The Abergavenny Mail

:1m'y. .t;>tiY.i£.æ"l-mWI6 1 1!F- ,&_r.; '!B£'" '1! 7'¡¡fl" -.jgJ?t 11 ?? I" H "h.  ? ? THE SECRET OF THE SANDS I x. x-ffix ? _— m m M ? By FRED M. WHITE, gg If Author of Tregarthen's Wife," The yVeipht of the Crown," The Edge of the S^vurd," "The Cardinal Moth," A Fatal Dose," &e. sr t ;?-Œmm_m. PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS: I ZIR HORACE AMORY, of Oversands, a highly- esteemed county magnate. VERA, his daughter, DICK AMORY, Sir Horace's scapegoat son, who is on the Stock Exchange. LADY MARIA AMORY, a widow, devoted to Dick. -JOSEPH BASTABLE, a speculator in land, formerly Sir Horace's steward. RONALD BASTABLE, his son, a barrister in London. CHAPTER XIII. I Loud, blustering, and self-important as he was, Bastable could hardly be reckoned as a bully in his own household. He had a poor opinion of women as a whole, and seldom I deigned to consult his wife about anything. But in his secret heart he was proud she was a lady, and, where social observances were -concerned, he was afraid of her. Like most of his class, he was a snob—though he would have resented it had anybody told him so. But for once Joseph Ba,stable v as inclined to show the stuff he was made of. For the last two days he had been moody and irri- table. There was a furtive look about him that puzzled and rather annoyed Ronald. Had it been anybody but his father, he would have said that this was a person who had -done something wrong. The matter culminated at breakfast. The blood flamed into Ronald's face at some re- mark of Bastable's in reply to a question from his wife. Will you recollect that you are speaking to my mother, sir? he said. Bastable's coarse red face flushed. He would have given a thousand pounds of his beloved money to possess that quiet, incisive manner of speaking. He was proud in a way to feel that his son had it. The manner came of breeding, the mixing with people of posi- tion. Bastable understood these things, but he knew that they were not for him. I won't be dictated to by you," he said. "Ashamed of me, I suppose?" At certain moments, almost." Ronald ,said, gently. Just now. for instance." Ba.stable subsided into sullen silence. He ate his breakfast as if he bore it a personal grudge. He tendered a sort of apology to Ronald later. I've had a great disappointment," he muttered. Walk as far as the office with me. If you've nothing better to do, I shall be glad if you will give me a hand with my private correspondence this morning. Can you manage it? 0 "Jve to do all day." Ronald replied. • ?ome along, then. I'm disappointed, my boy. You know how I had set my heart upon & first-cla.ss golf lmk8 for Shoremouth. I am told that a thousand pounds would make ?t of the finest links in the Kingdom. Six thousand pounds for a. club-house with all the taodern luxuries would pay. My idea was to run it m yself. I'd get some golfing sv.-ell and make him secretary. The land as it stands is worth practically nothing. I expected to get it from Amory for a few hundreds. In the course of time I would sell the fringe of those downs at fancy prices for golfers' houses. People would come here from all part.s of the world. But when I approached Aniory, hang me if h" d sell me a yard Perhaps he bad other views," Ronald sug- gested. Not he. It's pure stubbornness. He nuide a personal matter of it. I wanted the lower part of the ground, because it is nearer to the toa-n. But, if necessary, I'm going to build a bridge over the river a few hundred yards above the Red House, so that from the links the town will not be more than a mile. Then I shall use my own land on the far side of the river, and be independent of our stiff- backed friend. I had him in a cleft stick a. or two ago. I was in a position to make him sue for terms, but he got to hear about it, confound hi-m I" Do you meaiy in the matter of the Ken- nedy business?" Ronald asked. That's it. But he got to know, or per- haps he anticipated matters. If he didn't, then somebody in my employ betrayed me. I've my suspicions." Ronald flushed uncomfortably. If his father had his suspicions, then somebody would suffer before long. It might be an inno- cent person who had a wife and family de- pendent upon him. "Your suspicions are wrong," Ronald said. "I told Sir Horace myself." Bastable pulled up short in his stride. You-you infernal—I ftiean you idiot:" ho blazed out. "That you should (lare, "You are attracting attention," Ronald said. quietly. People are staring at you. My dear father, it has been your fancy to make me what you call a gentleman. I am grateful to you for that. But then you have afforded me a training that places us as far apart as the poles. No doubt, from your point of view, it is quite legitimate to take advantage of Sir Horace. You regard it as business. But tlrose who taught me my code would regard it as a dishonourable trans- action. I think they are right. I felt ashamed of you when you told me what you were going to do. Therefore, T took the first opportunity of warning Sir Horace. I am glad to know that I have been of assistance to him. Bastable contested the point no further. He was always conscious of a sense of meanness end inferiority when Ronald spoke to him like that. In an odd way he felt that Ronald was right. The boy might be a fool. he might have a poor head for business, but he knew the ways of the world, and more than once the older man had benefited by that knowledge. Conscious, perhaps, that he had gone too far, Ronald sat down with the intention of <loing a good morning's work. He often helped his father in this way. There was a mass of correspondence to deal. with, and Ronald slogged steadily at it. He was think- ing of nothing but the work in hand when he etumbled upon a letter that staggered him. He read it twice If "481, Lincoln's Inn Yard. London. C4 Dear Sir,—We have carefully considered yours of the 13th instant, and regret that we cannot see our way to regard your views as correct. "According to the correspondence before 'us. both from yourself and Mr. Arthur Bowen, it is clear that our late client was misled as to the nature of the securities. We are unfortunately unable to consult Mr. Richard Amory, who at present is on the Continent and 'likely to be away from London for some time. After careful consideration and investiga- tion we are forced to the conclusion that our late client has been the victim of what looks remarkably like systematic fraud either on the part of *Mr. Bowen or Mr. Amory. We are not prepared in the present state of affairs to say who really is the guilty party, but unless we have some satisfactory assurance from you in the course of the next, week we shall place the matter in the hands -of the proper authorities. We are not disposed to admit that Mr. Bowen has been the victim of a gang of des- peradoes on the contrary, we are inclined to think that a close examination of affairs will disclose something highly ingenious in the way of a fraud. Mr. Bowen was kidnapped from hisloffice on a certain date; he. vanished early in the afternoon, and this being so. it is odd that we should have received a letter from him the next day posted in London on the day of the alleged outrage. It may be argued that the letter was posfed before the raid on his office, but this is disproved by the -envelope which contained the letter, which envelope we enclose herewith. You will see that it bears the 9.40 p.m. postmark, and that it was posted in the West Central district. Kindly return it at your convenience. In view of this significant fact, we shall he glad to have a call from you as soon as "Sponsible.—Yours faithfully, HEBEPATH AND BUTLER." I f I lie, firm w. familiar to C: It. w.i.s that of one of the most i;> mineiit- coiuoaiiies of solicitors in the Ciiy of London. Tho letter was vague i:t its way. vet there v,a- a eoid suggestivenees about it L'¡t Ronald did not like. He read it again aid again; he could think of nothing else for the time. it was incomprehensible, though the hint of a threat was plain. In some way his father had been mixed up in route transaction that this respectable firm of solicitors re- gard ad with disapproval—or worse The tangle was growing still more intricate. The more Ronald tumbled with the ravelled words the mor-* complicated the knots be- came. One point, however, was perfectly clear, no fatal result had followed the spirit- ing away of Arthur Bowen. Without doubt he had posted that letter hours after at- tack upon him in his office. Somebody might have found the letter and dropped it into the box, but that "-its unlikely. The postmark was plain. Whoever posted the letter had forgotten this, or had reckoned upon its being unnoticed. It was seldom that a postmark stood out so legibly as the one on the envelope Ronald was holding in his hand. How did his father come to have dealings with these people? What had he done to cause Herepath and Butler to write to him in this offensive manner? He had admitted that he had followed the "Safe Mystery with in- terest, but had said nothing to suggest that he was himself associated with any of the leading characters in the drama. Ronald was still pondering over the puzzle when his father returned. He was in high spirits he had got the better of somebody, and expanded accordingly. There was a spreading smile on his face as lie took the letter from Ronald's hand. "I am afraid I am not competent to deal with fhis, the latter said. The smile faded from Bastable's face as he read. He grew flabby, and Ronald saw his hand was shaking strangely. I'll attend to this myself," he said. It's —it's a private matter, and I am sorry you opened it. I daresay you wonder-" It would be strange if I didn't," Ronald safd. You never told me you were in any way mixed I-IL)-- Wilitt do i-olt mean by mixed up?" Bas- table demanded. Anybody would think that I was one of a gang who set about Bowen. I couldn't ay anything for the simple reason that my lips were sealed. Bowen has done n good deal of business for me in conn.eti(m with investments which 1 desire the -hnïyer." 1 here should know nothing about. lhe boasted secrecv of a lawyer's office is all bosh. I -va; I fool enough to guarantee an account for I Bowen, and it looks as if he had been robbing .his clients." CHAFER X i V, t "These people are acting for trustees?" Ronald asked. Tli at' it. mv bov. Some client of Mr. Bowen's is dead. and the trustees have em- ployed another firm of solicitors. So far that is pretty plain. Bowen has been using my name to a greater extent than Iw was entitled to. I'll run up to town to-inorrow and put these people in their proper place. Still, it's deuced odd about Bowen." Yerv." lion a Id said, drily. "I see that Dick Amory is mixed up in the business too. Were you aware of that? ,tt l teii iinl)atl- Bastable displaved Úgn" of sullen impati- ence. l'in ijol "in thewitness-box," lie mut- tered.ould think you were cross-examining me. As I know a good deal about Bowen. it is only natural 1 should be aware that young Dick Amory acted as his broker. There is no mystery about it so far as I am concerned, my boy. I'll see tnese people to-morrow. When I come back I may have something to tell you." Ronald left the office later in a thoUghtLul frame of mind. Dick Aniory's danger was closer than the hitter imagined. It \v«-> clear that the suspicions of Herepath and Butler were around. Failing Boweil. they would call on Aniory to produce Ins boons u^ uvi-Uv he showed his race. It would be necessary (o see Dick without delay. Ba.-?,ttvbfc was p:?.ng up ?" down his office moodily, lie ..as alone, ?d the m?k was dropped. TJw letter had mad a deep impression upon him. Af.hrhe?h.d pondered the matter, he rang his bell savagely. •• Has John Turk been here to-day lie ^Yes, s i r. the 'clerk r,-I)Iie(l. ha? Ye. "it' t!lt" clerk Tfplied. He. ha;¡ been waiting a long time to sec J™- ile, Bastable waved his hand ?np-nently Ihe door of the oHic. opened, and a little old man entered with a furtive air. He was dressed 111 seedy, shinv black clothes, his boots were down at heel, and his sodden white face and red nose told their own story. With it tll, however, be had the vague appearance of hav- iug started life under happier auspices. Weil, Johll," Bastable said, with a. cer, tain rude good humour, "have yon come to take up ihat little c liche of yours. .»sir," Turk said, meekly. under- stand that you Tile.I e,)t!ld I)Ilt "Well perhaps 1 do. Perhaps I could put Something ill your v,av. We will postpone that trifling matter for the present. Must people would have prosecuted you over that affair. And to try it on with me ot f al- people Tur'l- I'm afraid I had (triiikitig, ur( eaid, humbly. Dritiliiig Of course you had. What eh:1 have vou done the last score of years? Witli vour brains, vou should have made a fortune bv this time. But, even as it is, you are to oc trusted to a. certain extent. John. Never even in vour most expansive moment have you been known to betray a secret. Have you got that paper for me?" Turk glanced cautiously around him. It was as if he suspected the furniture of having ears. He crept across to the door and satis- fied himself that it was fast. Then he drew a. long slip of blue paper from his pocket and handed it to Bastable. The latter regarded it long and carefully through his glasses. He only wore these on special occasions, but lie seemed to need them now. He nodded a surly approval. ■■ Verv good, John," he said; "very good indeed. Here are the five pounds I promised vou. Now go away, and try to save this monev for once." Turk went his wav unsteadily, and Bast- able locked the slip of paper in his private safe. Then he forced himself rigidly back to his business routine and wrote till lunch- time. He partook of his frugal meal at the club, after which he went m far as the oiffoes of Amory and Sons, a.nd asked for a few mo- ments with Sir Horace. ♦ The latter was disengaged, and would see Mr. Bastable at once. Sir Horace smiled blandly as his enemy swaggered into his pri- vate ofifce. As to the little matter we discussed the other day," Bastable suggested. The matter we discussed?" Sir Horace Mked, vaguelv. Oh, you mean the Kennedy mked, I h?d forgotten that in the procure of other business. I understand that the accept- ance was in the hand's of your London agents? It's in my pocket at the present moment," Bastable said, bluntly. Really, now That is interesting, Mr. Bastable. Let me see—didn't I say I should be glaki to take it up as soon as possible ? Twenty thousand one hundred and fifteen pounds, nine Rhillings and four pence, I fancy. Will you be so good as to touch the bell for me? Thank you." J Si* HorMc a. few wnrfls • Sheet ot not-epaper anti nanciea it to the cierK who came in responds to the summons. The subordinate came back a few minutes later with a pile of rustling banknotes and a hand- ful of gold and silver. I fancy you will find that correct," Sir Horace said. I should like you to count it, so as to make quite sure. Then I will trouble toll for the bill." Bastable lfuttered over the notes gravely. He did not know whether to be glad or sorry. He-had half expected an appeal for time to pay. Still, if he were deprived of this re- venge, he had another consolation. He was pertain the money belonged to Sir Hora-ce' clients. When the crash came, it would be a resounding one. On the whole, he could afford to wait. All the samo he pnru-'l with the bill with great reluctal1,¿. n'! li;El it grudgingly in his hand. "You can't eat your cake and have it," Sir Horace smiled. "Thank you." I'll throw it on the fire," Bastable said, Urith some show of good nature. Indeed you will do nothing of the kind, my dear sir," Sir Horace replied. In its way that paper is an asset. For all you know to the contrary, I may have borrowed the money to meet it, and my creditors may insist upon seeing the acceptance as a receipt. What a suggestion to come from a man of business like yourself Sir Horace spoke in tones of mild reproach, but the words brought the blood flaming into Bastable's face and anger into his eyes. He read some subtle meaning in the speech. With unsteady hand he grabbed up the notes a,nd gold avid tossed the bill on the table, and then, with a surly nod, strode out of the office. Sir Horace watched him with a calm, cyni- cal smile on his lips. The smile was still there as In sat with the slip of blue paper in li.s fingers. He had the air of a man who had i r of a man w h o I-t-tkl gained seme coveted treasure at a small out- lay. The document was cancelled and done with; it could have been destroyed in the ordinary course of events, but Sir Horace put it away in the corner of his safe. A la bonne heure," he murmured. This has been a great day for me." A clerk was standing by his elbow with a visiting-card in his hand. The gentleman wants to see you, Sir Horace," he said. "Shall I ask him in?" Sir Horace nodded vaguely. The card bore the name of the Due de Villier. There was no address on the card, nothing to denote the nationality of the caller. lie came in pre- sently, a tall man of some fifty years of age, with grizzled hair and tanned features. He had the right air about him, as Sir Horace recognised at a glance. You will pardon my intruding upon vou in business hours," the stranger said. "I am staying with my friends at Sands Castle, and I niotorl-cl over to-day. You are perhaps not aware that I am a sort of connection of vours by marriage." .Really, Duke, Sir Horace smiled. In what way, may 1 ask? Well, you see, Lady Amory. your uncles widow, is my cousin, for some years we have lost sight of one another entirely. As I hap- pened to be in the neighbourhood, I thought I would look her up." l'Ifased to meet you, I am sure," Sir Horace said. It is rather a singular thing, but I have always been in the dark as to the antecedents of Lady Amory. She—well, she is a little peculiar and sensitive, you under- stand." ie Duke calmlv. 44 Quite Mad," the Duke said. calmly. Quite mad. poor thing. She married your uncle against the wishes of the family. There was a good deal of ooolnjs.s on both sides, .and poor Maria was ultimately forgotten. She and her I husband lived abroad, did tliev not ?, "• Almost entirely, till my uncle (Jitd. I saw my aunt for the first time' after his death. She was left to nie as a legacy, so to speak. It was sufficient for me that she was a lady. you understand. We asked no questions; indeed, it would have been useless to do so." Quite so," the Duke murmured, sympa- theiicallv. "1 will toll you the whole sad story at a more fitting opportunity. You may blame me for not giving that poor creature's claim on us common consideration, especially as Maria and myself were such friends at one time. She was really fond of me, and if I could ee her- My dear Duke, of course you shall," Sir Horace -sa:d, hospitably. You are staying here some time? My movements are uncertain," De Villier replied. "I have the Castle practically to myself for the next day or two. and-" Then come and dine with us this even- ing," Sir Horace suggested. By motor, this can hardly be more than half an hour from the Castle. If you would not mind put- [ ting ceremony on one side, my daughter and I would be glad to see you." •"That is exceedingly kind of yon," the Duke said. "It is all t he more kind because I deserve no consideration at your hands. I will come with ph-i.sure. If I may venture to ask another favour, I should like to meet my poor relation alone—I mean. I shall be grate- ful if yon CMI anange for her to be in the dr;twitig-r<K>m when I am announced and be- fore your daughter is present. I am sure you will appreciate this suggesiion of mine, Sir Horace. It. may sound sentimental." "Xotut all," Amory replied. "Itrcficcis great credit on you. I am sure that my daughter will fall in with the idea. We dine a L, With a smile and a handshake, the DP! E departed. It wanted a few minutes to eight ,N-jit-n his car pulled up before the portico at Oversands. At first sight it looked as if the dn.v,inv.wom were untenanted, but a ?lim figure NVI)i,' ?. WU'l gems, came from one of the big windows as D V¡!ikr fl,k)tn tile i)e Ladv Aniory regarded him with her calm, vague si rutiny for a moment, then her face flamed red, and fro;n red changed to white again. She pressed her hand lo her side and staggered backward*. The Duke managed to catch her. •• I got your message, Maria. he said. I eimir as soon as possible. Courage, my dear, courage So they have followed you to England? Ladv Amory elnng to her eomoanion. /the vague look had left her eyef<, which were clear and natural. You have come at last," she whispered. Thank lleav„n, you have corns lit last

I BARON NORDENSKJOLD SAFE. News has been received in Berlin that the Swedish explorer Baron Erl,-ii(i jold, who was reported to have been killed by Indians in Bolivia (South America), escaped when the Indians killed his companion, John Berg. FIRE AT A KrXG'S PALACE. Excitement was caused in Copenhagen on Monday by an outbreak of fire on a roof above King Christian's apartment in the Christiansborg Castle (which is now nearly rebuilt after having been burnt down in 1834), but the flames were soon put out. I MISSING ENGLISH BOY FOUND. The eleven-year-old boy Douglas McCabc, the Birmingham boy at school at Argenteuil who was abducted from his home there by his tutor, M. Poelasi, has been found in an hotel at Amiens, having arrived in the town on Saturday evening. The tutor spent the night in the hotel, and on the following morn- ing disappeared. I FATAL FIGHT IN AN ENGLISH SHIP. An English sailor in the steamer BT-bara, named Ernest Pelham has been brought to prison in Naples on the charge of having killed a companion named John Fallman, of the same vessel, at Castellamere. Pelham de- clares that he acted in legitimate self-defence. I DAIRYMAIDS "DOWN PAILS." It was stated at Sleaford, May hiring fair that of girlte engaged for farmhouse work not one in fifty would undertake the dutv of min-, ing. Many stipulated for a weekly half- holidav ■■ ■■■ ♦

burglars tried to enter JBaiaeii JSrlegh, Mr. S. B. Joel's country house near Reading early on Saturday morning, but were dis- turbed by a watchman while they were fore- ing the lock of the palm-house, and escaped. Work was offered by a Church Army evan- gelist to 108 men whom he found sleeping in the London parks, but only twenty-two ap- peared at the labour depot, five of whom were too old for hard work. The London County Council has prepared a scheme for the treatment of non-insured consumptives. It is proposed to rent 400 beds for adults and 150 for children at hospitals and sanatoria at a cost of El 10s. a week fom em adult and 41 for caula )

NEWS IN BRIEF. PARLIAMENT ADJOURNS. In the of Lords, on Monday, the Coal Mines (Northumberland) Bill was con- sidered on the motion for second reading, and the Movable Dwellings Bill was read a third time. The Home Rule Bill was read a first time, and the House adjourned until June 15th. HOME RULE BILL THIRD READING. I In the Commons, where there was a crowded House, the, t.iird reading of the Home Rule Bill was carried on a division by a majority of 77. The House adjourned until June 9th. MR. REDMOND ON THE OUTLOOK. I Mr. Redmond has issued a statement ex- pressing his confidence in the automatic appearance of the Home Rule Bill on the Statute-Book, and appealing to Unionists for a conciliatory discussion of points on which they require further safeguards. I A SEAT FOR MR. MASTERMAN. I A House of Commons postman in full uni- form appeared at the entrance to the Lobby- on Monday bearing a bag of letters -ovar his shoulder, and in one hand carrying a full- si/ed rush-woven chair-bottom, addressed to Sir. Masterman, and bearing on the label the words: A for you from High Wycombe DEATH OF LORD ARBUTHNOTT. I The death occurrel on Sunday at Montrose of Lord Ai-])t!tii )tt, in his seventieth year. Dsn id Arbut'r o! who succeeded his brother John as the cle-.cnth Viscount in 1895, was born on January 29th, 1845, being the second son of John Arbiuhnott, the ninth Viscount. I NEW BISHOP SUFFRAGAN. f Bishop Quirk has been appointed Bishop I Suffragan of Jarrow. A WINDSOR BRIDGE TO BE REBUILT. I Albert Bridge, Windsor, is to be rebuilt. It will have two spans, instead of a single I span as in the present fctructure. CART OF HAY ON FIRE. I A cartload of hay took fire on Monday in I Duncan-Street, Islington, and two fire engines I played successfully upon it. AYIRELESS AT HOME. Marconi wireless telegraphy installed is one of the inducements offered to would-be purchasers of a big Sussex estate now in the market. VISCOUNTESS'S MATRIMONIAL SUIT. I Dorothy Viscountess de la Chappelle, now residing at Folkestone, was on Monday granted a decree of restitution of conjugal rights. RECORD PRICE FOR ASPARAGUS. I Probably the highest price ever paid for a single bundle of asparagus was realised at Evesham's annual asparagus show on Mon- day. A bundle weighing 191b. 4oz., with 120 heads, was sold for £15. SUICIDE AFTER EXAM. FAILURE. Having failed in an examination, William I Ernest Bradley, twenty, a clerk at the Admir- I alty, committed suicide by drowning. KILLED BY SWALLOWING MONEY. I Two Militia Lieutenants died at Cintra, Portugal, from the effects of swallowing their monthly pay. Their object was to lend colour to their story that the paymaster had over- looked them. BOY SCOUTS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. Three Boy Scouts have been struck by light- ning while sheltering under a tree at Lim.is- field, Surrey, during a severe thunderstorm. One of them was rendered unconscious, and is in a serious tate. The others recovered under medical treatment. PLAYING BOWLS AT NINETY. Mr. B. Arnold, who celebrated his ninetieth birthday on Monday, was one of a team of veterans that met anil defeated a younger team at the Alum Chine Bowling Club, Bournemouth, by 22 to 17. /DEATH OF SIR FRANCIS BELSEY. Sir Francis F. Belsey, J.P., chairman of the council of the Sunday-school Union and also of the union's secretarial board, died sud- tlellly on Monday at the age of seventy-six. THE TITAXIC DISASTER. A decision given by the United States Supreme Court makes claims for losses arising out of the sinking of the Titanic practically irrecoverable in the United States. DEATH OF M. FRANCIS KOSSUTH. Francis Kossuth, the Hungarian political leader, died on Monday at Buda-Pesth. MORGAN ART COLLECTION. Reports are again current in the New Yurk Press that the greater part of the Morgan art collection is to be sold. 43 YEARS IN THE POST. A letter posted at Viterbo on November 23rd, 1870, was delivered in Rome a few 'i? ago, after being forty-three years in the post. I VEILED PRISONERS. Prisoners being taken to the court for trial at Brussels are henceforth to I f? their feai"res veiled so as to spare tHcir feelings. LOST DOG CAUSES A PANIC. Reports of the escape of a bear creat.ed a wild panic in the town of Agen, France, and a company of mounted gendarmes started in pursuit. The bear proved to be a stray dog. FIVE YEARS' THIRST STRIKE. 1 have not tasted a drop of drink for five years, to showr my dislike for the Budget," said a man at Thames Police-court, when the p stated that he had been drinking. MARRIED ON 10s. A WEEK. A debtor at Middlesbrough Bankruptcy Court said his position was the natural result of iI'¡ early marriage contracted before he was out of his apprenticeship, and when he was only earning 10s. a week. SUFFRAGETTE WTAR TROPHY. For £25 Mrs. Dacre Fox's licence under the "Cat and Mouse" Act was sold at Monday's meeting of the W.S.P.U. at Knightsbridge Hall. BRITISH STEAMER STRIKES ICEBERG. I The British steamer Royal Edward is re- ported, says a Lloyd's message, to have struck an iceberg 110 miles cast of Cape Race during a dense fog. WIFE'S 2,OOOFT. DROP. I A novel parachute experiment has been made at Nevers (France) by Mme. Pelletier, who safely dropped 2,000ft. from an aero- plane driven by her husband. MOTORING DOCTOR'S PLEA. Although he pleaded that he was hurrying to an operation, Dr. A. C. Gavin, of Berkelev-square, was fined f-2 and costs at Enfield for driving a motor-car at forty miles an hour. I SEVEN CHILDREN BURNT TO DEATH. Seven children in a house at Porochovyje, near St. Petersburg, were burnt to death in a fire, and the parents were severely injured. Eleven workmen who jumped from an adjoin- ing house were also hurt. I CUNARDER DELAYED BY ICE. Thi Cunard liner Andania, which was ex- pected at Plymouth on Sunday from Mon- treal and Quebec, did not arrive until Mon- day afternoon. She had been delayed by en- countering huge quantities of ice. After pass- ing Cape Race the icefield was found to be so extensive that the engines had to be stopped for nearly sixteen hours. BITTEN FINGER RESULTS IN DEATH. I During treatment in the Royal Bethlem I Hospital, Mrs. Eveline Clirke, fifty-one, wife of a bank manager, bit her finger, and the ,Wound becoming wptiq she died from fcloodr (K>isooing.

TO TRADESMEN. How to increase Sales. Every tradesman knows the value of a well-dressed window, and many have also realised that they can DOUBLE the VALUE of its selling powers by an an- nouncement in the local paper' calling attention to the goods on ehow, simply because the window display is only seen by passers-by, whilst the advertisement will be brought directly before the notice of every customer in the district. Estimates and every assistance will be given on appliction to The Ledbury Reporter Office. No Preliminary Fees. Money Lent Privately In Large or Small Sums (nwt less than 21,0) ON BORROWERS'OWN PROMISSORY NOTE ESTABLISHED OVER FORTY YEARS. and now lending Upwards of A80,000 annually. For Prospectus and Terms apply or write to— GEORGE PAYNE a SONS, T, KING STREET, HEREFORD, ESTABLISHED 1870. A FREE OFFER. A Free Sample of XL Perfect Toilet Towel and a Sample of XL Golden Pillets far and away superior to STEEL AND PENNY ROYAL, BITTER APPLE, etc., will be forwarded TO ALL LADIES on receipt of address. The Pillets are coated with GOLD and pre- pared with drugs more precious than gold and they correct all irregularities, fre. quently in a few hours. Write to-day, for a sample alone has often afforded relief. THE MANAGERESS, (Desk 31) Parisian XL Drug Stores, 107, Western Road, MOVE, Sussex. Established over 20 years. 25,000 Testimonials. I FOR MORE THAN TWENTY-SEVEN YEARS THOUSANDS OF LADIES HAVE I DERIVED GREAT BENEFIT FROM Dr. Davis's I FAMOUS FEMALE PILLS. Have been universally admitted to be A BOON TO WOMANKIND. They are the best known Remedy for Anas- mic Giddiness, Fullness and Swelling after Meals, Loss of Appetite, Hysteria, Palpitation of the Heart, Debility, Depression, Weakness, Irregularities, and all Female Ailments. Boxes, Is. lid, 2s 9d, 4s 6d, and lis. May be had from Chemists and Patent Medi. I cine Vendors everywhere; or from the Pro- prietors (under cover) post free. DR. DAVIS'S Little Book for MARRIED WOMEN, most invaluable, sent free on receipt of a stamped addressed envelope. Only Address:— 3L 30099, PPoorrttoobello Road Notting Hill, LONDON. SESSIONS AND SONS LIMITED, TIMBER AND SLATE MERCHANTS, GLOUCESTER AND CARDIFF DEPOTS AND FACTORIES FOR TIMBER, JOINERY, MOULDINGS SLATES, TILES, LATHS. BRICK GOODS AND PIPES. WHITE'S CEMENT AND WHITING GRATES, RANGES, STOVES OHIMNEY-PIECES, FENDERS, fIEAATHS BATHS, SANITARY WARE. STONE, MARBLE, SLATE, ANI. EVERY RE UISITE FOR BUILDINO

REPORTER "RAILWAY GUIDE. I Hereford and Ledbury to Worcester, Birmingham. and London Sundays. M% m ? ma m ? m ? mjp m p m pm" m p m p m p mo m p OJ P m p mjp m'a m p m Hereford dep 7 308 44 9 35 1130 1250 1257 2 20 3 10 ? 4 20 5 8 6 20 8 10 8 51'9 45 I Withington 7 39 9 45 1 7 322 5 19 8 20 .9 55 Stoke Edith 7 46 9 52 1 14 3 30 5 26 8 28 10 4 Ashperton .7 53 9 59 1 21 3 37 5 33 8 36 Lcdbnry .8 1 10 8 1132 1 30 a 34?20443542641745 8 47 1018 V" Ledbnry 8 139 10 1021 114712 2 b 1 412 55 3 5S 1 33 w 5 546 507 57 8 59 1028 2 ,2 Malvern Wells 8 21 1031 1152. 1 46 14 4 4 37 5 59 d 8 2 9 5 1034? M?vern, Great 8 23 9 18 1037 115 12 9 1 301 513 64 104 425 06 56 588 10 9 1. 9 2810385 30 Malvern Link 8 32 1043 1215 1 56 4 14 4 46 6 9 J8 15 9 18 10422 2" BmnafordRead 1050 4 2-2 l?8 24 1049'* 4, Henwick 1057 4 28 6 24, ?831 9 28 1056 2 8 419 28 11 4 1225 2 63 164 304 585 106 26  7 '8 31 9 28 110565 ,5 41 Worcester F.S. 8 419 28 11 4 1225 2 63 164 304 585 106 26,7 98 33 9 339 39 10592 .L Worcester F. S. 8 47 9 52 1110 .1 ..3.5 li72 133 354 365 55356358 0840 9 38 III 65 5 Birmingham 10 51027 1 35 4 25 6 15 8 20 105010504 17 Birmingham 104411101 22 2 3 4 23 4 47  6 47,8 13'8 55. 11581158412""? Wolverh'mpton  5 30 6  9 24 1053 1225 3 12 5 30 6 8 7 20 1058* £ 28 7 18 1 9 10 8 8 Evesham .9 591245 I 40 4 20 7 18 9 10 "? Oxford .11391 32 2 25 5 0 8 8100 "? Reading ;'1110?-2 1012 55 4 155 52; ii; 58?050 ?.. ?  London a Calls To-day at 2-45. b Calls if required to pick up for London. c Calls at Colwall to set down from Hereford and beyond on notice to guard at Hereford, d Sets down from North of Shrews- bury and from Cardiff, Bristol, and beyond, on notice to guard at Hereford, w Calls at Colwall to set down passengers from Hereford and beyond and to pick np for Birmingham, Wolverhampton or Oxford. Wednesditys and Saturdays 1155 London, Birmingham, and Worcester to Ledbury and Hereford. Sundays. a m a m a m a ma m a m a ma m a mp mp tnp m p mp m p m p m p mp mp m.a m p m a m London dep 5 30 6 45 9 501020 1 40 1 45 1 50 4 45 7 3 ol 1020 Reading 6 18. 10431111 2 303 5 7 35 11 9 — Oxford  O 8 21 35 11251152 3 83 46. 8 55 12 0 Evesham 7 50 9 47 11221231 1 38 1 17 7 25 101 9 23 1 33 Wolverh'mpton 7 0 9 10.. 10 31120 12 1 30 3 354 8 5 "3'516 38 8 01045 3 55 Birmingham 8 0 9 38 10151135 1145 lalO 3 554 25 6 517 5 9 2511150 3 37 Worcester S.H.7 159 15 9 50 1030 1039 1228 1 5 2 22 3 304 04 154 50 6 356 55 7 488 loll 2? 2 356 30 Worcester F'S'II7 20 9 20 9 531053 1124 1243 1 9 2 24 3 32 4 17 5 2 6 377 77173 88 1811271 02 386 33 Worcester F.S. 7 209 209 531053 1124 124311 9 2 24 3 32 4 175 26 377 77 1 8 88 1811271 02 386 33 Henwick .j7 239 239 2 293 37 4 22 6 42. '"1' 8 21113 6l-' 2 43 Bransford Road17 299 30 3 43 1 28 6 48 8 271136 2 48 Malvern Link 17399401011115. 1211242353. 4 37 656722?29 8351146117257648 Malvern, Greatl7 479 4510171111 114012591 272 483 594 224 425 207 47 327 368 228 44 11521 233 16 55 Malvern WeUs7 519 4910211115 1 312 524 4 4 461 7 10 7 421 8 481157 3 57 0 Colwall .17 589 5710281122 1 372 594 9 4 525 297 15 7 49; 8 5412 6 3 117 6 Ledbury .8 1210 710391134 1 49 3 9 4 22 5 2539 7 40 g 0! 9 312151 393 207 17 Ashperton .8 20 1046 1 56!3 16 5 10 8 9 £ JŠ 5 16 ? I m 3 Stoke Edith .18 28 1052 2 2¡3 22 5 161. 8 161. S? 730 Withington .8 36 1058 21133? 5 21 8 25 ?rJ1 7 37 Hereford arr,8 45 ?1110,1153, 1220 1 33 2 223 42 4 "5'5 5 305 58 8 3,8 358 54 ??20 7 50 •sir A train leaves Wolverhampton at 7-15 a.m., Birmingham 8-5, Worcester F.S. 9-4, Malvern 9-18, and arrives at Hereford 9-50. a Saturdays depart 1-23 p.m. b Reading West Station depart 5-5 p.m. c Stops if required at Colwall to set down from Birmingham (Snow H). See penny hook for additional Colwall traino Ledbury and Paddington (via Worcester). a ma m[a ma mp m!p mp mjp m I 180 m¡a mla 30?4p 43 ?5 m!' m Paddington 1110 2 554 15,5 5018 58 1050 Sundays—LedbHry 5-5 pm, Paddington 9-42 pm la m a mla m,p m|p m p mjp m p m Paddingtot,15 30 ?., 50102011 401 4M5 I P .M?4 P 4m5ip m Ledbmy 11341 49i3 9;5 215 39 7 40 Thursdays and Saturdays only Paddington (dep) 7-30 pm, Ledbury (arr) 12-10 pm Sundays-Paddington 10-20 am, Ledbury 3-20 pm Ledbury and Paddington (via Gloucester). a m ) a m pmjpm pm Ledbury 8 20 ) 1012 | 1 58 J 4 p 27 I 9 7 Paddington I 1218 2 35 6 0 I 8 30 I 3 30 am am|am|pni|pm Paddington 7 11155 1p 3 15 1 p m Ledbury 11320 3 19 1 10 5 | 4 20 ) 7 45 Hereford, Roee, and Monmouth. a m a m a mjp m p nip m p m Heieford dep 6 15 9 5312552 54 106 20 Ross arr 6 50 10261 292 284 456 53 „ dep 6 55 8 18 1045 1*35 2 55 5 07 5 Kerne Bridge 7 38 27116461*473 65 9 7 15 Lydbrook .7 783210521*533 125 14720 Symond's Yat.7 128 37 1059 2 0 3 195 197 25 Monmouth, MH 7 228 4911ir2*13 3 30 5 29 7 34 tJ Troy 7 27 8 511117 2* 17 ?4 3 2353,15 33 7 38 Tintern 12371 4 231. Cbepstow arr 1252 4 39 a ma ma uip m p up mp m Cbepstow dep 7 91130248 638 Tintern 7 2511463 4 654 Monm'th, Troy 7*30 9 30 1225 3 386 2 7 40 8 15 „ M H 7*33 9 3412343 42 6 6743820 Symond's Yat 7*45 9 46 1246 3 526 157 538 33 Lydbrook 7*50 9 53 1255 3 586 21 7 598 40 Kerne Bridge. 7*53 9 59 1 04 36 288 48 45 Ross arr 8 31010 1 11 4 136 38 8 138 56 „ dep 8 8 1028 1 28 246 57 9 54 Bedford arr8 3510581 56!4 4 5317 27 9 54 Rail Motor Car. No Sunday trains. Hereford, Leominster, Bromyard, and Worcester. amamampmpmpm Hereford dep 7 2710533 356 30 Leominster .7 15 8 551218 4 107 38 Steens Bridge 7 25 9 512284 207 48 Fencote 7 36 9 1612394 317 59 Rowden Mill 7 42 9 22 1245 4 378 5 Bromyard 7 529 3212554 478 15 Suckley .8 39 431 6 4 588 28 Knigbtwick 8 7 8 47 1 95 48 32 Leigh Court .8 14 9 541 165 128 39 Henwick 8 24 10 4 1 265 22 8 49 Worcester (F. St.) 8 26 16 6?1 29?5 28 8 51 (S.H.) arr 8 3116131 34 5 358 57 amampmpmpmpm Worcester (S.H.)dep 8 1510352 355 207 15 „ (F.St.) .8 1810382 395 23 7 20 Henwick 8 2310432 445 237 23 Leigh Court 8 3310532 545 337 33 Knightwick 8 41 11 13 2 5 417 41 Suckley .8 4611 63 75 467 49 Bromyard 8 591117 186 08 13 Rowdeis Mill 9 61127 3 20 6 78 20 Feneote 9 18 1136 3 396 188 29 Steens Bridge .9 26 11443 476 268 37 Leominster 9 3311463 54 6 338 44 Hereford arr 11 0123615 50 7 29IS 4501 No Sunday Traina. Liverpool and Manchester to Hereford and South Wales. Sundays, a mia ma ma ma ma ma m!a mja m a m p m p m p mp mlP m p mp m p nip mp mlp mlp m p m ? m?p m MancheHei L R. 12 5 3 20:9 25j 1040 3 0 14 257 10 12*5 9 01155 Liverpool 1155 2 35 8 15 9 10| 1030 12 0 ? |2 40 4a30 7 101155 9 20'11 0 Chester .1220 2 d7 8 40,9 42 1110 1235"g-f I 13 32, 4 2015 10 7 35111 2 3 46 lld2 12331 02 2OOo3 ?r O 3 0 4 205 107 3511 2 3 46 lid2 Shrewsbury dep2 20 2 35 3 30 11) 45 8 1030 11 12331 0 5 15 6 10,7 45 9 20 2 20 — 5 20 3 30 Church Stretton I '7 208 55 1 322 45? /4 181  5 446 378 16 5 46: Craven Arms 4 8 7 389 1411 1 453 0 4 40 6 36 538 32 6 4 8 Ludlow ? ?420 7 57110 5 11 1 1140 2 6 3 11 5 0 6 20 7 5 8 50 6 17:4 '20 S? « 8 10ilOI5 1124 1148 2 183 21 5 9  6 327 179 2 6 28 Woofferton JuEnyee. ^« "2 (=1 8 181021 1130 2 24 5 9 6327179 2 Berrington & ^0^0441 81810211130 224 515 638 9 8 6 404 41 Leominter  828)10271135 )2 9  5 21.   Ford Bridge ? ? 8 3 5 11034 c 2 39. 5 28 6 57 'h 9 23 § g • a- Dinmore 8 41 1040 1224 2 46 5 34 7 3 9 29 ••• S Moreton 8 46,1046 2 51 5 39 7 207 559 4 51025I .1 25 •" 3 Aloreton **?5343?5 5 8 5711 011581i812361 383 33 5 5 50 6 6; 7 20 7 55 9 45 1025 3 25 ••• 7 05 5 Hereford dep 3 35 3 53 5 157 109 10'9 52124312161225 1 46 4 2 6 13 6 2i< g 10 1035 3 35 7 15 8 10 Abergavenny 4e33 6 10 8 51010 140.5 0 7 20 8 55 4e40 .9 0 Pontypool Rd 5 71 a 8 32103110432 7 1 23 2 36 5 32 7 20 7 40 9 27 1126 4 57 8 2?9 20 Newport 5 20 B'S 8 58 11 22 25 1 383 13 5 40 7 34 9 48 11561.5 22 2710 0 Newport 5 8 58 11 22 25 1 381 3 13 5 4(; 7 34 7. ? 9 48 1 12t7 5 49 18 8 501027 Cardiff 5 43 £ J 9 19 1124 2 55 2 0 34 M 15 .7 55 8 501027 Abergavenny arr 5 20  tok ) ] 9 19 112412 5456 1 4 5 i3 5 26 7 551 19 32 4 15 7 tOl 14 15 Swansea .?. 9 2l 1055. 12484846 4 55 26. 755 ? 9 32 4 1517 tO j 14 15 a Saturdays excepted. c Calls if required for Hereford, d Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only. e Abergavenny June, s via Aberdare. Saturday midnight. Hereford and South Wales to Liverpool and Manchester. Sundays. Ip m a m a m a m a m a m a m a m a m a mjP m P ma in a m p mfp ma m p mp m p mp m p mla m[p m p m Swansea .8 55 5 a 0 1050 11101140 2 45 3 35 5 35 8*55 5 0 3 10 Cardiff .1235 7 156 308 40 9 ?o 1238 1 02 25 2 374 15 5 12 7 25 7 40 1235 7 32!6 7 Newport .1258 7357 6923 9 52 1 2 1 312 45 3 6437 5 40 7 45 8 5 1258 7 57?6 29 Pontypool Rd c 7 347 349 56 1030 16i5 1 28 2 83 19 3 405 13 6 15 8 43 8 407 0 Aberavenny "'I C 8 58 6 1110 238. 4 3 6 40 9 07 13 Here?orl arr220 8 419 101042 1118 1215 2 15 2 26 3 454 5 5 06 0 7408469272209407?7 Hereford dep 2 25 7 27 9 20 1046 1053 1126 1140 1230 2 33 3 35 4 15 4 305 12 6 8 6 30 8 0 9 32 2 25 1025.8 0 Moreton 7 36 11491238 4 39 b 6 39  Dinmore 7 43 9 33 11 5 1155 b 3 47 4 455 25 6 46 8 14 Ford Bridge 7 50 12 1 4 51 b 653 Leominster 7 57 9 45 1114 12 5 1250 3 58 4 56 5 37 6 58 8 1045 8 25 Berrington & Eye 8 7 9 54 1121 1214 4 6 5 45 45 7 4 Woofferton June. 8 15 10 2 1128 12221 4 4 13 5 115 54 118 39 1059 8 39 Ludlow 8 25 1013 1136 12311 12 4 22 5 206 2 7 208 50 11 78 50 Craven Arms 8 45 1040 1155 1250124 4 38 5 396 27 9 11 ?1128?9 6 Church Stretton 9 4 1053 1 44 4 50 6 43 9 24 1144 9 22 1040 3 30 122019 471 Shrewsbury arr3 30 0 35 11131149 1230 2 53 38 5 12 5 23 7 4 7 13 9 45 1040 3 301220 9 47 Chester .6 231130 1 10 1 23 1 52 3 20 4 57 7 1 .?. 8 30 o 1234 6 25[4 2212340. LiverpoolLSt ..J5 551210 135 1 2 25 4 3 425 04 2557 1 7 7 7 20 ? 19 8 30? .12346 25 4 2z2 123410.. 5,51210 1 3 Manchester L R 1.5 331220 .1. I 35 2 27 4 50115 5 331 .17 10 9 01 II 1015 3214 2011 281 a Mondays excepted. b Stops to set down beyond Hereford, c Not Monday mornings, o via Crewe 4-20. Saturday night. Ledbury to Birmingham, Derby, Manchester, Liver- pool, Sheffield and Leeds. Sundays.  p m a m p m a m p m a m p mlp mjp mlP ni p mjp m/p mil. m p m Ledbnry dep 8 1 10 8 131 14 205 42,6 41 458 47 10185 5 Malvern .8 17 1037 1 5 14 426 2?7 34 8 1019 13 1038 8 40 Worcester arr 1110 2 13 !5 56 27 8 5?8 409 3311 69 5 Worcester dep 9 a 8 10 9 1240 2 25,3 48!5 40 7 5i8 28 9 101101511299 10 Birmingham. 10 2 11 8?l 423 3614 4516 528 1010 3 9 55 11 51222 55 Derby 1125?1238.3 22 5 251,6 32'18 5 1025 1125 1238 1 421125 Manchester .12 3815,207 171i 4011012 2bi0 2b40 5 30 5 25 Liverpool 3 50:6 15 8 15 9 30i 1110 5 15 5 45 6 5 Sheffield 1233 1 40 4 20 6 30 8 10 9 5 1225 1 50 12 521225 Leeds arr 1 28 3 0 5 32j7 459 15?10 3 j 1 30 3 10 4 421 30 a Foregate Street b arr 3 10 Sunday morcfngs. Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool, Manchester, Derby, and Birmingham, to Ledbury. Sundays. a ro a m a m a n 1 mla m p mfp ropropmaropm I?ed" .1225 2 58 1055 11202 50 4 20 4 37 581220 Sheffield 11294 25 9 55 H201 323 18 6 15 4 251 30 Liverpno! .1130 10 511301200 3 205 0 11301115 .Manchester 12 0 9 20 1055 1220 1 50 4 20 5 50 12 0 1225 Derby .2r25 6 15 1155 1240 2 28 4 35 6 15 7 45 6 33 3 10 Birm:ngbam .3z408 40 1 121 553 325 507 489 0 8 45 4 55 Worcester arr 4z28 9 38 2 9 3 8 4 30 6 56 8 45 10 0 9 56?6 13 Worcester dep7 15 9 50 222330450717118 4I!1122[ 1015!630 Malvern .747?014 2 45 3 56 5 98271011H52 1044 6 52 Ledbury arr 8 121039 3 94 22 9 3? 1215 1 3917 17 I Monday mornings excepted. Thursdays and Saturdays. Ledbury to Gloucester & Cheltenham. a m a m p m p m p mp nfe. Ledbury dep8 20 1012U 584 279 7 Dymock 8 29 1021,2 7,4 369 16 Newent 8 38 1030i2 ie 4 459 25 Barbers Bridge 8 45 1037?2 23:4 59 32 Gloucester 8 58 10502 36 5 59 45 C%eltenham 9 38 11323 9 15 .56 10 8 Paddin?ton arr 1218 2 3516 08 303 30 a m?a m p m p mip mp m Paddin?ton dep 7 309 0 1155!3 16 Cheltenham 6 40110 7 1154 2 526 15 Gloucester 7 1/1015 12353 30 6 55 ?1 Barbers Bridge 7 12 1056 1246 3 41 7 17 Newent 7 21 11 51255 527 15 Dymock 7 3211116\1 54 47 28 Ledbury arrl7 4311127 11 17 14 1817 42 No Sunday Trains. Hereford, Hay, Brecon & Merthyr. amp mp m p mpm Hereford dep 9 2212453 505*5 8 15 Credenhill 9 34 1259|4 2)'5.1618 27 Moorhampton 9 43 1 84 1150258 36 Kinnersley 9 501 154 185*328 43 Eardisley 9 55 1 204 205*378 48 Whitney 10 2 1 274 3 5043 55 Hay.1012 1 37 4 4015*52 9 5 Glasbury 10211 46,4 49 6*0 9 14 Three Cocks June. an 1025 1 50j4 536*5 9 18. Talgarth .10332 3*5 0 6*15 9 25 Talyllyn Junction arr 1044 2 1515 12 6*279 36 Dowlais 1 15 3 43 6 3U. Merthyr 1 283 40 6 45 Brecon arr 11 82 3515 306*42,9 480 a m a mlP rap mp In> Breeon dep 7 910301 106 5 Merthyr 9 3811210 2 50 Dowlais 9 401215320 Talyllyn Junction 7 111050 1 256 16 Talgarth .7 25 11 01 356 27 Three Cocks Junction arr 7 3111 8T 52 6 35 Glasbury 7 35111311 576 39 Hay. 7 45 1123{2 86 SO Whitney 7 5 113412 168 58 Eardisley .8 0114512 237 5 Kinnersley 8 5 1150*2 28 7 lw Moorhampton .g 12115712 357 17 Credenhill 8 22 12 912 45 7 26 Hereford an 8 33 1220[2 38.- Wednesdays and Saturdays only No Unday Trains.