The Abergavenny Mail

r .fimæ_- mx )W)WAM I [ALL MGBTS O:;ERVED].. I 1 A Fortune at Stake ?"+IP' 1 — m +?. I By NAT GOULD, g $g £ Author of One of a Mob," Whirlwind's Year," A Chance of a is ? ? Lifetime," The Top Weight," A Reckless Owner" &c.  §&fxseM?^xfx$mRxJwatoKf *f* aw* _-EE-E_ PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS: ( WILLOUGHBY MARTINDALE, a wealthy young man, with everything the heart can desire, but reckless, headstrong, and a heavy gambler. "HARRY MATCHETT, his secretary, a man of sterling worth. ALMA ORMISON, Martindale's widowed sister, I who lives with him, with GLORIA and ROLAND, her two children. CHAPTER I. I Close to Newmarket's famous Heath stood a large, well-built house, the racing home of Willoughby Martindale, known locally as Wild Will, to his intimates as Will only. Westlands was built by a famous jockey; when he died it passed into the hands of Will Martindale, who at that time was only twenty-two, and had just come into an enor- mous fortune. It was what the auctioneers call a large and commodious mansion, re- plete with every convenience, suitable for a sporting nobleman or gentleman, with every facility for the keeping up of a large racing establishment. The stables—forty boxes—were at the rear of the house. They were built on the latest principles with regard to ventilation and comfort, and each box was lined with polished oak; several of them were padded half-way up with stuffed leather. The trainer's house was small, but perfect in every detail. The head lad had apartments to himself in the building occupied by the boys and apprentices; and the housekeeper 'had her own rooms, which were in close prox- imity to the spacious kitchens. There was ample evidence on every hand that the em- ployees at Westlands were comfortable and well looked after. Thirty-five of the boxes had occupants— high-priced, blue-blooded racers, the best that money could buy as regards pedigree; but racehorse buying being a lottery, some of them were costly failures. Several are destined to play prominent parts as the story onfolds. From this brief but sufficient de- scription it will be gathered that Will Martin- dale's racing establishment was one of the best at the headquarters of the Turf. His income was enormous, and during the five years he had been the owner of West- lands he had spent hundreds of thousands on his racing establishment, and in pursuit of the great game of which he was passion- ately fond. He loved racing and riding; -with him it was' an all absorbing passion. He was a great horseman, the equal of most professional jockeys, with whom he competed on equal terms. He rode his horses when possible, and accepted mounts when offered him, which was frequently. No race meeting was too far for him to attend, always provid- ing there was a mount when he got there. At twenty-seven Will Martindale was one of the most popular personages in racing circles. Possessed of unlimited means, he had the opportunity of gratifying every wish and whim. It was perhaps unfortunate he ca.me into his vast wealth at such an early age. His father, a great colliery proprietor and speculator, died when he was nineteen, and young Martindale at twenty-one found himself the owner of several millions. Being an only son lie had invariably had his own way from an indulgent father, whose time was fully occupied with his numerous investments. Hia mother died twelve months after his birth, another misfortune for which much that followed was responsible. The late Wilton Martindale had no inclination for racing, although he was fond of shooting, had a deer forest in the Highlands, vast grouse moors, and some of the best salmon fishing in Scotland. He owned a private yacht and was often seen at Monte Carlo in February, where he sometimes speculated at the tables, generally successfully. He loved his son in his way, but was not a good mentor, and young Will grew up with a firm idea that he could get everything he wanted for the asking. In addition to his millions, Will Martindale inherited all his father's estates. Everything -was left to him absolutely, with the exception of annuities and legacies to old servants. He had one sister, Alma. who made a run- away match with a young officer, and went out to India with him. This marriage so en- raged her father that when he died he left her only three hundred a year out of all his Millions. She was thankful even for thie, and never regretted the step she had taken. She was twenty-two when she eloped with handcome Bernard Ormison. of the 10th Hussars, ten years older than her brother Will, and she had been in India thirteen years when her hueband was treacherously killed by two natives. Will Martindale was a handsome man of medium height, with curly brown hair, blue eyes, and a mouth denoting some weakness of character. He had a wayward, reckless, headstrong disposition, and had of late be- come a very 'heavy gambler and plunger. There was quite a sensation when Wild Will entered the ring and made one of his great plunges on something he considered particularly g"d. He had for hi9 secretary at West1and Harry Matchert, a mar. of about five-and- thirty, and in him he found a true and loyal friend. Matchett was secretary to "'The Racing Club in London, of which Martindale was a member. One night there was a dispute over cards. Will lost his temper, and threatened reprisals on his partner, whom he accused of playing into the hands of their opponents. This was a serious accusation, and was natu- rally resented. All four had dined well, if not wisely, and the row became unbearable to the other occupants of the room. Harry Matchett was very popular with everyone in the club, and, being a well-bred man, whose father had been unfortunate in his investments, and left him almost without means, he mixed on equal terms with the members; he had been unanimously appointed secretary when he applied for the posi- tion. He came into the card-room when the dispute was at its height, and angry words were bandied to and fro. He did not know Will Martindale so intimately as many of the members; but he summed up his character, acd had taken a great personal liking to him —that of a strong man for a weaker. He did not hesitate, but went straight to the table. Mr. Martindale, someone wishes to see you in my room," he said. quietly. His cool tone—he spoke as though nothing unusual had happened-b;d a curious effect on the four men. The row ceased at once. They looked at each other. Then Will, in hia «asy, good-natured way, laughed, and said to his partner, I'm sorry I accused you of playing into their hands. I am sure I made a mistake. I apologise." "All right, Martindale, we're all a bit squiffy,' and I'm sure you didn't mean it," was the reply. I'll come with you. Please excuse me, gentlemen," he said, as he got up from the table and stood by Harry Matchett. "We'll close the game," was the general response, and so the incident ended. When Will entered the secretary's office he saw no one. "I thought someone wished to see me?" he said. Matchett smiled as he replied, "I did; are you sorry you came?" Will saw at once why he had acted thus- it was to get him away from the table, to avoid further row. Some men would have re- sented this well-intentioned interference. Not so Will Martindale. "Matchett, you're a brick. I was making an ass of myself—so were the other fellows for that matter; you did the best thing pos- sible under the circumstances, and I thank you. The others were quite as bad as myself "Yes, no doubt about it," said Matchett. I'm glad vou see it in the right liyht." "I'd be a fool if I didn't," said Will. I'll go home. Good-night!" And he shook hands. Will Martindale thought over the occurrence at the club, and the more he considered th. joatter, the firmer became bit; coijriction th. Harry Matchett was just the man he required te his secretary. He liked him, although he had not seen much of him, but he knew suffi- cient of his family and past life to influence I him in his favour. It was always his way to help a man when he was in poor circum- stances. Very often he was taken in, deceived, but there were many genuine cases in which his timely aid came just in time, when despair was uppermost and the mind becom- ing unhinged by trouble. He wrote to Matchett, offering him the post, with a handsome salary. It came as a great surprise to the secretary of the Racing Club; he saw at once the advantages of such a position, but did not understand the motive prompting Will Martindale to make it. He saw him at the club, they had a long inter- view, and the upshot of it was that he re- signed his post at the club, much to the regret of the members, and went to Westlands. A particularly shrewd member of the club remarked, when he heard of the appointment, That is the moat sensible thing Martindale has done for many a day." It did not take Harry Matchett long to settle down in his new surroundings. He had always taken an interest in racing, and studied the form of the best horses closely. He also attended the principal meetings round London, as the guest of the clubs, and had been welcome. He quickly discovered that Will Martindale intended to leave the financial management connected with West- lands in his hands; this alone was a heavy responsibility. As for Will, he was kindness itself, and in the course of a couple of years he became much attached to his secretary. CHAPTER II. I Harry Matchett generally accompanied Harry the Heath in the early morning. He was a good rider, and had a cob for his use. Thirty-five horses constituted the string at Westlands, and Will had expressed his inten- sion of buying some good yearlings at Don- caster. He had already accepted plans, and given the contract, for forty additional boxes, which would make eighty in all. To his trainer's remonstrance he said: "You're clever enough to buy the best stock and to train them, and I fancy I am not quite a novice in the saddle, and shall be able to ride when they are ready." The trainer at Westlands was Fred Dand. There's no better jockey than yourself," said the trainer. When we have a real good Derby horse, I hope you'll ride him." "You bet I will!" answered Will. j It was Harry Matchett's greatest pleasure in life to ride on to the glorious Heath and watch the horses at work. In two years he had become one of the best-liked men at headquarters. All the reliable men in New- market were glad to make his acquaintance, and at every trainer's house, with one excep- tion, he was welcome. The exception was Malise Hardwin, of Abney Lodge, a clever trainer, but with a somewhat tarnished reputation. Nothing de- finite had been laid to his charge; but he was unpopular, and horses trained in his stable had the knack of winning when least expec- ted. He was Martindale's first trainer; but, easy-going as Will was, he soon discovered his horses won when Malise Hardwin liked, not when he, Will, wished them. There was much rivalry between the stables Westlands and Abney Lodge—and the two trainers were barely on speaking terms. It was after Harry Matchett had been in- stalled at Westlands over two years that an event took place which considerably influ- enced the whole of his future, although at the time he thought very little of it, except inso- much as it changed the routine of their lives. When Captain Ormison was killed in India, his wife was induced to remain in the country for nearly two years, visiting numerous friends, who endeavoured to mitigate hei troubles by kindnesses and attentions which were much appreciated. Her children, Gloria and Roland, were at school in Eng- land. The former was fifteen, the latter a year her junior. Alma Ormison naturally wished to have them with her, but India was nc climate for them, and although sorry to lose her, her friends advised her to make hei home in the old country. Gloria and Roland had paid brief visits to Westlands, and were passionately attached to their uncle, who was so much younger than their mother, a fact they could hardly grasp, as they were brother and sister. Mrs. Mars- den had a wild time," so she said, when Gloria and Roland paid a visit. She adored them, of course, but said they were the plague of her life, and it was high time their mother came home to look after them. It had been a great grief to Mrs. Marsden when Alma eloped with Captain Ormison, and she had never quite forgiven her for deserting hei young brother and her father. Will Martindale came into Matchett's room one morning with a letter in his hand. Harry saw at once there was unexpected news, Will seemed quite excited. "This is from my sister in India, Alma Ormison. She's coming home. I've only seen her once since she bolted with Bernard—Cap- tain Ormison. I was only a youngster at the time, but I remember it well. and how cut up the governor was about it. He never forgave her; can't imagine why. As a rule he was easy to get on with and most indulgent. I fancy Ormison must have offended him in some way. You will be pleased to see her again," eaid Harry. I "By Jove! I shall. When she brought the children home to England to go to school, I thought I had never seen such a handsome woman. Alma was always considered a beauty, but she'd developed into a glorious woman when I saw her last," he eaid, en- thusiastically. She is coming home to remain, I presume, to have the children with her. They will be glad," said Harry. You bet they will, but what a dance they'll lead her," said Will, smiling. You spoil them when they come here," said Harry. Not a bit of it. Roley is a mischievous imp, but he's a genuine lad; there's nothing of a sneak, no underhand business about him, and doesn't Glory stick up for him. What a pair they are, it would be hard to match them." It would indeed," said Harry. Is Gloria like her mother? Yes, but not so perfect in features. She'll not be as handsome as Alma," said Will. He sat down. Harry looked at him, know- ing he was debating something in his mind, and waited for him to speak. I've got a plan. I think it will work, and I ought to do what I can for them," said Will. "What is it? I mean to ask Alma to make her home at Westlands, and bring the youngsters with her. She has only a small income. My father did not treat her fairly; sometimes I think he left it to me to look after her wants. There's heaps of room in this big place, and she will brighten things up; besides, it's much better to have a lady at the head of affairs, and she's a favourite of old Mary's," said Will. Harry Matchett wondered how it would work; whether Will and his sister would agree. It would make a vast difference in their mode of living if she came. "What do you think about it?" asked Will. Harry was somewhat taken aback. He did not expect the question. Why should he be consulted? Will had a perfect right to do as he thought best. I'm sure vou will U-ko hor." said Will aua you Know tne cnndrfeti. i iancy yoa I will not object to them." I have nothing to do with it, it rests en- tirely with yourself," said Harry. I They will not interfere with your work." Oh, no, I am sure they will not." Then I shall ask her to stay here, and make it her home. It is the best I can do. Besides, I like the idea; Alma used to be a jolly good sort. She can ride, too. I don't suppose she has forgotten that in India; they are often on horseback — women and men. She'll liven us up. We see men here, but no women; when Alma is here it will be differ- ent. She will make friends and invite them." Mrs. Marsden was consulted. She was not at all put out, and said she would be very glad to have Miss" Alma at Westlands. The good soul thought she might act as a check upon Master" Will in his somewhat head- long career, which caused her sore misgivings at times. Had she known the full extent of his rash doings Mary Marsden would have been aghast. Will waited until his sister arrived in Lon- don, and then wrote to her requesting her to come to Westlands and make her there with the children. She deliberated over the letter, thinking what would be best for Gloria and Roland. She could not make up her mind. It would be better to see Will a;.d talk it all over, and she answered his letter to that effect. He at once went to London, and saw her. There was an affectionate greeting. Thero was a sadness in face which added to its beauty; she had evidently suffered much, and felt her loss keenly. He alluded to Captain Ormison's death in such a quiet, sympathetic way that Alma was much touched; a few tears relieved her feelings. She wr,s some- what overwrought at being in England after a long absence. At first she raised objections, saying it was not right she should saddle herself upon him. disarrange his household, spoil his bachelor quarters, and so on. "But you must come, Alma." he said. "It is only right. I have far more money than I know what to do with. Besides, you will be a great help to me. I cannot entertain ladies, and men's society palls upon one at times. You will change all that. Invite your friends and make the house cheerful. Then there's Glory and Roley, they love Westlands—you ask them. When you see them scampering about the Heath on their ponies you will be delighted. "What will Mary say?" she asked. Mary he exclaimed. She was in the seventh heaven of delight when I told her I intended asking you to come and live with us. She's a good soul. I don't know what I should have done without her." Suppose I come for a few weeks to see how it works?" she said. As you please. Once I get you there I shall not allow you to go away." I We shall see. Perhaps I am not a.s amiable as you think. I am thirty-seven, a good deal older than you, and I have de- veloped a temper in India. The climate fovStered it. There is a good deal to irritate one in the life there," she said. Since her husband's death she had received unwelcome attentions from two or three officers who ought to have known better. She resented them, and this was one reason for her rather hurried departure. I'll risk all that," he said, smiling. Then, in a sudden burst of admiration, he ex- claimed, I say, Alma, do you know you are a very beautiful woman "Am I?" she answered, smiling. "A bit faded, and jaded. I have had a good deal of trouble. It has made you more interesting," he said. I am proud of you as a sister, indeed I am. I haven't seen a woman to compare with you." Don't flatter, Will, it's not in your line." I'm not flattering. It's gospel truth," he said, in his boyish way. She saw he was genuinely pleased. "When will you came to Newmarket!" he asked. She hesitated. She had several calls to make, messages to deliver from India, and so on. Then she must do some shopping. He watched her expressive face. It suddenly oc- curred to him she might be short of money. He remembered what he had spent on certain ladies of his acquaintance, and a flush of shame came over his face. "Alma," he began in a hesitating way. What is it. Will You'll not be offended. I know you are proud, and all that, but yon must. consider our positions. I have two or three millions, more, and I don't know what ro io with it all. You must take some. You have a right to it, as much right as I have." She made a motion of protest. Yes you have. and I believe our father in- tended me to make you an adequate allow- ance. You know he died suddenly. He had no time to alter his will, which was made on the spur of the moment, when he was angry, fcnd his feelings got the better of him." He saw a desk in a corner of the room he always carried a cheque-book in his pocket, he said it "saved a heap of trouble." She watched him sit down, take the book out, and spread it on the desk, then she crossed over, placed her hand on his shoulder, and said, "You must not, I cannot accept it." He filled in the cheque, signed, and handed it to her. That will do to buy some frocks before you come down. I want you to look your best, and put off mourning, you have been in black quite long enough. You must come out into the world again, sister mine, and be your old merry self." The cheque was drawn for five hundred pounds. This is far too much," she œgan, pro- testing, but he slopped her. "Say no more about it, do as I tell you; it's a mere bagatelle, I shan't miss it. I put a good deal more than that on a horse some- times, so have no scruples. You will rescue it from the bookmakers and put it to a far better purpose." He overcame her objections at last. con- vinced her he was right, that it would be for their mutual benefit, and his life at Westlands would be far happier. He made no mention of Harry Matchett; she was not aware of his presence in the house. He left her after ex- tracting a promise that she would be there in the course of a fortnight or three weeks. When he left. Alma wondered whether, after all, she had done right. It was a re- sponsibility she had undertaken. She had heard of Will's doings in India, and knew his headlong career would require a firm hand to check it. Would she be strong emrngh for that? If she had someone to help her she might succeed, single handed it would he almost impossible. She had a firm will, was capable of self-restraint not often found in her sex. In India she had come through temptations unscathed. She had commanded respect from men who were wont to regard women as their lawful prey. Captain Ormi- son had been a kind. affectionate husband, but his character was weak, although he did not lack courage. She had been left much alone—he had gone away for months at a time with his regiment, leaving her in the house with her children and the native ser- fants. When Gloria and Roland went to London, she felt desolate. Her love for Ormison never wavered, but she did not fail I to hear rumours which caused her pain, and although he indignantly denied the imputa- tionp, she was not fully convinced of his inno- cence. She was troubled at her father's obstinate refusal to forgive her; she wrote him several times, but he did not reply, at which she wondered, because he had ihvari- ably been kind I to her. Did lie know something about her husband, of which she was ignorant, which caused him to harden his heart? This was a question-she asked herself many times, more especially when she learnt Bernard was given to lapses, and did not altogether lead a reputable life. She never regretted her marriage, and when the end came her sorrow was deep and sin- cere. She took herself severely to task for allowing him to go away alone. She ought to have accompanied him, no matter what the inconvenience might have been, or what hard- ships she would have had to suffer. It was all over now, a new life seemed to spread itself out before her. At Westlands she would have every comfort, it would be good for Gloria and Roland, and next to them her' duty must be to her brother. There would be no one to advise her how to act. She must consider the best way to help him when she arrived there. Will Martindale went from London to Monte Carlo, writing to Harry Matchett, in- forming him of his whereabouts. Harry was not surprised. There was an attraction at this fashionable resort, which he thought out weighed the fascinations of the table with Will Lady Laura Launcelot was there. He had seen her portrait in a fashionable, paper, and Will Martindale's name had been couplec with her T^advshin'a freouentlv wriaVid win wouia steer clear or tne lady, whose beauty was a general theme of conversation, and whose impecuniosity was proverbial. Harry Matchett had not heard the date of Alma Ormiston's coming to Westlands, nor had Mrs. Marsden. Will, with characteristic neglect, had forgotten to mention it. He had written to her from Monte Carlo, fixing the date for her to come to New- market, saying he would be home by that time to receive her. Alma was ready to travel at the appointed time, and went down to Newmarket; her lug- gage was to follow. Harry Matchett was just leaving the houst as she drove up from the station. She was somewhat surprised there was no carriage from Westlands to meet her. He saw a lady get out, and looked at her in surprise; then, with a start, he saw how beautiful she was. He noted the perfection of her figure, the elegance of her dress, the nobility of her bearing, and wonder seized him. He was at a loss what to say, how to act; he waited for her to speak. Alma was almost as much surprised as Harry; she was not prepared for this. She, too, was attracted. Harry was a fine, good- looking man, and coming before her suddenly, she experienced a curious sensation, which caused her some agitation. Who was he? Is my. brother, Mr. Martindale, at home?" she asked. So this was Will's sister. Did he know she was coming; had he forgotten to tell them at Westlands? You are Tvlrs. Ormison?" he asked, ad- miration which he euld not suppress showing in his eyes. Sli- saw it. She would have been blind had 3 not done so. "Yes; and you?" sh<v asked. I am Harry Matchett, your brother's secretary," he replied. You live at Westlands! she exclaimed, a startled look in her eyes. "Yes; I have been here for some time. Did not Mr. Martindale"^tell you?" "No; he never mentioned it." Please come in; I will send for Mrs. Marsden. Your brother is at Monte Carlo. He will be sorry he missed you, very sorry." "My brother is away?" she said, in a startled tone. She was already in the hall. "I am expecting him to return every day," said Harry. What was she to say? How was she to act? She did not wish to remain during Will's absence; yet what must she do? They looked at each other. Their eyee met. The tell-tale blood rushed into their faces. Harry guessed what had happened, from hints dro-ppeeby Will; and this beautiful woman had come to Westlands to stay, and he vm ?°?  "? ?0 &e CC7tM7HM<?

CHIPS OF NEWS. I The King received Mr. Marconi, the famous inventor of wireless telegraphy, at Buckingham Palace on Friday, and conferred upon him an honorary knighthood of the Grand Cross of the Victorian Order. The British Medical Association has de- cided to form a special fund for the defence of professional interests, to be placed in the hands of a trust a.,?sociaiio'n or other organisa- tion, not being a registered trade union. An attempt was made on the life of the Khed'ive at Constantinople on Saturday by an Egyptian student, who was shot dead by the escort. The Khedive was only slightly wounded. In a Government return issued on Satur- day it is stated that on January 1st the total numbers of paupers in England and Wales was 761,578, or 32,649 fewer than on January 1st, 1913. Two hundred yotyng swans were discovered in the reaches between London and Henley last week during the" swam upping." The number of swans on the Thames now is about 600. A report presented to the London County Council states that 47,901 of London's 69,172 old-age pensioners are women. In three years the total number of pensioners has increased, by no less than 14*3 per cent. A pathetic fire tragedy was reported on Saturday at Bolton. While lighting herself to her bedroom overnight with a wax taper at the house of her sou, an old lady of eighty- seven years, Mrs. Mary Deakin, accidentally set her clothing alight. Her burns soon afterwards proved fatal. Detectives in Birmingham on Saturday raided a place of business which has been under observation for some time, and seized between 40,000 and 50,000 rounds of rifle and revolver ammunition. The British three masted schooner Red Rose sank off Cuxhaven Harbour on Satur- day, afteE colliding with an unknown steamer. All aboard were saved. | Mr. John Last Sayer, the oldest salesman at Billingsgate Market, and for many years a member of the City of London Corporation, died on Saturday at Horsham. The sparks from a passing railway engine set fire to a crop of cut hay at a Paisley graveyard, which was laid bare from end to end, tombstones and many glass memorials being destroyed. A New York telegram says Lieutenant Porte has postponed his attempt to cross the Atlantic in his flying boat until October, mis- haps to bis machine necessitating extensive repairs. A gale of phenomenal violence for July pre- vailed in Liverpool on Saturday. The wind lashed the Mersey into a turbulent state, and for some time the ferry services were suspended. In Cheshire great damage was done to thousands of acres of crops. In many places growing crops were under water and utterly ruined. John Spence, thirty, was remanded at Newcastle on Saturday for stealing two cases of money, one of E20 in coppers and £ 50 in threepenny-pieces, and the other of &% in copper, from the Forth goods station, on the North-Eastern Railway. The two little daughters of a Mrs.. Fred Tuck, at Wells, Norfolk, found a bottle of liquid, and the older child, believing that it contained something nice, gave her sister a drill k. The bottle contained a weed-killer, and the child died. The St. Marie, a French ketch from Swan- sea to Aiguilou, having sprung a leak, was j abandoned fifteen miles west of Trevose Head. The captain, his wife, and crew of fix were adrift for twelve hours, being eventually i hauled up the cliffs near Padstow. Dr. Richard J. Anderson, Professor of Natural History, Geology, and Mineralogy at University College. Galway, died on Friday evening at his residence, Beech Hill, near Newry, aged sixty-six. Mr. G. Inglis, of Henlow, Hitchin, is the possessor of a black egg, which was laid last week by an Indian Runner duck. The egg is about the usual size, but the shell is abso- lutely black. A big haul of furs was made by burglars in the City of London in the early hours of Friday morning at the premises of Messrs. Aron Miller and Co., 57, Ch-iswell-itreet. About £3,000 worth of furs have been stolen. The third trial of Patrick Ryan and Patrick Hegarty for the murder of John Kildea, county Clare, resulted on Saturday evening in the jury's disagreement. The prisoners were twice tried in Dublin, their defence being an alibi. The two new submarines, E3 and E9, arrived at Portsmouth on Saturday from Barrow, escorted by the parent ship Adamant. The submarines have displacements of 800 tons each and a length of 178ft. Mr. ,Balfour received innumerable con- gratulations on the occasion of his sixty-sixth birthday on Saturday. It was only a few weeks ago that his old constituents at Hert- ford celebrated his completion of forty years of Parliamentary life. Shortly after half-past one on Saturday morning fire broke out on the premises of Messrs. Gee and Co., printers and publishers, Gatesborough-street, Shoreditch. The pre- mises consist of five storeys, of which three suffered both from fire and water. A remarkable sight was witnessed in the little village of Barton, Bedfordshire, on the occasion of the funeral of Mr. Joseph Brown, deacon for forty years of the local Methodist chapel, who died at the age of eighty-eight. The funeral was attended by 210 of his rela- tives, all of whom reside in the village. Two apprentices to the fishing industry have been sentenced, at Grimsby, to ten days' hard labour for disobedience to their master's orders bar faiLincr firv anil in « ata*m trawler.

REPORTER" RAILWAY GUIDE. [ Hereford and Ledbury to Worcester, Birmingham. and London. Sundays. a m a. ma ma ma m amp m p m p p in u m p mp trip mp m p m p mlp mla. m p m Hereford dep7 308 44 9 35 1130 12501257 2 203 10 4 205 8 6 20 8 10 8 5L9 45 Withington 7 39 9 45. 1 7 3 2. 5 19 8 20 9 55 StokeEdith .7 46 9 52 1 14 3 30. 5 26 8 28 10 4 Ashperton 7 53 9 59. 1 21 3 37 5 Ledbury .8 1 10 8 1132 1 30 a 3 464 204 435 426 417 45 8 47 10185 5 Colwall .81391010211147122. b 1 412 55 3 58 4 33 w 5 546 50,7 57 8 59 1028 5 17 Malvern Wells 8 21 10311152 1 46 4 4 4 37 5 59 d 8 2 9 5 10345 23 Malvern, Great 8 239 181037115512 9 1 301 513 64 104 425 06 56 588 10 9 13 9 281038 5 30 Malvern, Great 8 23 9 18 1037 1155 12 9 1 301 513 64 104 425 06 56 58  8 15 9 18 10495 41 Malvern Link 8 32 1043 1215 1 56 4 144 46 6 9 '18 15 9 18 1042 5 34 Bransford H*ad 1050 4 22. 8 24 1049 5 41 1057 4 28 6 24 8 31 9 28 10565 47 Henwick 8 419 2811 4 1225 .? 2 6 3 16 4 30 4 58 5 106 26 7 9 8 33 9 33 9 39 1059 5 49 Worcester F.S. 4 1225.- 2 63 164 304 585 10 6 26i7 98 33 9 339 3910595 4:9 Worcester S.H. 8 479 521110 1 472 133 35 4 365 55 358 358 08 40 9 38 '11 65 55 I 10 5 1027 425 6 15 8 20 105f 105 4 179 50 Birmingham .104411101 22 2 3 4 234 47 6 478 138 55 11581158 4 1210 3 i 9 2410531225 3 12 5 30 6 8 7 20 1058* 6 28 Evesham 9 591245 1 40 4 20. 7 18 9 10 8 8 Oxford 113911 32 12 251 4 20 7 189.10 8 8 Reading 'H10;2 10 2 55 4 155 0 8 10 0 '9 42 London arr.lllO,2 1012 551 4 155 52, or. 8 58?1050 9 42 a Calls Tuesday 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 up for Birmingham, Wolverhampton or Oxford. Wednesdays and Saturdays 11 55. I London, Birmingham, and Worcester to Ledbury and Hereford. Sundays. & ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp rap ma mp ma m I London dep 5 30& 45. 9 501020 1 40 1 451 504 45 7 30 1020 I Reading 6 18 10431111 2 303 5 7 35 11 9 — Oxford 8 28 35. 11251152.„ .? 3 83 46 8 55 12 0 Evesham 7 509 10 9 47 112212311 38 1 17 7 Z101 9 23 1 33 Wolverh'mpton 7 0 9 10 10 31120 12 01 30 3 354 8 5 35 6 38 8 01045 3 55 Birmingham 8 0 9 38 10151135 11451al0 3 55 4 25 6 5 7 5 9 251150 3 37 Worcester S.H. 7 159 15 9 5010301039 1228 1 5 2 22 3 304 04 154 50 6 356 55 7 488 101122 2 356 30 Worcester F.S. 7 209 209 531053 112412431 9224332 "175 26377 77 178 88 1811271 0 2 38 6 33 Henwick .7 239 239 58 2 29 3 37 4 22 6 42 8 211130 2 43 Bransford Road 7 29 9 30 3 43 4 28 6 48 8 271136 248 3 43 4 28 6 48 '?2 7 29 8 3511461 172 .576 48 Malvern Link 7 399 40 i?ii li,5 121242353 4 37 6 567 227 29 8351146117257648 Malvern, Great 7 479 4510171111 114012591272483594224425207 473273682284411521233 16 55 Malvern We!ts7 519 4910,211115 1 312 52 4 4 4 461 7 10 7 42 8 481157 3 57 0 Colwall ,J7 589 57 1028 1 l?2 1 37 2 5 4 9 4 525 29 7 15 7 49 8 5412 6 3 117 6 Ledbury .8 1210 7 1039 1134 1 493 4 22 5 25 39 7 408 0 9 312151 393 207 17 Ashperton 8 20 1046. 1 56?3 16 5 10. 8 9 05 A iO Stoke Edith 8 28 1052 2 23 22 5 16. 8 16. 3? 7 30 Wellington .8 36 1058 2 1113 33. 5 211. 8 251. 7 37 Hereford arr,8 45 11101153 li?0112 il?3 33 i?5 5 30,6 58 8 3 8 358 54 ?2 0 7 50 W A train leaves Wolverbampton 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 book for additional Colwall trains Ledbury and Paddington (via Worcester). l? a m a a m p p p m Ledbury 8 ) 10 811?? 3014 4315 42 .„ la a. I2 l mla mlP mlP m!p ml' m Paddington .? 2 554 155 608 581050 Sundays-Ledbary 5-5 pm, Paddington 9-42 p m a m n m & mjp mlp m p mjp m p m Paddington la ;1., mla mlP m[p m\p m!p 45 Bl Ledbmy 11341 493 9,5 25 39 7 40 Thursdays and Saturdays only PaddiDgton (dep) 7-30 pm, Ledbury (arr) 12-10 pm Sundays-Paddington 10-20 am, Ledbary 3-20 pm Ledbury and Paddington (via Gloucester), am amlpmlpmlpm Ledbury ? lam/amlpm/pm/pm Paddington 1218 I 2 35 6 0 8 30 3 30 am am|am|pni|pm Paddington 7 30 9 0 1155 3 15 Ledbury 11233 0 19 1 10 5 | 4 20 7 45 j Hereford, Boss, and Monmouth. a m a m amp m p m p mp m Hereford dep 6 15 9 5312552 54 106 20 Ross arr 6 50 10261 29 2 284 456 53 "dep 6 558 1810451*35 2 555 0 7 5 Kerne Bridge 7 38 27 1046 1*47 3 65 9 7 15 Lydbrook 7 7 8 3210921*53 3 125 147 20 Symond's Yat. 7 )28 371105912'" 0 3 195 197 25 Monmouth, M H 7 22 8 491111,2*13 3 305 297 34 „ Troy 7 278 511117 2*17 3 35 5 33 7 38 Tintern 1237j 4 2s Chepstow ?;il 1252 4 39 a mla nl amp m P m P m P m Cbepstow dep 7 91130 2 48 6 38 Tintern 7 251146 3 4 6 54 3012253 386 2 7 408 15 MTiOnDtMer'n th, M H 7*33,9 34 1234 3 426 67 43 8 20 8ymond's Yat 7*45 9 46 1246 3 526 15 7 538 33 Lydbrook 7*50 9 5312553 586 217 598 40 Kerne Bridge. 7*53 9 591 04 36 288 48 45 Ross arr 8 3?1010 1 114 136 38 8 13 8 56 „ dep 8 81028128424657 1 9 54 eieford an 8 351058 1 564 537 27 1025 Rail Motor Car. No Sunday trains. Hereford, Leominster, Bromyard, and Worcester. a mra m[a m p m p m p m Hereford dep 7 2710533 356 30 Leominster 7 158 55 1218 4 107 38 Steens Bridge 7 25 9 5 1228 4 207 48 Fencote 7 36 9 16 1239 4 31 7 59 Rowden Mill 7 429 22 1245 4 378 6 Bromyard 7 629 3212554 478 15 Suckley 8 3 9 43 1 & 4 58 8 28 Knightwick .8 7 9471 95 4 8 32 Leigh Court 8 149 54 1 16 5 12 8 39 Hen wick 8 24 10 4 1 265 22 8 49 Worcester (F. St.). 8 26111(0 ) 611 29 15 28 8 51 „ (S.H.) arr 8 3110131 345 358 57 amampmpmpmpm Worcester (S.H.)dep 8 1510352 35 5 20 7 15 „ (F.St.) .8 181038 2 39 5 23 7 20 Henwiek .8 231043 2 445 237 23 Leigh Court 8 33 10532 545 337 33 „ Knightwiek 8 41 11 1 3 2 5 417 41 Suckley 8 46 11 63 7 5 467 49 Bromyard .8 6911173 186 08 13 Rowden Mill 9 611273 206 78 20 Feneote 9 18 1136 3 396 18 8 29 Steens Bridge .1 26 1144 a 476 268 37 Leominster I9 3J IH6 3 546 338 44 Hereford arr 11 011236 15 5017 209 45| No Sunday Trains. Liverpool and Manchester to Hereford and South Wales. Sundays. a mama ma ma ma ma ma 111 a ma m p mjp ni p m p mp m0' p m p m p m p m p m p rn p m p m'a m!p m a m a m a m a in a m ancheptel LR.12 5. 820925 1040 1215 \3 01, 4257 10112*5 9 O:1l55 Mancheptei L R. 12 5 8 209 25 1040 1215 m 2 40 4a3O 7 10 1155 9 20?ll 0 Liverpool .1155 2 35 8 159 10 1030 12 0 2 40| 4a307 101155 9 20!ll 0 Chester 1220 2 d 7 840942 1110 1235?-<< 3 3 2 4 205 107 3511 2 3 4611d2 Shrewsbury dep2 20 2 35 3 30 6 45 8 25 1030 11 5 12331 0,2 20 0 o 3 505 0 5 156 107 459 202 20 5 20?3 30 Church Stretton 7 20 8 55 132245? 4 181"'1'" 5 446 3718 16. ') 461 Craven Arms 4 8 7 389 14 11 0 1 41 0 0 6 36 53.8 32 6 04 8 Ludlow m ..7 57?10 5 1113 1140 2 6 3 11 5 0 6 20 7 5,8 50 6 174 20 8 10?1015 1124 1148 2 18 3 21 5 6 327 1719 2 6 281. Woofferton June. ?' 10 8 18!1021 1130 2 24 5 15 6 38 9 8 Berringtoa&Eye?? 8 18,10211130. 2 24 5 15 6 38 9 8 I. Leominster « £ S 4 41 8 2811027 1135 12 9 2 313 35 5 21 6 507 309 15 6 404 41 i Ford Budge. 8 35! 1034 c 2 39 5 28 6 57 9 23 — • a Dinmore n. 8 411040 1224 2 46 5 34 7 3 9 29 ••• o S Moreton 8 46!1046 2 51 5 39 7 8 9 34! ? 8 Hereford 3?,5 35 5 8 57H1 0 1158 12 8 12361 38 3 33 55 5 5 6 6 7 207 559 45102513 25 7 05 5 Hereford dep.3 35 3 53 15 7 109 109 521243121612251 46 4 2 6 136 25 8 10 1035 3 35 — 7 158 10 AbergavennV 4e336 10 8 51010 1 40 5 0 7 20 9 .55 4e40 19 0 Pontypool Rd arr 5 7 a .832103110432 7 1 23 2 36 5 32 7 20 7 40 9 27 1 ?C ) 4 57 8 19 20 Newport 5 20 71 8*5 8 58 11 22 25 1 323 13. 40 7 34, 9 48 1156|5 22 8 27ilO 0 Cardiff 5 43 £ 5 9 19 11242 55 1 '2 03 34 6 15 755 1217 5 49 8 50jl027 Swansea 9 2? ? ?1055 12484s46 4 55 261. 7 55 9 32 I 4 15)7 *0 14 15 a Saturdays excepted. c Calls if required for Hereford, d Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only. e Abergavenny Jnnc. s via Aberdare. Saturday midnight. Hereford and South Wales to Liverpool and Manchester. Sundays., p mama ma m a m & m a m a m a ma mp mp m a m a m p m p m a mp m p mfp m p mp m a mtp m p m Swansea .855 5aO 1050 11101140 2 45 3 35 5 35 8*55 5 0 3 10 Cardiff 1235 7 15 6 30 8 40 9 30 1238 1 0225 2 374 15 5 12 7 25 7 40 1235 7 32 6 7 Newport .1258 7 357 59 23 9 52 1 2 1 312 45 3 64 37 5 40 7 45 3 5 1258 7 57 6 29 Pontypool Rd c 7 34 7 34 9 56 1030 10451 28 2 83 19 3 405 13 6 15 8 43 '8 4o?7 0 Abergavenny 0 8 58 6 1110 2 38 *"4 3 6 40 9 0.7 13 Hereford arr220 8419101042 1118 12152i5?2"?6 3454 5 5 06 0 7 40 8i6 9"?7 2' *?O 9 9 4o7 47 Hereford dep 2 25 7 27 ? 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 45 5 25 6 468 14 Ford Bridge 7 50 12 1 4 51 b 6 53 Leominster 7 57 9 45 1114 12 51250 3 58 4 56 5 37 6 58 8 25 10458 25 Berrington & Eye 8 7 9 54 1121 1214 4 6 5 4 5 45 7 4. I. i Woofferton June. 8 15 10 2 1128 1222 1 4 4 13 5 115 54 ? 118 39 10598 39 Ludlow 8 25 1013 1136 12311 12 41 422 5 20 6 2 7 20 8 50 11 7 8 50 Craven Arms 8 45 1040 1155 1250 1 24 4 38 539627 9 11 1128,9 6 Church Stretton 9 4 1053 1 44 4 50 6 43 -i1 144'9 22 1 12 1 9 9 24 45 16i o il2 'o  9 1234 Shrewsbury an-330935 11131149 1230 2 5 3 38 5 12 5 23 7 4 7 13 9 45 1040 3 301220 9 47 Chester .6 231130 1 101 23 1 52 3 204 57 7 1 8 30 o 1234 6 25 4 22 12340. LIverpool L St 5 551210 1 35 1 2 25 4 455 25 7 20 9 3 1240 6 34 5 3 101 ManchesterLR.5 331220 1 35 2 27 4 505 33 7 10 9 0 l1Œ5 324 201 28 a Mondays excepted. b Stops to set down beyond I Hereford, c Not Monday mornings, o via Crewe 4-20. Saturday night. Ledbury to Birmingham, Derby, Manchester, Liver- pool, Sheffield and Leeds. Sundays. amp m m p mLp m p m p mlp mpmpmampm Ledbury dep8 1 10 81 so 4 205 42 ?7417 458 4710185 5 Malvern .8 17 1037151 4 42 6 2 7 34 8 10 9 13 1038 8 40 Worcester arr 1110 2 13 5 56 278 58 409 3311 69 5 Worcester dep 9 a 8 10 9 1240 2 25 3 48 5 40 7 5 8 28 9 10 1015 1129 9 10 Birmingham, 10 211 8 1 42 3 36 4 45 6 52 8 10 10 3 9 55 11 5 1222 9 55 Derby .112512383 22 5 25 6 32 8 5 1025 1125 1238 1 421125 Manchester 2 38 5 20 7 17 8 40 1012 2b40 2b40 5 30 5 25 Liverpool „ 3 506 15 8 15 9 301110 5 15 5 456 5 Sheffield 1233 1 40 4 206 30 8 10 9 5 1225 1 50 2 521225 Leeds arr 1 28 3 015 32 7 45,9 1510 31 1 30 3 10 4 42 I 30 a Foregate Street b arr 3 10 Sunday mom'nga. ■ Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool, Manchester, Derby, and Birmingham, to Ledbury. Sundays. fa ma ma ma rola ma mp mp mp mfp m a m p m Leeds 12252 58. 10551120 2  2 581220 Leeds .1225 2 58 1055 11202 50 4 20 4 37 2 581220 Sheffield .11294 25 9 5511201 323 18 6 15 4 251 30 Liverpool .1130 10 5113012553 305 0 11301115 Manchester 12 0 9 20105512201 50 4 205 50 12 01225 Derby .2z25615 11 1240'2 28 4 35 6 157 45 6 333 10 Birmmgham. 3z4°18 40 1 12 1 55 3 32 5 50 7 48 9 0 8 45 4 55 Worcester Mr4z28 9 38 2 93 84 306 568 4510 0 9 566 13 Worcester dep 7 159 50 2 223 304 507 179 451122 10156 30 Malvem 7 471014 2 45 3 56 5 982710111152 1)446 52 LedbUTY arr8 121039 3 94 22 9 3 1215 13446 52 II Monday mornings excepted. Thursdays and Saturdays. Ledbury to Gloucester & Cheltenham a m a m p m p mp m p is Ledbury dep 8 20101211 584 279 71. Dymock 8 29 1021 2 7,4 36 9 16 Newent 8 38 10302 1C 4 459 25 Barbers Bridge 8 45 1037 2 23\4 5J9 32 .„ Gloucester 8 58 10502 36,5 5 9 45 .„ Cheltenham 9 38 il32 ?3 5 5610 8 Paddington arr ens 2 356_?8 303 30 .? a ma mp mp mp mp m Paddington dep a 7 309 ol 5513 16 Cheltenham .6 40110 7 1154 2 52'6 15 Gloucester .7 110151235330655 Barbers Bridge — 7 12 1056 1246 3 41 7 17 Newent —7 2111 512553 527 15 Dymock 732)11161 5 4 47 28 Ledbury arr 7 43112711 174 1817 42 .? No Sunday Trains. Hereford, Hay, Brecon & Merthyr. ,-a m p mlp mfp mp m Hereford dep 9 22 ?g.g gjg*? ? H Credenhill 9 34 12194 5*168 27 Moorhampton 9 431 8?4 115*25 8 3$ Kumersley 9 501 154 19 15*32 8 43 Eardisley 9 55 1 20?4 20 5*37 8 48 Whitney 10 2 1 2714 3. 5*43?8 35 Hay. 1012 1 3714 405*529 5 Glasbury 10211 464 49 6*0 '9 14 Three Cocks June. arr 10251 50'4 53 *5 !9 1& Talgarth 10332 35 06*159 25 Talyllyn Junction arr 1044 2 15 5 12 6*27 9 30 Do?Iaia 1 153 436 3 — Merthyr 1 283 40 6 45 Brecon arr 11 8 2 35 5 30 948 a ma mlp mlp in p m Brecon dep 7 0 103 1 106 5 Merthyr Dowlais 9 4Oj1213 Talyllyn Junction 7 H 1050 1 25j6 16 Talgarth 7 2511 0 1 35« 27 Three Cocks Junction arr 7 3111 8 1 62? 36 — GiMbury 7 351113?l 6716 ? Hay. 7 45 1123 2 8'66Q Whitney .7 53113 4? 2 1 el6 ? Eardisley .8 01145 2 23 7 5 .? Kinnersley .8 5 11502 28 7 M Moorhamptoa 8 12 115712 7 1.1 CredeBhill .8 2212 92 4g7 2C Hereford a?;18 3. ?1122,2?2 2 ?4.7 7 21,87 Wednesdays and Saturdays coly JI. Sosday Trains,

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 show, 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 (net less than 910) ON BORROWERS'OWN PROMISSORY NOrl ESTABLISHED OVER FORTY YEARS. and now lending Upwards of aCB0,000 annually. For Prospectus and Terms apply or write to— GEORGE PAYNE a SONS, T. KING STREET, HEREFORD, ESTABLISHED 1870. A FREE OFFER. A Free Saniple 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, IOT, Western Road, MOVE, Sussex. Established over 20 years. 2.5,000 Testimonials. I FOR MORE THAN TWENTY-SEVEN t YEARS THOUSANDS OF LADIES HAVE 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 Ane- I mic Giddiness, Fullness and Swelling after I 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 118. May be had from Chemists and Patent Medi- I cine Vendors everywhere; or from the Pro- prietors (under cover) post free. I DR. DA VIS'S Little Book for MARRIED WOMEN, most invaluable, sent free on receipt of a stamped addressed envelope. Only Address:— 309, Portobello Road Netting Hill, LONDON. SESSIONS AND SONS LIMITED, TIMBER AND SLATE MERCHANTS, GLOUCESTER AND CARDIFF DEPOTS AND Factories fo* TIMBER, JOINERY, MOULDINGS SLATES, TILES, LATHS. BRICK GOODS AND PIPES, WHITE'S CEMENT AND WHITING GRATES, RANGES, STOVES OHIMNEY-PIECES, FENDERS, HEAhTHS BATHS, SANITARY WARE. STONE, MARBLE, SLATE, ANL EVEKY RE UISITE FOR BUILDING