Cheshire Observer

| [PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT.] THE UNINVITED ¡  GUEST. j BY I i FLORECE STACPOOLE. Author of "The King's Diamond, "The Mystery I of the Manor House, &c., &a. t of the Majior Houaa,. I [COPYRIGHT.] I CHAPTER I. At a small table in the window of the coffee of a private hotel in Half Moon-street, Piccadilly, the Honourable Herbert Saville took 'I his scat oue fine morning towards the end! of July. it was his favourite seat for breakfast, and the. bead waiter always took care to reserve I ¡;_fo, him¡ when lie stayed at the hotel. Saville vva.3 a tall, dark-haired man., with handsome, clearly-cut features and a naturally pale com- I p lexion, which was calculated to hide any sign of violent emotion. A letter lay on the table await- f ing him. As he drew a flimsy typewritten sheet I LOll1 th3 envelope and rapidly ran his eye over it, iil'i face became a shade more pallid than 206, Jermj-n-street, 18- Dear Sir. I regret to say that, being short of cash. I havo had to re-discount Lord Pennalaun's accept- ance) for £ 3,000. which will be payable on. Thurs- day, tilM 20th inst.—Yours truly, Benjamin Harti "The scoundrel!" he exclaimed almost aloud. after h? had stared at too communication for some seconds, during which his agitation was so g'tea.t. as to bo noticed by the waiter, who was putting the coffee pot on the table with a slice cf grille] salmon, "cut thick," aocording to order. "He has got soent that. there is something wrong with (he bill-oan he have discovered that it is—" Even to himself Herbert Say-ille did not utter o I e, Nilie did not. concluding' word, as he sat looking before him with a stony, dazed expression. Then with an ■effort iie pulled himself together and tried to think coherently. "I must go at once-no, it's too early. Hart is n?>">r there till eleven o'clock; but I must see h:m as &oon as possible. If the bill is really going to be presented I must be otIut of Eng- land—or out of the world! Question is. which? I No use going abroad to starve; what could I do in the Colonies without a red oent in my pockets? No. one click of the revolver and it is all over. just as though I were a dog or a cat. Yes. if the I gamo is lip I had better get straight back from Hart's, and do it at once, now while I have got the pJuok r \-a¡tr. a glass of brandy He swallowed the brandy, and then breakfasted as oomposedly and heartily as though he were about to sae Mr. Hart on some matter of trifling moment, and not one the immediate issue of which was life or death. At a fe-w minutes after eleven Mr. Saville ioungod out of his hotel and strolled leisurely in rise direction of Jormyn-street. St. James's, that happy or unhappy hunting ground of young men with the desire of pleasure, and older Men with t,ii; desire of plunder. As lie strolled along dressed in a faultlessly cut suit of light tweed, which shewed his well- knit, fkWy-propoitioned figure off to great ad- vantage, he looked the personification of a con- tented. well-to-do member of the upper ten. No one would for a moment have dreamed that a!l (lie while ho was inwardly muttering, "How the douoa am I to get out of it?" or that the "it'' m Question was a very serious dilemma indeed. Arrived at No. 2Co. the door of which was always hospitably open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.. 4 a i I ie ?v4?- it t' a Savilie went jauntily up the broad staircase to the first floor, and pushing opan a green baize doom OIl which was a brass plate inscribed in Gothic :r-tteï3 with the words. I MRi HART, I entered an oincc where two clerks wore at work. "Mr. Kart in?" be asked. answered the one addressed, and rifiing he ',vont into an inner room, and return- ing almost immediately motioned Mr. Savilie to enter. in a s-.nall Lii d coilly- Sit ria; at a writing-table in a small and c03ily. !'urni?:!?d room was Mr. Benjamin Hart, the ?r.noo of London bill discounters. He. of course, I never adveitisod. though somehow or other his adori-vs; wv-" perfectly well known to the elito of London society. including a surprisingly large nriiik-r of Ca binet ministers, bishops, generals and jvdges. besides the whole rout of tIlCl tln- offical dukes, duchesæs- marquises and mar- chionesses, let hoc genus omne-. In person. Mr. Hart was a stout, fair-haired tean with a very fresh oomplexion and a pair of very hard, clear blue eyes; his aire might have been anything from thirty-five to fifty. "Well," lie said in a jovial voice, "heard of my misfortunes and thought you'd hurry to me with tno needful, I suppose. Very thoughtful 6f you. Mr. Sarille- But I've not got the bill hero, ItS you know-liad to part with it; 'fraid 'tis too late to retire it now-. Tell you what—best- can do is to pay the money in to Loid IVnuakuiii' s account, and let the bill be pre- sented. tn the ordinary course." He watched fcavillo s face closeiy as he spoke, and noted that the blood left it; otherwise there was no sign of trepidation. "By heavens; I believe it is a forgerv;" was his mental comment, but he smiled serenely as he waited for Saville's reply. When the young ma.n had first brought the bill to Hart the latter was vory much surprised at finding that it purported to bear the acceptance of the Earl of Pennalaun, for, having an extraordinary minute knowledge of the- character and record of every man of property in the- kingdom the bill-discounter knew fhas it was pretty certain that there had never }>eea a bill of Lord Pennalaun's on the mar- ket boio "Yon know very well that my uncle does not, want, Coaitt3 to see his name on a bill Haven't I told you that it was only given to oblige me. and that I pronrsed him ho should never hear any more about it and that I should take it up myself, and not let it be presented e" "Yes, vea. I remember now," replied Hart, "you ought to have reminded me a little soonei- There's perhaps just time to traoe the bill. Good- ness knows whose hands it is in by now. Give- mo the money, and I'll have it here by to-morrow at latest. He eyed the man opposite to him sharply as he spo ke, and noticed a detail trifling in itself, but significant enough under the circumstances of the moment.. Mr Savilie had moistened his lips be" ) fore he answered. < "You're a little previous, Mr. Hart, I'm afraid. The fact is I haven't got the money with me at tli- present, and I came to suggest that you Btould renew." He spoke with a nonchalance so elaborate that it confirmed Hart in his suspicions. "By Jove! it's felony then thought the bill-disoounter. and the metallic gleam in his eyes grew a little brighter. "That's quite out of the question, quite." he repliod with decision "I meant what I said, the bill is payable on Thursday, and will be pre- scnteu in due course." His peremptory tone caused a shiver through Herbert Seville, who knew now that he was in the money lender's grip, and that on Thursday ho would, unless he could find re-adv cash to the extent oc three thousand pounds in the space- of twenty-four hours, bo in the grip of the law. Three thousand pounds! It might as well, he knew, be three hundred thousand pounds for all 'he hope be had of finding it. The grip of the law: The thought was hideous: Face to face with the necessity for getting out. of the world he was suddenly seized with an overpowering de- sire to stay in it. His eyes rored desperately from Mp Hart's massive watehchain to the Tur- key carpet at his feet., while his brain felt ready to burst with the intensity of his longing to es- cap? from the net that was being drawn so tightly round him Then he jumped up. "All right!" he said, and this time no effort oould keep hi.s voice from sounding hoarsely, "let the bill sro to Coutts; it will make a rupture between me and my unole. that's all." and before Mr. Hart had time to reply his client was descending the stairs. I I CHAPTER II. I it 13 proverbial that drowning men will catch I at straws In a calmer moment a straw is valued I at its true worth, but when the sight is distorted by a tremendous terror, it may easily look like- a plank big enough to keep one from swamping. As he descended the stairs from the money- lender's office. Herbert Saville felt that swamping was inevitable, the ground wa. being swept from under his feet, destruction was certain. In his extremity he clutched at what, in a. saner moment he would have known was a very worth- loss straw mdeNi. los?; straw he ejaculated between his teeth. Me, flf ic o "Ha must do something-by heavens, he must!" Wit'nn ten minutes he was parleying with Sir Orford Modlicot's man, who. knowing that it wa9 "as much as his place was worth" to admit any- ono at that hour, was making strenuous efforts to hold him at bay. "He is'nt awake yet. sir. he really is not." ex- postulated the valet, as Savilie endeavoured to thrust him aside; "and if I was to waken him up he'd "I know; you'd as soon faoe the devil him- self, I daresay, but I'm not asking you to face him, merely to stand out of my way and hold your tongue Saying which, Mr. Saville swung the man on one side, strode through the narrow corridor of the flat which was the baronet s pied- a-terre when he was in town, knocked at a door at the end of it. opened it without waiting for ait answer, and going in. shut it behind him. "Im b'est!" muttered the servant, looking after him in a ruminant manner, and then retiring in the same direction swiftly and silently. "I say, Medlicot! Wake up! there s a good fellow!" and Herbert Savilie, placing his hand on the. blue silk coverlet that enveloped the sleeper, shook him by no means lightly. A pro- longed grunt from under the bedclothes be- tokened that his awakening efforts were success- ful the counterpane heaved, shewing the silken sheets beneath, then a sandy head appeared with a verv flushed face. from which a pair of sleep- soddtned eyes glared at the visitor, and a muffled voioe growled angrily: "What the deuoe is up?" "Rouse yourself, 'and listen to me, Medlicot; it's very serious." The baronet sat up. rubbing his stubbly hair. Don't tell me they've scratched Timbuctoo?" he said, apprehensively. "Timbuctoo? No! It's nothing to do with that. it's nothing that will do you any harm old chap; it's me. I'm in a devilish deep hole, a.nd- I Deep hole." interrupted the other indig- nantly; "that's nothing now. What the dickens do you mean by routing me out of my sleep to t. me that! And what does that blighted fool Holt mean by letting you in to do it. I'll give him the sack for it." "It's not his fault." said Savilie. "he could not help it. I pushed him on one side and came ill. Look here, Medlicot, this is a worse hole than any I've ever been in. and you must do something. I must raise three thousand pounds by to-morrow morning, or-" "• And you come to me to help you raise it-" almost shouted the baronet. Yes. I'm drained dry. You know that well enough. "I should think I did, was the sardonic reply. Well. I thought I'd made it all right at Chantilly. I was sure of it, but I've had the deuce's luck, and now-if I don't raise this," he paused, his voice indeed had gone for the moment. There was a pitiless silence. Sir Orford had laid down again and shut his eyes. "If I don't raise it by to-morrow—early—" burst out Saville, recovering himself and speaking with desperate energy. By heaven. Medlicot, I'm ruined. I can't, go abroad. I'm not going to starve in the Colonies, so I'll put a bullet through my head!" Bah said the baronet, contemptuously. "I shall, by I'll do it, if you refuse to help me!" '■ Then you'll have to do it, my boy, for I can no more raise £ 5,000 in twenty-four hours than you can, but if you'll take my advice, you'll go back to Laun Court and vegetate till things come round. Shooting is beastly dirty work, when it comes to aiming at your own head." Go back to Laun Court!" echoed Saville. I can't go back. I tell you, Medlicot, the hole I am in is deeper than you think. If I can't get this money at once 1 can never go to Laun Court again!" "Phew!" whistled the baronet, comprehend- ingly. "1" it to take up a bill you want the coin?" Yes." Then there was silence once more. "It can't be done," he said. "I couldn't do it if it was to save myself from hanging. I'm too deep already, all round-there-there," as Saville broke out again, don't make such a row or that fellow Holt will hear you-the walls aren't made of stone-you must make them renew -and you must do your level best to bring Mar- garet to reason—it's my belief you'd have had your five per cent. on her two hundred thou. if you had thought less of Chantilly and more of my concerns. I've done my best," said Saville, sullenly, I can't drag the bit from between the jade's teeth when she's got it fixed there." That'.S not a pretty way TO speak of a girl like Margaret," objected Medlicot. "011. I can't; but I've done, and will do all I can for you with her; only for me you'd never even have heard of her. But now, look here, as to renewing, that can't be done. I've tried to, as you may have known I would, before I came to you. Once, for all, now, Medlicot, is it to be sink or swim with me? It will be sink with you, remember, as far as Margaret is con- cerned. I may as well tell you that straight, if I go under." Good Lord, man! Can you get blood out of a stone?" demanded Sir Orford, forgetting all about his remark as to the thickness of tho walls. If it was to make you or myself Emperor of India, I couldn't raise three thousand by to.-morrow. You know the pass I'm in. Margaret's my last chanoo, and if I pull her through you'll have your slice, so cudgel your brains and think of some way to bring her to reason." As he spoke the baronet got out of bed and com- menced to dN's:'>. He was tired of the interview, and determined to end it. So he contrived, un- noticed by his companion, to touch a button in the wall. He was not unused to receiving visitors whom he wished to get rid of. and Holt was familiar with the bell which only rang wnen he was to intervene to oust them. The next moment there was a hasty knock, and the man appeared with a telegram. "By Jove! When is the next train to South- ampton?" cried his master, as he ran his eye over the message which had been delivered to j him. I'll see, sir. "It's my grandmother—sue s in extremis, poor j old girl—my dear f.plbw," and Sir Orford turned to his chum. I must put my togs on and be off. If I didn't go and she pulled through she'd cut me off wI 'tii a sixpenoe." The next train is 1.30, Waterloo, sir," said Holt, returning with an open A.B.C. in his hand. The man wa-s as good an actor as his master. The room was immediately filled with the hubbub of a hurried departure, or the see-ming preparations for it rather, and Herbert Saville was perforce obliged to depart. | "I might have known he was no good!" he muttered, as he turned into St. James's-street. Then he started. He had almost run into the arms of a man advancing rapidly from the oppo- site direction. Lucien!" It was his cou-iin, Lucien Chester, Lord Penna- laun's nephew and heir, for the earl had no on. Herbert Savilie was his sister's Lady Scroop's, second son. whom he had brought up. partly that Herbert might be -I companion to Lucien-who had lost both parents when ho was an infant— partlv ill order to relieve the mother, an im- poverished visoountess, of the cost of his niai. nten- ance, so that she might nurse the encumbered property for her eldest oon. "What have you come to town for?" i.a%; demanded sharply. When did you come?" Last night," returned the other, curtly. Though they had been brought up as brothers, neither of the men eyed the other with much appearance of favour. "I thought you were going to sail from Har- wioh. instead of coming to London," continued Saville. They sailed yesterday." You're not going to Germany, then?" Not at present." Then what did you come to London for, now that everyone is leaving it?" Bu.ine- answered Chester, shortly. What- business?" The mine, chiefly." "Oh-the- mine. There was relief in his tone. Has the call been made?" Yes." Pretty stiff, eh? What doe;, it total up to?" Nearly four thousand." "Joye ( Is the governor going to pay it?" Yee." Now. at once you mean?" Yes. I am on my way to the office to pay it. "Then he has heard something?" Only that they are having Glazebrook out to make an independent report; they wouldn't do I that unless the property could stand the test." "Having Glazebrook out!" cried Saville, pao-erl v Do vou mean that he is going to ,o,&. of Mexico:" Yes. he starts to-night. "That's a good job." exclaimed Herbert Saviile with emphasis, It shews they are not afraid of expert evi- dence, certainly," said Lucien, coldly. Oh, I don't mean on account of the mine. You know very well what I mean." I don't want to know anything whatever about your meaning," said Lucien Chester, more icily than before. Which proves that you know it perfectly well," remarked Saville with a laugh. "There- fore, my good Lucien, you know as well as I do that it's a precious good job that he is going out of the country. I only hope he'll stay out of it." Chester made no reply. His cousin had turned when they met, and was walking with him. and he had not been able to think of any pretext for shaking him off. Now one suggested itself. "You had better not come to Cockspur-street with me. Herbert," he remarked. I am going to the office to meet Glazebrook, as well aa to give the secretary his cheque." Oh, I don't mind meeting Glazebrook. Per- sonally I've no objection to him. In his proper place, as a mining engineer, he's a very decent fellow-a good looking fellow too," he added, with a malicious glance- at his cousin. However, I'd like to hear what he has to say. Medlicot will be glad to hear his views about the mine; he thinks of investing in it." "Medlicot?" ejaculated Chester, a note of scornful interrogation in hio voice. He thinks of putting a few loose thousands in something of the sort," said Herbert, carelessy, 'It k no _n.t-+'T7' ..çrt. ,n.r.+,,pn, J.J. U't:' J. :'Ul't:" .11.' a Pl.'IC'V"Y ox:I.L "J.J.V"1.. It's quite safe enough for his loose thousands." remarked Chester, sarcastically. You always speak in that tone of Medlicot!" Herbert exclaimed with resentment. "You have done your utmost. Lucien to poison Margaret's mind against him Lucien Chester stopped short. Don't let me hear you couple Margaret's namo with that man's again. Herbert." he said, sternly. And pray, why not.. what have you got to say against him I've this to say, that I will not allow any one to associate Margaret's name with his in my hearing. Lucien, you are a fool! It's a better name for her's to be associated with than-" He stopped suddenly. The look in Lucien Chester's face arrested his sentence uncompleted. It was a look whioh shewed him that if he did not immediately change his tone he would have to give up his visit in his cousin's company to the office of the Silver Sheaf Mine in Cockspur-street. He hurriedly put on an apologetic air. "I did not. mean to annoy you," he declared; my soul I didn't, Lucien. I shan't speak of Medlicot again, I give you my word." "Very well, remember that you have promised that. Then they resumed their walk to Cockspur- street. CHAPTER When Herbert Saville so precipitately left the bill discounter's private sanctum, Mr. Benjamin Hart, who had half risen from his chair, as he saw his client jump up and make for the door, sat down again, smiled, and rubbed his hands softly. A forged bill is sometimes, strange to say. quite an agreeable possession to a money lender. It was probably so in this instance, for Mr. Hart's smile grew broader, and he actually chuckled. He chuckled again at. the same hour the follow- ing morning, when Mr. Herbert Saville was once more announced. The chuckle, however, was of short duration this time, for the instant he saw his clients face he saw that to-day he had a different kind of man to deal with than the man of the day before. You said yesterday. Mr. Hart, that you could have the bill traced if I gave you the money to take it up—here is the cash-Bank of England notes—oblige me by doing so, if you please." Yesterday Herbert Saville had spoken as if he' and the man he addressed were equals. To-day his tone had the indefinable ring of the superior on the social ladder speaking to one on a lower rung. He did not sit down as he had done on the previous occasion. He laid the notes on the writing table and looked at the portly man seated at it with an air of oool hauteur. Benjamin Hart, however, had a profound veneration for cash, and the possessors of it. He saw that Mr. Saville was now probably in a position to take the upper hand. As you are so short of cash, Mr. Hart, I brought you the money early; I hope it will be of use to you in your necessity." Hart laughed. His laugh was as metallic as the glint of his eye. Thanks," he said, yes, it just comes in the nick of time to save a nasty business." The meaning in hia accent paid back, and with usurious interest, the contempt and sarcasm of Saville's looks and words. The latter again moistened his lips as he had done the day before. Then he ran over the notes with a careless flourish and reckoned them up. "There you are." he remarked, when he had finished. Three thousand-yes-it saved me a nasty business, too. His lordship would never have forgiven my breach of faith if I had let his name be seen on a bill; he has a most puritanical prejudice against a kite of any kind." Then you have had a lucky escape, a near squeak, too. it's been for you," observed Hart, as he took the sheaf of notes and scrutinised them narrowly. It would have been hard to decide which was most offensive, his words or his manner of examining the notes. Saville clenched his fist, and hi" nostrils dilated. After having obtained Hart's promise (for that gentleman had satisfied himself that the notes were undoubtedly genuine) that the bill should be forthcoming on the morrow, he quitted the room with a curt. "Good day to you." (To be oontinued.)

[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] FASHION AND THINGS FEMININE. By MISS IDA MELLER. « A PLEATED DRESS. Surely the modes that fashion presents to us as correct for immediate wear, and that we may rely on for remaining "in" throughout the ooming as well as the present season, are those with which most women must be satisfied., for we can e en take our choice of a variety of types of dress, and please ourselves at the same time. The Eton coat, the bolero, the tight-fitting jacket, and the redmgote—these are all fashionable, and shew con- siderable differences in style. A skirt typical of to-day s fashion is arranged in small, even box- pleats all round, the pleats either left entirely free, though nioely pressed to keep them flat, or stitched near the edges from the waist to the depth of seven or eight inches, the stitches taking the shape of mitre points as they conclude. This skirt is very much worn in serge and cloth, both for out of doors and indoors, adapting itself to all lengths. Tho skirt might be accompanied by a box-pleated blouse-bodioe of similar material, with yoke and ouffs of guipure lace, and the under- sleeves shirred the puffed sleeves being tied with ribbon, a bow of which might appear at the neck. The box-pleats suggest slashings, giving an air of picturesqueness to the blousa that removes it from the ordinary. The belt should be of silk matching the ribbon on the sleeves. THE NEW POLO HAT. j Spring hats, laden with flowers, testify that the season is to be a floral one so far as millinery is concerned, and besides the flower-trimmed hat the toque. all of flowers, blooms conspicuously among modes of the moment, favourite blossoms for this purpose being Parma violets mixed with natural coloured foliage. Tho quiet, pastel tints which ha.vo been beloved of fashion for the past several seasons, have given way somewhat in favour of moro emphatic colours, and there is a feeling for a return to the oid-fashioned pinks, violets and magentas, which are reflected in straws of various kinds and in flowers and ribbons. The novelty of J the season is. however, the polo or "pill-box" hat, I as the tiny piece of headgear, brimless and round, has been dubbed. A specimen of the new mil- linery is cleverly trimmed in a manner that takes away any appearance of absurdity that might, otherwise be suggested by so diminutive a piece of headgear. At the left side is a single feather with a ribbon rosette at the base, and opposite is a market bunch of violets. A PRETTY BLOUSE. Delaine for the morning shirt, and taffetas silk for the afternoon blouse.—here we have th e cr v cf fashion briefly expressed. Pleats, used in one way or another, are seemingly indispensable to (he success of the shirt for present-season wear. The soft varieties of taffetas silk and tho even softer washing silks are what we depend on chiefly for dressy blouses, allowing also due appreciation for the charming crepes de chine and washing satins that fashion blouses innumerable. A pretty blouse is a Paris model carried out in bronze brown taffetas silk, with a yoke of butter-colourcd lace; insertion trimmed with a scroll of brown taffetas j drawn at the edges. The blouse is attached to tho yoke with a gathered band of silk running j r:ght across the shoulders, and the sleeves are j drawn into deep lace cuffs. The scroll of silk on the yoke is rather a new idea, and suggeds a necklace. GOLF JERSEYS. Tho golf jersey, which, in its glorified aspect, is comparatively new, promises to be a popuilar feature of summer fashions. The mixing of stitches and colours, improved designs and general smartness now apparent in the knitted iorsey have all helped to bring this comfortable garment to a fashionable level, and it is no longer a thing of monotony, but rejoices in a variety of charming patterns. The greatest successes are the white jerseys, many of which are provided with collars and cuffs wrought in different stitches and colours to the rest, of the garment^ or made.. possibly, of cloth; othc-ro arc- piped with satin on the cuffs and collars. A white wool jersey with tan or sand-coloured relief is very effective, and ooo! shades of green are also pretty. while: the mixture of Cambridge blue and white is always excellent, and this occurs in jerseys of mixed blue and white wool, and in others knitted entirely in white, with the exception of the collars and cuffs, whioh are worked in pale blue wool. Roll revers (enabling the jersey to be worn open or closed). and round gilt buttons, are frequently j added to golf jerseys, and the cross-over front is j growing in favour, and is one of the newest natterns. TIMELY HINTS ON CLEANING. I The time having arrived when the groat spring clean is about to begin again, the following hints may be useful: — To clean holland blinds they should be taken down, but not removed from the rollers, laid across the table, and rubbed on both sides, w 'th cream starch, applied with a clean lfannel. Roll them up on the roller and leave them until the next day when tho starch should be rubbed off with another piece of flannel. Soiled matting should be well shaken to get rid jj of the dust, then rubbed all over with a cloth wrung out of salt and water. Alcohol will remove stains. Turpentine aleanses tin or zinc, and makes it beautifully bright. It can also be used to clean bath enamel that has become discoloured, but must be charily applied, as it is inclined to make t the paint dull-looking. Dip a"cloth in turpentine, and with this rub the stained parts carefully, then polish with a soft duster. Paraffin is also useful for cleansing baths. When the enamel is very much soiled, the best thing to do is to re-coat it with bath enamel paint. To clean papered walls the following is recom- mended; Mix one teaspoonful of ammonia, and one teaspoonful of benzine in three parts of a breakfast cupful of cold water. Then add one pound of flour. and mix all into a dough. Divide it into pieces and rub the walls from the top downwards. The dough must be stiff and fairly drv. n A CHEAP STAIN FOR WOOD FLOORS. It has become a general custom to economise carpets by staining the bordor of a floor; but staining sometimes becomes fairly costly work, when the room is large. for instance, or the floor is trodden upon while the stain is still wet, and the work, in consequence, must needs be done over again. It is most important that the stain should be quite dry before the floor is used, or the foot-prints will rob it of beauty and leave ugly, dull marks. A friend who has had practical experience of the following recipe assures me it is an excellent and economical one for staining floors. The ingredients are threepennyworth each (or equal quantities) of Vandyke water paint (from the oil shop) and potash. Dissolve these in half-a-gallon of hot water. Use the stain when cold, sizing the floor previously, and finally add- ing a polish of beeswax if desired Care should be taken that the hands do not touch the stain, whioh must be evenly applied with a brush.

8 DOCTORS AND 17 KINDS OF MEDICINE BILE BEANS ALONE PROVE BENEFICIAL. Rarely indeed do newspaper readers come across a more remarkable statement of facts than the following. which has been made to a reporter of tho "Norwich Mercury" by Mrs. James Dixon. the wife of a labourer living at Crostwight, in East Norfolk. She said:- "I am a Norfolk woman,, and have lived in this house twelve years, and before that in another close by for twenty-five years; so I am well known. All my life I have been an ailing woman, suffering chiefly from indigestion and biliousness. I frequently had a pain at my heart, which would suddenly, when least expected, commence to thump almost enough to take my life away. A dryness used to oome in my throat at night and nearly choke me, and my husband dare not smoke in the house, as the smoke stifled me. Some months back I was of so bad colour I was con- vinced I was going to have jaundice. About the same time, too, I had grown to be an enormous size, and was swollen all over. Everything seemed too much trouble for me, and I was in so very bad a state I thought my children would soon .'ose their mother. Almost every day I was sick, bile continuously coming up. Everything I ate disagreed with me. I had very bad headaches, but I had suffered from headache all my life previously. I had never been without the doctor in the house. Eight different doctors attended me, and, apart from what they gave me,, I tried seventeen different special medicines. The medi- cines brought no relief, and the doctors said they could do me little good a? my weakness was stitutional. Yet I am well now, free from pain at least-thanks entirely to coming to know about Bile Beans. My daughter persuaded me to com- mence taking them, and I underwent a thorough course. I improved after the first few doses, and gradually but surely they made th-s great change in me, and restored me to perfect health. I am never without them in the house now. Their effect is marvellous." If you suffer from constipation, biliousness, Spring debility, blood impurities, or imperfect liver aotion, there is only one medicine which will make you look well, feel well, and stay well. namely. Bile Beans. Obtainable for Is. lid. or 2s. 9d. per box from druggists and medicine ven- dors. Bile Beans are never sold loose.

I ATHLETIC NEWS I FOOTBALL NOTES. RESULTS. CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP (FINAL.) Altrinoham 2, Chester 1 YERBURGH CHALLENGE CUP (FINAL). j Saltney C.W.1, Hawarden Bridge 1 FLINTSHIRE CHARITY CUP (SEMI- FINAL). Galchog Rangers 3, Buckley Engineers 0 FLINTSHIRE LEAGUE. Hawarden Bindgo Reserve 1, Northop StJ Peter's 1 WIRRAL SENIOR LEAGUE. Behington Vies. 8, Hawarden Bridge 2 Heswall 5, New Brighton Tower A. 0 OTHER MATCHES. Frodsham 6, Wianes 3 Tattenhall Road 3, Malpas 2 As Good Friday occurs next week we shall go to press with the usual Friday editions of this paper on Thursday. Correspondents and club secretaries will greatly obligo us by sending in their football news as early as possible, but not later than Tuesday morning. Secretaries are also requested to notify us cf their holiday fix- tures so that .ur list shall be as complete 813 possible. On Saturday, on the Northwich Drill Field, Altrincham captured the Cheshire Senior Cup from Chester by the same margin that the Ces- trians established their claim to hold it only 12 months ago. Altrincham have good reason to be proud of the victory which was only obtained after a desperate struggle, but while congratu- lating them on their smart performance, even their own supporters must admit that the Fates were never more unkind to the Cestrians. Against Nantwich, Chester shewed they knew how to win, and on Saturday they shewed thley could lose just as philosophically. The game will not rank among the many great struggles that have been witnessed on that his- toric ground, but it will be remembered chiefly for the friendly spirit shewn even when the com- bat reaohed its greatest heat. Cup ties are often marred1 by exhibitions of ill-temper among the players, for rivals are often intolerant, and the footbilf1 partizan is the most, intollerant of all. For the Chester team it must be said that even when they felt the Cup steadily slipping beyond their reach, and when they had tasted the gall of defeat, they did not forget their duty as sports- men, and throughout the game we do not think there was a single "dirty" foul on either side. Ill-luck dogged Chester right through the game. In tb3 first place the Welsh v. Ireland match at Belfast unfortunately clashed with the final for the Cheshire Cup, and Matthews was oalled away to help his country. T. Lipsham took his place, and although he worked hard it could not be expected that after his absence from the field he should do as well as a player in full training. Although much below its normal strength, his wing was the most effective in the Chester attack. In the second place, a great disaster befell the team before the game was five minutes old. In the first efforts of the forwards, in fact, when they were just getting into their stride, Case was accidentally injured in one of his legs. Although he was so far crippled as to be unable to do more than limp slowly and painfully about, he pluckily stuck to the field in the hope of help- ing his s'dtm a little. Without1 an effective centre to lead them no line of forwards can be expected to do themselves justice. White and Cass changed places, but the result was that J. Lip- sham was without a partner, and as he was closely watched, by two men his wing was put cut of action. The Chester attack was thus crippled to a serious extent, and the team had to meet the onslaughts of a smart. set of forwards without the chance of glorious retaliation. Although they had to face the sun in the first half, Altrincham more than held their own. Their forwards were very fast, and it was seme time before the backs got the measure of them. They were the first to fore:? matters, but Hughes and Delaney soon got the right wing to work and the Altrincham defenos, which was at that time very shaky, found them a troublesome pair. T. Lipsham placed some splendid shots, and White, Jones, and Evans also caused Barrow, the custodian, anxiety. It was noticeable that al- though play was rather more in the city's half than in the other, there was no comparison be- tween the shooting on each side. and of the goal- keepers Coventry was the least troubled. About twenty-five minute^ after the start, Delaney cleared down the field. T. Lipsham took the ball, and he and Jones raced down. I ?N hen clos9 in Jones centred and J. Lipsham bounded up and drove the ball into the n?t. This rapid and successful manceuvre was received with huge delight by the Chester section of this crowd. It turned' out afterwards that this was the climax of the Chester forward play, and they were not again seen in their true light. Altrinc- ham redoubled their efforts, and as the game pro- ceeded the weakness of the city's front line be- came more and more apparent. ¡ A little more accuracy in their shooting and the East-Cheshire man would have equalised and probably obtained the lead before the interval. As matters were, Coventry's charge had; many narrow escapes. Both the full backs gave corners, and the first cff Hughes was safely got away. Dawson conoeded the second, when he could not very well have done anything else. T" ball was nioely placed by Richmond1, and Jones failed to kick away. Vaughan shot in from behind the crowd of players and the ball went into the net without Coventry being able to see it until it had crossed the line. The teams changed ends on level terms. During the second half Altrincham had matters practically their own way. Their shooting, how- ever, was wretched, and innumerable chances were missed. Soon after the start three forwards standing close to the goal allowed the ball to pass before them, when a gientle kick would have sent it into the net. Just afterwards Coventry threw out from a corner. Many people thought bhe ball had been over tho line and that a goal should have been allowed. The referee, who was some distance from the goal, gave a goal- faick. Coventry at this time was seen at his best, and he gave a grand exhibition of goal- keeping. although it must be admitted that one or two cf his saves were rather lucky. The Chester forwards broke away several times on the left, but they were unable to make any united effort. It was notioed that Case's leg seemed to get a little better, and about a quarter of an hour before time he decided to go back to h's proper position, having up to this point played on the outside left. No sooner had he done so than in attempting to head the ball a 'heavy Altrincham back jumped right into the middle of his back. The game was stopped and Case had to be carried off, and although he pluckily came back in a short time he was unabte to be cf servioe. As the time drew on Altrincham redoubled their efforts and Hughes and Dawson had ex- treme difficulty in keeping the forwards in check. Ellmore beat Coventry after the whistle had gone for off-side. When hard pressed Hughes con- ceded a corner, which was followed quickly by two more, all of which were cleared after some exciting play. The ball was driven away and Done sharply returned it, Coventry saving it very luckily. Another comer followed on the left wing, and from this Whitfield scored the winning goal amid great cheering. Only five minutes more remained to play, and although Delaney went centre ana1 pulled the forwards to- gether again, it was tco late to make any im- pression and the Ctrians had to acknowledge defeat by two goals to one. Tfie beautiful silver trophy was presented to the Altrincham Club by Mr. E. T. Hallmark, chairman of the Cheshire Football Association, who is also chairman of the losing club. He complimented the winnere, and' said no true sports- man would begrudge them their victory. Taken all round* it must be acknowledged that Altrincham were much the best team, especially during the second half, and any result other than a win would have been very unfair to them. They narrowly escaped a draw however, and had the Cestrians been able to hold out another five minutlei) a replay would have been necessary. We feel confident that with a full team and no acci- dents Chester would have wen easily the second time. The winners had a clever and spci-,dy at- tacking line. but the defence was comparatively slow and at times weak. The centre-half. Bent- ley, was the mainstay of the baoks, and quite mastered the city forward^. Under the circumstances it is difficult to criti- cise the Chester team; they deserve sympathy more than censure for losing. Delaney was the best man on his side, and had he gone centre after the interval he would have pulled together the forwards, and, probably some impression would have been made on the Altrincham defen-ce. That would, of course, have weakened the o:ty de- fence considerably, but Chester would have had a better chance of scoring themselves. Coventry saved wonderfully many times and was quite at his best. Hughes and Dawson also played a strong game, although at times they might have cleared with better judgment. Evans's form was variable, but Barker was as sound a" usual. White, who played centre most of the time, worked hard' all through the game. There is not a va?ige of truth in the pM"nst<;nt rumours current this week that Chester have laid a protest against certa-in of the Altrincham players on the ground that they were-ineligible. By beating Chirk on Monday, Wrexham rilade their position at the top of the Combination secure. They have now 41 points, and two games to play. If Chester win their four matches and Wrexham lose their two. the Cestrians will still be one point behind. It is practically certain that Chester will be second; in fact if they win one more match they are certain of their position. For third place, Broughton. Nantwich and Port Sunlight are running a good race. The first ten clubs in the table have all 20 or more points. Then comes a wide gap before Birkenhead with 14 points is reached. The distinction of holding the "wooden spoon" lies between Bangor and Chirk, and the latter should have no difficulty in winning that trophy. Tho final game in the competition for tlie Yer- burgh Challenge Cup took place at Whipoord- lane on Saturday, before a large crowd, in which the supporters of both clubs were very prominent. A beautiful afternoon favoured the occasion. Play at the opeaing was of a looso character. Saltney, who won the toss, were thrown on the defensive, and Lawrence cleared. Evans ob- I tainro possession, and narrowly missed. The Carriage Works had most of tho play, and were the first to net the ball. The referee disallowed the goal for an infringement of the offside rule. The Flintshire men then attacked on the right, and from a capital centre O'Neill headed into the net. Conioy and Evans were prominent on the Saltney side, who after considerable pressure were awarded a penalty kick From this Benyon equalised, and the teams crossed over on level terms. In tha. second1 half play was in favour of the Bridge, who were kept well in hand by the backs. Smith played a fine game in goal, and succeeded in keeping his charge intact. The game ended in a draw of one goal each. On Tuesday night, at a meeting of the Emergency Committee of the Chester and District Association, Mr. G. S. N. Hull presiding, it was decided to play the tie off on Monday next on the Chester ground, at 5.30 p.m. Mr. S. P. Peers, Liverpool, will again referee, while Sergeant Pallett and Mr, Miller will act as linesmen. The gate on Saturday realised the satisfactory figure of k24. The final tie for the Chester Senior Cup, between Saltney C. W. and Little Sutton is fixed for Satur- day, April 22nd, at Whipcord-lane. Many think that Saltney will have a runaway victory, but we are informed that Little Sutton will be considerably strengthened by the inclusion of three Cambridge University men. Saltney please note To be fore- warned is to be forearmed." On Tuesday night other Association and League business was dealt with A. Riley, Chester St. John's, was suspended until May 1st for misconduct in a League match. Two points were deducted from Chester Albion for playing ineligible men. The unfinished game between tiofiland-road and Chester Albion was ordered to stand as a league match in Chester Albion's favour. Hawarden Bridge Reserve had Northop St. Haward visitors on Saturday, under the auspices of the second division of the Flintshire League. Green set the home forwards going, and Hill was put in possession, but he failed to pass Yates, and that player1 easily cleared. Even play followed, until Roberts broke away on the left, and gave a warm shot to Garratt, which he cleverly nego- tiated. Northop were now seen to great advan- tage, and after Dawson had cleared Green mis- kicked, and Massey got away alone, and with a grand shot beat the home custodian. From the ensuing kfck-off the home team again made headway. Smallman passed out to Williams, who centred, but Hill shot wide. Again the home side attacked, and after a scrimmage in the visitors' goal Owen conceded a oorner. Sma.llman took the kick and placed it nicely, but Hill failed to turn it to account, Northop got down on the right, and Marsh centred, but Green cleared, and Williams took possession and cleared them out. Jones looked like getting through but Smith came behind him and brought him heavily to the ground inside the penalty area. Green took the penalty kick. and put the teams on level terms. The visitors attacked hotly, but the Bridge had most of the play afterwards, especially towards the ifnish. The gamo ended in a draw of one goal each. A great crowd gathered on the ground of the Mold Alyn Wanderers club on Satuiday, the occa- sion being the semi-final tie in fhe Flintshire Charity Cup competition, the contestants being Buckley Engineers and Galchog Rangers. The rival teams brought a numerous following, and party feeling ran high. The glorious weather vouchsafed for the occasion was of itself sufficient to account for the high spirits that prevailed, and both teams were generously cheered as they took the field. The Buckley captain won the toss, and decided to play down the incline and with a slight breeze in his favour. The Engineers at once made tracks for the Galchog stronghold, and forced two corners in quick succession, which the defenders accounted for. Davison, on the Galohog left, then got possession, and forced a corner at the other end. but the ball was placed behind. The Rangers, however, wore persistent, and from a net as" by Bennett Jones put in a lovely shot, which Lewis. the Buokley custodian, only partially cleared, whereupon the Rangers inside left pounced upon the ball, which he headed into the. net. From the centre the Buckley forwards carried the play into the enemy's territory, but owing to the selfishness of one or two of the invaders a capital opportunity was thrown away. Later the play was confined to the Buokley end, where the Gal- chog forwards appeared to great advantage, and their inside left completed some pretty combina- tion by beating Lewis with a swift ground shot. By this time the Engineers were playing like a beaten team, and it appeared as though the high hopes entertained by their supporters were not destined to bo realised in fact. Fouls were ap- parently all their tactics produced. When half- time arrived with tho score two to love. Galchog were going strong, but were unable to increaso their advantage. Upon the resumption, the Galchog forwards. with the incline in their favour, speedily troubled the Buokley defenoe, and in a short space of time their inside right netted a third goal for his side. The Engineers tried desperately to improve their position, but the defence of their opponents was overwhelmingly strong. In vain their supporters urged them to renewed efforts; promise and threat were alike unavailing, and the honours of the final were not for them. Much of the interest, departed- from the game when the En- gineers. decided to play one ^full-back, a tfaove which repeatedly caused the Galchog forwards to be penalised for offside when they deserved to eoore. At this point R. Davison, the Galchog oentre-half, retired owing to aa injured foot, despite which Galchog continued to monopolise the ray, but were unable to increase their lead. The final result was: Galohog Rangers three goals, Buckley Engineers nil. The Frodsham premier organisation brought off what is expected to be the last home match of the season—according to their fixture card—on Saturday, and added one more to their already long list of victories, at the expense of Widnes. The game, right from the commencement, was 'I fast; and, if anything, Frodsham had slightly the best of the argument. Cornes gave Price a fine chance, from which that player scored tho initial goal for his side. Widnes retaliated, and with strong, vigorous play-far too vigorous to be pleasant—took the leather into the home quarters, where Willis beat Rimmer all the way with a cross shot, making the soores level. The game proceeded in ding-dong fashion, and a fine passing movement all ailong the home front line resulted in Worrall scoring goal No. 2. Gaining pos- session again right from the kick-off, Frodsham literally forced their opponents back, and Calveley, under difficulties, made the game 3—1 for his aide. Tho chemical lads were now thoroughly roused in more ways than one, and the game was roughly contested. They made a determined attack, which well deserved the ultimate reward, and although Lawless and Austen defended well, Massev scored their second goal from short range, giving Rimmer no chance. Resuming, both teams went at it hammer and tongs, and Widnes gained a, penalty, which, had it been successful might have turned the game, but Rimmer averted the danger with a grand save. Worrall and Sutton went very strongly for the home team. and shot well, the Widnes goal- keeper, however, being exceedingly smart with 1 some wonderful saves. Widnes were putting in all they knew. and from one of their characteristic rushes Hill scored their third goal with a good long shot, to their intense delight. A few of the visiting team demonstrated a most decided propensity for threatening language. So much bitter feeling was engendered, and un- necessary vigour infused into the game, that blows were actually used on several occasions. One Widnes man took a running kick at Cornes, which fortunately missed. Both sides were delinquents. Had it not been for the admirable restraint of some individuals on both sides, and the prompt measures taken by some spectators, a general melee must inevitably have ensued, which would have been most undesirable and decidedly detri- mental to the interests of sport. It is only fair to the home players to state that they did not initiate these rough tactics. However, matters were apparently amicably settled for the nonce. and the game proceeded. Rough play was still indulged in, and foul, uncouth remarks were fre- quently uttered. Frodsham scored three more goals, through Price, Worrall and Sutton, the latter being by far the finest goal of the match. thus winning a game which almost degenerated into a free fight by six goals to three. Tattenhall Road visited Malpas on Saturday to play the return fixture with that. club. When the teams first met at Tattcnhall Road, Malpas were routed to the tune of 6—2. The visiting captain won the toss. and put the home side to face a strong sun. The home left ran up. but found a stubborn defenoe in A. Woods and W. Woolley, and were semt back again. G. Evans got the ball andjpassed it to W. Jones, who ran down and passed to H. Dutton. The last-named sprinted, with the home back close behind, but could not stop him. and Dutton scored a good goal for the visitors after ten minutes' play. From a goal kick the visitors again got possession, and A. Jones and F. Cooke running down, F. Cooke scored tho visitors' second goal. The visitors gained several corners in quick succession, and mice ceded in increasing the score from the last of them. In the second half Malpas attacked strongly. After some exciting play the ball was sent" in from the left. Hitting tho upright,, it rebounded into play, and was then sent into the net. For handling, a free kick was given against A Woods, and from this Malpas registered their second goal. Afterwards Tattenhall pressed hard, and kept the Malpas defence well employed. The game ended in favour of the visitors by thiee goals to two. To-day (Saturday) Saltney Carriage Works en- tert.!tÍ.n Helsbv Resel"V 011 the l\lolLllt Pleasant tert,ttill -Llclsby Oil t'le. i enclosure, in a Chester and District League match. The Carriage Works will be represented by the following teani: -J. Smith; W. Lloyd and J. Lawrence; B. Haddock, W. Roberts and H. Conroy; G. Crawford. D. Roberts, S. Bennion, G. Bennion and R. Evans. FIXTURES. The following matches will be played to-day (Saturday) on the ground of the first-named club COMBINATION. Cheater v, Port Sunlight 1 CHESTER AND DISTRICT LEAGUE. Saltney Carriage Works v. Helsby Reserve Little Sutton v. Wrexham Crescent Chester Albion v. PlemstaJl Old St. Mary's v. Little Sutton reserve COMBINATION. RESULTS UP TO DATE. r-Goalg-) V P. W. L. D. F. A. Pts. Wrexham .4.20. 3 1 „.67 .-15 .41 Chester 22 .15 5 2 .60, .31 .32 Broughton .24 .12 7 5 .3H .44 .29 Port Sunlight.2:3 .11 8 4 .52 .40 .26 Nantwich .22 .12 5 7 .51 .32 .25 Tranmere.2: 8 8 7 .36 55 23 Whitchurch .22 .10 .10 2 .53 .55 .22 Rhyl 22 9 9 4 .33 .39 .22 Oswestry .22 9 .10 3 .30 .47 .21 Middlewich 23 9 .12 2 .40 .41 .20 Birkenhead .2L 6 .11 5 .30 .43 .14 Druids 20 4 1.1 5 .24 .46 .13 Bangor 21 5 14 2 42 .55 .12 Chirk .3 3 .14 6 .31 75 .12

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