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[PUBLLSEIED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT.} THE IRON HAND. By J. MAcLAREN COBBAN, Author of "Pursued by the Law," "The L fL$t AlivV The Angel of the Covenant, "The Mystery of the Golden Tooth," &o., &c. [COPYHISHT.] 1 SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CHAPTERS. I T ne seeiie <)peii. in a CHAPTERS 1. and II.—Tne scene opens tn a curiosity shop at Finborough, w. we an oid gentleman is wishing to buy aiioid steel gauntlet. ntt. it is already to the manager ot .he County Bank, Mr. Lidmore. Alter t'le gentler ■ .cian's departure Lefroy informs his wife, JtliliL, t'-at Mr. Lidmore has bought tho gaunJet. 'l'J,cy ?Mi to leave for Loi?n. and afterwards e? ou, tor ? stroll. During the foUowin? n?ht bw gauntlet is stobn. In the morning: Lefroy is awakened by hearing voices. He tnru.ts, hi "iicad out of the window and finds that t e CoG,ll- versatlon is taking place iu the room overhead lxHwfion two men, one of them Mr. Lidn.ore, and Ht odilcorns himself. The superintendent of poliN -join,i the two men, and Lefroy hoars more. The tjank. safe has been robbed, and £30,000 stolen. bank manager give., details of how he bought the Aeel gauntlet, and of how it was found oaught -in the grip of the patent lock. Lefroy is sus- netted, a.nd also his wife as his aecon.pl ce. He rouses his wife, and gives her ten minutes to feel ready. An ostler in the ocachyard below is bar ■«;e->ing a rraro in a high trap to carry tlr. :Lidmore's "friend" to Redbeck-a distance of twenty miles. Lefroy orders a trap for himsou and proffers to hold the mare's head wi. lt> tho -,o,itler goes to the bar. Lefroy gets his wife and l child into the trap, springs in himse.i. and they "are off Soon they hear cries of Stop Thief! CHAPTERS III. and IV.-The young coup^ e: .get clo&r away. They visit Lefroy's old nurse, Martha, who livqs at a. farm on the i,.ooriind. There tha baby is left in the good woman's eare, while Julia goes up to London alone. Lefroy -return with the mare and gives himself up. The following dav he goes before the magistratos. All the evidence is against him, and he is com- nitted for trial at the next Assizes. in the eftenioon be is taken to the county town to gaol. A gin geta into the same oompartment, and whan the two poLcemen who have Lefroy in charge have fallen asleep she informs the prisoner that. her father, Tippy Haynes, and others, are In. the robbery. CHAPTER V. FOUND GUILTY. I Tho engine whistled as :t neared the' next JJhtiou, the pcliceiRen woke up. and Sal Haynes relapsed into her silent and downcast attitude. When the train drew up at the platform Sal got out. Before the door Wa3 closed again she. turned and looked at Lefroy. Good-bye, Mr. Lefroy," said she. I'm. real sorry for you, and I wish you luck." When she wa gone and the door was looked, the policeman who had clain.ed acquaintance with her turned to Lefroy and asked a question. Do you krow Sulky Sal?" I saw her in the court to day. answered Lefroy. He hesitated to say he had eld talk with her a few minutes ago, but he ventured a question. I heard you call her the daughter of 'Tippy Haynes who is Tippy Haynes?" Ah." said the policeman, quite affably, you don't know T.ppyTippy is a character and he is in your own trade—as YCll may say. He is a locksmith—and a clever one, tco. You take any lock to him—any lock ycu like—and he'll find a ke? for it." Lefroy ventured ke(y t Yo-u say he's a character," Lefroy ventared; do. you mean he's a suspicious character?" Well," said the policeman, that depends on what you mean by 'suspicious.' He don't look the sort of cha.p you'd trust with everything you've got but a man may lock like a thief, and le ain't; and an-cther man may not look like a thief, and he is. There you are. All I san. say M. the police ain't got nothing agaln-t Tippy." There was a. clear reference to Lefroy himself in that disquisition, and he asked no more ques- tions. He arrived without furthor incident at the ga.ol-" the Castlo"of the county town, where he had to await his trial at the Assizes. The Assizes would net be held until towards the end •of October, so e had some weeks to lie in durance—a suspected man, but still presumably an innocent. It was a weary timea weary time —how weary none but a prisoner, and a solitary prisoner, can teli. Being still presumed to be innocent, he was allowed ooc ks and pen and ink end paper. He was too restless and distracted in mind to g've much attention to books, especially to such books as were set at his choice, but he was soothed and cheered by writing. He wrote ..a diary—in the form of letters to his wife, which tie kept for post ng at a convenient opportunity. He had little or nothing of incident to relate, so he wrote of his feelings and wondered what was happening to her. Let one or two of the last of these entries stand as typical of tlie.,ii "October 22nd.-My darling Juida.—Tho time* of waiting is nearly at an end, and in a day or two' I shall know my fate one way or other—whether I am to meet you again soon and gather your dear, sweet persen close in my arms, or whether I am doomed to remain apart from you for years. I I due not dwell on the second pO.3¡b;;ity; the' thought of it is too horrible—too much like abco luta and finai separation--too much like death. I wonder sometimes, my sweetheart, whether vou have been happy with me. Our married life C!t!ierto has been very short, very hard, very ■ troubled. In spite of all that I was very happy with ycu; your sweetness, and beauty, and gentle- ness were my daily delight they were better than money; they were the meat and drink of my soul. I loved you all through, and, I think, you loved mo but I wonder—I wonder—did you find my love compensate for the drawbacks of cur life? Sometimes I fear that you did not; that you wer". so oppressed with our pover:y and our ill-success that you found life, even with love, a very miserable affair. My deare t, there is not much use in making promises; but. if this trouble passes quickly, as I hope and pray it will then if human resolution and human effort count for anything. I wiil make your life easy, and prosperous, and bright—bright and gladsome a sailing upon summer seas." The next entry is more matter-of-fact. It is noteworthy from the mention of his counsel. Ootober 23rd.-I had a visit to-day from the young barrister who is to defend me. I have no money to engage a counsel myself, so the Court appoints me one from among the young, un- ttriefed barristers who go on circuit. He saems very intelligent, and oertainly looks a very re- markable young fellow. He is tall and very dark; he wear? an extraordinary fell of black hair, which he is oonstantantly tossing- or pushing fcaek from his forehead, a very heavy black mous- tache, and a single eye-glass. He has an easy, lofty, haw-haw manner, and to add to the dis- tinction of hh appearance he has a strong hawk- like nose. You see I am impressed by him and I have the greatest hopes of his making a good case for me. We became quite friendly, and he did me g-cod by saying he entirely accepted my story of what had happened, and would work it for all he is worth. He was interested in what I toud him of Tppy Haynes's white-faced girl, but he doubts if we have time to make her -evidence of any value, for the trial is set down for to-morrow. He is going to Finborough at once to look her up. If anything oomes of that he will ask for a postponement to-morrow?" That is the last entry in Lefroy's diary. The young barrister's name, as many of my readers will have guessed, was Townshend. He straight- way journeyed to Finborough and returned late at night. He saw his client. Lefroy, early next morning to tell him the result of his journey. I am afraid," said he, there is nothing to fee made of that girl. Perhaps my going ■ frightened her, but she denied having ever spoken .t.e you." "Denied it?" exclaimed Lefroy. Absolutely and without qualification," an swerod Mr. Townshend. "Perhaps, as I have ..a d, she was frightened," Her father wasn't there, was bet" "Of oourse not. I'had sent in a boy with a message that he was wanted immediately to open a lock at a house about a mile off, and then I saw him set out." "Perhaps," Lefroy again ventured to suggest, she repented of having given her father away." Perhaps," said Townshend, in his voice of ■well-balanced sonority. But at agy rate there is the faûe-she- quite denied having said a word to you, and she looked at me steadily with those black eyes of hers and said you must have dreamed it." "Perhaps I did," murmured Lefroy, sadly. But," he added, "she did not deny having been in the railway carriage." No; she did not deny that. But." said Towus-henrl, with his odd flutter of smile, that just tified the corner of his moustache, we tiring that in as evidence." No," Rtoid Lefroy; I see that." He was it the depth of deletion. Not till then bed he und&rstood how mUlh his hope. erf.deliver- ance had bee?, built on what -Sal Ilaynes had told •aliira. We must ? through with the case MR it is," s&id Townsh?ud, laying a friendly hand; on Lefroy's shoulder, "and make the no,ct_of it." Letroy believed that these words signified that his counsel had no exaggerated notiou of ^fche strength of his de fence, so he forbore to say any- thing. In another hour or two he stood in tie dock iu front of the Judge of Assize, who •porutinir.ed him with keen, shrewd eyes. Thf're is no need to dwell on the trial: it was of a very ordinary kind. and resembled a ^thousand others. Thsro was no sensational in- cident—except, perhaps, at the very end; and when all was over thEe were probably but two persona bevvies the prisoner who did not believe that justice had been done. The evidence for sthe prosecution was only of the circumstantial -sort, but it seemed very convincing-. Thepriawier had prcpa-red ;o 1ea.ve the town of Finborough the prisoner's precious dr.d gauntlet—there it was before the eyes of the C^art—had been found in the grip ,.f Lheo patent wife and the prisoner -was one of the very few who knew the triok of the safe look. It was trtio that i/orxo of the stolen money had been traced to the pri-oner indeed, aione of it had been traced at all yet—but he and 'his wife had been seen by a police-man counting lank-notes—" sheaves of notes" was bis ohraso— and where was the wife now? A touch of pathc". which told against the prisoner, was introduced by the announcement that the bank manager was dying—stricken by t'tig jeri'ibfe t{); And ace he had sustained. The defence was mainly a negative, and it needed a counsel in longer practice than Townshend to make the most of it. The law was not then made by which a prisoner may give evidence, and he could call no witnesses Gn tils behalf. His counsel could but protest for him that he knew absolutely nothing of the robbery, ajid oouid but set fortll how his time had been spent. Two damaging admissions had to be made:-He had feared arrest; and he had taken means to convey hi wife away. Mr. Townshend aJowod that the prisoner's explanation of these facts might seem incredible or insufficient, but at the same time Lo scored by demanding why Lefroy had not feared arrest the evening before instead of in the morning—it wou.d have been quite easy for him and his wife to have cleared otf after the policeman had seen them with the banknotes—and wny he had returned to give hiinsel: up, except that he had believed, the charge against him was one of which he was in- nooent and which could not be sustained. He ended by insisting that the evidence against Lefrey was not suoh as could convict a reputed much less a man of respectable character. The jury reared, and returned in a few minutes with a verdict of Guilty; and the judge, after leoturing the prisoner on his moral turpitude, sentenced him to penal servitude for hie !-It was a tsrribie sentence and, although the judge was ksb&wn to be severe, it evoked a. gasp of dismay from the whoie oourt. Moreover, when the sentence was uttered a girl who had sat through the trial in the front of the gallery—a girl with a white face and black eyes—screamed, and was carrie-d out in hysterics. Then the prisoner, as white as the hysterical girl, asked if na might say one word. The judge gave him leave.. ..i I protest I am innocent, my lord, and the real crimina.is will yet be found." "Stand down, sir," said the judge, severely. So the innocent Lefroy was led away to his terrible punishment. His counsel was permitted a final interview. When they met Lefroy was in a. mood of calm desperation. I 1ioffi so bitterly sorry," said Townshend. "Yeu wouldn't think, would you, that justice oould go so very far wrong in (Ho was young then, be it observed; and he thought very differently a. few years later.) Oh, you couldn't help it," answered Lefroy. It's nobody's fault. The thing has gone. l awry, and I can quite see—oh, 1 can see quite pia.iulr-that I ha.ve done a great deal to set the case awry. And it is quite right that the punishment for such a crime should be heavy, but I wish-I wih-that the real criminals had to bear it instead of me. I am," said he, with a bitter smile, "the vicarious sufferer—that's the word, isp't it?" Yes, that's the word," said Townshend. But I really can't tell you how disappointed I am that I could not do better for you than I have done. I don't mind saying to you that I am new-pretty new -to pleading, and perhaps I did not do so well as an older hand might have done." An older hand," said L-efroy, "would have no better. I am sure of that. It was a very bod ca^e; and," again ho smiled, I only regret it was mine." "I suppose," said Townshend, "you saw the effect of your sentence on that Haynes's girl?" I did," answered Lefroy. "She should not be lost sight of-she and her father," said Townshend. But I en t keep sight of them," said Lefroy. I can," answered Townshend, and I will." It is very kind of you," said Lefroy. My dear fellow, I intend to work for your deliverance. It should not be very difficult to spot the rea.1 culprits, and I should like you to thing of mo as your friend—and not as your counsel. Lefroy was deeply moved. Thank you," wa- all he said; but he grasped tight the proffered liand-a strong, capahie hand. long and nervous. "Now tell me," continued Townshend; "is there anything else you would like me to do for you as a frietid:" I have told you of my wife," said Lefroy. "You might find her out and see how she is getting on. I sent her to London, and advised her to seek out some friends at Hammersmith." (And he named the friends.) "Sile will pass by her maiden name, Julia Galotti. I arranged to address her by that name, "Pcste Restante, Hammersmith.' I have been afraid to send a letter to hc-r from here, lest the police should get at her; but I have here a diary I have written for her reading. You might deliver that into her hands. Will you?" Gladly," answered Townshend. "There is one other little thing," said Lefroy. "The steel gauntlet you saw; it is mine. Don't lose iigiit of it. Get possession of it if you can. I have a feeling—a superstition, if you like--that my fortune is bound to that thing." 1 11 see to it," said Townshend. The time allowed for the iuterview was at an end. They closed hands in a final clasp. "I'll find means to communicate with you," said Townshend. And if you ever can cam- muiicate with me, I'm in Plowden Buildings, Temple." I have one thing to thank this business for," said Lefroy; it has found me a friend. Good- bye. So they parted; and a. great gulf was fixed between them--a. gulf as between the dead and the living. I CHAPTER VI. I I "THAT'S HIM!" I Wheii the prison doors closed upon Lefroy, Mr. Townshend returned into the busy ways o: the worid, but with the resolve to do his utmost for the deliverance of the hapless young man, and, by ocnsequence, for the discovery of the trtly guilty. His thought turned to the one peroon who had given hint of any knowledge of the culprits, aud his ingenuity to the possibility of learning more from her. But he was young in these days, and his native cleverness was unpractised. He wished to get at all Sal Haynes might know about the burglary, but he had no experience to guide him into the way of fulfilling his wish. Thus preoccupied he arrived, valise in hand, at the railway station. He stood in the wide booking-hall, feeling in his pocket for money to pay his fare to the next town of assize, when he suddenly beoame aware that a girl with a white face and large dark eyes was observing him. The girl was Sal Haynes; and with her was a little man w.th a white face and pinkish eye-a human white ra-whom Townshend recognised at once as Tippy Haynes. The girl evidently had said no word to her father, either then or before, concerning her interview with Townshend, for the eye of the little white-faced man flitted like a bird from one thing to another before him without taking particular note of anything, and certainly without taking note of Townshend and therefore Townshend shrewdly judged that the girl considered what association she had had with the condemned Lefroy important enough to be kept secret. He could not assail the girl then with questions, but he resolved that he would get at her the first opportunity he could contrive. A few minute later he was seated in a first- class smoking compartment of the train, rolling a cigarette. He noted casually, a yard or two off, on the platform, a tall, strong fellow with red hair and freckled face, and grey eyes that moved this way and that like quicksilver, taking noto of everything. He stood well-planted and soiid, giving no hint by bodily movement of any kind of the doubt and expectation which his eyes betrayed. While Townshend remarked this tail, strong fellow ar;d his solidity, another man smaller and better dressed, camo uD behind and slapped him vigorously on the back. What. Struthers, old friend," he cried in a hearty voice. "Yutt here?" Thotnll man turned promptly. Holka, I o.Ioa, he a,d, in an accent of which there could not be a. moment's doubt that it was Scottish. Is that you, Mr. Evans?" But his tone rOIl, fessed that Mr. Evans was not the person he had been hoping to see, and that he was not rejoiced to meet Mr. Evans. ia ^r" Evans. "Of course it is. Who d.d you think it was?" Imphm," murmured Struthers; an exclama- w  i c 1, u 'e d a tion which, as he used it, meant as near oothing human voice could express. "Are you going, on by "this train?" asked -Air.- Evans. Ay," answered Struthers, looking around him w ith careful VagU<L'1U~s "this' is my train. Imphm Weil, let us jump in," said Mr. Evans. It'll be off in. a couple of minutes." And he drew from his pocket a large gold wa.tch, which was artao] ,:ed to his waistcoat by a heavy cable chain, Goubie-Iooped. Here's a smoker. Let's get in here. third F;rat'" sajd Struthers. "I'm only Chi r(l. "I^h?" Jlaid Evam. with a ?"? of the "yc. "T thought now that you are better og—eh? No, mm; satd Struther? severely. "Even if was better off. I'd not spend good sin?r on a ft, ??t"ffy u i: s?t. stuSy_.u?uon-I would not-when I can ha,v? ?<?"?' eaithy board; for that's aU that ? thpd!tferenc& comes to" Gome along." said Evans, shovin? him for- ward. 'In with you. I'"??the difference M?rut?h<5 ?roda to the door of the carriage 'n havy, ciumpm? bo?. and heavily he hauled him- ,f Wi'> ?'?wed hghcly by Mr. Evans. .b?y sat .? down opposite to Townshend, and the door WM again shut. Th'y both emitted a spark of surprise at tho fight of Townshend, whether becauso they recognised him or bccauso they had expected to find the compartment empty Tov/ns- hend could not at -il- moment guess. Mr. Evans produced an ornate cigar-case, and took from it a [)¡2o fat cigar, which he stuck in his month. Then he UX>K out another and handed it to Struthers-- which Townshend noted as ::n act rather of patron- jj age than of Ir.endhne s. I ciidn t expert to fiini you this way a" orain, i ftfr-it-iers," said Mr. Evaas. j Struthers cast a quick glance at Townshend be- l. ore reply INC. "I'm just here to clear lII) some L)llt.?? of bii-ness i,,Lforo I settle down po,>  er l y i n "And marry, I suppose?" suggested Mr. Evans. "Not m." said Struthers. "I'm not a marrying I m not. a maxryiiig man I have a great panshang for the girls," lie added and here he toak his cigar from his n-vutii. to sa.y it with the greater emphasis—"bitfc I cannot afford to gratify it." "Legitimately, you mean. But the married «5- ■ tate is the best estate a man can enjoy. What's your opinion sir?" asked Mr. Evans, suddenly re- ferring to Mr. Townshend. "Don't you think ai I m:ms's best fortune is a good wife?" •But the goodness of a wife," answered Mr. I Townshend. with his flickering smile, "has to be proved by marrying her. If she doesn't prove a good one, you are st'll married to her. I think you have the truth of it in the old proverb, 'A man's best fcrtt;-i(, --or his worst—is his wife.' "That's it. sir," exclaimed Struthers. "It's a! lottery; that's what it is. Marriage is a lottery." Ho uttered it with such sincerity of empha&is that you might have thought he—and he alone-had made the discovery. Mr. Evans smiled indulgently from one to the other, and, as if grateful for Townshend's expres- sion of opinon. he produced his cigar-case, "May I offer you a cigar, sir?" Townshend thanked him. but said he preferred his own cigarettes; and he wondered if there could, by any chance, be a pur- pose in thus inviting him to talk. He took note of Mr. Evans-a plump, rather handsome person, of very obvious good nature, with a well-trimmed Vandyke beard, but with a long sharp nose and small quick eyes. His consideration shifted to the other-a. red-headed, red moustached Scotsman, wita a person of the solidity of sound wood and a manner of obstinate resolution, and with feet en- ( cased in big, heavy boots that would trample and crunch their way to a desired end without regard for the ob-tructive toes it might crush on the way. "Excuse me, sir," said Mr. Evans, "but did you not appear in that burglary case that was tried to-day.' A barrister's wig disguises a man pretty; well, but I don t think there could be any mistaking you, sir." I was there." answered Townshend. "I appeared for the accused." "What made me th-nk of it," said Mr. Evans. still smiling in deprecation, "was your making that cigarette, sir. That's French, isn't it? And the man you defended is a frenchman, isn't he?" "Is he? said Townshend. "It is the first I've heai d of it." "Ile has a French name," said Mr. Evans. "French names have been in England for hun- dreds of "vI eais," answered Townshend. "Well. I thought he was a Frenchman, and I think he looks it." Townshend then took up the questioning. "You heard the case then?" "I did. And it seemed to me a very bad one," said Mr. Evans, with the severe face of a righteous mail. "How a bad one?" asked Townshend. "Bad m > itself do you mean? Or. bad as regards Lefroy." "Both." answered Mr. Evans. "I thought it was clear against him—most convincing. Did you notice that the jury were out only five minuter,? That s hews you what they thought of the evi- j denoe." "I suppose, it does," said Townshend. "AndJ I suppose they reflect the general opinion?" "I should just think they do," said Mr. Evans. "They reflect it. sir. like a looking-glass. You, sir, I suppose, believe the man Lefroy to be inno- cent?" "I do." "Of course, you defended him," said Mr. Evans, with a keen smile. "A counsel. answered Townshend. "has fre- quently to defend a man he can't believe inno- cent. of course, sir," said Mr. Evans in a voice of gentic' flatteiy, "a legal gentleman like you can seo through a fellow when he pretends to tell you everything; and perhap5 you know more, sir, than ecmes out in the evidence." Mr. Townshend walked briskly into tho opening thus offered him. t i "I have got to know this man," said he, "arid that ouiwe.ghs all the circumstantial evidence the pxosecut.oa could bring," "That s very true! said .Mr. Evans, as if he had become a convert to the belief in Lefroy's ir.nocencc—"i-n't it. Struthers? If you once be- lieve a man is all right, nothing will ever make you believe any harm of him!" "No," deelared Struthers, without compromise; "that's not true; but that's not what the gentle- man said." "You're a Scotchman!" said Mr. Evans; and so dlsm •sod the remark from serious considera- tion. "But," said he, turning again to Towns- hend, "wi.en you really think of it, that. job at the bank needed a good hand at lock-picking. If Lefroy is not an old hand, that's in his favour. Of course, the prosecution could only think of Lefroy's steel mitten being found in tho grip of tiio lock. They forgot to think that. before the steel nrttnn could be in tho grip the lock must have been prettily picked by somebody that knew how to do it." "Of course!" said Townshend, with the thought that if ho had Eeen the lock he might have urged that consideration with effect at the trial. "You seem to know all about the lock." he. added. "And whatever creature," asked Struthers, to Townshend's a-tonishment, "should know all about it if he doesn't? He's the man that sold the safe to the bank—the verra man! Mr. Evans cast a look, as of violent rebuke, upon Struthers. but lie responded quietly, "Yes; I travel m safes. Let me give you my card"- and ha produced a letter-case and handed out a card—"not necessarily for immediate use," he added. "But one day you may be a successful counsel, a'ld nerd a good safe." Townshend accepted the card without a word and read.-—'The \\aterford Ideal Safe, 415. Broadway, New York, U.S.A. Sole English Agent, Mr. Thomas Evans, 16, Goodge Street, Tottenham Court Ro-cl, London. W." "The Waterford IdeaJ is the safe in question," said Mr. Evans "but I deal '—with a grin of self- congratulation at his pun—in other safes—Mil- ner's. Chubb's, and so forth—that might suit your pocket, better." "Thank you," said Townshend. "It'll be a long time before I moeod anything of the sort, I doubt; but in the meant me I'll cherish your card." "I'll give a liberal commission," added Mr. Evans, "on any business you may send my way." There, thought Townshend, there spoke the "coalmanial gent- But he merely made answer that he would remember what Alr. Evans had been good enough to say. A few minutes later they arrived at the Red-1 bw,k iiinet. ''I tne- very station from which Lefroy had seen his wife depart. There Townshend had to change; and there apparently his travelling companions had to change also; for, after ha had faid "Good night,they followed him out of the compartment. The short October day was closing in, dId the platform lamps were not yet lighted, so that he could not see. even if he had thought of noting, where they went. He wa; inquiring of a porter where his own train was, when his late carnage companions passed in company, to his amaz- mcnt, with Tippy Haynes and his daughter. Mr. Evans walked first in earnest talk with Tippy, while benind stalked Struthers in solemn silence: with Sal. Mr.. Evans was so olosely engaged with the little white-faced man that he took no note of Townshend's curious gaze as he passed—at least, he gave no sign. Struthers. on the contrary, waved his hand in recognition. But Towushend rttalned the bright of astonishment when Sal Haynes, on seeing him, fell away from Struthers's side and utteied a quick word or two. "T'hr,t'ii him!" said she, brushing close by Townshend, and then passing on as before. But her action, evidently, was not so quick, nor her voice so low, but that they caught the atten- tion both of Strutners and the two who walked before him. At that in-tant a lamp close by sprang into flame, and illuminated the scene—Mr. Evans and Tippy Haynes standing still, with their heads turned backward notng a connection between j Haynes's daughter and Townshend, and Towns- hend himself gazing at them in surprise and un- certainty. In two seconds the scene was dissolved, They continued to move forward, while Towns- h?nd continued to stand surprised and doubtful. What did Sal Haynes s words mean? What. but that aither Evans or Struthers—which?—was the man who ought to be in the place of Lefroy ? He could not arrest either the one or the other on the suspicon, for he had no authority; but lie could follow and see where they went, and give infor- mation to the police. With Townshend, to see a thing to do was ever to do it without counting the trouble or the cost. But-as has been already pointed out—he was young then, and, although daring, he was neither so subtle in mind nor so in- genious in action as he be-m? He had h??? valise in his h.. l and he marched after the four—but some paces b"h ?.d them, so that he should not be noted as following them. They entered a third class, carriage of a train, which, was not, the train he had intended to travel by. He stopped a passing porter. "Where," he- acked "IS thIs train for?" "That's the Finborough train, sir; starts in three minutes; if you're going you'd better take your ::e,Ü, s "I say, look here, said Townshend; "run and get me a ticket, third, for Finborough, like a good fellow." And he put money into the man's hand. He had kept his eye on the third-class carriage which Evan and the rest had entered; and his purpose was to dash to the door when the train was on the point of starting, and enter boldly and as if it were Ly chante he had lighted among them. The po*ter returned, running with lis ticket. and Town h"nd handed him a tip and his valise. The whistle of the guard shrilled out. Townshend ran for the door lie had marked, and the porter fol- lowed. He flung the door open and jumped in, the porter tossed in the. valise after him and slarnni r! the door, and the train steamed away. Townshend, to his astonishment and chagrin, was alone m the carriage with Tippy Haynes's daughter! t 'i,, ca-rriago h T',ppy Hayiics's I datighter! (To be continued.)
[No title]
CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Mr. Eugene Stock, hon. lav secretary of the Church Missionary Society, will give an address in the Town Hall, on Friday, May 22nd. An advertisement appears in another column. A SHREWSBURY ELECTION.—PoMing took place at Shrewsbury on Saturday to fill the seat deelared vacant by the Commissioner because of wholesale bribery. The result was that Mr. J. K. Morris, Socialist and Labour candidate, was returned. Originally there were three candidates in the fieId- Mr. J. Barker (Liberal), who was the defeated candidate at the last election and initiated the petition and Colonel Patchett (Conservative). Mr. Barker, however, withdrew, and several days later the Conservative candidate also gave way, but too late to save a poll. The figures were Morris 1*7, Patchett fiG. NORTH WALES FIRE BFIIGAI)F.-The annual meeting of the North Wales District of the National Fire Brigades Union was held at Rhyl on Saturday, Lord Mostyn presiding, and the following brigades wore represented :-Rhyl Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, Mold, Bodrhydden, Mostyn Hall. Prestatyn, Wrexham, and Llangollen. Lord Montyn referred to tlto very satisfactory progress made by the union in North .Wales, and Raid he waé, very pleased at the record for the past year. The foll;)wlng of-licf i-s were elected for the year President, Lord Mostyn; vice-president, Sir R. Williams Bulkeley, Bart. honorary treasurer, Mr. C. D. Copely; honorary secretary, Mr. J. O. Hughes; members of the council, Mr. W. Conwy Bell (chairman), Mr, J. Owen (Vice-chairman), Mr. liol>ert-f, and Air. Edw\ Jones; s-.irgeon, Dr Kdw, Williams.
Advertising
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COOKERY FOR WORRIEDI HOUSEWIVES.
COOKERY FOR WORRIED I HOUSEWIVES. By MRS. ALFRED PRAGA. I ("THE CAREFUL COOK"). III.- HOW TO ROAST, BRAISE, AND I BOIL.. The food valua of all kinds of meat, bowi Eng- lisü and loreign, is very considerably enhanced if it is properly cooked, and whetner the cookery process lakes the loiui oi roasting or boding is immaterial, i propose, therefore, to givt a. few simple rules wneitby anyone, no matter h4kv inex- perienced in tne an of cooking she may can toast Oi' boil to perfection, fust, thoughe just a. hint or two as to tne pioper preparation ot New Zealand or fiozen meal oi all kinds befdve it is put into tho oven. if, then, it is d2sired to prepare a joint of New Zealand laiiib or mutton, lor example, proceed thus: Trim the joint in question neatly, and cut on all pieces ot di-coloured or dirty fat- Cut off also any superriuous fat wmch may remain, and i reserve tins laitv-r lor clarifying, ic fortus an ex- cellent fiymg medium. Piace the joint in a large deep bowl and cover it with very hct, but not boiling, water. Leavo it in this bath for from fifteen to twenty m,nute-s. Then take out, dry j very thoroughly, dust it with Hour, and then | sprinkle the ilour WItH salt and roast in the usual way. ror New Zœland lamb from ten to twelve minutes in the Lowl will be enough, as the lamb is not by any means apt to be so tough or so hard as the mutton. Chilled bCet, or frozen beef, if treated in thej: foregoing manner will be tound far more juicy and tender, and will possess a much nicer lfavour than if placed in tue ovcu without preparation of any sort. HOW TO ROAST. To roast a joint in perfection it should hrst be carefully wetH?Ml. and when thi has b?n done t?o Uinc it will w.ke to cook can be easily calcu- lated as follows, joints of best should bo allowed 15min. to the lb., and 15min. over, if liked slightly i underdone. li to be well done, allow. ZÇhmu. to the lb., and 20m.n. over. For mutton, which should always be well done, allow 20min. to the lb. and a full 20.nin. over. For pork, which should never, under any circumstances, be eaten under- done, allow 25unn. to the lb., and a full 25min., at least, over, ior veai, winch should also bo al- lowed anipio tune for cooking, as it is apt to be very indigestible when underdone, allow 25min. to the lb. and 15mm. over. It should be remembered, however, that a. very thin piece of either mutton or veai, as, ior example, a breast, or a steak from a leg of mutton or veal, w.ll not require quite so long to cook, and a quarter of an hour to the lb. and a quarter oi an hour over will, in the majority of cases, unless tiie meat is very tough indeed, be quite lOllo enough. if the meat is foreign and frozen a little longer time should be allowed, for cookin-i-. TO ROAST ENGLISH MEAT. Beef, for example, may -,erve. Wipe it thoroughly with a camp clotn first, and then with a dry one. Then place it in the baking dish, or in a. Dutch oven, either in the liottest part of tha oven or de quite close to the fire. Leave it for at least l-ai minutes. Then draw it back to a cooler part and bake it thoroughly. It is always as well to put a bit of dr.ppmg in the pan before ttio meat is added, as tiiiii loiins a. founoatlon with wmch to ba-.tc', ao to speak. AND iriii OF BASTING is of "the gieu,teat importance; in fact, if this is neglected it is piaetieaiiy impossible for the joint to be a success, it me joint in question, then, should enunce to be a veiy lean one, plenty ot dripping should be put upon the top of the joint as well a.s in Lie pan, in oraer that it may not bt- come diy. ine JOdlt should be basted at least oxiee fi\oj.y tea minutes, nud once every eight min- utes would be better, in Lie case of a very smail and lea-a joint, once every five minutes will not be too much. Well-basted meat, let it be borne in imna, possesses quite* tw.OO the nourishment that a tough, dry loait does. Bvjil^iNG. To boil successfully, aiiow slightly more time than lor roasting. Tilus 20min. to the lb. and 20mm. over will not bo too much; but in the ca.ie of beef, if tins is liked very underdone, 18min. to tfic, lb. and idimn. over mav be allowed. Mutton and veal, however, should be allowed a full 2Gmin. tor the tirst, and 25min. for the second; vvu. le purk must have 25mm. to the lb., and 3(Jiiim at xeasi over to ensure its being properly and sufficiently cooked. Note that 111 all eases, whether tor mutixni, beef, veal or pork, the water should be absolutely boiimg before the meat is put III. li is neglect of this smipi-e rule which is tho cause oi the tough, tasteless joints of boiled meat one so oiten encounters at the average Eng- lish table. ( If about to boil, for example, a piece of s-lvor- siue of bu-A o. a brisket of beef, see first that the water is absolutely boning. Add to it two tabie- tpconfuls 01 salt to the gallon of water. Then put in the meat and bring tno water to boiling point again. Ahow it. to bod for just five. minutes, then cover the pan, draw it to one side of the tiro, and simm: r very -slowiy until the jo-nt is thoroughly choked. Tuo v.au-r must not be allowed to reacn the boiling pouil agam, as should it do so the mea.t will 0-, tUUhll auu 00 completdy spoils ?ny vegetables or lia-vouring herbs it may De 'desired to took with the meat should be added when it is drawn to one side. HOtV 10 ROAST POULTRY. Firgt wipe the inside out very thoroughly with a cloth wrung out. iii hot water. Then place some butter or some dripping in the pan with the bird, and, if possible, cover the breast with a slice of tat bacon. Failing this, butter it well, and place a pioee of buttered pipe-r on top. Allovy 15roin. to the lb. aDd 15inin. over. In the case of ducks, and espeo.aily getso, this may bo increased to 20min. to the lb. and 20min. over, and in the case of the two latter birds the bacon is not necessary. Basts- very fiequently. every five or six minutes for very small b.rd, and every ten minutes for larger onos, until dono. TO BRAISE MEAT. Place from loz. to 2oz. of clarified beef dripping in a clean enamelled iron stewpa.n. Directly it boils add to it a touplo of carrots scraped and thinly sLeed, two turnips peeled and sliced, if ootamabie a h:L of celery, hrst well washed and cut into lin. lengths; a. bunch of herbs, i.e., thyme, palSI.-Y, marjoram, and a bayleaf, all tied up together, and Lu ec or four large onions peeled and thinly sliced; fry all together for a couple of minutes. Then add the meat and fry for another ten or twelve minutes, and turning it frequently in order thai: ic nmy become equally_ brown all over. Then lift it with a fork, and with another fork rake all the vegetables underneath the joint in such a manner that they form a bed for the meab. Add.,sufficient stock or water to come half- way up the meat Cover the pan tightly, draw It to ono side of the fire, and braise it very slowly until done. The time this will take varies, of course, with the size of the joint in question. For beef allow at least from 25min. to 30min. to the lb.; for mutton the same; and for veal, especially if it is at all tough, fiom 3Qmin. to 35miri. When done di ,11 up the meat ou a hot dish, and reserve it in tho oven. Remove the bunch of herbs. Thicken the since with loz. of butter and loz. of flour mixed to a paste by means of a little. cold stoek or water. Stir until the sauce is thick and creamy. Add pepper and salt to taste. Arrange the vagetablos ii neat little groups round the meat and servo at once.
THE BLOOD AND THE SKIN. |…
THE BLOOD AND THE SKIN. HOW BILE BEANS CURE PIMPLES AND BLOTCHES. Skin erupt HIll" aH now very prevalent. They are duo to blood impurities. Tne blood filters through the liver. Therefore, if the liver is sluggish and impure, so is the blood. If the blood is impure, pimples and blotches appear. Purify the blood put an end to the blotches. One thing does both—Bile IVans. Mr. George Davies, of Wreath Key Road. Munkwearmou'li, says "I was almost covered with unsigiiti-, pimples, boils, and blotches. My arms, legs, hands, and body were all attacked, and the irritation and pain was almost unbearable Apart from the pain I was most disagreeable to look upon, and was ashamed to go out. My liver was out of order [this was the root cause of his trouble]. I was always drowsy and listless—as tired in the morning as at night. Sick headache often overcame mo. I was costive, and 1 felt as wretched as a man can feel, On the advice of a friend, I took Bile Beans. They soon ended the constipation, and their action on the liver was manifest by the way in which my blood was purified, and the boil-i and pimples grew less and less. Within a short time of (sommeneing with Bile Beans my skin was quite cleared. I was relieved of the nasty drowsy sleepy feelings which had Ijeen so troublesome. The nausea and sickness also left me I am now quite cured, and enjoy excellent health. Indeed, I have better health now than I ever remember to have in my life." For skin eruptions, liver complaints, constipation, piles, sick-headache, female ailments, dizziness, &e., Bile Beans are the finest remedy. All chemists supply them at Is. lid. or 2s. 9d. per box. Be sure I I to get Lhas. hordes. xoull see the-name on each box.
[No title]
CORPORATION" AMI THE CHEESE FAIRS. — The Chester Market Hall Committee have received the following letter from Mr R. Challinor, secretary to the Cheshire Dairy Farmers' Association Ãt a council meeting of the Cheshire Dairy Farmers' Association the desirability of giving prizes for the heaviest weight of cheese brought by individual farmers to the Chester fair during the year was dis- cussed. It was pomted out that if such prizes were offered the Corporation should take the initia- tive, as it would no doubt increase the tolls for pitching. At the same time, if the Corporation was willing to c-fiel" -,ay, A:5, the association would be willing to give out of its fund a similar amount." The committee resolved—"That Mr. Challinor be informed that the committee, having considered the suggestion of the association, cannot see their way to entertain it."
AT RLE iiC ? EW?. ! - -? -I
AT RLE iiC ? EW?. -? I FOOTBALL NOTES. I The Chester premier eleven seldom or never do I well in their lioldiday fixtures, and this Eastertide has been no exception to the rule. Three Combina- tion engagements have hoeu disposed of, and out of a possible six points only on a has eoine to Chester. One might well ask, what has become of the prowess of the team that has drawn large crowds oil many an occasion. The only satisfactory feature about the matohes has been the tremendous gate" recorded on Good Friday, w hen, we are told, the takings eveeeded Unless, however, a better exhibition of football is given by me club, Friday's takings will be a record for a long time to come. The first holiday match took place on Good Friday at Wuipcord laue, when Chester met Wrexham for the third time this season. Chester had to commence w.th nine men, pkiced as follows: Eardle-y. goal; Astbury, full-back; Barker, Morris and Hibbert, half-backs; Sherman, Lewis, Delaney and Riley, forwards. The visitors bckui otf, and at oue pre sed, Eardley having to clear smartly. The. home team ioroc-d their way down a httle, and then tiit3,r opponents made am organised attack, and Granger scored from a beau-1 titul enatre oj u"t afterwaida rsLeliy took up his position on the extreme left, and Lloyd, of the Reserves, went, oentre-half in place of Morris, who went behind with Astbury. Wrexham kept up a hot attack for some \Vœxhllm kept up a hot attack for some time until Morris relieved, and Riley and Delaney made a good run down and forced a corner. This wa; easily cleared and the Welshmen obtained a. corner. They kept tne ball in dangerous pioximity to the goal for some time, and then Kelly was given possession. He centred nicely to Lewis, who passed to Iviiey. The latter was badiy tripped just outs.do the penalty area. From the freo kick the ball went ciose to the goal, but did not enter, and the visitors resumed the offensive, but spoiled many chauces by bad shoot- ing. The Cestrians got twice dangerously near to their opponents' goal. A third attempt was made by Delaney, who was fouled, tLbbert took the freo kick, and Barker sent the bail over. Chester kept up the pressure, and Kelly made a grand at- tempt, his snot being saved at the expense ot a. coiner, which proved fruitless. The interval ar- rived with the score—-Wrexham one goal, Chester nil. Soon aiter the interval Kelly and Sherman were twice pulled up, and then the visitors got dangerously dOH" but missed many chances. They had much the best of matters. The city for- wards got nicely away, and Lewis received from Sherman and gave to the right wing, who were soon lobbed of the ball. Another rush was made, and one almost thought tho ball had gone into the net. But it was not so. Wrexham made ? breakaway, but Ea.ale-y promptly kicked clear, j The home team made a svoiu attack, which Bar- ker ended by shooting over. Another attempt was made from a ir, k for a foul against Kelly, and Delanoy pushed tha ball in, but Evans, the goalkeeper, cleaied. i>ewis, through selfishness, ) lost an opening, out vvitn tile next opportunity he, togetner with Delaney, forced a corner. This was cleared, and L.o vi-ntors daited away, Griffiths scoring the second goal from clustí in. The CestrianscLishedavvay, but were soon compelled to act on tho defensive again. Through looseness on the part of the home full-backs, the visitors were let in again, and W. Davies registered the third point. The formation of the Chester team was then alten d. Delaney and Lewis changed places, as d.d al-o Lloyd and Astbury. The home, eleven dirt not g1\L1 much trouble, and the visitors had llttlc; difficulty in obtaining a fourth goal, through Grihtlis. S herman and Kelly made the final effort ou b Lalf of the Cestnans, and then the whistle blew to. the cessation of hostilities, the I score standing—Wrexham four goals, Chester nil. Wrexham fully deserved their victory, as they wero the bott -r team all round. Chester gave a most disappointing exhibition, and shewed but little combination. Even tho fact that two re- serves were piayid is not an excuse for the beat- ing. Tho forwards were not as effective as they should have. been. For soino strange reason Lewis bovcotted the left and best wing, and continually pas- t-d to tho right wing, when Kelly and Sherman might have mad e better usa of the openings. Lewis at times w.,s extremely selfish, and played with little judgment. Wrexham had evidently learnt to fear Kelly, for one of their men shadowed him through- out the game. Sherman and Riley were the most effective of the tor wards. Barker waa one of the best on his sid; and far the best of the lialves. Lloyd began badly but improved, and when he was becoming useful ho was relegated to the-full- back line in plaob ot Astbury. On the whole Hib- bert played a poor game, and Taylor, in. whose place he appeared, was sadly missed. Morris was the best full back, giving a better exhibition than usual. Astbury, who Ins seldom p.ayed wors<>, missed many turns. Too mucn work was left to Eardley, and the club ought to consider them- selves fortunate in having such a good goalkeeper. The return Combination fixture between Chester and Bangor was played at Bangor on Saturday. Delaney went to tne half-back line in consequence of Taylor s being ill, and Coppack, of the Reserves, was placed in the forward line. Chester won the toss and Bangor started t ie game. The visitors pressed considerably during the first half, but without success. Their opponents scored the first point from a bieak- away, though the Chester spectators were ot opinion that the scorer was offside. Play con- tinued even until the finish. Both goalkeepers had to stop many excellent shots, but play throughout was of an extremely ragged descrip- tion. The final result was Bangor 1, Chester nil. This result is extremely disappointing, especially after Chester's victory over Bangor at Whipcord- lane by six goals to nil. Tho only explanation is that on Saturday the Cestrians encountered a much stronger team than on tho previoua occasion. The Chester premier eleven entertained Chirk at Whipoord-iana on Bank Holiday afternoon. Delaney again appeared at half-back, and two new plavers, named MeGuffie and Hardacro, !ato of White Star Wanderers, appeared at contro forward and right inside respectively. T. Lipsham was placed on the extreme right, iiiid Lewis and Riley were dropped. Chirk kicked off against the wind and facing the sun. and during tne first half they had to act. mainly on the defensive. Chester at once dashed off and the ball was sent out, and just afterwards T. Lipsham was carried off the field hurt. He returned some time afterwards but was of little use throughout the game. Kelly just missed with an excellent shot, and then the visitors got away, only to be pulled up by Morris. Another attempt was made on the Chirk left wing, and the home forwards were given possession. MeGuffie kicked down and the ball was rushed close in. Kelly striking the post. The pressure was kept up for a short time. Ine visitors made great effort, to get away, but they found the defence too good for them. Kelly and Sherman cleverly took the ball down and forced a corner. The sphere was well placed, and MeGuffie sent in a shct which the custodian saved splendidly. Just afterwards, from a. second corner, Turner and Hardacre mi=sed. A nice movement by the homo forwards was stopped by Keily's being offside, and soon afterward;} Delaney skimmed the bar with a grand shot from it distance. Astbury put his forwards in possession and the leather was quickly taken down. The visitors' goalkeeper stopped it on tho ground, and McGuffie kicked it from under his hands into the net. Chester at once resumed the pressure, and McGuffie headed well in. Delaney narrowly missed. and MeGuffie and Sherman netted the ball, but were ruled offside. Chirk made a great j effort, and about eight minutes before the interval Eardley made his first .save. Immediately after- ward", the ball was allowed to roll into the goal, and the visitors got their equalising point in a, ridiculously easy fashion. McGuffio swung in a. hot shot, and, fortunately for Chirk, the goal- keeper happened toO bo standing in the way. Had he. been in another part- of the goal ho con id not pos,lbly, have saved t/io snot lu-ner j receiving from Astbury, took the bai- down and struck one of the uprights with a grand shot. The ball rebounded to Hardacre, who had no difficulty in scoring. The Cfotrians put more vigour into their play and pre sed hard, but the whistle was sounded for the interval, the score standing as follows: -Clwstcr two goals, Chirk one. The home eleven pressed on re-starting, McGuffio and lurner working the bail down cleverly. The centre forward sent across to Lipsham, who spoilt a good opening by a lame shot. The pres-ure was kept up and Sherman gave the custodian a difficult shot to deal with. Lipsham. put outside, and Deiiwii'V, after cleverly working the ball down. to Sherman, who made a, poor attempt. Sherman ran the ball cut, and from the goal kick sphere went to MeGuffie, who raced away splendidly and caught j the cross-bar with. a. grand Allot. The applause he received was well deserved. Turner and Astbury broke up a combined movement on the part of Chirk, and sent out to Lipsham, who made- a fairly good try. The visitors, although they had the sun at their backs, made but little headway for a long time. They became dangerous once, but the pressure was relieved, and McGuffio, after a splendid run, was knocked ov. r when on the point of shooting, and the ball went outside. Eaidlcy was given some nice shot to deal with, and these stopped, the city vanguard made a prettily com- bined movement."1 Nothing resulted from the effort. and from a suduon breakaway Chirk equalised. The Cestriahs made great efforts to I regain the lead, but it. was too late, and the game ended in a draw of two goals each. On the afternoon's play tiie Cestrians w;ue oertainly the better team, and victory ought to have been theirs. The only thing which saved the vi-itors from a heavy defeat was the splendid exhibition of the half-back line, which repeatedly stopped dangerous rushes by the Oostrians. Of the two new players, McGulue. i> a, valuable ad- dition to the team. ilis "hoh were adways accurate, and he deserved greater success. Hard- acre appeared to be at a loss for a good right outside man to work with. Lipsham was practically useless nearly all the game. Tlit- right wing has for a long time been the weak point in the Chester attack, and it is a great pity a good right outiide man cannot bo secured. Kelly and Sherman found themselves opposed by a clever half-back, and they were not so j effective as u-ual. A notioeablo feature was the way in which the forwards left their proper posi- tions for other parts of the field, frequently spoil- ing their combination. This was due to the weakness on the right. Delaney, though he has previously played in tho half-back line, was not satisfactory. His shooting seemed to have greater accuracy, but that was all. Turner for me greater part of tho game played well, and was of great service, but towards the latter end of the second half he fell off very much. Harker played as consistency as usual. Of the full backs, Morris shewed much im- provement, and was rather better than Astbury, who did not do as well as usual. Eardley was not always safe, and it is hard to undorstand how he failed to stop tho first goal. Ho generally stops the difficult shots, but the easy ones • eoni to get the bettjr of him. At times the display of the Cesir.ans was raiher ragged and disorganised. It is to be hoped they will pud themselves together again and shew that they still possess the prowess I whidl ga.ll.d them their early successes. As a set off against the poor performances of the Chester Club's premier team, theRe:,1 vo eleven have done exceedingly well in their holiday matches. 011 Good Friday they were entertained at Wrex- ham by the Cambrian Athletic, and after a good game they returned homo victors by three goals to nil. On Saturday Rhyl Reserve came to Whipcord- laue to try conclusions with them, Chester had the best of matters all through, but at half-time were only one g,ysi to the good. After tho interval, the visic.ora a.ppen.red with 10 men only, and paid the penalty tor their rashness, for when the whistle blow for time they had a deficit of six goals to nil. T. Lipsham scored three of the goals, I ullock. Cooke and A libbert one each. T. Lipsham scored a seventh, but he was fouled, and a fre-o-Kick was awarded, the goal being disallowed. J. Lipsham played a iifili game, and though he did nut score himself^he was the means of others seormg. Oil Bank Holiday morning the Cambrian Athletic visited Chester, meeting the Chester Reserves for the second tune. Soon after the start .J. i. Riley tipped the ball to J. Lipsham, who sent in a good shot. The custodian sent the ball against the post, and Vic. Clubb scored easily. From then until the interval play was very even, and neither side ?ltn y itt)ortivj et)niers obtained any advantage. abortive corners were obtaiued. After crossing over the Cestrians had the best of matters, but threw away nuinoroas chances by bad shooting..Aiter the second goal j came from t)1e foot of Dawson, tho visitors appeared completely demoralised, and tho Reserves ran out easy winners by six goals to nil. Clubb scored the third goal, W. Riley the fourth and fifth, and Dawson the aixth. The Reserves are to be congratulated on. their smart performance of 15 goals to nil in three matches. They have thus obtained the maximum number of points, and as the games were all League matches their position in the table has been con- siderably improved. Good Friday has for many years been regarded as the period of football festival in Mold, aud the interest taken in this year's holiday contests has been quite sans precedent. On Good Friday Mold Amateurs and Mold Thursdays met in splendid weather and before a large attendance Joe Millington started for tho Amateurs, who at at once commcllced to press, but the strong defe nce of the Thursdays waa assisted by the condition. of ground and breeze After nndtield play McFariane obtained possession, and with a neat con. re enabled W. Thomas to score for the Amateurs. The Thursday quintette got away and Jackson passed to S. Peters, who missed an easy chance. From the goal-kick Jackson obtained possession and equalised with a fine shot. Half-time arrived with the score unaltered (one goal each). Play during the second moiety proved fast and exciting, but the defence on both i sides was sound and though the Thursday's goal narrowly escaped further damage, the game ended with the final score one goal each. J On Saturday afternoon Mold Amateurs and Brymbo Victoria met at Mold in the first division of tho Flintshire League. "The Amateur.- won the i toss aud gave their opponents the advantage of ground. At the outset Brymlx) made a determined ri-Lid and the homo custodian was beaten by a long and high shot. This unexjieeted reverse brought the Alll¡Ü{Jur.,¡ to their senses, and .McFariane and W. t Thomas on the right and left respectively gave the Brymbo defence an anxious time. After persi ->teut passing, Millington found an opening from a pass and capital sprint by W. Thomas. A pt-riod of pressure by the visitors, including an abirtive penalty kick, was witnessed, and at half-time neutral ground was the venue. In the second half the Amateurs, aided by breeze and giound, splen, didlv commenced to harass the Brymbo defence, and after hvo minutes' pegging their persistence was re ward <;d with a second goal. Shortly aiterwaids some feeble play by the homo backs enabled Brymbo ) to equalise. Things by this time were well up to "concert pitch," the sphere was travelling fiom goal to goal with great rapidity, and a drawn game seemed probable until Walter Eaton placed the Amateurs ahead by a grand shot. Determined efforts weiernade by the visitors, but Lewis between the snoks was not again to be caught napping, and he brought: oif some magnificent saves. The visitors were still attacking what time tho "recall" was sounded, the score at that period being Amateurs tnree goals, Brymbo Victoria two goals. j Mold Amateurs v. Mold Alvn Wanderers met on the Recreation Ground on Easter .Monday, there being a record attendance to witness the local Derby." The Amateurs were without their left back (Joe Millington) who was incapacitated owing to an injury received in Saturday's fixture against Brymbo, and his pfcico was filled by -Jones. The Wandeiers' captain won the toss aud decided to play up the incline, and there was a strong wind blowing at 11 wart the ground. Millington started the ball and McFariane and Davies soon made their presence felt by some pretty combined tactics, McFariane centred and Jones scored a clever goal for the Amateurs. From the centre Thomas got possession and centred with precision, E Willi-ims fouled Jones just as he was poised for shooting, and the Amateurs were awarded a penalty. Eaton took the kick and found the net. Encouraged by their success the Amateurs swarmed aroulldHugh Lewis's charge, their combination being a treat ts witness. McFariane again got possession and W. Thomas netted the ball but the point was dis- allowed for offside. From the free kick the Wanderers forwards got possession, but they were not permitted to get within shooting range. From a centre by McFariane Jim Milhntrton scored a third goal, and half-time arrived with the game Mold AmateuSs ?> goals, Alyn Wanderers nil. After the change of ends the Wanderers played with the advantage of ground, and their forwards were speedily aggressive. After ten minutes from the restart Phil Jones scored for pi" side. The Amateurs then got a look in but the venue was speedily changed and a second goal was soure d from a penalty kick. Play now ruled highly exciting. The Wanderers forced a succession of corners, which however were rendered harmless, and a memorable game terminated with the score. Mold Amateurs three goals, Mold Alyn Wanderers two goals. On Good Friday morning Connalis Quay Reserve entertained Penyffordd in a Flintshire League (second division) match. The Quay forwards combined very prettily, and Phew scored. After this the vi.-itors had hand limes with one or two good shots, but Threadweii was. playing a grand game in goal. After some interesting midfield play Hughes came away cm the wing, and, passing out to H. Ferguson, enabled that player to register number two for the home team. Shortly afterwards the visitors scored from a penalty awarded again-t Baird Jnes. J. Roberts beat F. J. Reynolds (the visitors' custodian) for the third time, and an interesting game ended in favour of the Quay by thres goa.s to one. i i On Good Friday afternoon CounahV Qnay had a visit from Johnson's Dye Works in ?. frie?dty match. Both fealii." were, beni on winning, and each goa,l was visited in rapid succession. i.!u> home team more than holding their own against, their scientific opponents. After about- ten linute-' play Herbert Green, who had bwu pl¡;y ing a clever ?amo on tho r!?ht w?lilg. s-?x'd ,J grand goal for tlw homo team. Shortly afic", wards Fjirt gave Green a pass, which enabled the latter player to register number two for the homo team. After a hot fusilada round tho visitors' goal the visiting forwards curried the b: 11 up the field, and, evading the home backs, easily beat Dodd. From the centre kick Connalis Quay made another raid on the visitor.' citadei. whc-vc one of the visiting backs handled the ball inside the ponalty line. II. Green took the penalty, but failed to get the ball past the g-oai keeper. Shortly before time II. Greon nas-od I tho ball to Flirt, who scored the Quay's third goal. Although the visitors tried hard to dr,; w level, they failed, and ihe Quay won by three goals to one. On Saturday afternoon the se-tni-ifnal for the Flintshire Charity Cup wit, played on f'ii> Shotton enclosure between Connalis Quay and Flint U.A.C. After a spell of even and fast play, the visitors, aided by the breeze, liftnek-'d in earnest, but Toby r.nd Thomas se.ved situation on many occasions. Dodd fi-• d rm;u- n grand hot from J;-ck,'on right under the bar, after which Toby had to concede a coiner when herd pressed, fi-i?t w!i i (,I) Ccmrnins almost scored a goal. Lloyd. at half-back, tesr.d Dodd with a shot- whid1 almost knocked him into the. goaL H. Green made a grand effort to open ihe. score for the Ouuy, but he was too ebsi-ly watched bv a couple of opponents to become drui gerous. Comniins wa- off for a short time owing 1 ro an iniury. Tho U.A.C. did most of the attack- ing until the interval, which arrived with a clean sheet. ) On resuming, the willù dropped and it Win- i mi-need to rain sharply, making lhe grass so | s.'ippcry that the players found it very difficult j to keep their feel. The game was warmly con- i tested. The Quay made desperate efforts to penetrate the defence, but the Flint back division f was so sound that, Bradley was rarely called upon. From a wrio" nf free kicks the Quay worked the • ball down, a11d I I. Green's final effort wpnt a few inches wide of the mark. Each "idc. HhHkcJ with vigour, but the defence on either sale wa* j too good to admit of any scoring, with the re-uii j that the game ended in a pointless draw. j The re-played tie in the smne tina of the Flinl- i shire Charity Cnp wa" opeided on Wednesday, when Flint U.A.C. defeated Connalis Quay 1,?' tln-ee goals to nil. J In the silver medal competition, at Northop, on I Monday, Shotton Junior- won t'?io much-coveted I mementoes. There %v ('r, a large number of c?ntri(?s, and each event was keenly contested. Tho juj-kloils received two byes, met Sough ton in the first round, Northop Invincibles in the semi-final, and Flint United in the finAl, whom they defeated by two goals to one. The scorers for the juniors were W. Ureen. from a ponalty, and Hugh Roberts. The Juniors have played a consistent gallie throughout the season, a.nd deserve the success they achieved on Monday. The final tio of the Chester Charity Cup compe- tition will bo played on tho 25th nst., at tho Whipcord-lano ground, between Koole and Con- nah's Quay. COMBINATION. RESULTS UP TO DATB. I ?-<H(Mi8-? Pti f W. ? D.ForA?st-Pts Wrexham 25.18 2 ? 7!? 41 Nl111t\ieh .20 ¡i- 7 4 ..(>!• .43.34 Oswestry 25 14 !). 2.65 38.30 Burslem Port Vale .5 12 U. 5 61 ..32 29 Birkenhead 23 .12 7. 4 43.32 28 Witton Albion 25 ..10. 7 8 48 47.28 Middlewich 25 8 !> 8.39.61 24 Chester. 22.. 8 6 K..43 38 24 ;*Bangor 2-1. 8 8. 8 4!) 6-1 2:,) I Rh\l 21 7.11 3 47.. G4. 17 Newton-le-Willows .23 6 14 3 43 (> 15 Winsford 23 (> 13. 4.43 53. 14 Tranmere 25 4.1(1 5 2!t <>0 .13 24 'L.lL 3 32.W.11 Chirk 24 4. *Two points deducted. Whito Star Wanderers withdrawn—-record expunged,
Advertising
CUT THIS OUT. SPRING CUT TFT IS CTTT. CLEANING, 1903. T r- ORDER FORM Send for v arpets on and rettirii N am eoo. A d dress. i or No" i Tf to be relaye d J-ONES, BRIDGE STREET, CHESTER.
i A. G R leu L rrÜ-R E.I
i A. G R leu L rrÜ-R E. I A TYPICAL APRIL. I Reports from different* parts go to shew how erratic the season has been. March finished up in its well-known form of rain and bluster, tho latter, tinctured by a frosty nip. extending well into the present mouth, with the exception that tho winds brought with them an appreciable interlude of dry weather, much to the aid of farmers %v lic) liid a lot of spring sowing on hand. The meteorological returns for March prove that in places ram fell on twenty-eight days out of the thirty-one, while many others were blessed with twenty sueh days. It has happened that the rains were not generally very heavy, but with the hurricanes of wind and wet surfaces, progress in sowing had been slow till April commenced. Locally, nmllucklly, however, the month of showers falsified its reputation during the first fortnight, and a good deal ot work was put in with the drills and harrows, since when the weather has been more remarkable for its wintry character driving hail and snowstorms have been frequent, and people are asking whether we have gone back on Christmas, so icily cold are the winds no matter from what quarter they come. The fruit prospects are already seriously discounted through destruction of the blooru. in the Mid- lands both the season and the work are represented as lx-ing behind, while to quote an East Anglian writer, "the forwardness of tho season 1 has given a good deal of trouble in getting the crops off the land. The moisture and fairly high temperature have caused swedes and kale to sprout vigorously, and some of the uelds show quite a forest of growth which the tihcey cannot keep i under." There has been an appreciable growth of the grass during, the last fortnight, aud the effect is visible in the colour and texture of some of the I butter brought into our market, dairy cattle having been allowed out a few hours now and again as opportunities have occurred. This alone speaks for itself when it is considered that such hoerty is i rarely given a full mouth before the orthodox date of May ]2th. With the fine weather lambs have b'11 doing well again. Tiie iaiuuing season is dmwing rapidly to a close, and tiom all accounts there is likely to be an average crop, if not a little over, hut tho vicissitudes of the season have caused the reports to vary considerably from week to week. Potato-planting has been proceeding all along the line," and if the favourable weather should cuu- I tmue another week will practically bring this work to a good finish. I THE SHILLING DUTY ON WITIAT. Writing under this head, Mr. Clare, isewell Read remarks: —When Sir Robert Peel repealed tho Corn Laws he left an import duty of Is. per quar- ter, which was called a market toll or registration unry. That Is. par quarter was, paid for about twenty years, and then Mr. Lowe took it off, and in six months wheat was dearer. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach put it on again, and in twelvemonths wheat is cheaper now than it was then. it matters not what the ex-Chancellor said or thought, the fact is that tho poor man's loaf is no dearer, and if bread was regulated by the pries of wheat, it ought to be cheaper. But, then, bread does not. follow the extreme variations 01 wheat; there are certain expenses which the miiier and the baker have to pay, and they rein.\in the same wnethcr wheat is deal- or cheap. The chief fault is that when .wheat rises in price bread goes up next week; if it. goes down, it is often a month before bread is cheaper. If the duty on wheat was 10s. per quarter, no doubt the cousunier would pay a large portion of it. But, then, ;n France, where there is a very heavy import duty on wheat, the price of wheat ranges only about one-half the duty above the value, of wheat in England. To com- pare the tobacco duties, which amount to s ix times the val UP of th llt IV product, with a 5 per cent, tax on wheat is childish; but it. the tobacco were reduced oue-half, the British smoker would not get all the benefit. It is satisfactory to notice that iu consequence of a slightly "higher duty being charged upon flour than upon wheat, millers offal has in twelve months increased 14u,0U0 tons. Thern are many who would have preferred putting a half-crown duty upon flour and letting tho wheat come in free. But the Exchequer would not have reaped tiie considerable sum this revived la. regis- tration duty has brought our new Chancellor. IMPLEMENT SPACE AT THE ROYAL. It is not unlikely that the forthcoming exhibi- tion of tb, Royul Agricultural Society, to b;-» i.ekl iii L-oi-idoii iu the last week injure, will piove a record one in many respects, if it is only on ac- count of the novelty; but the implement depart- ment, at ail events, does not promise well. The spaco applied for in this section comprises 8,870ft- of ordinary shedding, 480ft. of high shedding. 2.670ft. for machinery in motion, and 2,533ft. of special shedding. The total of 14,553ft. is up to I the ilverigo of recent years, but falls short ot the- entry at York three years ago, at Birmingham in 1898, and at Manchester in 1897. It is also below I the aggregate of 15,602ft. at the Windsor meeting :n 1889 and that of 22,903ft. at the Kilburn meet- ing in 1879. both of which were held in what is regaided as the metropolitan area. It was ex- I p3cted that at a London exhibition the implement, j '-utnPA would cxcocd, and not fail short of. those i at provincial centres, and it is hoped that the entries of live stock will show to better advantage. BATH AD WEST AD SOUTHERN I COUNTIES' SHOW. At a recent inciting ot the VoUHC I o. this socioty it was reported that for this year's exhibition, to ba held ai Brislol on May 27th. the entry of im- plements and machinery is the largest in the his- tory of the society, 'ihe nearest approach to it was in 1886, when the show was last held at Bri.-tol. j It is proposed to hold a conference of cider-makers and others interested in the cider industry in the showviud during the show. The investigations promoted by the societv with respect to what is known a- "teait" land are being continued, and it i", hoped tnaL they will result in the obtaining of more definite information on tha subject than has hitherto been forthcoming, Dr. Voeleker having indicated the line which future inquiry should take, j At the cheese school carried on hy the society, Oil behalf of the Somerset County Council from October 25tli to 29th last (both days inclusive), 1,157 gallons of milk made 1,31Bib. of Cheddar cheese, which on January 17th realised £41 3s. get From October 30th to November 30th (both days inclusive) the same quantity of milk made 1,4731b- of Caerphilly cheese, which l'èalisct! £39 9". lOd. in both cases the produce was sold at the highest market price. A larger number of pupils thao usual ha.vc applied for admission to the school. THE SHEEP SCAB BILL. 1 An incident has occurred at Uswestry shewing tno imperative necessity for the compulsory powers Mr. Hanbury, the President of the Board of Agriculture, y the !Ire, is seeking for the prevention or suppression of thi? fell disease. At tho monthly meeting of the Town Council it was reported that a case of sheepscal) had been detected in the Smithfieid, which accord- ingly had been declared closed for the sale of sheep. Oswestrians have been asserting for a long time that, the regulations for the prevention of sheep scab have not been carried out by the adjoining counties of Montgomery and Denbigh, and it was rfesolved to call the attention of the authorities of these two counties to the fact, and to urge that the regulations be strictly adhered to. The optional clause in Mr. Banbury's Bill was condemned, and a petition ordered to be sent to Parliament praying that it might be deleted, and that the dipping be made compulsory. Another feature in the Council meet- ing was the receipt of a letter from the Town Clerk of Birkenhead, pointing out that a cattle truck belonging to the Cambrian Railways Company was found by a Birkenhead inspector not to have been properly cleansed and disinfected, and suggesting that as the Company had been warned on more than one occasion, they be prosecuted by the Corporation of Oswestry. The subject was referred to the Markets Committee, and a copy of the letter ordered to be sent to the railway company. CROSSING WELSH MOUNTAIN EWES. I.n regard to the crossing of Welsh mountain sheep experiments, which have been III process of carrying out at Lledvvigan since U5m, and continued in l'.MJl, Professor T. Winter reports that the Wilt- shire crosses were much less successful than usual, as they furnished a lower percentage of first sales and a larger percentage to the last than any of the lots. Twenty-five Wiltshire cross and Shropshire cross ewes reared 27 lambs respectively, 2.1 Kerry Hill (Montgomery) cross 24, and Southdown cross 2o respectively. The failure of the Wiltshire crass the Professor sots down to the wet weather. The, lambs grew fairly well, but iew of them got really fat. The K< •rry Hill cross rusy be said to have done well. One half of them were sold in the first lot, and only a small percentage were left over until the hrst salos. Eor those who breed lambs to keep till the following spring or I.- ly summer this would appear to be an excellent cross, as the lambs have plenty of size, are of very nice quality, and look like growing on to furnish the class of mutton for which there is always such a great demand in the spring. It could not be said, however, that as fat lambs tile Kerry ciosx-s on this occasion reached the highest class. The Shropshire crosses, as usual, did fairly well, though they were not the iambs which the butchers selected first or for which they were pre- pared to pay a little higher price. At the same time they were what might be termed good, useful lambs In HIOO there was not much to choose between the Wiltshire and Southdown crosses, but last season the Southdown cross was by far the most successful. In point of quality the lambs were in a. higher class than any of the others. The bulk of them were ready for slaughter early, and as regards weight, they were not behind the lambs of the other crosses, it is now evident that the Southdown I furnishes a particularly suitable cross for Welsh mountain ewes for the production of fat b.lUb.
[No title]
Can't you guess?" A handsome lithographic reproduction of this oil painting sent post free to buttermakers. sending us the addresses of at least three other buttermakers not using a cream separator. Thousands of buttermakers still continue to employ old-fashioned methods, and theieby lose at least lib. of butter in every 6. Tha Melotte turns ono-thild easier than other separators, has the lilrgest sale in the United Kingdom, has beaten all others in com- petition, and is sent on free trial for 11 days by the Melotte Separator Sales Co., Ltd., Bristol. It pays to sell a cow and buy a. Melotte the same quantity of butter will be made, and the cow's feed and the necessity of milking and attending to it will be saved.
[No title]
ACEIIIFXT TO "BUFFALO BILL."—A great crowd witnessed the opening performance of the Wild V. cut Show at Manchester on Monday afternoon. As Colonel Cody was leaving the arena, his horse shied at some shifting scenery, and, rearing, fell hack. Tho Colonel was not able to quite clear him- self, and one leg was injured At the evening per- formance ho drove round the arena in an open [ carriage. THK Cc? ?TRT GENTLEMAN'S ESTATE BOOK, 1M:?. Wo are in receipt of a copy of this hn.ndtlJe addition to the country gentleman's or estate a.trcnts I library, edited and compiled by Mr. William Broom hall, and now published for the eleventh year for the Country Gentleman's Association, Lim:ted, Hi, Cockspur-street, Pall Mall, S. W., London. The volume, handsomely bound in red cloth with gilt, lettering, and extending over (iOO pages of finely- printed matter, is a veritable eiieyclopajdia of reference for everything appertaining to country life and estate management in particular, while a large proportion of space is devoted to farming, gardening, sports and pastimes, and the many mis- cellaneous items and directories without which a work of the kind would be incomplete. So unobtrusive is the Country Gentleman's Association that probably many do not know and have never heard of its existence; but as the editor tells in his preface, it consists of a very large number of members, representing the leading landowners, land agents and fanners of the Kingdom, and that the amount of the work it does for them ia steadily increasing in all directions. To put it shortly, the Association is one for mutual aid and assistance, to promote the agricultural interest which every Englishman, whether he be owner, agent or tenant has at heart. To attempt to enumerate even a hundredth part of the contents of the volume would be entirely out of the question it might well be termed a veritable "look within" on all matters affecting the land. its owners and occupiers. A well-written description of the Osborne estate, the King's gift to the nation, by Mr. S G. N. Mann, occupies the premier position, and a large number of technical and practical articles by expert writers are highly instructive and amply illustrated. The cost of the volume is 5, and no landowner, estate agent, or practical farmer should consider his library or office complete without a copy. .c.oO, tr' r r" "¡:
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