Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

FINE FAMILY FLOUR /o'/ /o FOR THE HOUSEHOLD. <& a I k /&/ pm,E j y Wheaten MEAL //V L J F0U /&/ BROWN BREAD. Recommended by the best Analysts and Physicians.^ To be obtained in Sacks and Small Bags from all Provision Merchants in this District. ytwmu*rR0M j. REYNOLDS & Co., 3e11) ALBERT MILLS, GLOUCESTER. Public aunounccmcntg. MISS P. LEWIS, DRESSMAKER, 86, Lower Thomas-street, Merthyr ALL ORDERS PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO. BEST WORK GUARANTEED. MODERATE CHARGES. 1-5659 FIATHS, LAVATORIES, 1\1\<1 WATER CLOSETS, A SPECIALITY. FRANK S. williams PLUMBBB, Ac., HONG KONG PASSAGE, IIIGH ST., door to Mr. Daniel Jones, Eootmaker, MERTHYR HVMBING IN ALL ITS BRANCHES. 2 the shortest notice, and at vcr7 c"rg«8. PBITATf APPWSS: 50. WILLIAM STREET, MERfHYR. Orders by Post rco-ne immediate attention. Workshop: HONO KONG PASSAGE, MERTHYR. ATLAS FURNISHING CO. LIMITED, "JjAYES J^UILDINGS, £ 1ARDIFF. BV TAB THS MOST BXTESSIVB COMPLETE HOUSE FURNISHERS IN THI PRINCIPALITY. We Supply Every Requisite tor the Cumplete Iur- Otshingof COTTAGE, VILLA, OR MANSION tX Ca,b' or Pn Easy Terms considerably Cheaper ^imost the Firms who advertise to bell ^y. Tbi* we are able to do through being LARGE BUYERS OF MATERIALS ANTI BON AIlDE^l AN UFACT URER3 | Principal C^dTwe Bel!. An appreciable idea J of the I j EXTENT OF OUR STOGK I* Rained by making • 'tour'^oug^ir "bowrooais. Warehoubes, and Workshops. £ 50,000 WORTH OF STOCK to select from. lf «»ired, terms mnv be arranged to suit customers' ^vertience. })on't forget tnat we are t.ie .31, J^EMIER 'JJOUSE JpURNlSIIERb IK WALES. A* immense Stoek always on hand of CABUsET& SUITES, MIRROR^ BOARDS,' CHIFFONNIEHS, CARPET., ^'OLEUMS, FLOORCLOTHS, and all kinds of | furniture, Watohee, Clocks, Jewellery, etc. *Uc?««ors to HUTC'HINS A CO. for the bole Agency of WHEELER AND WILSONVS E WING Li A C H IN E a A"Wled«dto be ore of the Beit Machines iu the World. AGENTS VOR CARL OTTOS TEIZE MEDAL PIANOS. ALER3 IN ALL KINDS OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. ■Catalogue, with Prices and Terms, tree on Application. ALl. GOODS DELIVER ED FREE WITHIN 100 MILES. UrR" J) ECORATIVE JJEPAIRTMENT THE FINEST AND BEST IN CARDTL 1 • BALLROOMS, CONCERT ROOMS, & ARTISTIC ALI A' DECOR AT ED. FECIAL DECORATIONS FOR THE TOWN HALL ASSEMBLY-ROOM^. ^HAIRS, SETTEES, AC., LENT ON HIRE TERMS* MODERATE. ON CyLT ADI'RESS IN CARDtff _.II JjUILTMNCiP, £ 1ARDIFi\ ) 4f •MNMBMB-STREEr, LONDON, W.C'. public Bnnouncementa. T. WHITTY EVANS, LICENSED AUCTIONEER, VALUER, AND ACCOUNTANT, REQUESTS the honour of your favours and ) recommendation. Prompt settlements. Offices: EAGLE INN, ABERDARE. [5606 STRONG, THII: POWERFUL, B D CO.'H EVER RISING. VR! A RT BRISTOL DISTILLING Co., Lrr. lOAD1, C'ilEF.SB LANE, BRISTOL -Xamfl'ti and Prices en application. BUYING AGENTS WANTED. [5469 DAVID EVANS, ACCOUNTANT AND AUCTIONEER, 51, Gwaelodygarth Terrace, MERTHYR. ENGLISH AND WELSH SALES ATTENDED. J. LL. ATKINS, F.A.I., AUCTIONEER. VALUER, ACCOUNTANT, and GENERAL COMMISSION AGENT. Offices: Gcllyfaelog Cottage and 20, Upper Union- Street, Dowlais. Agent for the Liverpool, London, and Globe Insur- *nc« Co., the United Kingdom Temperance and Provident Institution, snd the Ocean Railway Acci- dent Co. Also for the White Star Inman, and 1 American Steamship Companies. LLANDOVERY COLLEGE. ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIPS, .1A: ,1396. | Two of £ 25 a year each. Two of £20 „ Two of jE15 „ Two of £ 10 Six of £8 Be. „ 'The EXAMINATION will begin at 3 p.m. in the SGIIOOI Hall, on WEDNESDAY, Jan. 15tb. Three grades of iwlw-r.-t will be f.et—Senior, Intermediate, and Junior. The School Fees a.re 40 guineas a year for board, and £883. a. year for tuition. The Distinction" List for itie year 1895 iu- dudes Six Scholarohips and Exhibitions at Oi- ford and Cambridge, one being the First Mathe- matical Scholarship. JC100 a year, at Hert- ford College, Oxford 21 Higher Certificates, and 23 Distinctions from the Oxford and Cam bridge Schools Examination Board, bracketed in the 10th place in the tinml-er of Certificates, and m the 7th place in the numher of Distinctions, in the 1st place in the number of Distinctions in Mathematics, in the 1st place in the number ot Distinctions in Mechanic", and in the 2nd place in tha number of Distinctions in Enclibh 6th place, with flO prize in Honours, London Matriculation, June, 1895. There are about 180 boys in school, of whom 150 are boarders. The resident staff consists of 11 Graduate* of Oiford and Cambridge. There are classical and modern bides in two distinct departments, boye' studies and reading-room, a large librarr, a laboratory, and a eaniiorium. Poy) are prepared for the Uni- versities, for the professions, for the Civil Service, J and for business. There are three fields for cricket and football, one covered and two open fi tw-oourt-, and a gymnasium. Regular instruction is given to the whole school in drill. Next Term will begin on FRIDAY, January 17th. Boarders return previous day. For particulars apply to the Warden, College, Llandovery. To House and Property Owners Generally- R. H. LUSCOMBE, PAINTER AND DECORATOR, Ac., 44, Victoria-street, Dowlais, R.H.L. bege to thank his customers for their liberal support in the past year, and respectfully draws their attention to the large and cfaoic* stock of Paperhany- ings, Paints, Varnishes, Ac., 4c., which he has. FAFP!RHAXGl.Tc.s.-10,000 pieoes ofChoic* PaperhanR- ing for the ooming season, comprising Pulps," from id. per piece to 2?. 6d.; Satins," from lOd. upwards Sanitaries," from 5 £ d. to 3s. 6d.; Golds," plain, from 7d.; emboMed, from la. Id. to 7«. 6d. per piece. from 7d.; emboMed, from Is. Id. to 7-. 6d. per piece. Having secured the sole representation of one of the leading ENGLISH Manufacturers, I am able to give a Special Discount of Is. in the £ on all orders orer £1. PAIKTS of the finest quality only, from 4id. per pound. VAKNISWKP. Copals," "Crystals," "Church Oak," "Hard Oak," "Body Varnish," "Carriage Varnish," "Elastic," and "Spirit Varnish," of the best makers only. PAIXTINM AXD DECORATING. R.H.I,. giveis personal attention to all branches of the above trade. Sign Writing, Decorations, and Gilding: C;ias<? Kmboseinjf. A mtaf of experienced workmen kept. All orders rec«i^e prompt attention, and general satisfaction guaranteed. Orders by Poet promptly attended to. Agent for "Secootino" for sticking everything. CryBtoffraphs." Windsor and New ton's Artists' | Materials, Ac., Ac. Choice selection of all things kept in btojk. LADIES AND THEIR AILMENTS. It is frequently a subject of considerable debate in a Ladv's mind aa to what is the most effectnal and Certain Remedy to Relieve and Correct all 1 rregularlties of the System, especially as there are now so) many unprincipled and recently- t-prung-up Advertising Quacks, who have no medical experience whatever. L ADIES! Do not delay and waste precious time and money on Worth- less Rubbish, but send etamped- addreesed en velopefor i>articula is of the GOLDEN and RE- LIABLE Medicine which has Relieved Thousands, to Established) A. DASMAII, (Specialist) (50 years of 30 years experience, and you will secure RELIEF and EN.IOV HEALTH,TlAvri- NESS, L'BOS- rriiiTT, and FnXEPOlf. A. DASMAIL, Ili-, I^angdalc, WALTHAMSTOW.

THCBKAUEFEW IIOMKS in which the preparation of the Christmas I'udding is nut as regular as the WHmt of Christmas itself, and the notion among the invenile memhers of the family that a rigorous stir at the compound means good fortune during th" coming year, still holds its own. We think our lady readers may like an excellent recipe for a Christmas l'udding, and therefore give the best we knowTake three- quarters of a pound of flour, two large teaspoonfuls of Borwick's Baking Powder, two ounces of bread crumbs, one and a half round. of euet, two ptundB of raisins, one pounds of currants, ten ounces of BBjiur, Iwo canoes of almonds, one pound of mined candied peal, aalfe and npiee to taste. Mix ingredients well } together and add sit epgs well beaten, and three- quarters' of a pint of milk, divrde in two and boi ?'(&! hou»* Am.

AT EIN DARLLENWYR. Ujfairier pob goheViiaetlv Uymrcig ar bjuciaa dydderol, lleol, neo weithfaol, yn nghyd a'r farddoniaeth, i'r swyddfa fel y canlyn :— "IORWERTH," Merthyr Times Office. Merthyr. COLOFN Y BEIRDD. "CottAia fT 0' L' kardd Maw 1 vw ei alar a'i loes, ac y mae iddo gydymdeimlad llwyraf ein darllenwyr, ni obeithiwn. Ar yr un pryd, prin y gallwn gredu mai wrtb. ganu fel byn y mM ya debyg o enill ei gariad yn ol. Beth fyddai iddo dreio c&n dipyn fwy eiriol a chalonog f As FBDD MAM."—Y drydedd linell yn wan. Pscaon A Aniryw linellan liapus, tlC yn darllen yn llithrijr. AR FEDD MAM. Dysgaf mai ofer yw dysgwyl-tty weFd t Hyd nes daw fy arwvl; Nos da, mam nid o«s dim hwyl Hab wen dy wyneb anwyl. PECHOD A RHlNWEDD. Iileatri parch daoamharch y'm 0 dan rwd, hen aur ydYlp, Mae |>echoid wedi nodi Tirion wedd ein natur ni Ei ystaen ymestynedd, A'u te^, wyn gymeriad diidd, Lefeiniodd yr elfenau Mewn hedd oedd in' i'n- tuwynhau Rhinweddol ardd dynoliaeth Tlln ei wg yn fynwent wnaeth Fi Bang, fel troediad angau, Elyn cryf, sy'n ymhyfhau. Mathra, yn lie eu meithrin, Flodau eawro7, rhywiog Rhin A difroda hyfrydwch En lliwiau heirdd yn y llwcb. Er hyn, heddyw < awu rinwedd cu Fel rhosyn mwyn, gwyn, yn gwenu Slewn hoenedd, ail niun heinyf; Drwy gwrlid oer, gwrol dyf Net flodyn, fywiol leda, Dywed ai Duw yw dy Dad ? Rhyfedd dy weled heddyw Yn ngwyneb oer rtiigauii byw Merthyr. AB HKYIN. COLLAIS FY NGHARIAD. Clyw fy nheimlad, 0 fy nyhariad Mae dy ^olli'n been i mi; Dywed inll, ai dy fwriad Y dyw byth fy ngwrthod i.1 A OM yobaitb imi eto I gael d'od i'th gwmni pur* 0 f'anwylyd, 'rwy'n dymuLo, l'aid am gadael yn fy nghur Ti yw'r unig lili lanwedd Wreiddiodd yn nyfnderau'n sereh Teinilaia beth oedd pur hyfrydedd ran ger llaw f'anwylaf ferch; 0 fy nghariad, unwaith eto Mi ofvnaf yn fy nghur, A oes gobaith (paid a difio) Aui fwynhan dy gwmni pur i Ar ol gofyn droion lawer, Rhaid yw ^ofyn yn y blaeu, Pwy all beidio, pan mae pryder, Yvn y fj*nwee fel trwm faen 1 Hyddo.i'u hawddach imi gloddio 0 dan wadnau'r dyfnder erch, Na chael geiriau all ddarlunio Maint fy hiraetb am fy march. O f'anwylyd, eyn teifynu Fe ofynaf iti uawr, Am gael gweled gobaith tmvvnju, I mi'n agor dorau'r wawr Ac yn gofyn byddaf eto Am dy gwmni, lili fwyn Ao ni thawaf nes atelt", Hyn yu tinig leddfa'iti D.J.I.

ÐEIHDD YN CIIWAREU. Fel y canlyn yr ysgrifena Elfyn yu rhifyn Gwyl Dewi o'r Goiinm Rywbryd yn haf 1876—yr wyf vn tneddwl, daeth Fferyllfardd aUf i G,onwy; ac er llawenydd mawr i mi, pwy oeddgyda^afynei hetlwyd ei %v&go(I wen, EisteJdfodol, old Ceiriog. Mynent i mi ddod gyda hwy i dreulio y dydd i Landudno; a dywedent yr vchwanegid a» y frawdoliaeth yn y dtef brydferth houo gan bresenoldeb difyrus Gethin a Threbor Mai. Idly fu; cytunasom, ac i Landudno a ni. Wedi cwrdd a'n gilydd ein pump, yr oedd vn naturiol i'r hwyl farddol gc*li yn union *r oeddym, cvd-rhyngoru, yn englynu yn ddi-ba.id yn nirou i Iwbpetn a phob achlysur. Ivhoddir iltai ohonrnt yma. Cymera^om gweh i fyned am dro at y Pan oeddyni wedi inyned yn weddol lJell o'Jdt- wrtb y jail, yr oedd yr awel yn cryfiiau, "e chwyth- wydhefc Ceiriog j'r dwr"; a gwnaethom uinau eill pulwar yr englyn caulyiiol or yr achlysur Hwre! i Bombay'n dra uuan-y cerir Dy bet, Geiriogdruan Vno"'nihell, bydd yn y man Yu rowndio pen yr Indian Yr oeddym yn cael t<" mewn rhyw dy yuo,— te utr a gwan rhyfeddol. Deallasem Illai Anu ydoe-Jd enw yr eneth oedd yn gweini arnoni a phan ddaeth i mewn i'r ystafell Am yr ail neu'r trydydd tro, dirprwy wyd Gelhin i'w chyfarch ,Ù englyn canlynol:— Diffygiol yw'tli stwff egwan ;-Ow '■ gan hwn Fe'n gwneir yn anniddan I rewi'r beirdd, yrwan, Truenus de renaist, Ann. Diflauodd yr eneth ar amrantiad megis oddiar ffordd pumpo yabrydion. Pan oeddym ar ben y Gogaith mynai Ceiriog gael cliwareu Gorsedd ac Eisteddfod; oad yr oedd Gethin, ac, yn wir, Trebor hefyd, yn erbyn cliwareu a chesegredigrwydd sefydliadau o'r (atli. Modd bvnag, nid oedd boddloni ar Ceiriog, a bu yn rhaid i Getnin gymeryd ei le fel archdderwydd, gydag ymbatelo" Fferyllfardd yugleddyf. Trelvor oedd Bardd yr Orsedd, Ceiriog yu Geidwad v Corn Gwlad, Fferyllfardd yu Wyhwr y Maen Llog, a minau yn Ddysgybl Ytiha", am vn i. Dywedodd Ceiriog mai efe oedd i ddechreu y gwasanaeth drwv ganu Com Gwlad (nid amgen, ei ffon), i wahodd yn nghyd vr holl wyn, defaid, geifr, ycliain, ac asvnod, hebiaw "yr asynod sy'n bvesenol," chwe<il yntau. Y'na dechreuodd ganu: — nghyd vr holl wyn, defaid, geifr, ychain, ac asvnod, hebiaw "yr asynod sy'n bvesenol," chwedl yntau. Yna decbreuodd ganu: — Bwytais neithiwr bid herin, Hob y dei i dando Ao mi godt>dd syched gerwin Dyna ganu eto; Ao'fw dori, olaw ddengar Sian, fwyn Sian. Yfais bop a ginger biar, ke Yr Archdderwydd a ddywedodd y rhoddai ofe hanap gini o wobr i ha un bynasf ohonom a gyfansoddai yr englyn goreu i Landudno mewn pum' munyd.—efe ei hun'i feirniadu. Tarawyd ati yn ddioedi; a phan ddaeth y pum' mnoyd i ben yr oedd yn rhaid i bob un adrodd ei englyn. Fferyllfardd oedd y cyntaf. Dyma ei englyn ef — Fyw, haeddianaf dtef ûdenol--j'w hadwaen Hyd ei rhodau swyuol Y gwan gerdd eugna i'w gol Hyfrydwch ei dwfr hudol. Dilynais inau gyda'r ymdrech box :— Yn ei hawyr ymboewa-y gwau, lle.«g; Yn lion y newidia Yn nwfr hon, foreu o ha', Y dolurus deiora. Galwyd am Trebor; ond, rhyfedd nid oe<!d gan yr arch-englynwr ddim ond dwy liueJ! :— Ger irder y dyuer don Clwyfodie yw clefydon. Y na, gan edrych yo chwaretn o'i ddeutu, dyma Ceiriog yn mlaen Lle'r blacs a'r cwacs sydd o'u co',—lie gwaith, LI* i Gethin ddawnsio; Hyfrytach a brafiach Na Mochnant a Phenmac-hno. Chwarddwyd yn galonog ar ol yr englyn yua a methodd Gethin ei hunan a dal yn t-obr. Pan gafw yd trefn, traddodwyd beirniadaath ddifyrus Can Gethin a dyfamodd yr ail englyn yn oreu. Wrth gwr-, nid oodd hyn ond ffordd wreiddiol yr hen foneddwr caredig o roddi haner^ini i mi oedd yn dipyn o hogyn yn mbiith y fatli gewri. Wedi gorphen gyda'r Orsedd aeth dau o'r cwmni i chwareu billiards a thra yr oeddynt yn ymddifyru felly gwnaeth y tri arall yr englyn a ganh n: — O epariweh ni rhag yabwrial o yyiu?; Mae'n goeg a phenfeddal; A chwrs o hen chwareu eAl Yw billiards, feibion Belial Yn nilifn tipyn atebwyd fel hyn fran y chwarcu- wyr:- Sylwi, a wnewch v seilion—ragtithwyr, Ar greithiau meidrolion; Di-ras y'ch; nid yw'r oes hon Yn rhoi coel ar wyr culion. Yr oeddym wedi trefnu i gychwyn o I-aududue ryda'r tren saith yn yr hwyr ond (path eithaf cvneSn i feirddjcollaiioni ef; a dyma englynu yn ddioed Truenus oedd i'r trcn saith,—hebyljeirdd, Wibio i'w bell ymdaitb A raid aros am noswaitli Heb ein dwyn i ben y daith Aod i ymgyngbori a thabl y rheilffotdd, a gwelcm fod yna dren cyfleus i ni tuag wyth ac medden): Tro anoneat oedd i'r trcu yna—hedeg; Ond na fcidiwn, hogia' I brydydd, a hwvrddydd ha;, Y trcn wyth wna'r tiun eitlia'.

THE LLANELLY COALFIELD. A Llanelly company, it is reported. hare required a large mineral takinsc from the Stradey Estate. The preliminaries are now complete 1, and mining opera- tians will be speedily cointnenced. The taking is rich with steam coal. __n

DISPUTE AT MARDY COLLIERY. The award of Mr. Arthur Lewis, the umpire appointed to settle the identity of the seams at the Mardy Colliery, has not given entire satisfaction to either of the disputants. The workmen object to the umpire's award on the ground that he has gone ijeyond the reference, and has included in the terms of his award prices for certain items of labour which they contend he should not have dealt with at all. The owners also are, it appears, dissatisfied with a number of items in the award which are a great advance on the prices previously paid at the colliery.

BRECON AND MERTHYR JUNCTION RAILWAY COMPANY. The 73rd ordinary nieet.ing of the shareholders waa held on 1 liursday afternoon at Palmorston Build. ings, Old Broad-street, London. Mr. H. F. Slatterly, chairman of directors, presided, and there was a small attendance, the report and balance-sheet having been taken as read, the Chairman regretted to an- nounce that the half-year's working had not proved so satisfactory as was expected. The coal traffic in South ales which now showed such signs of revival remained in a very weak state during the six months under review. Ftie passenger traffic, however, had been fully maintained, and the expenditure had been practically the lanie as during the preceding half- year. The net revenue balance of £ 18,499 would be sufficient, after providing the sum required for the rent charjrod Rhymnw Preference Shares and A De- benture Stock to pay 2"|ier cent, upon the B Deben- ture Stock, being 1,1 per cent, to 30th June, 1895, and per cent, in respect of intere t due «j>on that stock to the 31st. Decern t>?r, 1895. Ten thousand ixmnds had Ueen f-pent In doubling the lino between Maesy- cwmmer and Maoben, and alterations at Talybont and on the lorpantau incline were IJeing commenced. The Barry Company were agaiu in this Session of Parliament endeavouring to obtain acees» to the Mon« mouth coalfields. Tho present pr0|>osals were quite u objectionable te the Brecon aud Merthyr as the for- mer ones, and no efforts would be "pared to guard the shareholders' interests. The samo course would he taken in regard to the proposed amalgamation of the Bute Docks and the Kbvmney Companies-. He concluded by moving the adoption of the rejwrt.—Mr. W. Bailey Hawkins (deputy chairman) seconded, and the resolution having bton agreed to, Messrs. W. De Wiutun and James Coatcs were re-elected directors and Mr. Thomas Kennt>rly was re-chosen auditor. -=-

CHILDREN'S CONCERT AT CEFX. LiA Thursday waaa red-letter day in the life of the young children of Cefn, for on the enming of that day was held one of lh« most inteic«tmg and success- ful concerts aver held in the place. A word or as to how the concert was originally started may not beami^s. The Library Committee, finding that the funds of their institution were getting low, appointed three gentlemen to wait UPOII Mr. D. Kiddil Jonas, who has established a name {nr himself as p.11 eminent conductor of juvenile choirs, and to ask him if he would come to the committee's rescue by inaugurating a concert in aid of the funds. This Mr. Jones readily consented to do, and wth the able assistance of Mrs. Mo?« and Mr. M. Owen, the energetic head-teachers of tha Echools, with their staff, a canital choir of over 200 children was got together, which began forthwith to learn Fox well and Pattison's pretty operetta, "Cougress of Nations." The concert, as stated above, camo off on Thursday evening, at the Drill Hall, aud it forms one of tho^e bright epochs, of which t:iere are not too many in one's life, which old and young will delight to look back upon a'; an event- ful occasion when our village life is seen at its best. The plot of the operetta is Rimple. "The claims of various nations to suj>eriority and distinction are argued in a friendly way by representatives who attend an ideal congress. England is selected ae the scene of the debate. The trouble at first is to find au impartial judge. Professor Marvel, the magician, is 1 at last chosen. English is to be the language spoken in the discussion. The Professor, with his magic wand, calls to his aid a jury of twelve mythical pets-ons: Troll, gnome, fays, sprites, Ac. These sing of their obedience to the Professor's commands, and of the beauties of their Btrange homes. The Professor urges that, not being mortals, they are impartial in the issues before the congress. Evidence is then taken." The various repreientati res ap|>eared in their national costumes, which were specially pre- pared by a well-known London firm. The role of Professor Mar vel, upon whom the major part of the talk- ing devolv ed, was splendidly sustained throughout by 1 Miss AnnieMillward. Her self-possession and herclear, 1 delitarate enunciation, simply delighted the large audience. The representatives of the nations ft the I congress were delineated by the following lads and lasses: — Englishman (•»oun bull), Arthur Hughes; German, Benjamin Sylvanus; Scotchman, Howell Meredith Russian, David Price Swede, J. Harry Evaus; Frenchman, Tudor S. Dan'es; Italian, Philip Pembridge; Hindoo, Charles Betterton American, Gwilym Williams: 'W f-lahmen, Cledwyn Davits, Johnny Jones and W. J. Williams; Australian, D. Kees Da vies; Tiishman, Morgan Thomas; Negro, James Price; Chinese, J. Edwin Da vies; Dane, Blodwen Gould Spaniard, Jessie Jones; Hollander, Mary Morgan; Turk, Maggio Jenkins; Sw iss, Gwen Vaughau and Allies Rogers. The jury (fairies) were Mies Jones, Misses A. Jones, R. Davies, S. Price, Hilt Evans, Winifred Moss, M. A. Thomas, Elsie Moss, Olive Mos?, Ada Rogers, Margery Dayies, Annie Lewis, Jessie Lewis, Annie Chambers, Celia Kato Jones, Miriam Jones, Annie Williams, Rachel Rees, Ellen J. Jones. The youthful Arthur Cottrell made an admirable Herald, and the oddities and the witty repartees of the clown, Dan Thomas, were much relished. Col. D. Rees Lewis, of Merthyr, was the chairman, and from the smiles seen playing over his face it was evident that the gallant offiecr was pleased with tho performances of the yourg actors..The accompanist was Miss Mann, who atten. j ded most of the rehearsals and rendered valuable ser- vice to the choir. On Thursday night, however, she was assisted by two violins, played by Miss Poole and Mr. Y'aughan, Merthyr. A vote of thanks to the chairman, proix>sed by the Rev..T. Hathren Da vies, and seconded t>T Mr. J. Rogers, J.P., brought the! and seconded by Mr. J. Rogers, J.P., brought the concert to a close. Such was the success on Thursday l evening that it was deemed advisable to repeat the concert on the following evening. There was a large audience at the hall again 011 Friday night, when the presideut of the library presided. The chit raders were represented by the same persons as on the previous evening, except Professor Marvel. Mis" Annie Mill- ward, being confined to bed hy a sudden and severe attack of quinsey, was unavoidably absent, but a capital substitute was found in Miss Winifred MoM, who, though called upon at the very last moment, did her pact r.*ell. A pleasing feature of the eoncert was the neat way in which the young ones were rigged out. All the girls were dressed in white, and ou their heads were coronets of flowers. The boys had caps and sashes across their shoulders made of fancy paper, giving them a peculiar and yet a Iteautiful appear- ance. The concert right through was an unqualified success, the recitations beiug rendered without a hitch, and the singing full of melody %nd quite artis- tic. ft is impossible to praise too highly the hearty manner in which Mr. Eiddil Jones tlrcew himself into his work, his control over tho children being marvel- lous, and his ability as an exponent of first-class music being evident in the glorious rendition of fiome of the choruses. Mr. Jones is to be heartily congratulated upon the marked success of his efforts, and we trust he will soon give us another example of a work which is undoubtedly congenial to him, and for which he is eminently fitted. The vote of thanks given to Mr. Jone at the concert was desen edly duo to him. A word of praise iruiot be also given to the indefatigable hon. cec., Mr. Morgan Thomas, who worked faith- fully and well. His arrangements were perfect, and hie yeoman services in connection with all good move- ments in Cefn ought to be publicly recognised. We understand it is Mr. Jones' intention to repeat the concert fit the Tcmperauoe Hall, Merthyr, at an early date. Here's a fact which all Trade Unionists should bear iu mind: The Aferth'ir^ Times Office is the only Society Printing Office in the district. What does that mean? It means that the men are j*id union wagee for working union number of hours, and that the office does not ewarni with apprentices. No Bffeating allowed in any shape or form. Here you will get the very best printing at moderate charjeg, I and you will know that the men who do the work arp houowably treated.

I DASTARDLY RAILWAY OUTRAGE. A dastardly attempt to wreck the mail train from Aberystwyth* to Whitchurch took place on Thursday night, when running between Machynlleth and I Cenimes Road Stations. The train had arrived at ft place called Pen-y-bont little more Ithan half way between the two stations—and was running at fnll spaed, when the driver felt the engine strike eoma solid oody. tie immediately etopped the train, and a sleej>er Was found between the lifeguard and the framing of the engine. It was promptly removed and conveyed to Cemmes Cross Station, where the station staff were informed of the occurrence. The station master and a porter at once proceeded to inspect the line in the boi>e of catching the culprit, but were, unfortunately, unsuccessful.

SERIOUS OFFENCE BY A NEATH PUBLICAN. At Neath Borough Police-court on Friday Isaac John Hotbrook, landlord of the Victoria Hotel, Neath, was convicted of having stolen 3151b. of lead, value 19s. 10d., from tha verandah of thft premises a part of which Holbrook occupied, the lead 'oeing the property of the landlord, Mr. E. Evans Be van, colliery proprietor, and owner of the Vale of Neath Brewery.—After a short consultation the Bench found Holbrook guilty.—The Mayor said that the offence was a most serious oue, and they had debated M to whethei the prisoner should not be sent to gaol without the option of a fine. But, taking into ooa- sideration that it was his first offanue. they had decided to tiue him J310 aud cœts-£12 5s. in all.- The money was paid.—The three man, Thomas Owens, hawker Martin Noomau and John Joy, labourers, charged with Holbrook, were acquitted. 1

TYLORSTOWN EXPLOSION. MIL D. A. THOMAS AND THE JURY S VERDICT. In the Hotise of Commons 011 Friday, Mr. D. A. Thomas askt»d the Home Secretary whether his atten- tion had bees called to the verdict of the coroner's jury in the case of the Tylorstown explosion, in .vh:ch the jury expressed their surprise that her Mujesty'a inspectors had not made a thorough and Systematic" inspection of No. 8 Pit during the past fifteen month*, and recommended that practical working man be appoiuted as assistant inspectors of minea whether he will take steps to ascertain from his predecessor the nature of the undertaking given by him last year to appoint such inspectors and how far b" proposes to meet the recommendation of tha coroner's jury.— Sir Matthew White Ridley said his attention nad t'een called to the verdict of the jury by the reports in the newspapers. A f ill report would be revived in due course from the inspectors and counsel repre- senting the Home Office at the inquest, and the ver. dict of the jury would be carefully considered. He had nothing to add to the answer he gave a abort time ago, when he quoted the undertaking by his pre- decessor, which appeared to him to l>e j>erfectly dear. —Mr. Fenwick (It., Northumlierland, Wanebeok) inquired as to the production of the report of the evidence.—Sir Mattnew White Ridley said certainly it would be included. A full report would be sent in the usual way in due eonrse. but it would take a little time in preparation.

SIR THOMAS PHILLIPS' LIBRARY. THE GEM OF THE COLLECTION. The Welsh division of Sir T. Piiillii)s".Nl',S. now offered for sale comprise about 700 tof, making roughly 1,461 items, divided as follows :— MS. volumes in Welsh 56 MS. volumes relating to Wales 384- Court rolls, manor rolls, Ac 172 Abbey charters and other deeds 849 Every phase of Welsh life, manners, customs, topo- fraphy, literature, biography, architecture, and in fact every subject, is illustrated and now that this collection will be kept together and placed at tha dis- posal of the public, 110 scholar, whether engaged UJKMI the literature of Wales, the history of the country, or of any county, or almost of any pariah will be satisfied until he has r-ansacked its stores of information. The most valuable item in the Walsh division is The Book of Aneurin." There are four famous 12th century MSS. known as The Four Ancient Hooks of Wales." These are the Book of Taliesin," the "Black Bo -k of Carmarthen," the "Red Book of Hergeet," and the Book of Aneuriu." The Hrsttwo are in the collection of Mr. Wyuue, of Peniarth the third is in the collection of Jesus College, Oxford and the fourth will now repose at Cardiff, being part of the Phillipps collection. It is a remarkable fact that the British Museum has never gout hold of one of them. Being unique, the value of Cardiff's latest ac- quisition can bo scarcely estimated. The Book of Aneurin is probably greater in interest than any of the others. They are all said to contain Welsh litera- ture dating back at least ItS fat as the 6th century— literature that was transcrilied in the 12th century, probably between 1130 and 1180. With regard to the first three, a great difference of opinion exists as to the actual date of their composition, and it it it disputed point whether they refer to historical events or not. but in the ca"e of the Book of Aueurin," which con- tains the poem known as the Uododin," toeing an account of the Battle of Cattraeth, scholars are agreed that this is a record of actual occurrence, and that it was composed in the 5th century, or about that period, and probably preserved by tradition from the 6th to the 12th century. This probability receives confirmation in a remarkable way. The poem, as in I the manuscript, breaks off very abruptly, showing that the manuscript is itself imperfect and although there are many transcripts containing the poem, they all end in the same way. They are admittedly later MSS., the transcript just secured by Cardiff showing in its caligraphy and oiiiamentatiou work of the 12th csntury.

MASONIC INSTALLATION AT ABERDARE. On Munday the annual meeting of the St. David's Lodge, Aberdare, was held, and as the esteemed Hiatt Constable of Misktn Higher (Mr. Lewis N. Williams, Caecoed) was to be promoted to the rank of Worship- ful Master of the Lodge, considerable interest was taken in the proceedings. The members of the Lodge assembled at three o'clock at the St. David's Hall, when the installation ceremony was performfd. Among those present were the following members of the St. David's Lodge: -Bros. Rees Rees, W.M.; John Howell, 1.P.M.; Thomas life?, P.M.; S. T. Joiliffe, P.M.; E. M. Howe, P.M.; V. Botting, P.M.; Evan Jones (Tyniawr), P.M.: W.J. Thomas, P.M.; Evan Jones, P. P.G.Sec., P.)1.; T. Lines Jonea, P.M.; L. N. Williams, S.W.: Jamee Thorney, J.W.; Thomas Phillips, P.M., treasurer; W. D. Phillips, secretary; P. T. Ilhys, assistant-secretary S. Sniptou. S.D.; John Williams. J.D.; Isaac Ambrose, D.C.; George A. Treharne, organist; David Hughes, I.G.; James Phillips, steward; R. Cound, Johu James, D. 1'. Richards, A. S. Pleace, Dr. Hughes (Park-lane), Taliesin .Tame", William Notton, leuan U. Thomas, James Giles, M. J. Harris, U. George, D. Williams, F. E. Morgan, U. A. Evans, Gwilym Jones, Thomas Richards, William Hughes, D Tudor Williams, Adam Clark, F. W. Mander,E. Williams, E. A. Price Jones, (jwilvui Jones, E. P. Evans, n. E. Davies, Cwmaman. The visitors iucluded Bros. M. Whittiugton, W.M., Cambrian (364) P. J. Richard, W.M., Charles War- ren Lodge (1,832)^lW. L. Baker, S.W. W. 11. Wil- liams, Bute (96(JrT l'irbank King, W.M. T. R. Phillips, S.W., H. E. Crane and John Griffith Jones, Merlin (1,578) T. P. Kerman, W.M. W. James, M.M. Thomas Smith, M.M. W. J. Vaughan, See- retary; H. D. Jenkins, S.W. H. Knill, P.G. Arthur Roberts, S.D. John Hopkins, S.S., Tennant Lodge (1,992) J. S. Mews, P.M. W. R. Williams, I.G. G. A. Meadows, J.W. H. Peach, P.P.G.P. Johu Lockyer, Steward, Kenard Lodge (1,258) U. F. Harris, P.M. W. M. McDonald, M.M. Thomas Wake, S. W. Angus Mackintosh, J.W., and H. Bailey, IJoyal Cambrian Lodge (110); C. W. N ine, St. Andrew'e, Surrey (1,046) W. Richards, Glamor- gan (56) D. Rets Lewis, W.M. Priuee Llewelyn (2,570); D. Bowen, P.M., Homfray (1,562). The installation ceremony was impressively delivered by P.M. E. M. Hann, after which the uewly-appointed a W.M. appoiuted his officers for the forthcoming year. After the ceremony the brethren and ihitors partook of an excellent dinner provided by Bro. D. Hup-hes, at the Boot Hotel, when the usual loyal, patriotic, and Masonic toasts were duly honoured.

BRAYERY IN THE PIT. I PETITION TO LORD SALISBURY. Mr. Charles Wilkins, of Merthyr, the well-kuown historian of SouthyWales industries, has forwarded the following petition to the Prime Minister, the receipt of which has been duly acknowledged by his lordship: My Lord Marquess,The kindness extended in the paafc prompts me to intrude upon your lordship's attention, though I am well aware that the all- engrossing affairs of State leave scant leisure and make individual intrusion almoet an impertinence; but I have long felt, my lord, that a grievous want in the great industrial communities of Wales, and also throughout, the kingdom, can only be supplied by your lordship, and the terrible disaster of Tylorstow» has emphasised this in tha keenest manner. The long list of calamities which I submitted to your lordship in the History of tho Coal Trade of Wales," begin- ning in the early part of the century and lasting to the present, has been accompanied by a heroism equal to the most striking ever shown on land or sea, yet, with the exception of soma decora- tions by the Lord Mayor of London after the inunda- tion and rescue of Tynewydd, the ruling powers have never conceded to the heroism of industry that which is ahyavs bestowed for naval and military valour. Unenv, then. the people would rejoice with profound satisfaction if your lordship directed the award of a medal in cases of remarkable courage shown in con- nection with our great industries, and nothing would be more reverently prized and worn, and handed down from generation to generation, than the badgeor ribbon or medal for valour. It has been in my literary experience to have b(eu associated with most of oar colliery explosions from I Gethin, in 1862, and I can readily testify to the exhibition, time after time, of a calm and patient bravery, an unruffltd fortitude, a total forgetfubiess of pursoi!*d danger and of self shown by managers, inc< ical men, colliery olficinls, and the rank and tile of labour, which made one proud of hh c juutrytiieu, and hopeful for the continuance of tho highest aud most unselfish traits of our common humanity and never has a lamentable catasrophe occurred that I have not, in unison with the thoughtful looker-on, regretted that the expression of hearty commendation for the daring explorer and rescuer has not been followed by some memento" awarded by the country to its gallaut sons. That it may be your lordship's opportunity and pleasure to coufer this, and add oue more subject for just laudatifB by the people of the present and of the far-disUut future, is tire prayer of Your most oliedient servant, CHARLES WILKIN?, F.C.S., Author of The History of the Cord Trade of Wales," ic., &c. Thf Most Noble the Marquess of Salisbury.

TICKET-OF-LEAVE MAN. CHAPTER J. (Continued). ha had that moment put on, ht turned to tli» assembled company and grave'r thanked them. With that he m<>Ted away. The f&ruier %sd hia friends stood and watched him as he walked slowly down the avenue through the ram. I suppose there's no doubt the fellow was telliaf bit own story, or what be fancies, or wishes us to fancy, is his own otou* *aid one of the farmer's friends. "No doubt whoever," said the farmer: "and I'R tall you what, if I knew where that man Cudlip, or whatever hit name is, waa to he found, I would fiva hilD. word of warning, not for his own take, but for that of our poor friend yonder. I shouldn't lika saa him come to the gallows. And it ever I saw a man id deadly earnest, that fellow was in CMBewt tttt now." CHAPTER II. TM tramp went on to the village. He paueed » moment at the Red Lion but, M he expected, hit companion of the morning was not there. He had gone on by himself. The partnership of a day WM ftt an asd. Here the wanderer turned. as if he knew hit way, into a lane which was a short cut to the nut village —Stratton, about foar miles off. When he rtachet the outskirts of Stratton be paused at the top of an eminence which overlooked the little town, as if he were reviviag old memories, or pausing to cotaidel his next step. The rain had now ceased, and a oeuntrymaft paaaing just then stopped and began to talk to him. "Do yon know whose house that itfukedttt* wayfarer, pointing to a cottage of a superior clflM which stood at the edge of a plantation a short way et "Tbfttbe Muster Cuthbertson's new heuae M ht built three year ago come spring. ""h"t Not Thomas C'uthbertson ? That's the name, sure enough. Yoa may read ifc for yourself above his shop door in the High-street,* answered the man with an uneasy laugh for he was • little alarmed at the look in the stranger's eye*, and the savage manner in which he wheeled round upoa him when he mentioned the shop-keeper's same. "I thought Toni Cuthfeertson had gone to Loadn," were his nut words. Bo 'e did; but he came back six years ago *r thereby, and seeing that old Drewitt that used to keen the grocer's shop here was gettin' old, Muster Cutnbertson, he bought the stock and goodwill-ohl and I Tt heard he gave as much as sixty pound for ON! Sixty pounds, did he ? And is he—that is, I suf» poee this Mr. Cuthbertsoa is a married man?" Married ? Yes, he's married, sure enough." And who did he marry, do you know?" asked tha tramp. What need have I to ask ?' be mattered nsder his breath. I'Te heard the name, said the man, paueing. The tramp waited a moment, steadying his veiM. Was it Mabel Roberts ?" he asked. "That's it! I was sure T would know the nana if I heard it." A little more talk followed, and the man pauad 0.. The tramp remained where he was, leaning oror a pte. He was trembling from head to foot. For it WM indeed his own life story, and none other, that he bad been telling at the Manor Farm. He himself, Francis Martin, had been unjustly condemned to pMal eerTi- tude. When he had been released, his first iourney had been to seek for C'uthbertson (whom he had spoken of as Cudlip at the farm) with a blind hunger for revenge at his heart. But Cuthbartson was aol to be teen either in London, or at the country village in which he had lived as a boy. And now Martin had found his enemy. He was here, within reach of his hand. There was the roof-tree that sheltered him, and the wire he had obtained by tu blackest of treachery. Now, at last, his tint had come. Martin went over in his memory the wrongs hahad capered at this man's haude-the despair, the con- finement, the cold, and hunger, and hard toil, the utter ruin of his life, and, bitterest of all, the pangs he had endured when be had learned that tha fir! he so pnssionately loved had become his rival's wife. These things demanded vengeance, and Martin ftl his teeth, and swore that revenge he would have. Grasping the money in his pocket, he strada through the villsge at a rapid pace. For when he began to ask himself what form his vengeance should take, t he words of the farmer at the Manor Fana came back to his mind-l think ifs imrt then hkttf/ that I irovli shoot him at tight And in an instant Martin resolved that he would do this thing. B. even justified the act to himself. Had ha sal suffered? Had he not terrible wrongs to avengaf Then, who would avenge him? Not the law, The law had tided with the guilty, and had most craallv pnnisbed him, the innocent. He waa left to Met justice for himself, and he meant to do it. TIa., falsa friend, the perjurer and traitor, should lira so longer to enjoy the fruits of his heartless rilliaaj. He should die die that very night. A few miles beyond Stratton was a larger tova, ah which Martin knew he could purchaae a pistol which would serve his turn. A revolver would not be necessary. No second shot, the tramp said to hitnfelf, grimly, would be required. He found that there was now a railway atation al Stratton, and by taking a train he saved so much tima that he found himself back again before dark. H. had got the murderous weapon ready loaded in bi8 pocket. Tb-re waf little fear of his being recognised; for the village in which he and C'uthbertson had both been brought up was thirty miles away. He walked through the village street till he came to Cuthbert- son's shop. It was crowded with labourers and their wivea, making their Christmas purcbssea. He was not going into the shop to make a dia- turbance before all those people. Not that he feared arrest, or had any hope of escaping. About bit own future he was utterly careless. It was nothing to him whether he lived or died and he cared not a straw whether be took leave of his life on the scaffold, or under some hedgerow, or in the in- firmary of some workhouse. All be wanted was to equaliie matters a little-a very little- belor. he died. It was not fear that hindered Martin from going into the 111.1111 shop and shooting him down on the spot. But it was more fitting that be and hit victim should be together face to face, and alone. Martin did not care that all the world should hear the words he had to speak to the man who bad once been his friend. He walked slowly on in the direction of Cuthbert- son's house, and on his way he overtook a child—a little girl of four years old-erving. Martin spoke to her and toothed her, for he loved children, and among other aimless questions asked her name. "Mabel CuthbertsoB," answered the little one. Martin did not start outwardly, but a cold thrill ran through his veins. For a moment lie gazad at the child, so that the stopped whimpering through pure surprise; then he abruptly hurried away. Mabels child, and her father the man who had betrayed, and entrapped, and ruined him I It waa more than he could bear. He grasped the pistol lying in the outer pocket of his jacket, and gripped the lock so that he cut his hand by bruising it agaiaat the doghead. He rejoiced to think that the time at- his enemy's triumph would not last much longer. When he had passed the cottage in which the Cuthberteons lived, be stopped and looked back. The little girl had begun to cry again, and a young wemaa had come out of the house to meet her. The child ran to her with her tiny arme outspread. The woman gathered her to her bosom, and the crief tomod. The woman did not see Martin; her attention was fixed on the child. But he saw her plainly, though tie winter twilight was falling. He saw her, aad new her. It was Mabel.. lit. took up the child and carried her a few steps, than set her down, and the two went into the cottage faegether. The outeut trembled as he gaied once more at the woman he had loved, but it was only for a moment. He wheeled round, and made for the plantation at the back of the heuse, for he had resolved to wait until Cuthbertson came home from his shop, and then he would cail him ont of the house, reproach him with hia baseness, and shoot him dead. There wonid be Mme time to wait, for even in a village like Stratton the shops would be open late on Christmaa JRve; and it was cold. But Martin cared little for the cold. He chose a spet under the shelter of the trees where be was quite concealed, and from which he could have an uninterrupted view of the house and the lane leading up to it. There lie sat down and waited. CHATTER HI. Wans the church cl.ick struck eleven Martin rose and slowly drew near the c«it:#ge. He was stiff with eold, though he li-id moved about the wood from time to time during these weary hours to keep himself Wtrm- or rather to keep himself in life, for his damp elothes made him shiver as if he had been plunged in ice;-col,d water. Not. a thought, of pity for the child be was about tn make 811 orphan, or for the woman ha was going to make" widow touched llill hear!. He did Dot think or the child at all. As for Mabel, if she should suffer somewhat, so much the better. Had ahe not been fail lilt-ss--vit)ne the lees faithless that she had not plighted her troth to him in wordsv And in any case, what would her suffering be com- pared to what, his had been? It would never do if criminals were tn escape ".o! fiee because their wivea would weep if they were punished. And Cuthbertson waa a criminal whose punishment, long delayed, Was drawing very near. Martin's quick ear deleted a firm le, risk step on the gravel. He moved f<>rw.->rd mere rapiuly. but C'uthbertson waa before hi-u. snd his! «|» a» the co tag* door was quickly answered. Vab>! opened the door, he was admitted, and t he dour was <-loeeJ. He is within, sheltered and warns, happy ana prosperous, while I wander withou! 1 k* a 1" *■ r>t> iomelees aad my l;fe a wrejk, and my ueait Ine abode of devi's Such were the thnc^s in Mnrt.ni ui'ini. as he moved slowlr on l„*ar Jstbe h.«use.«!id '.hey inflamed his Lnrr to* fer,-r fj a *-e.v sh-ut time after Cnthberfam's arr»ah the cottage. He raised his hand and she 00 -v a Iic-w with his knuckh'S. Who's th«re <"sl ed a I MArt in n«ad» n • answer. He •>; ? Vpi.■••led sga<n. A «tei\ a wouiw'e y'.ep, souyJed "t'jh? !lI« passage inside, and Martin heard Cutbbert&ou'e voice eaying, I'll opoa it." But the next instant the door was unlocked, and Mabel stood before him, fcWaet- loøkiar an" r" f. i fj I M y, n-3 f; tall seen her, eight years before. "Who is there! she repealed, •■•r'ng forwards into the darkness. Of course, tbn <-i i L, recognise him. Even in bro;td uayhflit she mi^ht t o: have known him at fimt.. tko clian,td n&s ,j:(] not know his Toice, which was as mu.b ciiangrd-aa his face from what it once had beet). "I want to see your hu*h«nd," he said, and his voice shook a little in spite of him. She gave a little laugh. "My husband! I have no husband. Tha man wants vou, Torn, I think." No husband! Y'ou have no husband! Cath- bertson! shouted the stranger, as Tom stepped forward. You are Tom Cuthbertson, I know. Te not that girl, Mabel Roberts, your wife?" What's that to you The door opened wider, and a woman bearing a fortnight-old baby in her arms Clm" forward to listen, Martin knew her in a moment. It was Maud. Mabelt sister. Is iie your wife?'" shrieked the poer wreteh. "0otfd God, man, what did run do it for. then?" He trembled, reeled, and fell where ha stood. Mable darted forward, and lifted his bad from the ground, and next taoment loud scream paalad through the house. Its Frauk, Tom! It's Frank himself I Oh, my God, I thank thee! He has come back--he has come baek. Bnt he is ill. He has fainted. Help me into the house with him, Tons. Oh, look how ill he i. I Not another word could Mabel speak, but ahe was determined that the would not break down. Tom Cuthbertson and sbe carried the wayfarer igto the cottage between them, for he could not stir a stap. and they laid him on the bed of the man he had come to murder. When the Christmas bells pealed out their joyful ti drags Martin raised himself on hie elbow and listened. "What's that ringing for, and where am I?" he aakad* gating dreamily around him. They're the Christmaa bells, lad, and yon're at home. A merry Christmas, Frank!" and Tom held oat hia open palm. Martin looked bewildered for a moment, then he aacad steadily into the other's eye!. What he read mere satisfied him. Without a word he placed itis icy fingers in hit old friend's hand. When Frank Martin awoke from a troubled sleep on Christmas morning, he found that he eonld etir neither hand nor foot, and was racked with pain. He had contracted rheumatic fever from sitting so long in the wood in his damp clothes. Per weeks be waa eoafined to bed, and was indebted for the very necee- aarias of life to the man be had thought to kill. The remembrance of hit purpose wae intolerable to him, yet by how thin a line had he been separated from that awful crime! Many a time be told himself that ethers, no more guilty in intention than he, had saver awoke from the fit of blind passion till they toigad themselves in the dock. chap 8 Oaceonly did Cuthbertson allude to the past. I saver believed that you took the money, Frank," he nid. But I have one thing to reproach myself with. Ton asked me to call on Moxon about the MnUllt and I forgot all about it. The first time I laid you that I had forgotten it, but the second or fhird time I was ashamed of my carelessness, and aid 1 bad been to him when I never had. meaning to call the very next day. But- next day I waa sent of to Manchester and so I never had an opportunity of going. I could not for the life of me remember when it was that you first told me to go to Moxon's, but pu know I never imagined that. the matter "II of asy great importance at the time. You can nndar •Bind that, eld fellow ?" a Jkmilv. But I thought, it bad been through was you that tbe note that was traced was paid te my ttfrr.' 4'5hrougb me!" echoed Cuthbertson, with a look of genuine astonishment. "I never said a word to anyone on the subject. It must have been a mere eoincidenct that the guilty man, whoever he waa, should have disposed of tbe note to someone who gad it t* your tailor. There is nothing impossible ia Hot in itself, but taken along with the other thtage It helped to ruin me. I wonder, Tom, bow the money really was stolen ?" I have often wondered, but 1 couli make nothing at >4. I never believed you were guilty, though." Thank yon, Tom.-Thent is just one other thing. I expected, when I came out of prison, to bit yon married to Mabel. Indeed, I was told that the btBM had been put up." I suppose whoever told yon made a mistake in the Christian name," said TOlD. But I confess that at one time I was more than willing to marry her if the would have had me. Only, I nw after your trouble came that it was of no use for me to try. 8ht was simply heartbroken about you, Frank, and ska has let no one say a word of that kind to her eince that day. If I were you—when you get strong agaia —faint heart, you know-" No, Toto. Don't apeak of it. I couldn't aak Mabel to be my wife till my character is cleared, and that, you know, can never be." But it was cleared, not long after this conversa- tion and Mabel herself was the instrument of her lover regaining his good name. He had nearly recovered from his long illness, when, one <day, the came to him trembling aud hardly able to speak. In her hand she carried a newspaper, which the held out to him. U Look; look!" she gasped, as she saak down on the nearest chair. Martin was astonished. He took the paper, won- dering how anything in it could possibly affeet him. The paragraph Mabel pointed out contained an account of the trial and conviction of Abel Moxoa for perjury and forgery, in swearing that he bad paid a sum of money that he had never paid, and forging a receipt for it. Then the truth flashed for the first time into the mind of the unfortunate Martin. It was evident that he must have torn out tuo receipt-forms from his book the last time Moxon had paid him, and by accident handed them buth to him. Moxon, discovering this, had turned the acci- dent to his own advantage by tracing Martin's signa- ture on behalf of his firm upon the blank receipt- form, merely inserting (in figures) the sum he waa then owing in the body of the receipt. The same signature, traced over again on the back of a cheque drawn by himself, and cashed by a confede- rate, had enabled him to complete the crime, The facte were laid before the Home Secretary of tbe day, and Martin's character waa re-established, in the first place by his receiving a free pardon from the Crown, and in the second place by his being offered by his old employers a more important pea* than that which he had formerly held. All this, of course, took some time aid it "II set natil April that Martin found himself hack in the old office and mingling with the comradee he had never expected to see again. In the August following he went back to Stratton, end his friends there hardly knew him, oo greatly had his new life, and the consciousness of the respect of his fellow mea. altered his appearance and his bearing. During that visit Mabel and he were betrothed; and the next time the bells of Stratton Church rang the Christmas pea), they ushed in the loveri wedding msraing. na m.

EAST GLAMORGAN RECHABITES. ANNUAL MEETING. The second annual moating of the E»st Olamorfan District, No. 118, Independent Order of Rechabsbaa, waa held at Calvaria Hall, Aberdare, on Monday, "The meeting was opened at ten o clock by the Distm t Chief Ruler, Bro. Rev. J.\V.Tnce, Twlb° was supported by Bro. T. VV rlliams, D.D.R., Tre- liarris; Bro. J. Morris, ^D-C.R., Mountain Ash liro. R«v. J. D. Thomas, D.S.J.I., loui'darreo; Bro. D. D. Williams, D.T., Merthvr; Bro. T. C. Thomas, D.S., Bedliuog; Bro. \Y. Dally, trustee. Mountain Ash; Bro. T. Gilbert Evans, Merthyr; and Bro. T. W. Young, Ilirwaiu, auditors. Bro. T. W. Youn*, lilt-wain, was avpoioted conference sccretarv, and Bros. W. Dally and D. H. Da', ia-s Mountain Ash, eorutiueers. There were representa- tives from 27 tents prefcent. The district has made good progress since its institution in 1894. J be annual report showed a membership of 2,^48; financial meuiljcrs, 108 wives, 1 widow, and 41 honorary members; a total membership of o,6M, there being an increaseot 135 for the year. There were 15deatli«durinsr 1895,making sn averajteehgbtlyover J per 1,000, and incurring an expenditure ot .fcl'o, heinz an amount t*jual to Is. Id. j>er aieniber in th# dtstrict. The district funeral fund now amounts t<. £ 1,616, being a nett increase for the year of B318. The auditors' and trusteed report w ere adopted. Bros. John Morris, P.D.C.R., Mountain Abb, cave a report, in English, ot the proceedings at the la.«.t meeting of the Itigli Moveable Conference held in Brighton iu August last, and he was followed oy the D C.R., Pro. Rev. J. W. Trice, in Welsh. otes of thanks were accorded to the two representati ves. Various matters of importance affecting the mem- her.- weie considered, ono of which entailed great dis- cussion, it being the question of the urgent need of appointing one or more medical gentlemen to act us consultiag medical officers in cases of malingering on the sick funds of tbe tents, who shall examine aucb esses as the various tents may wish. After a great deal of deliberation the principle was agreed to, and | ultimately Dr. Davies Jones Cwmaman, waa appoiu^ ted the consulting medical othcer for he portion of • the district situate in the AJierdare ailey and Y nys- yuw], and Hr. Eteazer' Dams, 1 ochnw wa, aprjo.n- ted for the jwrtiou of the ui-trict situate in the Mei- thvr Valley from Dowlais to kelson, and also bed- linogaiKl j-ocmiv.. The rucettpg re.-uhtd tb:>t an uhnnmiued adores- a dvufi of which was read, be presented to Bro. J. Morris, P.D.C.K., Mountain Ash, for bis t-ervicss ■» a district officer dtiling the last seven yr»ar-. The election of cilic-rs then took placo as foHowt): D.C.ll., 1 >to. T. William- Trtliarris (unopposed). For the office »f D.D.R. these were six nominated, Bro. T. Ciilbeit E'.ans being <le;ted. P.D.C.R., Bro. Rev. J. W. Price, Troodyrhiw trustees, Brew. Dallv, illount.in Ash, Rev. J. Grawvs .tones, Trf*cy- uon/and A. Daniel, Troedyrlmv, re-elect.d. Ior the pjst of audito: s then: were 13 lion i lated, "Lich, Salter the first round of voting, were ^d-iced to four, viz., Bros. T. W. Young. 1 fir wain D. II. Davies Moun tain A«b T. Roderick. Abenlarc and k. I'KUS, M< rthvr Vale. 0.\ the second round of vounsr l -n>. Young was elccad, and Bros. D. U. I'-nte. ItTld I. Roderick Wing ft tie utc-«itated a thad round of v otiog. which resulted in Bro. D. H. Dav! M0 .1- taiu Ash, being elected bvoue vote. "V s o. tbv.r were accorded to the post olhccrs and Hfl-r which it w as r^tlvcd to hold the 18W uiteling at Ire- harris. 1