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Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
18 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
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5^—^ ^^Y~[AXLRIGHTS RESXRVED.1 ((/J r[v ALL RIGHTS A-OIL I or W- m 10% if I ][.,f FLY or, TH:TTJ'ITèflILi M HH By MADGE BARLOW, IW /?\ Author of "Crag Cormac," "The Cairn of the Badger," &c. ?\ CHAPTER XI. (Continued. ) I DRAWN BATTLE. I Unaware of what tarried for her coming down among the heather, she sullenly ac quiesced, and wrote away for a supply of novels and several costumes suited to her change of abode. Darkington's luggage went- in charge of Tatthcrs, and his parting from Flvi was affectionate and brotherly. Neither men- tioned Andy, but in the girl's transparently tell-tale face he read the answer to one of his unasked queries. She loved Cheveral. Did Cheveral love her? What was Dorn s position as regards this coveted Flyn? Were the men acknowledged livals? These were for Svlvia's answering: She did not aecompanv him, postponing the evil hour, lingering in her cosy quarters till the sun sank westward and tipped the heath with flame. Then she donned hat and coat and quitted Paradise Hill. The gloaming gained upon her. In the half light the moor was an eerie place. A magpie hopped in front of her, and she re- called the saving "one for sorrow," and was vao-uelv troubled. The melancholy cry of plover 'in flight cmickencd her pulse, and she threw nervous giances across her shoulder. Soft rustlings pursued her like ghostly foot- steps. They followed to the threshold of the dilapidated Lodge; seemed to wait while she kliocked. Horace himself opened to her, exclaiming peevishlv at her breathlessness and pallor. "Why do vou do that?" he demanded. Her wide" eyes had looked back into the grey gloaming, travelled sidewise, and on past him into the unlit hall, as though they watched something invisible to him. "Did you feel anything?" She clutched his arm."Anything that brushed against vou and went in?" He glowered at her wrathfullv. "It crept after me all the way, she whim- pered. "I saw it glide close by the wall. and it looked like you—your fetch. What does it portend, Horace, when a living per- son's fetch is seen?" "Drop your cursed tomfoolery," he shrilled, springing back from the wall and veiling for candles. "Shut the door," and then, catching the contagion of her nervous- .ness, "no, better leave it open. Are you crazy? You are shivering. It's the chill of the moor." "It's goose-flesh," she retorted, the sight of his ebbing courage restoring hers. II)Cou're enough to "Ugh!" he grunted. "You're enough to Ive a man the blues." The yellow flare of candles braced him. He banged the door and strode into a room where the supper was laid. He broke the turf on the hearth with his heel and sent the red sparks flying up the cavernous chimney. He grinned at her frowning discontent. "We shall live the simple life here, my lady. You will note that the food is plain, wholesome, and nutritious. Sylvia was usually a sound sleeper," but she awoke in the middle of the night, dis- turbed by a gentle scrapin g on the floor of a tinv apartment off that in which she lay, and utilised by her as a dressing-room Stooping, she peered through the keyhole of the communicating door and beheld Horace shifting her trunks, skilfully picking the locks, tossing the contents pell-mell in his I search for she knew not what. When each trunk was examined he flung her garments in again and turned to another. He cam6 to a writing-desk, a neat and compact toy suited to her ladyship's requirements, and Svlvia's agitation overpowered her. Had thev been at Paradise Hill ehe would have rushed in and torn it from him, exposed him to the household as she would a common mid- night burglar; but in the lonely Lodge she was at his mercy. She could only crouch liehind the wooden barrier dividing them, and with distended eyes see him take out of the desk and read Dorn's letter urging her to cancel her < £ 500 bridge debt by coming to Ireland and assisting him in his strenuous wooing. Next he lifted a limp manuscript book. Her diary! the mad, foolish record of every day's doings, her inmost thoughts, hot outpourings of an undisciplined, wayward woman. In its pages Horace was pilloried. She had waxed merry over his belief in her willingness to help him steal the iron-mine she had already agreed to deliver into Dorn's hands for a princely sum, to be paid when lie married Flyn. I Her plan of campaign was jotted down. This had she said on Dorn's behalf, this done to drive Flyn nearer him and farther from Cheveral. "Andv is out of the running," ran her final entry. "And Cheveral shall not marry her if human ingenuity can prevent him." Darkington's face was fiendish. "Nor shall tr? other," he hissed.  I ?%? CHAPTER XII. ':4 THE RIFT WIDENS. I Reluctant to ring down the curtain upon his farcical stewardship until circumstances compelled him, Eric resumed his morning calls upon his mistress to receive her in Etructions. On the morning we write of, Flyn sat in I the summer parlour, making faces at the ad. vertisement columns of a popular London daily. As he entered she schooled her fea- tures to severity and pushed the paper under a dictionary. 'Flyn always had recourse to a. dictionary when conducting her correspon- dence. He saw an envelope on the table addressed to initials at the office of the news- paper. The ink was wet, Since the gipsy tea they had been merely employer and employed, both cold and dis- tant, hard of eye. "I can't be worried this morning," she said, a snap in her voice, her glance straying involuntarily to the envelope and the newspaper. "I've had a—a bit of a mental shaking." "I might wait in the hall till you re- cover. "Then I'll have to join a party of friends in a cycling excursion to the seashore," frostily. "Wiio goes, may I inquire?" "The Mallards issued invitations. It's their concern, not my paid steward's." "You haven't offered me payment yet, and I've accepted none, therefore the snub's pre- mature. I presume Dorn will be of the iiui-tv? "Possibly." Her tone provocative. "Will he?" His tone authoritative. "Yes." She settled back in her chair for an interval of enjoyment. "And you'll ride with him?" Am I not at liberty to do that if I choose, Mr. Bamfvlde?" "You are at liberty to ride to-Hades with him." Quite like as though we were married," mused Flyn, veiling her eyes and pursing her pretty lips. Now am I sure you love iiie well and truly, or you would not so far forget the conventions as almost to swear at me," she crooned to herself. Audibly she expressed an opinion that if Mr. Bamfylde must use navvy's language she ought to ex- cuse him while he relieved his feelings out- bide on the mat. It was applying a match to gunpowder. "Wicked, deceitful, unprincipled girl, to flaunt him in my face after what has passed between you and me. You've played fast and loose with me, tricked me. I wish I had never met you. Go to him. He's taken plenty of kicks and deserves some kindness. Marry him. It won't matter to me. Old loves are best." "You seemed to think so when you cried Good Luck.' Your behaviour convinced me of it." You are easily convinced. I daresay you wanted to be." If any* excuse could justify your-" 11 sboi-ld not frame one," she said warmly. I'm not responsible to you for my actions. Had you asked me at the time it would have been different, but you were con- tent to misjudge me. You were insulting. By letting me plainly understand, that your rash love-making was an error repented of, you forfeited your claim to my confidence." n You had no right to stroll about the £ elds with that fellow," he said huskily. Pverv richt if it pleased me." she re- torted. You know nothing detrimental to his character, do you? Or, perhaps, it is mine, the Culsheen version of it, which leads you to suppose I'm not to be trusted out of sight." Her eyes sparkled dangerously. It's the mysterious connection between you and him I object to," Eric thundered. I" There shall be no mystery about the girl I marry. "I don't happen to be that girl. And as for mysteries, they have a habit of sometimes crumbling away 1t;0 nothing on close inspec- tion. Then what is your reason for cieating one?" If reasons were as plentiful as black- berries I would give no man a reason on com- pulsion," she quoted softly. And he swung upon his heel and walked to the window, scarcely able to contain himself. Mrs. Jaffe is going into the village, Miss Flyn, and will post vour letter." Jaffe scowled at the broad back Eric pre- sented to him, read temper in every line of it, and wondered why his lady should be cross with him for interrupting an interview which seemed to have been turbulent. She gave him the letter, and still he waited. "Well?" she said testily, mentally voting him a nuisance and a busybody. Before going she wishes you to select the new kitchen-maid. There's three of her in the servants' hall, and they're tearin' the feathers out of each other's hats try in' to settle which of 'em will keep the situation. Mrs. Jaffe can't get in a word." Flyn laughed tremulously. She sat round on the edge of her chair and looked at the rigid back, her eyes wistful. If he would only return the look. So small, a thing—a smile, a lessening of the frown—would pave the road to peace and mutual understanding. But he continued to gaze at the sweetbrier tangles, and Jaffe to wait. I suppose I must go," she said, nibbling the pen-handle and sighing ( ver the contra- riness of men whose temperament was mas- terful. Mr. Bamfylde can leave with me ary message lie has not yet "delivered," Jaffe told her, his tone patronising. My business with Miss Macara is finished," said Eric. I've no more to add, but if Miss Macara wishes the subject re- opened I-I shall be glad to discuss it again whenever she thinks fit." Mr. Bamfylde talks and acts as if the place and all in it belonged to him," growled her soldier guardian. I wish they did," thought Flyn, being at heart a truckling female. Eric was not curious about the letter ad- dressed to initials, but a peep at its contents Blight have given him something to think of in addition to lovers' quarrels. Flyn had written ^In reply to advertisement in 'Times' of ttk inst. Miss Macara of Paradise Hill, by Culsheen, County begs to inform G. C. that the book referred to is her property, also that she would be most grateful if G. C. tvould kindly restore it to her without delay." As quickly as boat and train could whirl him thither Simpkins travelled to Paradise Hill, by Culsheen. and saw Miss Macara, the li,irl in v quest of whom he had haunted offices and typewriting bureaux innumerable. She took the little shabby book of poems into her hands, and Simpkins observed that they trembled, and her face WPS deadly pale. My master would have come himself but for a severe attack of gout," he said, respect- fully declining to be seated. "I am his valet, a confidential servant entrusted with the management of his private affairs. I lam bidden to ask you for information con- cerning the young woman whose name is on the fly-leaf." rI Confidential servant exclaimed Flyn, her mouth twitching. Why, I fancied you were the Archbishop of Canterbury at the very least." She appeared agitated, anxious to gain time to think. My master believes you can tell him all he desires to know about Mies Clodagh Far- rell," Simpkins, resumed gravely. It is of the utmost importance to him." And who may your master be ? "He is Viscount Cheveral, of Cheveral House, Mayfair, and The Chase, in Sussex." What does such an exalted personage want with Clpdagh FarreUF" That, madam, he bade me not disclose. I can say, however, that if you plave him and the youno- lady in communication it will be to Miss tarrell's advantage." It's very puzzling, really," said Flyn, fluttering the leaves .of the little volume. I never met a-a live Viscount in my life, nor did she. Perhaps you are looking for quite another Clodagh Farrell." "I am certain we arc on the right track," replied Simpkins. She was a daughter of the late Captain Harry Farrell of the Poona Horse, and connected by the mother's side with the Macaras, your v family. The inscrip- tion on the book points to intimacy and affection between you and the writer. Intimacy and affection," echoed Flyn. Oh, yes, more than that—infinitely mere." "You will oblige Viscount Cheveral? notebook and pencil in evidence, the pencil poised. "I can do nothing for him. The person he seeks is dead." A sharp click of the pencil against Simp- kins' teeth might have been only his way of expressing astonishment—or disbelief. "Would you mind giving particulars?" he interrogated. "I do not see why I should. Viscount Cheveral gives me none. He Bends you to ask questyans, and so far I've answered cour- teously, but private family matters cannot be gons into with a complete stranger, one who isn't perfectly frank though he expects frankness. My master is self-opinionated. He has conceived a dislike .to the Macaras, and re- fuses to enter into details which concern himself alone. The little book had belonged, he heard, to a Miss Macara, and through it he hoped to trace Miss Farrell, trusting to your generosity to supply the required in- formation. "How did he get possession of my book?" Your Bloomsbury landlady chanced to be a relation of mine," fibbed Simpkins. It is extraordinary," ruffling her fore- head. "I cannot imagine why he should take all the trouble, for personally he is un- known to me, though name and title are familiar. Carry him the message that Clo- dagh Farrell is dead, and nobody regrets it more bitterly than I." The tense tragedy of her face half con- vinced Simpkins. The moment after lie gasped like a fish out of water, his eyes on the window, past which a tali, twced-clad figure was striding, followed by La'd. "Who was that?" he asked, doubting the reliability of his organs of vision. "My steward, Mr. Bamivlde." Flyn'e lamentable trick of blushing at the wrong time drew the keen eye of Gid's "treasure" upon her. "How long has he been your steward?'" Two or three months." And he recently returned from a visit to London?" "What business is it of the Viscount's confidential servant? she demanded, re- venging the blush. He smiled austerely into the crown of hie hat. My master's business is mine. You needn't pretend that you call the gentleman who has gone by a Bamfylde. Lord Dark- ington's at the. Lodge. He would know his own cousin. He hates the Viscount's nephew." "If the Viscount has a nephew, and that nephew is here, show him to me," she said in exasperation. He passed your window, and you said he was your steward." Simpkins looked scandaliscd, and murmured something about the bluest blood in England "You are speaking of Mr. Bamfylde. Are you sa ying- That he is as much Bamfylde as I am. Did anybody ever see a fair-haired, blue- eyed Darkiiigton'? But he's just a second cousin, and the strain of Norwegian blood would ac- count She broke off indignantly. I "Why do you laugh?" she cried, stamping her. foot. Simpkins apologised, and said the offence was unintentional. He had the grand manner to perfection. It simply amounts to this, madam," he said, preparing to depart. I find my master s nephew and heir, the Honourable Eric Cheveral. in the camp of the enemy. acting as a common steward, deceiving his uncle, and perhaps you, though I doubt that, since Lord Darkington could, and would, enlighten you. You were pardon me embarrassed when he passed. You would rather he had not done so. I draw my conclusions. Your motive in answering my queries as you did answer them is now apparent. I wish you good-day, and regret that I cannot thank you." "Is he crazy? Am I?" she muttered wildly when Simpkins skipped down the avenue in high glee. Eric Cheveral There was no big, boyish Andy, only Eric Cheveral, the man whose name had been to her anathema. She let the amazing thought sink in, but no amount of contemplation could make it other than unfamiliar, grotesque. Scraps of old con- unfamiliar, Td ta l es of Sylvia' .s recurred to versations, old tales of Sylvia's recurred to her. Her sudden fondness for cousin Andy, her face in the whin field, Horace's face, Andy's as he detained my lord in private con- verse hushing it up. Hushing what up? She turned upon herself fiercely with the question, and bit her lip and trod the floor in torment. She crushed her head between her hands to crush and kill the evil whis- perings. No, No, NO," she cried to them. You shall not say such things. I won't listen. They'd drive me mad." But her ears rang with the monotonous reiteration, There is no Andy, only Eric Cheveral, only Eric Cheveral." And he's wicked and debased," said one of the spirit voices. She threw out her arms with a superb gesture of disdain. You lie, Sylvia! she said, in deep ring- ing tones. That confession of faith, disowning by- gone judgment and condemnation, quieted her a little. A few days later Jaffe brought her a letter in Gid's handwriting, written as Gid alone could write when the arch-fiend stood at his elbow egging him on. It was vindictive and cruel. In his fury at what he deemeu her false report of Clodagh Farrell's death, given to further her private schemes and purposes, he ac- cused her of entrapping his nephew in order to gain title and position by marrying him. All his bottled-up resentment against the proud Macaras vented itself on a defence- less girl, who shrank while she read, shame burning her till she was one fiery scorch from head to foot. Nor did he scruple to imitate Culsheen and call her adventuress. "To feign ignorance of his real name and dignity is a sort of clumsy rustic cunning for which I despise you," Gid scrawled, his quill digging holes in the paper. "Lord Darkington's very presence at your door confounds you. Were you the ingenue you pretend to be, he would soon dispel your child-like ignorance. And now mark me, for I am a man of my word, if you lure my nephew into a. mesalliance, I will, as far as I am able, disinherit him. He shall be a beggar, though a titled one, trying to exiet on an income insufficient for the upkeep of a suburban villa. -The rent-roll is a miser- able dribble. It is the sum total of what he will have—if you marry him. Of my largo private fortune he shall not touch a single shilling. I will never look upon his face. My curse shall rest on him and vou, and your children's children. Let this plain statement prove me in ef.rnest when I add to the foregoing that I would rather see him, the sole hope of my old age, shrouded in his coffin than married to you." A moan issued from her white lips. She was like a creature that had received its death-thruet nnd was in mortal pain. Not until then did she fully comprehend the I height and depth of her love for the man v.'ho had assumed Andy Ba?afyld?'s name, and won her hcart in spite of her inward struggle and resistance, whom she had ,alre;íây forgiven whatever of deception he h?d practised on her, as only women can I fagivc the well-beloved. And this terrible old man would curse them and the souls unborn if she gave herself to him who alone had the right to claim her. Could she drag him down to ruin? A few words would dispel the cloud between them and restore her, blameless, to his arms. Dare clic utter those words? She knew that cu;vx.'G would not terrify him, nor threats of poverty; but the remembrance that she had brought him these as her marriage dower would always haunt her. Better to give him up and let him go far from her and forget. Time w^ijld console him, another face blot I out her imr.o-e. While the sobbing, frightened girl fought her lonely battle to its inevitable end, Gid ai.d Simpkins discussed her. "The Macara vixen will be reading her letter," sneered Gid, his harsh jaw iron- hard. "Perhaps she's thick-skinned, and I didn't cut her severely enough, eh?" "Quite enough, sir," purred Simpkins. thinking of two appealing grey eyes. a little sensitive mouth, a cheek that flushed and paled. "Yes, you needn't reproach yourself on the score of softness, sir." (To be Contiuued.)
THE DRUG HABIT. I
THE DRUG HABIT. I Fined .£100 at Thames Court for being In possession of Ðlb. of opium and lOllb. of morphine. William Gnange, an elderly Chinaman, of Limehouse-causeway, it waa stated, smoked a quarter of a pound of opium, mixed with morphine, daily. The value of the drugs seized was over £ 100. The man could not stand in the dock. 1:1 another case, Quang Ho was fined < £ 25 for a similar offence in connection with 281b. of opium.
IDON'T KISS DOGS. I I
DON'T KISS DOGS. I I t You are warned that there may be death in your pet dog's kiss. The dog's saliva may contain the germ which creates thf hydatid cyst. h .1 The point was mentioned at a Southwark inquest on a woman who died suddenly from syncope, due to compression of the heart by a hydatid cyst. ■
I WAR MEDALS. I
WAR MEDALS. I Mr. Churchill, in the House of Commons, said it would take three or four years to provide the medals for the men who actually did the fighting in the war. He thought the case of men who did not do the fighting could wait a little.
FORMER M.P.'s FORTUNE. I
FORMER M.P.'s FORTUNE. I The Right Hon. William Kerrick, a former M.P. and Mayor of Birmingham, and husband of Mary Chamberlain, eldesi sister of the late Mr. Joseph Chamberlain left estate valued at X168,309, with net per sonalty = £ 143,549.
TO SANTA CLAUS. J
TO SANTA CLAUS. J Addressed to "Mr. Santa Claus, Never Land," a postcard posted at Hampton-on- Thames bore the message penned in child. ish letters: Please send me a scooter at Christmas.—(Signed) Ailsa."
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A body of a man which was taken out oi Barry Dock and placed on the quay for identification slipped into the dock again, and has not been recovered. To bring the cost of handling coal at Greenwich electricity station from lB. 2d. a t,on to Bid., the L.C.C. has prepared a scheme for installing carrying plant. The veteran Mr. Jesse Collings. so long associated with the late Mr. Joseph Cham- berlain in tire political history of Birming- ham, has been presented with a signed piece of silver plate on the dissolution of the Rural League, of which he has been presi- dent throughout its life of 30 years. The Executive Committee of the Women's National Liberal Federation has passed a resolution of unqualififIed opposition to the Anti-Dumping Bill. I Prince Albert has made a tour of the Clyde shipyards. He also visited Ralston Hospital, near Glasgow, and received a civic address at Paisley.
[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] THE…
[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] THE LABOUR MOVEMENT. I By FRED MADDISON. What will the intelligent artisan say of Mr. Lloyd George's speech at Manchester last Saturday? For Liberals, at any rate, his verdict is an important one. It eeems to me that it will be something like this: There is all the difference in the world between a Coalition born of necessity and one freely chosen before an election. Last December there was no need of an appeal to the country, and the Government should have remained in until theroeace was obtained. It is true that a good deal has been done by this Parliament, but the Reform Act, one of the greatest of the measures. was initiated by Mr. Af»quith, and its passing was seriously marred by leaving the electorate at the mercy of a minority member. So far as reconstruction is concerned, it would not have suffered, but gained, by being tackled courageously by a Liberal Government. A Conservative Opposition would not have dared to wreck Bills introduced. If Mr. George is a Liberal, then. let him work for a Liberal majority in the House. What 1.1: wanted is sincerity, not mere strategy, in politics. MR. KELLAWAY'S ALTERNATIVES. Following his chief—or, rather, antici- pating him in point of time—Mr. Kellaway went down to Spen Valley ostensibly tc assist the Coalition candidate, and he told the electors that their only effective choice lay between the Coalitionist and the I.L.P. candidate. Independent Liberals, he argued, were sterile-tiseles" How the Labour men must have chuckled. If the earnest workers of this constituency, keen politicians as they are, cannot vote for a sterling reformer like Sir John- Simon, but, in order to give it a reak value, must cae-t it either for a so-called Liberal who is backed by Conservatives and admits that he knows little about politics, or an earnest Socialist workman, then it is a foregone conclusion that they will vote for the latter. Mr. Kellaway cannot speak too often on this line to suit' the Labour Party. Perhaps, after all, some of his old love for the I.L.P. has returned, for his early ven- ture in the political field was made under its auspices. SIB JOHN SIMON'S RECORD.. I Workmen do not, as a rule, like political lawvers very much, and so far, for obvious reasons, the Labour Party has only had one or two amongst its candidates. If the party shows signs of coming into power, as its leaders profess to believe it is likely to do very soon, there are sure to be more of them. Sir John Simon is a lawyer, but no syne thinks of distrusting him on that ac- count. It is an open secret that he might have gone to the Woolsack, and had he thrown in his lot with Mr. Lloyd George at the General Election he could have had his choice of legal posts. His convictions are too deep for mere opportunism, and, as in the notable case of conscri ption, he io equal to any sacrifice for them. His break with Mr. Asquith over compulsory military ser- vice-a striking contrast with Mr. Arthur Henderson's attitude—shows the stuff of which he is made. In Sir John Simon's case the people gain by him being a lawyer, for his professional interests call hardly be in I conflict with his politics, and if they were I they would quickly go by the board. I IRISH NATIONAL LEAGUE'S DECISION. I Whatever being an "independent, sepa- rate, and self-governing" ally of the Labour Party may mean theoretically, Mr. T. 1'. O'Connor's announcement is a far-reaching one. He makes it plain that henceforth the full official influence of the Irish National League is to be- exerted at elections on behalf of the Labour Party. It IS also made clear that the cause of this decision is the shameful treatment of Ireland by the pre- sent Government, presided over by a .Liberal Premier. All Liberals agree with him that the state of Ireland is disgraceful, and that the Ministry cannot be trusted to apply the only effective remedies. But it is dithcult tc believe that the Irish National League is. under all conceivable circumstances, going to call upon Irishmen Tote for the LaboFI Party, irrespective of the record of Liberal candidates. One is glad to know that the Labour Party stands ior a generous measure of Home Rule, but it must be borne in minci that Liberals have fought the Irish battle both in Opposition and in office. That should count for something. t THE DANGER OF SINN FEINISM. I If the Labour Party is to be in this cless alliance with the Irish Nationalists, what it to be its attitude to the demand for separa- tion? Liberals, whilrn faithful to the policy initiated by Gladstone, and willing to adapt it to the altered circumstances of the time, have never hesitated to declare against cut- ting Ireland adrift altogetner from tht United Kingdom. The Labour Party cannot shirk this question much louger. Mr Stephen Gwynn, w ho sat for some time ac an Irie-h Nationalist in the House of Com- mons, makes this appeal to the leaders: "Ii the Labour Party have a real friendship for Ireland, and not a mere desire for the Irish vote, they will make their position clear. They ougnt not to encourage Sinn Fein un- less Vthey senously contemplate the grant tc Ireland of complete separation. That in volves a decision as to what they will do if Ulster resists. Will they be content to keep the ring? If, on the other hand, as was cer- tainlv tne case a year ago, the Labour Party are determined not to grant separation to Ireland, they -will help a settlement by say- ing sQ, They believe in open diplomacy. Here is a matter quite likely to end in bloodshed, and it is one where the plainest dealing i.* the best. They ought, in justice to U bter no less than to the rest of Ireland, to let us know where they stand." This is a long extract, but is the serious view of a competent observer, and deserves attention. f TH2 "AE^IY AND NAVY" VICTORY. I Mr. John Turner and the Shop Assistants' Union are to be congratulated on their con- duct of the strike of the employees of the Army and Navy Stores in London. They measured the situation correctly from the first, and consequently did not "form a very high estimate ot the ability of the directors ae opponents. And they were right, for these representatives of Suburbia, with their mili- tary notions, had soon to beat a hasty re- treat. Having sought for help in their dis- tress by joining the Retail Distributors' Association, this body at once threw them over on the question <jf recognition of the union. Autocracy has .then fallen in one of its last strongholds, and all fair-minded people will rejoice at it. THE MOULDERS' STRIKE. I For the moulders' strike to drag on weefc after week just when so much depends on the regular working of the industrial ma- chine is really heartbreaking. There is nothing special about this dispute. Nor is the success of the men at all assured. For one thing, there is a feeling in other branches of the engineering trade that the moulders acted too much without regard for otner interests. Of late we have been rather troubled about huge combinations of labour precipitating ruinous struggles, but now we have untold mischief brought about by three unions in the eame branch, only comparatively small in numbers. By the look of things it may be necessary before long to bring the whole engineering and shipbuilding industry into the settlement, one way or the other. Almost anything would be better than the present impasse Canuot Mr. Arthur Henderson do some- thing. or has he lost his influence as a mode rating force?
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Ex-Lieutenant J. E, Adlam, V.C., has been appointed second master at Farn- borough County Schools. The dead body of an unknown young woman, wearing a velvet blouse, dark skirt, and patent leather boots, has been washed up on Swatjsea beach. The recent campaign against the Afghans cost X14,000,000, said Mr. Churchill in Par- liament. Mrs. Jane Jackson, aged 101, formerly of Bristol, has died at Hove. J Signor Marinetti, the futurist. poet, who was arrested during the Milan disturbances, has been released.
I >1 ?i%? | THIS WEEK IN THE…
I >1 ?i%? | THIS WEEK IN THE GARDEN. I ? In Nature's infinite book of secrecy A\ /? A?A l l?iittttl,e I .c-?a,n read.—??/!?7!y & ?ojoa?ro. ?( I >- -3N Watering Plant,Nc;t much water is re quired bv the plants in a cool greenhouse during December. When it is necessary, supply it beiore mid-dav. Always have water standing in the greenhouse in a tank or tub, so that when given to the plants it is of the same tempcrr.ture at, the air ci the house. The Winter Jasmine.—Every one admires the bright yellow fiow-ers of Jasminum nudi- florum, which are produced so freely on its green branches, at a time when flowers are few. They continue long in bloom. The growths furnish valuable material for ineide decoration. Deep vases suit the sprays best. Cut the sprays to suitable lengths whilst in bud, and place them in the vases. In due course every bud will expg-nd fully and re- main beautiful for a long tirie if fresh water is added occasionally. As a water- sweetener, use a few small pieces of char- coal. # Violets.—Admit plenty of fresh air to the frames on all favourable occasions. Do not keep the lights closed with the idea of keep- ing the plants warm. This will cause the foliage to grow at the expense of the flowers. Look over the plants at 'least once a week, picking off runners and damp lea-ves. Cover up the frames 0:1 frosty "night? with mats, straw, Michaelmas Daisy stems.. or fern bracken. # Lily of the Valley.—Pot up the crowns or clumps as soon as they are received from the florist. Plunge the pots to the rim in aohea outside, and cover with moss to protect the tops, as they should not be covered with soil. The first batch of a dozen or so of pots may be brought into the greenhouse. If a propagating fra-me is not available stand a box on the hot-water pipes. Place damp moss in the bottom, and on this t-tand the pots. Cover with more moss, and place sheets of glass to closelth-e top of the box. Lawns.—Brush and roll lawns freely at this season of the year, cxcept during frosts. Sweep the whole of the grass; in addition to clearing up fallen leaves it spreads about the worm caste. # Wall Climbers.—Thinning cut crowded j growths should be attended to. leaving the actual pruning until early spring. Climbers of doubtful hardiness should be protected. Spruce or Yew branches are largelv used for the purpose; they afford protection and exclude a minimum amount of light and air. exclude a mliiinium atpouijt c;A light an d air. Cuttings of Trees and Shrubs.—On a border outside insert cuttings cf Poplars, Willows, the London Plane. Tamarix, Howering Currants (Ribes), the hardier Roses, Privets, and Laurels. Should the soil be at all heavy, work some coarse sand and leaf-mould in the trenches when inserting the cutting-s. Place the lines cf cuttings about 1ft. apart, and cover at least half the length of the cuttings with soil. # Protecting Plants.—The careful gardener will be busy among his plants, giving pro- tection from frosts and excessive moisture where desirable. Various means are adopted: for example, mounds of allies or bracken fern are placed round the stems of Tea Roses and the Lemon (Verbena) plants: ashes are hea.ped freely round the Torch Lilies (Kniphofias), also protecting the so- called hardy Fuchsias, Salva patens aDd Crinums, if they are not hfted. Grease Bands.—Where grease has been ha, 1, e,- -i used as a guard agamst Winter Mcth look over the bands and freshen them up with a little more grease. Unless this is done the surface becomes set, and the female moths have no difficulty in crawling over the bands. danure. G et # on to -acan, Manure.—Get this wheeled en to vacant ground a- early ac p(\"lblc. but where dig- ging is not expected to immediately follow stack it in one heap in the centre of the plot instead of in numerous small heaps. Maiiurin g in 21 Manuring Ground —Many amateurs in a position to do ?c give their p?ots far too much manure. As a genera! rule, where land was liberally treated with cow or horse manure last spring, the same soil mav be expected to prod uce fair crop* of most quick-growing vegetables or salads without further manuring. # # # Pollarding Trees.—Whilst trees are bare of foliage do this work. If thee trees have been allowed to get large care and skill are necessary: such work is then best entrusted to experienced workmen. A mistake is to cut the main stems off practicallv horizon- tal, the result being that moisture remains on the tree and decay starts in the centre, gradually working outwards and down- wards. The better way is to cut slightly on the slant: this gives an opportunity for rain and condensed moisture to run off easily. A coating of tar to the cut surface teoal tar, for preference) renders them somewhat im- pervious c a to moisture and preserves them ?rom decay. Orchard Trees.—At this season bad weather may make conditions impossible for work on the open land. Time may then be employed profitably in attending to trees growing in grass orchards. Prune out all dead wood. and have this taken away for burning. Where the leads of the trees have become crowded, thin them out, opening the centres and removing those branche- which cross. t Pruning Young Standards.—It is neces- sary to deal rather severely with th"e in the early stages. Growths not required should be cut back to three buds from the base. Extension growths must be shortened T,c) ensure strength and induce sufficient young shoots to be produced for the proper furnishing of the trees in the future. All the later pruning will consist of the removal of overcrowded growths and the thinning of the centre of each tree. » Planting.—There may be periods even at this season when it may be possible to pro- coed with planting. Take advantage of every favourable opportunity. When the soil is very wet on the surface and appears likely to collti!l""e n this de-?er the work entirely for a week or two. c-r,tireiy for a or Calceolarias.—The herbaceous or green- house calceolarias are best- grown when the pots ,are standing on a cool. moist bottom of aes or shingle. Oilly sufficient artificial heat or proteftion with covering is neces- sary to keep cut frosts. Watch carefully for slugs and greenfly (aphis). Zonal Pelargoniums.—These are among the brightest flowers in the greenhouse in mid-winter. Give them the lightest position in the house, wash inside and outside the glass and woodwork, particularly in towns where smoke and fog quickly colltet, dark- ening the inside of the house. # # # Seed Potatoes.—Pack seed potatoes into light wooden boxes for early sprouting. Select those that are iairly deep in prefer- ence to the usual shallow trays. If this 13 done several boxes may be stood upon each other in such a way as to give additional protection against frost, and also ensure plenty of light reaching the tubers. # Young Trees That Are Too Vigorous—In the rich soil of many gardens YOUlJg fruit trees are apt to make too much growth. Something can be done to meet this by car'. in pruning, but the only effectual check is to lift and replant the trees. It does not always follow that root pruning will be nece.~sary, the lifting and re-Dianting in most cases being quite sufficient. I Pruning Cherries.—Too often the mistake ie made of pruning these too severely. It should be remembered that Cherries bear best irom the younger growths and. though they succeed in a certain measure wlieu closc-ly pruned and spurred, it is wise to re- tain ail the young wood for which enace 18 available when inev are growing against walls or fences. o,' fr(:)st Spring Cabbage.—Alter a period of frost do not fan to go over the bed of Spring Cabbage, making the soil about the roots quite firm by heavy treading. ♦ # Parsnips.—Get a few roota of these infra the storehouse before real winter sets in. If stored between damp soil c r ashes the quality will be just as good in six weeks' time as others left in the ground, but if simply thrown in a heap the roote soon shrivel. # 0/; Sea-kale.—Lift a good batch of the strongest crowns and, after grading, store these in boxes of dry Boil under cover. If this is done now, no matter how severe the opening weeks of the New Year may be, no trouble will be experienced in maintaining a supply for the forcing house or warm greenhouse.
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Thirty exhumation companies of the British Labour Corps are fully employed in France and Flanders. During the last six months, says a Bom- bay message, out of 3,202 motor-cars im- ported by India, 3,039 were American. At the end of last year 273 friendly and collecting .societies in Britain had < £ 1,772,50- funds and 451,181 members.
PERSIA'S PRICELESS WONDER.
PERSIA'S PRICELESS WONDER. A seat of marble with steps of pure geld is the most valuable throne m the wnoie world, and its enormous dimensions and exquisite decorations would inspire a multi- millionaire with awe But. the Shah ot Persia, who possesses this wonderful throne, is -so accustomed to it that he doesn't turn a hair when occupying it on rare occasions. The throne is made of pure white marble, and is no less than 18ft by 10ft. wide. The actual seat is mounted on a large platform of the same material, and is upheld by four- teen *.petless ivory (arved in the shape of men and women while the whole is covered with pictures worked iii the purest gold-leaf. This extremely valuable but extraordinary- throne, however, is not now the official eat of the Persian kings, for, not many years ago. the tiieii ruling "Shah commanded that a less elaborate throne should be used on occasions of state When the throne is used, however, the Sl-ah weais the world-famous Persian crown. This is really a beautiful tiara of three elevations, and it has been in the po?sesison of the Shahs since time imme- morial. It is entirely crnrposed of diamonds, pearls, rubies and emeralds, all thickly set and distributed so as to form a mixture of the most beautiful colours m the brilliant light reflected from the Several price- less black feathers are intermixed with aigrettes in this imperial diadem, whose betiding points are tipped with pear-shaped pearls of an linmense size The huing of the crown Is gold-woven cloth.
SHOULD A DOCTOR TELL?
SHOULD A DOCTOR TELL? It was etated at an inquest at West- minster on Isaac Cohen, 24, c!erk. of Brick- lane, E., who was found drowned in the. Serpentine, that he buffered from chonic tuberculosis, and had been told the previous day there was no hope for him. Samuel Cohen, a brother, thought it was wrong of the doctor to tell his brother what he did. The Coroner. Mr. Danford Thomas, said he had given the doctor referred to an opportunity of attending the inquest, but he had not availed himself of it. A verdict of "Suicide while of unsound mind;" the result of worrying about his hopeless condition, was returned.
TEETH AND THE EYES.
TEETH AND THE EYES. A London physician, discussing the state- ment by Mr. W. R. Ocland, a Bristol den- tist, that the removal cf an abscessed tooth changed the colour of a woman's eye from grey to brown, expressed the opinion that the woman at birth had two blue eyes, which in the course of years would turn from blue to .^rey and grey to brown. The pigmentation of one eye, however, was prevented by the abscoss, which ab- sorbei from the blood the colour intended for the iris. It will be recalled that an American specialist recently diagnosed Earl Grey's eye trouble as having its crigin in an abscessed tooth.
ITONY WELLER IN REAL LIFE.
I TONY WELLER IN REAL LIFE. The originals of many Dickens characters have been traced, and it is now thought the original of Tony Weller has been discovered. According to Mr. Edwin Harris, the local guide to the Rochester Dickens Fellowship, in 1820 the Granbv Head, Chatham, an old- fashioned inn on the site now occupied by Barnard's Music Hall, was kept by a Thomas Weller, and with Dickens's associa- tions with Chatham in his early days there is little doubt the Granby Head and its landlord were known to the author.
? H)! III) Helpful Hints for…
? H)! III) Helpful Hints for "Backyarders. By "COCKCROW. jlji I Now that the festive season is upon us. each of mv readers wiii want, two or three good birds for his own table, and will want to turn out something good. There is no reason why cost should not be kept within reasonable bounds if one is able to obtain house scraps of the right kind. Buikv veget- able food is of no use for fattening fowls, but bread crusts and scraps of tat are just the tning for making up a rich mash. Butchers' offal, such as lights, boiled and put through the mincing machine, also make a tine food when mixed along with the mash. Cockerels should not be confiued in coops for three or four weeks, as sooner or later they go off their feed and lose condition. A better iesult can he obtained if they are kept in a confined run with a cosy house and sheltered corner to lie 111, provided they have been brought up together and agree well It io useless trying to fatten cockerels if they are constantly quarrelling The mash, mixed soft, should be given in the morning and at mid-day, served in a trough which should be removed when they are satisfied. Before roosting it is well to give the bircis a nand- ful of oats and majze. I THE SCRATCHING FLOOR. I have dealt with this question before, and in this direction there is apparently much controversy As it is a matter of general interest, I quote the opinion of one writer, who says ;-The ideal floor for a scratching-shed is one that can be kept dry and -warm for the bird's feet, is leve! and smooth, and can be easily cleaned Where the ground on wlich the poultry-house stands is quite dry and is of a porous nature, such as sandy or chalky, there is nothing to beat a well-trodden-down earth floor Lf the soii is not dry or the climatic conditions inclined to be moist, then a cement or concrete floor is no doubt be next best. It will we-ir well, keep dry, effec- tively keep out x-eririiii. and will be quite warm for the birds' feet. A boarded floor is to be recommended in some cases, es peci- ally where the ground is uneven, but the chief drawback to it is that it causes a dust to ri se from the litter, particularly if that- is composed of sand or soil Th,tithe may in time get saturated with moisture from the droppings, or the atmosphere. a::d so peri.h No matter what kind of floor is used for a scratching shed, it will lose its value if it is 180t wpi I covered with some kind of litter And that is obviously an ex- cellently summarised opinion. J VALVE OF BRITISH STOCK. I Further testimony is to hand of the fine ralue to be found in bird/s of British stock. This is shown by the results of the Phila- delphia North American International Egg- Laying Competition, which chronicle that the pen of White Wyandottes entered by Mr. Tom Barron, Catforth, carried off 1-st prize with 1,171 e-ggs The oth position m the test and 1st and 2nd positions for indi- vidual records were won by Messrs. Saul and Greenhow, Garstaug, with a pen of IV rl Wyandottes. which produced 1,017 eggs ^1 ne individual records were 272 and 200 eggs The test was held from October 30, 1918. to November 30, 191U. and 500 birds competed in pens of five birds each. The figures shown ibove give Mr Barron's pen an average of aver 234 eggs per bird. A performance worthy of the highest commendation. I LAME PULLETS. I Inexperienced farmers may become alarmed w hen pullets that have commenced to lay lose the use of their legs. There l. no need for anxiety. however, as pullets that I have been laying only for a t., ni e generally jose leg power, which la due to I nerve strain whilst comparatively large c1, 9, are passing through oviducts that have iiot become fully extended. The ill-effoct extend- to the legs, hence the lameness This trouble is generally termed "egg-cramp," and- the remedv for the latter lies in undisturbed quarters and a dose of castor oil. followed a !ew hours later by a dose of ol1 n od, the la-ttcr to soothe tne intestines. Sho\iid ther.- be a vecurrence of the trouble the treatment should be repeated. It is wise also not to give the birds much fattening food. INCREASING THE SIZE OF EGGS. The size of eggs is a most important feature, and thougn some strains of fow" will always lay small eggs,' and cannot Ut- induced to do any better, there is no doubt but that fecAlu, has a great influence m this connection A daily meat ration, where this has not been included in the mash, a change of meals to something more nourish- ing, and a rather more ir, e nu generally, will in most cases result in an al- most immediate increase in the size as well as the number of eggs laid Pullets, of course, will naturally produce small eggs at lit,st, and I would not try tc induce such as t hese to lay heavier ones by feeding, pro- vided the diet is already of fair average quality for the purpose (says a writer in "Farm and Home H). It i much WJser to wait until the eggs increase in size with thr development of the birds and then to feed' for larger ones if need be. HERE AND THESE. It is wise to remember that poultry manure should not be left out in the open, or the goodness will be washed out of it before it is used m the spring. Again, never mate a cock with hens immediately I a.fter he has come through the moult. Chvc hivj a couple of months to recuperate. The best mating to produce earlv chickens is that of a February or March cockerel with hens that moulted early and are now laying again. Bear in mind that during severe weather eggs should be collected frequently, and stored in a room -x-,71icre they are not likvly to be affected by frcst, but do not keep th- arywhere near a fire, nor in a hot place. Now that Jack Irost is about, it is wise to remember that water should never be left in glass or eart-ac-nTxare vessels. FIGKT WITH A HAWK. An interesting story comes from East Anglia, which well ilustrates the fact that Biddy will fight to protect her chicks. The itorv gees that on the farm land of Mr, William Mitchell, at EirLy Bedon, near Norwich, a hen was mothering her brood in .1 field, scratching and communicating dis- coveries by clucking in the orthodox fashion xt her chicks. Suddenly she became per- curbed, but for a while there was no appa- rent reason for her excitement. Eventually the cause was discovered. A kestrel hawk was hovering above, and proceeded to make swoops in the direction of the chicks. The hen was as smart a<< the hawk. meeting each attack and beating it off. Attack and de fence became fiercer, and by the time the onlooker readied the scene of the struggle the hen had the hawk pinned on its back on the ground, and inflicted such injuries with her beak that the hawk was killed. The victory of a hen over a hawk is regarded locally as a hitherto unchronicled event.
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At Wandsworth five seats on the borough council vacant by the recent election of aldermen have all been won by Municipal Reformers. Fifty facetious electors in the commune of Treignac (Correze Department) voted at the recent municipal elections for Landru, the Paris Bluebeard.
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The United States Shipping Board esti- mates that since January strikes have cost the Board £ 7,400,000. President Pcincare has bought a small detached house near the Bois d" Boulogne for £ 16,000, and will move there when his Presidential term end:. a