Ties, &c., &c. Satisfaction Guaranteed. ¡; T. R. RUTTER; 6, Vale Street, Denbigh. T. GOUGH JONES is prepared to give Estimates for Plastering and Slating AND REPAIRS TO PROPERTY. RESIDENCE: Shamrock Cottage; DENBIGH. *ielri -4 BOOKBINDING IN ALL ITS BRANCHES, by Edwa-rd M. Jones, Eclipse Bookbinding 2 Works, PORTLAND PLACK, DENBIGH Maps and Plant carefully mounted. Casing of Magazines, &a., in Publishers' Covers, AH missing parts supplied. 1054u.e. ASTON & SON, Furniture Manufacturers and Eemovers. Largest Stock in Wales. Catalogues Free. Cash or Credit. Free Delivery. Address: Wrexham," Chester, and Oswestry.92

OLD FALSE TEETH BOUGHT. Full value in cash or offer per return of post. R. D. & J. B. Fraser, Ltd., Princes St., Ipswich. The largest and oldest buyers in the world. m30 I WATCH A CHAIN FOR ONE Mrs WMK X pffTtSawG11JS«e",1 ■ OTcra- A A m9H- CHAIN aad rk n dozen ptdtiin at I J at Flrapcaee each. Sa^ TMx l"

TREMEIRCHION. A WATER DIFFICULTY. -A peculiar difficulty has arisen in the parish of Tremeirchioa, near St Asaph, and there is low waging a miniature war against the paying of a special rate for water purposes. It appears that recently, through the axertions of Mr P P Pennant, a sum of money was collected from property owners to defray the cost of providing a water supply for the place. It was understood at the time tkat the water would be a free gift, but now that the works are completed the St Asapb District Council have found it necessary to levy a rate to cover certain expenses which were not included in the original estimate. The parishioners not only decline to pay, but thev contend that they do not Iret; sufficient water. It has been pointed out that they will have to pay the rate, bat in reply they have written contending that the engineer's con- .mission should form part of the salary payable by the Council. At the Council's annual meet- ing it was first decided- to insist upon payment of the rate, but enbseqwently the members agreed to allow the matter to iitand over until a special committee had visited the works and reported whether they were satisfactory or not. GBAND CONCERT.—On Friday evening, the 26th uIt., a grand concert was given in the National Schools by the Henllan Male Voice Party. The concert was, in every respect, a thorough success, and the party are to be heartily congratulated on the fine rendering of the several pieces sung during the evening. Mr Enos Jones, Nantgwilym, occupied the chair. The following is the programme:— Serenade, H Nyni yw'r meibiQR cerddgar," the Party; song, "Y mynydd i mi," Mr R D Jones duett, "Y ddau forwr," Messrs W J Jones and J H Story; chorus, "Comrades song of hope," the Party; song, "Perl fy nwyfron," Mr J H Story oomic song, She's never been there before," Mr W Parry duett, Stop a'r mixio Saesneg," Messrs T Da vies and R D Jones song, Rhyddid Cymrn," Mr William Jones; glee, "Y Gwanwyn," the Party; song, Mr Thomas Davies; trio, Selection of Wives," Messrs J Edwards, W Jones, and R D Jones; song, "Gwlad y Mynyddoedd," Mr W J Jones; song, "An- chored," Mr W J Griffith; descriptive choras, March of the Regiment," the Party; song, Cymru Rydd," Mr R D Jones trio, Mae Flora Deg," Messrs J Edwards, J H Story, and W J Griffith; comic song, What ho she bumps," Mr W Parry; song, 11 Toumv and the Boer," Mr J Edwards part song, It The Soldier's farewell," the Party soutz. -1 Welwch chi fi," Mr W J Jones duett, M Arwyr Cytiru Fydd," Messrs Price Jones and J H Story; song, Cartref," Mr J Edwaads song and chorus, Green grass, Mr W J Griffith, &o.; part song, Hiraeth," the Party; finale, Hen wlad fy nhadau." Before singing the last item a hearty vote of thanks was proposed by the Chairman to the members of the party for so generously coming forward and giving their services for the good of the sohool. The Vicar seconded, expressing the grateful thanks of the managers, and the audience enthusiastically endorsed it. The Vicar also proposed hearty thanks to the Ghairman for his excellent conduct in the chair and to all who had rendered assistance in contributing to the success of the concert, which was heartily accorded. Mr Fred Rees, Trefaant National Schools, admirably accompaaied during the evening.

BODFARI. MARRILGE OF MR H H DAVIES, GEINAS HOUSE. A very pretty and interesting wedding took place at Tremeirchion, on Thursday, the 25th, when Mr H H Davies, Geinas House, Bodfari, was married to Miss Amy Hughes, St Asaph. The ceremony was performed at the quaint old Parish Church, by the vicar, the Rev E J Edwards. The bride, who was given away by her father, was gowned in a grey cloth dress, trimmed with silk and passementere beautiful, and were a white chiffon hat carried of shower bonquet of erchids, and white roses, the gift of the bridegroom. She was attended by two bridesmaids Miss Hughes, sister of the bride, and Miss Davies, sister of the bridegroom. They were attired in old rose coloured dresses, trimmed with cream creps-de-chine, and large black picture hats, and wore gold curb bracelets, and carried bouquets, alto the gifts of the bridegroom. Mr J N Davies accompanied his brother as best man. The party afterwards adjourned to the residence of the brides's parents, where the breakfast was served, after which Mr and Mrs Davies left for London, where the honeymoon is being spent. The presents were both numerous and costly. The wedding party was photographed by Mr W G Helsby, Denbigh.

LLANYCRAN AND DISTRICT CRICKET CLUB. CRICKET FIXTURES FOR 1901. May 4th, Opening Day, Llanyohan. May 11th, Practice, Llanychan. May 18th, Practice, Llanyehan. May 85th, Afonwen, Llanychan. May 27th (Whit Monday), Chester Banks O.C., Llanyehan. J una lat, Ruthin Grammar School, Ruthin. June 8th, Mostyn Park, Llanychan. Juno 15th, fiorwen, Corwen. June 82nd, Bala, Bala. June 29th, Open. July 6th, Denbigh, Llanychan. July 13th, Ruthin Grammar School, Llanychan. July 20th, Dolgeiley, Delgelley. July 27th, Mold, Mold. Anguit 3rd, Penbedw, Llanychan. August 5th (B.H.), Bala, Llanyohan. August 10th, Mostya Park, Mostyn Park. August 17th, Afonwen, Afonwen. August 22nd (Thursday), Moli, Llanychan. August 24th, Denbigh, Denbigh. August 31st, Penbedw, Penbedw. September 7th, Corwon, Llanychan.