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THE CROWNING OF 'ESTHER, IIIJ"'f--L"1-""'-fi"'J.JiL,ILÂÄ-u..:l_-";…
PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT. THE CROWNING OF ESTHER, IIIJ "'f --L" 1-" "fi "'J. JiL ,ILÂ Ä u .l_- _Ulu By MORICE GERARD, Author of Mister ton," "Oast Out," « Tlie Victoria Cross," Black Gull Hock," "Jocko' th' Beach," "Murray Murgatroyd, Journalist," &c., &c. [COPYRIGHT]. SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CHAPTERS. CHAPTERS 1. TO III.—Caroline Wrottipley and Stephen Fleetwood, distant relatives of Squire Wrottis- ley, live with him. The old man clings to his -reat niece, but discards Stephen, who is not a Wro^sley, and makes a will in her favour, leaving a bare £:00 a year to Stephen on the understanding than he keeps out of nrisou. The two men quarrel and Stephen allies himself to a professional mesmerist who lectures throughout the country. When the old man dies a new will is found and attested by two nurses, in which he revokes all former wills and leaves everything to Stephen. As the will is discovered by Caroline, ^teplien and she come face to face. CHAPTEES IV. TO VI.—Miss Wrottisley is turned oat by Stephen, the heir, and leaves for London with no plans or prospects. She is annoyed on the way down bv a fair-haired raau who claims acquaintance with her on account of knowing Stephen. She seeks the protection of a porter, and she obtains lodgings at the house of a Mrs Hedger. A niece, Polly, declares that she is fit to go on the stage, and says she will speak to Mr Lefevre, stage manager, for her. CHAPTERS VII. TO IX.-Polly tells Caroline that she herself is a painter's model, and urges her to apply to a p-iinter named Coutance, as a face such as hers is needed for a painting he is making of Queen Esther. The two meet the Jight-baired stranger who had persecuted Caroline, and Polly says it is Lord Alfred Poutifex. Caroline refuses to speak to him. At JSioat House, Stephen Fleetwood one night is disturbed by the appearance of a man in the grounds who is covering the house with a spy glass. He takes his rifle and tires at the figure, which falls. CHAPTER X TO XII.-Tlie household, disturbed oy the noise of the shot, rushed into the room. Stephen gave directions to his servants to go and bring in the intruder, who had been trespassing, but on arriving at the spot no one is found. Polly persuades Caroline to have an interview with Coutance, the artist, and she and Mrs Hedger repair to the residence of that gentleman. CHAPTER XIII. The following day, after the incident of the grassplat, as it may be called for want of a better name, Stephen Fleetwood spent in considerable perplexity, not to say anxiety. No traces of the business of the night plu- vious could be discovered. It was clear his shot could not have taken effect. It was also quite certain the man aimed at was aware of the fact. If, as the master of the Moat House felt confident, that man was Giles Underwood, there was not the smallest chance that the incident could be regarded as in any way ended. Giles Underwood was three parts an animal and the instincts of an animal point to revenge an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' Besides, where was the rifle which had been left on the grass ? This last question was destined to be answered shortly. On the morning of the second day, about 10 a.m., a long brown paper parcel was brought to the Moat House by a ragged urchin of a boy, who left it with the laconic message that it was for the Squire. Stephen was in the breakfast-room, still engaged in pondering the mystery, when the footman brought the brown paper parcel in and handed it to him. Although a well-trained member of his tribe, he could not help remarking That feels like what you lost the other night, sir Mind your own business.' Beg your pardon, sir, but-' Leave the room Stephen's fingers were itching to open the parcel, which was bound up with straw but he waited until the door was shut, not being inclined to satisfy the footman's curiosity. LL H Ie-was well aware, by the state of the atmosphere of ue oouse, now great an excitement the adventure of two nights ago had caused in the servant's hall. Stephen hardly knew what it was. he expected to find inside the parcel besides the weapon, which, of course, he could feel through the wrapping, but that something would accompany the restored property he was quite confident. He cut the straw with his knife, and removed the brown paper. Beneath this was sacking sewn together Stephen ripped the latter open. The smooth barrel of the rifle was exposed and a piece of dirty paper fluttered to the ground. Stephen picked it up. It was a note which, done into English from the Lancashire Idialect and free from a certain tautological strength, which cannot be produced here. read as follows Mr Stephen Fieetwood. Sir,—Your little note didn't arrive, or else you wouldn't have wanted this. I picked up your rifle when you were looking for me in the wrong place. Next time you shoot don't have a light behind yon. I shall come and see you to-night the same time by the same road. A few of my mates has the way bill, where to look for me, in the case I don't return. I bear no grudge, although it was a warm way of welcoming old friends.—Your respectful humble servant, Giles Underwood.' When Stephen Fleetwood came to the place where the light was spoken of, he muttered an oath at himself under his breath. The passage about not bearing a grudge caused a grim smile to flicker round his mouth. As be deliberately tore the note into little bits, and placed them in his waistcoat pocket, a steely deadly look of anger and baffled hatred, which yet bided its time to turn the tables on his adversary, shot out of his eyes. The mole glowed and the lips were hard set together. Decidedly, Stephen Fleetwood, was not an adversary to be lightly regarded by anyone who valued his life. And between himself and Giles Underwood, every sentence of that letter showed him that it was, hence- forward, to be war to the knife. I shall not make the same mistake a second time,' was Stephen's quiet comment, uttered half aloud. At eight o'clock the same evening the Master of the house rang his dining-room bell. The same foot- man answered it who had brought in the rifle-now restored to its place on the rack in the hall—in the morning. Bring in the coffee and light the candles in the candelabra on the table, and the pair over the mirror facing the fireplace; you may leave the rest.' The arrangement was such that the light did not come upon the face of anyone sitting in Stephen's favourite place by the window. When the order was being executed, the Master went up to his own room, opened a secret drawer, and took out a small silver-mounted revolver-a toy in appearance, but deadly enough across a room. It could not be trusted to kill much further than that. The room was the one which a few weeks ago had been occupied, habitually, by Caroline Wrottisley. Stephen liked to think that. It added flavouring to his enjoy- ment of life at the Moat House. The revolver fitted easily into a small inside pocket of his light coat. It was always kept loaded. Stephen had not frequented the saloons of the States for nothing. I do not suppose I shall want this,' he remarked pleasantly to himself, as he descended the broad carpeted steps of the fine old mansion, but it is as well to be prepared for contingencies. When Stephen stepped into the dining-room, he saw that his orders had been carried out. The coffee was on a small table near the window, and only the candles had been lighted which had been indicated. Stephen com- pleted the preparations by placing two tumblers, which he had taken out of the sideboard, and the brandy decanter on the table. Then be fortified his coffee with a drop of the same spirit, The night was dark, the sky overcast; a few drops of summer rain could be heard pattering on the leaves of the nearest trees; otherwise all was still. Stephen Fleetwood lighted his pipe and sat down, lean- ing with his arms on the sill. The window was thrown wide open to its fullest extent. The host awaited his guest. The interview was not likely to be a pleasant one. Failure is never agreeable to the masculine mind. To ,have a call from a man whom in cold blood you have shot at and missed a couple of nights before, is an im- pending situation which, if it were possible to avert it, even a man of Stephen Fleetwood's temperament would probably have given a considerable sum to be freed from. He realised the whole thing much more clearly now, as he smoked steadily, peering out into the darkness. This is a sort of law when matters are close upon us the lens of a magnifying glass is turned upon them vague un- pleasantnesses gather distinctness, difficulties take defined shape. The moments of waiting are the true mauvaises quarts d'heures of life. When Giles Underwood had said that Stephen Fleet- wood and he had been old friends he had not overstated the truth. The plucky fearless spirit of the boy had attracted the kindred qualities of the man, and similar tastes and pursuits had speedily cemented the alliance into friendship. Giles had taught Stephen all the arts of the forest, the stream, and moorland the former knew how to detect a hare in its form how to tickle trout; how to trace curlew and grouse to their nests how to find his way across the moors when there were only confusing sheep-tracks and here and there a soli- tary white-washed keeper's hut, hard by a water-spring of icy coldness. Whole years of Stephen's life, before the Squire turned him out of doors, had he depended upon Giles, the poacher, for all that made life pleasant to him. Then there had come the vears of separation, when Stephen earned a precarious living by swindling a gullible public the world over. When he returned, no gentle memories of youthful associations sprang up in hIS mind sentiment Iwas hardly a strong point with this young man, whose good luck brought him into the neighbourhood of Moat House just as his great-uncle lay a-dying. Rei regarded Giles Underwood merely as a out with some cunning thrown in, the instincts of a poacher, and a disagreeable knowledge of a past which Stephen very naturally regarded as a mistake and a *co, and which he wished to be absolutely buried and forgotten. apart from his knowledge, which was precise, TT e^e Was ano "ber disagreeable circumstance about Giles naerwood. He had been the cause of the Squire's OOlmng to it clear understanding of his nephew's true character, and of the consequent dismissal from the Moat House, and ultimate disinheritance. It was thinking of this very Giles, and the friendship between them, which made old Mr "Wrottisley insert in his [ former will that very plain-spoken proviso tbat, if Stephen brought himself within the leash of the law he was to forego even the modest annual sum which had been set aprt for his nse. Now, although Stephen Fleetwood Lad managed to get possession of the old Squire's property, no one knew better than he how uilcertain was his tenure, and after enjoying it for a time the bitterness of losing it all would be infinitely intensified. i Had it not been for the visitor he was expecting, till that he now enjoyed might have been his by right. That Giles had done him this wrong unintentionally, was a matter which did not affect Stephen Fleetwood's feeling towards his former chum in the least. The additional reason Stephen had for wishing Giles out of the way was as yet unknown to him. But he hated hi-)) quite sufficiently already. Half-an-hour passed. There was no sound except the gentle patter of the increasing rain upon the leaves. The spot where Stephen was sitting with his head partly I out of the window was protected by the colonnade which ran rourul thrtt side of the house. It was an unpleasant sensation to feel that he was probably being watched the greater part of the time from the sheltering shadow of the trees opposite. Curse it, I cannot stand this any longer. I believe the beggar does not mean to come after all.' Kardiy were the words out of his mouth than a head popped up by the sill, almost knocking the pipe from between Stephen's lips. Never fear, Master, I am hear. You never knew me fail to keep an engagement. Only you seem to object to friends walking on your grass-plat: so I came round the other way. Is that gentleman in black com- ing back again ? The gentleman in blaok was the footman. It was more than an hour since the coffee had been brought in and the candles lighted. I- Been-- outside since he was here last ?' inquired Stephen, Oh, I'm used to the woods and the wet, as you know well enough, Master, or ought to. Don't think noth- ing of that, I don't. I like to see you with the flunkeys waiting upon you, and you taking it easily—to the manner born, as the saying is. Says I, When the cake's a big one, a slice or two isn't missed when friends are by." All this had been said in a cautious undertone on both sides. Both these men were practised in the art of the whisper which disturbs neither feather nor fur. I suppose you don't mean to stay there all night?' Not if you invite me in, Master,' with a polite bow of obsequious respect. Better fasten that door first- the one you came through t'other night with that pretty bit of metal in your hands which I took the liberty of borrowing.' Stephen did as be was bid, whereupon Giles with the agile spring of a squirrel swung himself over the window-sill into the room. At first sight no ono would think that a,gility was likely to be this man's strong point. But in reality, Underwood presented a rare combination of strength and activity. He was built not like a racer, but like a weight-carrying hunter—not on fine lines, but with shoulders and hips capable of carrying weight or of leaping huge obstacles. The face was sleepy and sheepish in repose, but a twinkle about the deep blue eyes, and a glance which was shot occasionally into the face of anyone who talked with him, showed that the poacher was shifty as a fox, and as alert as any terrier dog- Stephen Fleetwood fastened the door as he was bid, and returning to the window poured out a half-tumbler of brandy for his guest, beckoning to him to dilute it witii water according to taste. The two men stood together by the table. They were not ill-matched physically, or perhaps in any other way for what Giles Underwood lacked in mental capacity, of a general nature, was amply compensated for by abnormal growth in those instincts which the habits of his life and the dangers of his calling rendered specially necessary. Host and guest looked each other over as they stood side by side in the somewhat meagre light, and each felt that in actual trial of strength and activity it would be hard to say which would prove himself the better man. Probably luck would have to decide it when the I ide wlieil the time came, if it ever did come. That the contest might take place that very night was a probable contingency present to the minds ef both. Stephen by a gesture indicated the water carafe. I've seen you handle the brandy bottle before to-night,' remarked his guest cautiously, 'but the water bottle is another matter. P'raps you'll kindly take some first.' Stephen poured out brandy and water into a tumbler and tossed it down with a nod towards his guest. Here's to you, mate. You'll live to be hung if you take such precious care of yourself.' Best to lock the fowl-house door when the fox is out,' answered Giles, phlegmatically. 'I don't know that my skin is better worth preserving than other people's, but if I don't look alter it, I don't know who else will. As to hanging, they don't do it for a little poaching now-a-days, thank the Lord, but they reserve that little encouragement for murder, you know.' Giles shot a glance at Stephen from under his brow3. The latter knew better than to pretend that he had not known who the man was he had fired at on the lawn outside. Giles could not have believed him if he had sworn away his soul; i and Stephen was too shrewd to throw away powder and shot in a vain effort to make him. Seein- to me your man is a lazy cur who dosen't know his business,' went on Giles after a pause, during which the Squire made no reply. He didn't half light this room while you were out just now I wonder you didn.'t have him back.' Having said this, Underwood took a match from his pocket, struck it on his trousers, and proceeded to light the corresponding candles on the opposite side. Stephen made no objection. So far, Giles Under- wood held the best of the cards. He was leading how- ever, from even a stronger hand than the other knew. CHAPTER XIV. It was the last Wednesday in July, and the day fixed for the journey to Clapham Common—to Coutance. I spent the morning pondering whether I had known Mrs Hedger long enough to suggest, without rudeness a slight toning down in her usually gay attire. On a weekday the lavender-feathered head-gear „ave place to a light straw of large dimensions, surmounte(j by four red poppies as fine as any that ever siie(^ their klowing radiance from between the stalks of a cnmfioirl I admired their natural brethren very mucli where Nature placed them, but not their artificial kin where Mrs Hedger did. Two reds do not always g0 wo[j to_' gether, and the red of that admirable woman's face was not that of her decorations. I came to the conclusion that to suggest a change would be rude as well as im- politic. My pleasure, therefore, may be imagined when my hostess at one-thirty appeared in a black dress and the lavender bonnet. If she must be taken for "my mother, she was at any rate passably presentable. We followed the directions on the paper implicitly The cabman seemed to know the locality and had no difficulty in finding Ennismere, the house inrl^n+a,! Sylvia Road. If Sylvia had anything to do with sylvan, the name was by no means inappropriate. The whole neighbour- hood of Clapham Park, as everyone knows, is celebrated for the beauty of its trees. And Sylvia Road was prodigal of its display of foliage even in leafy Clapham. At the corner the trees were massed together in impene- trable growth and each house, as we drove slowly up for the cabman to mark the names, was embowered, and almost hidden in its own belt of underwood. Ennis- mere I saw it on the gate. The name struck me with a nervous tremor I altogether failed to understand. I looked at Mrs Hedger. Her plump impassive counten- ance re-assured lU. Mine was ouly girlish nervousness; nothing more nor less. The cab stopped and we got out. Mrs Hedger and the cabman wrangled about the fare. He asked what seemed to me a ridiculously small sum, which Mrs Hed- ger considered as ridiculously large. I turned towards the gateway; what lay before me was infinitely more interesting. I was certain Mrs Hedger would gain the day, and by the indignant lash- ing which the poor lean brute of a horse received as the cab drove away I knew that my prognostication of the weight in argument of my chaperon had proved correct. Mrs Hedger came up smiling, flushed with victory, ready now to tackle Coutance, or anyone else that ever lived. My dear, cabman and cheat be gin with the same letter, as my poor dear husband used to say. Told me it was outside the radius—when the policeman opposite the Bon Marehe, where we took him up, told me it was n mile within. If there had been another one about, I don't know that I wouldn't have given him in charge. Telling such lies thinking we were two unprotected ladies that were strangers to these parts.' I niovei) to the SI,JE gate, which had a notice printed in black letters against the bell, Ring and walk in. There was a larger gate by the side, which was evidently intended for carriage traffic, but judging by the undis- turbed state of the gravel it was but rarely, if ever, used. We followed the direction and passing through the door, which swung to after us, found ourselves opposite a paved pathway leading up to the side entrance of the house. To the left was a carriage drive leading to the front door. I was going to turn up the flagged pathway but Mrs Hedger interposed. Not that way child, that's the tradesmen's entrance. If you go to that door the servants will treat you ac- cordingly.' Mrs Hedger's philosophy was doubtless unimpeachable. People do as a rule accept you at your own valuation, for want of time or acuteness to form I one of their own. Ennismere was a low flat house, compared to its neighbours, of not more than two storeys in height. A j dog of a large breed, which was, however, invisible,
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4. FUNERAL OF DR. EDWARD JONES,…
4. FUNERAL OF DR. EDWARD JONES, J.P., DOLGELLEY. The many expressions of regret and sympathy which the family of Dr Edward Jones has received show how deeply appreciated and loved he was in the county and throughout the whole of Wales. Amongst the letters and telegrams of condolence was one from Mr Herbert Roberts, M.P., which slated that the Welsh members had heard with deepest regret the news of the death of Dr Ed Jones and had desired him to convey their sincere sympathy." Mr W Y tille, Peniarth, the lord-lietiten- ant, writing from London, said" I regret that owing to the illness of Mrs Wynne I cannot possibly attend Dr Jones's funeral to-morrow, otherwise I should be among the first to pay every respect to his memory." The Hon C H Wynn, Rhug, wrote that it was with very great regret that he had beard of Dr Jones's death, and he deeply sympa- thised with Mrs Jones and the family. He would Bliss him very much both in public and as a per- sonal friend, and his loss would cause a great gap which could not easily be filled. Professor T Mortimer Green, on behalf of Aberystwyth College, wrote that as Principal Roberts was unable to be present as he had to attend a meeting in London the College had requested Professors Anwyl and Edward Edwards to represent them, and the College Council by the Hev T Levi, Mr Peter Jones, and Mr D C Roberts. The Mayor of Aberystwyth was confined to his bed, or he would also attend ou behalf of the College. Mr 0 M Edwards wrote, I regret, that we can now do nothing more than con- do:e after one who has done so much for Wales." Principal Roberts said he shared in the universal feeling that the death of Dr Edward Jones is a great public loss. Mrs Ellis, wife of the late Mr T E Ellis, M.P., wrote, Since my great trouble I have always thought of the meeting of the dear ones, and how Mr tEIIis has welcomed one of his greatest. friends home, and as he once told me of .c I' Jones, he is the best friend I have in Merioneth- shire, and I can only express my gratitude to him.' Mr D Lloyd George, M.P., wrote, 1 cannot tell how sorry I was to learn of your father's death. There was no man in Wales for whom I had a greater regard and admiration. His earnestness and sincerity of character and conviction, the integrity of his motives, the firmness with which he adhered to his principles through good and ill report, and the eloquence with which he advocated them-all these and many more exalted qualities which made him such a power for good-won the universal esteem of all his countrymen." Letters were also received from Mr R Robertson, Pale Mr Osmond William*, vice-chairman of Quarter Sessions; Mr 0 Slaney Wynne, Dolrhyd Dr Roger Hughes, Bala Mr Haydn Jones, J.P., Towyn and very many others. The funeral took place on Friday at the Noncon- formist Cemetery, amid general signs of mourning. A private service was previously held at the house. At 1.30 p.m. a procession was formed in Springfield street, and proceeded four abreast to Salem Chapel. The order of the procession was as follows:- Medical men, ministers and clergy, Member of Parliament for the County and county officials, magistrates, members of the Merioneth County Council and County Governing Body, representa- tives of the Welsh Universities and other educa- tional institutions, deacons, members of the Mer- ionethshire Liberal Association and other political associations, Dr Williams's School, the Intermediate I School, members of the Urban Council, Board of Guardians, and School Board, directois of the Waterworks Company, representatives of Friendly Societies (Hen Giwb y Plas, the oldest established club in the district, Oddfellows Club, and tho Druids Club, with their regalias), representatives 01 other public bodies, and the general public, ine chief mourners were: Dr John Jones, Dr Hugh Jones, Mr W Haivey Jones, Mr R Guthrie Jones, and Mr Osborne Jones, sons; Mr Hngh Lloyd Jones, brother; Rev J Pritchard, Birmingham, brother-in-law; Mr Hugh Evans, Aberllefenni, brother-in-law; Mr W Williams, Greenwich House, Dolgelley, brother-in-law; Mr R R Roberts, Cor- wen, nephew; Mr Hnghie Jones and T Rendel Jones, Bangor, nephews Mr Mevrick Jones, brother-in-law; and Mr Gwiiym Edwards, Aber- ystwyth. On the coffin was inscribed in Welsh Edward Jones, M.D., ganwyd Ionawr 21,1834. bu farw, Chwefror 5, 1900." The coffin was of plain oak with brass mountings. Mr R Griffith, draper, was the undertaker. As the body entered the place of worship Miss Blodwen Williams played cm I the organ Chopin's Marche Funebre." Here th.; service was conducted by Mr Edward Griffith, Springfield, Chairman of the West Merionethshire Monthly Meeting. The chapel was filled to over- flowing, and many failed to gain admittance. The hymn" 0 Fryniau. Caersabim" having been sung the Rev John Williams, pastor of Salem, aud thc- Rev Evan Roberts, Dolgelley, took part in the service. Amongst those who were present to show their last tribute of respect to the deceased we noticed Drs Roger Hughes, Bala; H J Lloyd, Barmouth; R T Jones, Harlech Lewys-Lloyd, Towyn J () Williams, Barmouth; D A Hughes, Barmouth the Revs John Owen, M.A., Mold; R R Morris, M./ John Williams, B.A., and John Roberts, Dolgelle. Hugh Roberts, lihydymoin John Lloyd, rector of Dolgelley; Thomas Lloyd and D Pugh, Festiuio Saml Owen, Tanygrisiau; Peter Jones, Dolgelh 1 T I T I U Vaughan ilumpnreys, jDiwyngwxn; j urwyiu. Davies, Barmouth John Davies, Bontddu Gwih in Thomas and E Jones Edwards, Arthog; W M Gi-iffith, Dyffryn; Wm Williams, Bala; 0 E Wil. liams, Penual; J H Edwards, Newtown; R E Davies, Dinas Mawddwy; 0 Davies, Ganllwyd; Professor Hugh Wilbams, M.A., Bala; D Morgan Jones, Dinas Mawddwy Professors E Anwyl, M.A.; Edward Edwards, M.A., Aberystwyth College and Ellis Edwards, M.A., Bala College; Messrs 0 M Edwards, M.P. for the county; E Pairv Jones, Chairman of the County Council; 0 Slaney Wynn, Dolrhyd; Wm Evans, Edgbaston, Birmingham Major Scott, Penmaen; J Leigh Tavlor, Penmaen- nchaf; T Charles Lewis, Bangor; R 0 Jones, W P Evans, and D G Williams, Festiniog; Edwin Jones,
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IFISHERY RIGHTS IN WALES.
FISHERY RIGHTS IN WALES. Before a Divisional Court of Queen's Bench, composed of Justices Channell and Bucknill, cn Monday, the case of Carpenter v Bailey came up. It was an appeal by Harold Frederick Carpenter against a decision of 11 justices of Merioneth, sitting at Dolgelley, who had convicted him of nn- lawfully taking salmon with a net in the Mawddnch River at Llanelltyd. A summons returnable at Petty Sessions was taken out by the resoondent Bailey, who claimed the exclusive right of fishing under demise from Jane Margaret Foulkes, the owner of the property on either side of I he river. At the hearing before the justices the appellant set up a bona-fide elaim as one of the public to the right to fish in the waters, they being both tidal and navigable, and this claim, be snbmitted, otiPted the jurisdiction of the magistrates. The justices found that the waters were tidal but not navigable, and conTicted, hence the appeal. Mr Danckwerts, Q.C. (Mr Stuart Moore with him), in support of the appeal, argued that the justices were clearly wrong. It was quite sufficient that the water was tidal for the public to have a right of fishing, onless the respondent could show a right which went back antecedent to Magna Charta. Mr Justice Channell: How was this fishing done ? Mr Danckwerts From a boat. Mr Justice Channell: If from a boat why was not the river navigable? What do the justices I mean by its being not navigable ? Mr Danckwerts: J must tell your Lordships frankly that I do not know what they mean. It is a Welsh case, and that is the only explanation I have of it (laughter). Mr J Eldon Banks, for the respondent, submitted that the justices were right on their finding that the river was not navigable in fact. He knew of no caBe which decided that because a river was tidal, it was therefore navigable in the sense in which the words had been used in laying down the proposition that a river must be both tidal and navigable in order to give the public a right to fish. Mr Justice Channel], in delivering judgment, held that a public right prima facie existed in any river that was tidal, and there being no question that this claim was bona-fide made, the jurisdiction of the magistrates was ousted. Accordingly the conviction was quashed and the appeal allowed with costs. — ♦- —
BY-ELECTIONS.
BY-ELECTIONS. MID.ARMAGH. The result of the polling which took place on Monday was declared on Tuesday as follows:- Mr J B Lonsdale (U) 3.212 Air J Gor-lon (U) 1,811 Majority 1,401 ROSSENDALE. The polling took place on Tuesday and resulted asfollows:- j W Mather (L) 5,936 j G C Kingsbury (C) 4,564 ) Liberal majority 1,372 ) At the last contested election the Liberal majority i was 1,724.
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j ,e/,n>,a uiuiri Medical Instruction. jk t i.. d FERRU- ] ,<>,j; COCOA ic DELJCIOUS & FiE.FRfc.SK(fcG. i| it ENRICHES THE BLOCD arc £ '6 TKC ONLY COCOA coniainlrp 3B FERRUGS NOUS ELEMENTS. j$ FREE SAMPLES SENT TO ALL IS Ferru-Cocoa Manufact'g Co. Ltd. S 320. GOSWELL XOA; K.c. M :lt CAMBRIAN itAlLVfAT. CHEAP WEEK-END EXCURSION TICKETS Are now issued on ETERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY TO Birmino-haixu Wolverhampton. Walsall, Peterleoiough. *Leicester, Derby, *Burton-on- Tnmt. Stafford, ^Coventry, Manchester, Preston. Blackburn. Bolton, Leeds, Dewsburv. Huddersfield, Liver- pool, Birkenhead, Wigan, and Warring- ton, from Oswestry, Llanynavneoh, Llanfvllin. Monteom.-rv Woishpool, Nwwtown, Llanidloes.' Maehvnll-ih, Borth, Aberystwyth, Aberdovev, Towyn, Bar. month, Dolgelley, Harlech, Portmadoc, Penrhvo deudraeth, Criccieth, and Pwllheli. SIMILAR TICKETS ARE ALSO ISSUED From Aberystwyth. Bonn, Aoerdover, TownJ Barmouth, Dolgelley, Harlech, Penrhyndeudraetb Portmadoc, Criccieth, and Pwllheli, to^ SHBEWSBURY. Tickets to bese stations are not issued from Welshpool. EXTENDED ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE IssrE OF TOURIST TICKETS FROM CAMBRIAN STATIONS TO Tlik4 VARIOUS HEALTH RESORTS IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND. AND IRELAND ARE NOW IN OPERATION. For full particulars see Tourist Programmes, which may be had at all stations. EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, CHEAP WEEK-END & 10 DAYS, TICKETS Will be issued from Liverpool, e. Stock- port, Chester, Crewe, Stafford, Shrewsbury. Brad- ford, Leeds, Oldham, Huddersfield, Halifax, Rocb. dale, Wakefield, Blackburn, Chorley, Accrington, Bnraley, Bolton, Wigan, Warrington, Preston Leieester, Derby, Burton, Stoke, Burslem, Hanley Birkenhead, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Wed- nesbary, Walsall, Peterborough, Northampton, HiLlI, Sheiffeld, Barnsley, &-c., &c., to Oswestry, Llanymynech, Llanfvllin, Welshpool, Montgomery, Newtown, Llanid- loes, Machynlleth, Bor+,h, Abervstwyth, Ab«rdovey, Towyn, Barmouth, Dolgelley, Harloch, Portmadoc, Criccieth, <fc Pwllheli. CHEAP WEEK END TICKETS (Friday and Saturday to Monday or Tuesday) will be issued on EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY Also 14 DAYS' EXCURSION TICKETS From nearly all Cambrian Inland Stations, to Machynlleth, Borth, Aberystwyth, Aber. dovey, Towyn, Barmouth, Dolgelley, Harlech, Portmadoc, Criccieth, and Pwllheli, also to Rhayader, Builth Wells, & Brecon. ♦ ON EVERY THURSDAY and :SATURDAY in JANUARY, FULL-DAY & HALF-DAY EXCURSION TICKETS will be issued to LIVER. POOL (Lime Street, Edge Hill, Spellow, or Walton), via Whitchurch and Crewe, and to SEACOMBE, via Ellesmere, Wrexham, and Hawarden Bridge; and to MANCHESTER (Lon- don Road), as under :-From Oswestry, ull day at 8 40 a.m. and half-day at 11 50 a.m. and 1 55 p.m. (via Whitchurch and Crewe) from Eiiesmere at 9 0 a.m for foil day, and 12 5 and 2 15 p.m. for half-day to Seacombe only (via Wrexham) 9 5 a.m. for full day, and 12 10 p.m. for half-day Third-class fares for full day To Seacombe and Liverpool, 3s 6d To Manchester, 4s. Half-day To Seacombe, Liverpool and Manchester, 2s 6d. Passengers return the same day from Liverpool (Lime Street) at 6 50 p.m., or 11 55 p.m., Edge Hill at 12 0 midnight, Seacombe 7 5 p.m. and from Manchester (London Road) at 7 0 p.m., or 12 0 midnight. -4- — RAMS Are now conveyed between Stations on the Cambrian Railways, at a charge as for Two Dogs, with a MINIMUM OF TWO SHILLINGS EACH RAM EVERY THURSDAY ANr) SATURDAY Is JANUARY, 1900, CHEAP r Y EXCURSIONS WILL BE BUN TO LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER From Llanidloes 6 40 a.m., Newtown 7 12, Mont- gomery 7 28, Welshpool 7 50, Llanyxnynech 8 15, Llanfyllin 7 35, Oswestry 8 40, Ellesmere 9 0, and Fenn's Bank 9 21. For times of trains at intermediate stations s handbills. « ON EVERY THURSDAY and SATURDAY in JANUARY and until further notice. Cheap Day and Half-Day EXCURSION TICKETS wil be issued to SEACOMBE, and HAWARDEN (for Harwarden Castle), from Oswestry, Ellesmere, Overton-on-Dee, Bangor-on-Dee, and Marchwiel. For full particulars of train times and fares, see handbills. THE Special Attention of tbe Public is drawn to the FURTHER REDUCED RATES fo the conveyance of FRESH MEAT, Including Welsh Mutton also for Butter, Cheese, Fish, Fruit, i-c., Station to Station at Owners Risk. Also to the Reduced Scale of Rates for Parcels by Passenger Train. For full particulars apply at the Stations. MINIMUM CHARGE, SIXPENCE. SECOND CLASS TICKETS are now issued be ween Cambrian Stations and stations on the London and North Western and Great Western and other Companies' Lines. These Fares are based on a very small addition to the Third C:ass fares. GREATLY EXTENDED ARRANGEMENTS FOR TRF ISSUE OF WEEK END TICKETS (Friday or Saturday to Monday or rues-ay), TO CAMBRIAN COAST STATIONS AND WELLS FROM STATIONS IN ENGLAND, Are now being put into operation. They include Bookings from Bath, Bristol, C „a;.« bridge, Darlington, Durham, Gloucester, Lincoln Cheltenham, Harrogate, Middlesborough, New castle-on-Tyne, Nothmgham, Norwich, Scarborough Sunderland, Tvnemouth, A'oroester, &e. PIC-NIC Ac PLEASURE P Tickets, at reduced fares, are issued (with certain limitations) at uil Cambrian Stations to Parties not less t,i-,o,n Six First-class or Teas Third-class passengers desirous of making Pleasure EXCURSIONS to places on or adjacent to this railway. Single fares for double journey will be charged for parties of 30 First-class o* 50 Third-class -pas- sengers. To obtain these tickets application must be made to Mr. W. H. Gongh, Superintendent of the Line Oswestry; or at any of the Stations not less than three days before the date of the Exetr^on Further information regarding Excursion*Traiiifi and 'tourist Arrangements on the Cambrian RIVL. ways call be obtained on application to Mr W. H. Gongh, Superintendent of the Line, Oswestry. C. S. DENNISS, Qywwwry, Per.. 1109. Geaeral Manager 15 of every descriotion executed with disptnekht the COUXTY TIMES 09ice, Welsb- Pool. First-class Cc-maiQrciai Work a speciality fctn— teg jRren.
THE CROWNING OF 'ESTHER, IIIJ"'f--L"1-""'-fi"'J.JiL,ILÂÄ-u..:l_-";…
bayed as we approached the door. Another with a sip-iilai-ly deep voice uttered a protest to Mrs Hedger'3 vigorous application to the knocker. This was from within. Evidently Coutance believed in dogs, in large doers in fact. The protest was in better taste than the knock, for the latter was loud and self-assertive. It was a quarter- past three. We had not come so quickly as we had expected. Is Mr Coutance within ?' The question was asked of a grim-looking manservant. Master is in and waiting for the young lady,' was the severe reply. Evidently the man felt personally wronged by our want of punctuality. Mrs Hedger was not a person easily snubbed, even by a grim manservant. I suppose your master has to wait sometimes Not more than once generally, marm,' was the impassive reply. Glad I came with her,' I heard Mrs Hedger mutter as we ascended the stairs, pursuing the stiff back of our stern mentor. I, too, was grateful for the fact, for the first time. I felt like a naughty schoolgirl discovered in company with a prohibited jam pot. I was at the top first by half-a-dozen steps. A staircase did not agree with Mrs Hedger's weight and dimensions. The footman opened a swing green baize door and let me through, but did not follow. He turned round to confront Mrs Hedger, who landed at the top breathless, as if she bad been a salmon after an exciting rush up stream with the hook in its gullet. What have you done with that young lady?' Shown her in, as master told me.' stream with the hook in its gullet. What have you done with that young lady?' Shown her in, as master told me.' Shown her in where? Why didn't you wait for me ?' I hadn't any orders to show you in. If you will wait here, I'll ask master, marm.' Seems to me it is all precious mysterious. I think we had best go bae' I grumbled Mrs Hedger but sbe, nevertheless, sank down on a stuffed ottoman, partly overcome by the stern impassivity of the janitor, and partly ill a state of collapse owing to the steepness of the stairs. No sooner had I passed through the green baize door, which the footman indicated, than I found myself in absolute darkness. During those seconds I could hear the conversation reported above between my companion and the servant. Hardly, however, had I realised that I was mysteri- ously alone and in the darkness before the door opposite to the one I had passed through opened, disclosing a long room beyond, which seemed to me especially well lighted in comparison to the darkness into which I had just been plunged. In the centre of the open doorway stood a man who, as I could not doubt for an instant, was the master of the house. CHAPTER XV. Among the books at the Moat House none were dearer to me in the old days than some of Kingsley's stories— Charles Kingsley, 1 mean—I hardly knew there was any other at that time—especially Hereward the Wake snd Westward Ho.' The old Squire did not buy many novels but our Saxon ancestry and his pride in it was the one weak point in his stern nature, and to this weak- ness Hereward,' and, to a minor degree, Westward Ho,' especially appealed. These books, in fact, with Ivanhoe,' afforded my uncle his most constant reading of the lighter sort. As I stood in the obscurity of the passage, with the figure of the man I had come to see framed in the open doorway of the sun-lighted room beyond, not an ordin- ary painter, nor even Coutance, who had taught Polly Hedger the spirit of poetical appreciation and the ideality of an unattainable, impossible love—but Here ward the Wake presented himself to my startled vision. There could be no mistake about it. I very nearly said the name aloud—' Hereward.' He could barely see that there was someone in tbe lobby, even when the light of the larger apartment streamed into it but, doubtless, he bad given orders which his manservant could be trusted to obey to the letter, that I was to be admitted as soon as I should arrive. He had 110 doubt about my identity. You are Miss Wrottisley It is vey good of you to come. Please come forward.' I bowed in reply; but doubtless the gesture was lost in the gloom. I could not have spoken an answer I had forgotten Mrs Hedger's very existence, although a green baize door, swinging on an automatic hinge, was all that separated us. I had never been in this man's presence before, and he knew nothing of me, barely even my name. Yet the voice, soft and penetrating, strong' and yet gentle, was the voice which had come to me in my dream that last eventful night at the Moat House. Fate had brought me face to face with an influence, which had cast its shadow before it, with a man who had spoken to me un- oonsciously before he had ever seen me, ever dreamed that I existed. I felt myself trembling; my knees shook under me. The functions of my brain lost their normal power. It was so strange, standing there in the dimness, facing the light, with this man intercepting it, having the figure and face of Hereward the Wake,' as it was pic- tured in the old book at home, and possessing the voice of my dream-warning. I did not stir for a moment or two. It seemed longer to me than to him probably. I was not able to collect my senses sufficiently even to obey his direction. Then partially recovering my self-possession, I stepped past the door held open into the spacious room beyond. You look pale,' he said. I am afraid the journey has tired you this hot day.' 'It—was—hot,' I stammered in reply, hardly knowing what I said. 0 Brook shall bring you a cup of tea.' So saying he touched an electric bell in the wall. There was a gentle knock and the man came in by another door, which was partially concealed by a curtain. If you please, sir, stranger in the gallery came with this young lady. Wanted to come in—but them wasn't your orders.' Brook spoke with laconic sternness, as if he was prepared for the habitual sentence of the Royal Court in 'Alice in Wonderland '—' Off with her head.' L Bring some tea and show the stranger in.' The paiuter adopted the phraseology of his servant; what he expected the sex of the stranger to be did not appear. His face was quite imperturbable. In half-a-minute the curtained door opened again, and Mrs Hedger loomed large in the space thus left vacant. The ascent of the stairs had made her face a trifle redder even than its normal carnation. Her bonnet had been pushed a trifle further than was absolutely becoming off her forehead, in order that she might wipe her ample brow with a handkerchief, during the brief interval of waiting, during which she had sought refuge OIl the ottoman in the gallery. I was thankful once more that Mrs Hedger had not donned the poppies on this occasion. They would have completed the picture. The artist glanced from Mrs Hedger to me, and from me back to Mrs Hedger, while a feeble flicker of a smile just made itself perceptible in his eyes. A tawny moustache concealed his mouth, or probably an indication of his .feelings would have appeared in that expressive feature likewise. Mrs Hedger's toned vulgarity, her partially refined commonness never struck me more than it did at that moment in Coutance's studio. I am ashamed to own that I was ashamed of her. She bad been very kind to me since I cime under her roof. Beneath an exterior which was not artistically attractive, there beat a wari-a hwrt and a plucky spirit. If it bad not been so, Mrs Hedger would not have had to face the ordeal of Coutance's stairs and Brook's austerity that tropical afternoon. I reflected that she had come for my sake out of a diÏndrous-althouzb I felt, as I had done all along, only now in a more accentuated form—mistaken anxiety with regard to my safety. I stepped forward. The feeling was gone I was only anxious to atone for it to my own better nature. This is Mrs Hedger,' I said. My landlady. She did not like the idea of my coming alone the first time'—I laid special stress on the last three words—' so she kindly came with me.' I, too, am obliged to Mrs Hedger for the trouble she has taken. Perhaps I ought to have suggested some such arrangement.' The artist spoke with a grave dignity. Tl,.cn turning more to me I think it is due to a relative—daughter possibly-of this lady that I owe your coming at all in the first instance.' Aii!it, I replieti. Ah!' Here Brook brought in tea, handing it first to me, then to my chaperon, while Coutance placed a seat for her. Mrs Hedger sipped her tea and was mollified. She had been content hitherto to let me bear the brunt of the explanation, not having completely recovered her command of the necessary breath for conversation. She also confessed to me afterwards that she was not a little awed by Coutance's grand manner. So different, my dear, from the harumscarum artist chaps I hive seen.' Mrs Hedger had only traversed a few squares in Bohemia, and was unaware that there were many painters in London, who were not inhabitants of that country. You see, sir,' she remarked to Coutance. this young lady has neither father nor mother, and is quite a stran- ger to London, which is a very wicked place we don't need to go to church to learn that. So. although Polly guaranteed everything, and she's a very shrewd girl is Pohy, going close to the fire, as I may say, without being singed, I thought it best to come and see for my- self.' Coutance was engaged in turning over some loose drawings in a folio he was apparently looking for something, but more probably giving us time to finish our tea. You May safely trust this young lady in my hands during khe time that she kindly gives me sittings, and although tlie distance is considerable to Islington. I do not think there is any danger to be feared on the way, even for a lady travelling alone.' The artist evidently did not intend that I should be chaperoned again. This was made even clearer by his tone than by the words themselves. It is the going home late in the evening that I am afraid of,' answered Mrs Hedger. more apologetically, She was already sorry that she had ever had a suspicion of this grave, kindly gentleman, who looked, as she con- fided to me later in the seclusion of Haggerstone Place, like the whole Bench of Bishops rolled into one. Yes, I had not thought of that when I fixed the hour. In future, if it is agreeable to Miss Wrottisley, we will make our appointments for the morning.' By this time I had finished my tea. The surprise at seeing Coutance and hearing the "familiar accents of his II voice had subsided, and I was myself again. The pale- ness which the artist had remarked upon, at the outset of the interview, had vanished. Mrs Hedger rose to go. 'I shall stay at 5, Con- naught Place, Brixton—my brother's—until this young lady comes for me. Kindly put her into a cab and tell the driver where to take her.' In a few seconds Brook had shown Mrs Hedger out, and the artist and I were alone. [To BE CONTINUED.1
4. FUNERAL OF DR. EDWARD JONES,…
Llandinam J Maethion James, Towyn; Alderman Peter Jones and D C Roberts, Aberystwyth; Thos Jones, Brynmelvn Thos Ellis, Cynlas (father of the iate ilir T E Ellis) Wm Jones, C.C., Aber- dovev R Jones Griffith, Coedcymer Morris Thomas, Corris Evan Jones, J E Roberts, and D O Ellis, Bala; M W Griffith, lu8 Bac, Oswald Davies, solicitor, J Edwards, R Williams, post- master, W D Pueh, John Lloyd, solicitor, Rd Edwards, Dd Parry, Hugh Roberts, E W Evans, Caradog Evans, Wynne Williams, J.P., O D Roberts. R Mills, Edward Williams (Llew Meirion), Griffith Ellis, John Evans, David Hughes, Hngh Williams, Richard Griffith, R J Roberts, David Owen, H Owen, Cadwaladr Lloyd, W Jones, W Hughes, J E Jones, R Richards, D H Jones, W Evans, E P Williams, Henry Miles, H Morris, E R Jones, Evan Jones, Joseph Roberts, John Williams, Dolgellev J M Edwards, Barmouth County School; A Clendon, Dolgelley County School; Evan Evans, Laurels, Aberystwyth; W J Morris, Hugh Evans, John Evans, John Adams, H Wynne Williams, E R Jones, Eliis Wilkin, R Jones, N. & S. W. Bank, R Richards, M Williams. Barmouth; Andreas Roberts, Festiniog; \V Rowlands, T Jones, and E J Evans, Towyn R Williams, Argoed J Edwards, Coed- cymer; J Roberts, Hetiblas; John Roberts, Bryn- eastell T Griffith, Foulkes Jones, and Ellis Williams, Liwyugwril T Jarrett. Llandrillo R Jones, clerk of the peace, Portmadoc; J R Evans, Aberllefenni; Evans, Bontddu; Owen Jones, Bontddu Wrn Owen, Carm^I; John Williams and Howell Pugh, IJnnfachreth John Jones, Islawrdref; T Lloyd Pritchard, Peurhyndendraeth J Timothy, Pont Einon Jonn Williams, Liwyugwril; Cad- waladr Roberts, Ynvsfaig 0 Edwards, Bont- ddn; J Pughe Jones. Tyiiyffridd G Price, Llan- fachreth John Williams. Dyffryn Foulkes Jones, Corwen E H Daniel, Towyn; John Parry, Bala; J R Pritchard, J.P., Pcrtmadoc; Evan Jones, Arthog John Owen, Tynvgader R Williams, Bronfair John Lewis, Pantyronen David Evans, Dinas Mawddwy; J Ivor Jones, Arthog; Lloyd John, Corwen T R Jones, Pentremawr; Edward Williams, Chester; Wm Evans, Capel Bethel John Edwards, Tyc'.dvnmawr; Hugh Roberts, David Humphreys, \V R Lewis, and John Roberts, Aber- gvnolwyn; W VVilliams, Maesyffynon; D Evans, Nantgwyddel; Owen Jones, GJyn; Evan Edwards, Bethania; Wm Williams, surveyor, Dolgelley; W Roberts, Bonrddu; J W Roberts, Bala; W Pugh, Llanelltyd Ellis Evans, Arthog D W Davies and Ellis Owen, Carnarvon J H Trevor Owen, M.A., Carnarvon — lLwk-, Dolgelley; C Roberts I and M Morgan, Bontddu E Edmunds, Aberyst- wvth. Letters of cnndn],1ce received by the family were read by Mr E W Evans, aud addresses were de- livered. Tlie hymu, 11 Lead kindly light" (one of the favourite hymns of the deceased) wa-s next impres- sively rendered. Prof. M W Griffith then played on the organ, tile Dead Nlii-cii it, S(iiii, after which th Rev Samuel Owen pronounced the Benediction. The procession was again formed and proceeded to the Cemetery, where the Rev R R Morris con- dd^ted the service. In the eveniug a memorial sermon was delivered in the English Chapel by the Rev John Owen Mold.