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I £ SNA^ f. FFAAN KFORT M 00fiE I Synopsis of Previous Chapters. CHAPTERS I. and II.—Mrs La Ro&che and j^r daughter, Claire, drive to Castle Finnbar. ennis O'Keefe, the driver, refuses to be paid -hat night. They arrive at their destination, 'lid are welcomed by Timotbv Sullivan, the old servant left at the Castle, which is r^ttibling into ruins. From the ball Claire and toother aro taken bv tbe crazy Sullivan to a ?n« ola bedroom, which has not been occupied ,0r. at least over half a century. Everything 'n tatters. Moths and bats abound. Rats lan be heard scuttling under the wainscoting. immediate demand of the newcomers is for They partake of a miserable supper, after pj>»ch the old man produces a pack of cards, ^'aire soon sees that he is a born gamester, and tefoses to play with him. He retires muttering Seance. .^HAPi'ERS III. and IV.—Mother and daugh Pass a weary night ensconced in chairs, mother sleeps, but the daughter 3its listen- :nR to all the uncanny sounds, and conjuring for "firselt tbe imaginary terrors of the night. They disturbed by the arrival of two men on horse- ^*ck stranded wayfarers, who believe the Castle "° be uninhabited, save by a lunatic. The two a)el promise tbe help and assistance of two *Otoen, which relieves the situation somewhat. JT0 'be morrow Claire intercepts a beautiful "Ule Irish girl carrying a can of milk. This takes Miss La Roscbe to the cabin of Mrs "'Leary, where the eood woman gives her a and she has a wash. She accompanies Claire back to the Castle, wtere she provides a ,*ood breakfast. During tbe course of tbe morn '"R visitors arrive. r CHAPTERS V. and VI.—The visitors are k&dy Innisfail and Mrs Archie Browne, mother ydaughter. With them are the two men they _I» in the night. The Roaches show their visi- 'Ors their ruin, and are afterwards taken to Mrs ?*chie Browne's home, Suoamara. Mother and Slighter discuss Mr Urquhart. He is secretary 10 Mr Philip Trent, the millionaire, who is ex- )ected shortly to be a guest. After admiring the Jcenery, Mrs and Miss La Roache descend to the ikil, where Claire converses with Major Clifton. Chapters VII. & VIII.—The author gives the an insight into the past history of the La apache family. Claire seats herself in a convex "'ndow in the hall, and, while watching the sun ^t, falls asleep. She awakens on a love scene \-bleb is being enacted between Lord Medway j*"cl Lady Evelyn Oarnaleigh. The two girls ^cotne fast friends. Mr Philip Trent invites '"e Suanamara partf to his yacht for a days Mr Marvin, savant and philosopher, discourses to them sociologically. CHAPTERS IX. and X.—The house-party '&ke a moonlight walli. Lady Innisfail is anxious .0 Procure the services of a witch, but is over- -jjled. Mrs La Roache and Claire again discuss Claire finds she has lost her ."tie gold heart, and goes in search of it. She i'ears voices in the hall below. Stephen Urqu- 'lart has found the gold heart. Lady Evelyn.. ?ho is with him, tells him it belongs to Miss La J^oache. He declares himself luckier in having *°Und the heart of Evelyn. Claire rteals back jjQobserved. In the morning she meets Mr Urqqu- "art outside the house, and he gives her back her ?°ld heart. After a pleasant bandinage they go In to breakfast. CHAPTER XI. Claire felt herself quite easily falling in line, 40 to speak, with the people oi whoso real lives ?{*8 had been afforded a glimpse—the glimpse '«at passes through the diaphragm of a camera leaves its picture on the photographic film behind. Her first thought was How well they all do it." No one could possibly know even by the closest observation of Lady Evelyn and Lord Medway 'hat they had played parts in such a scene as ■>ad taken place in another room a fortnight J)efore, and apparently no one but herself had Ibe slig-htest suspicion that Stephen Urquhart lias on such terms of brotherly friendshipwith Lady Evelyn as permitted of his kissing her "hen paiting for the night. She had fallen in line with the others. She uttered herself that no one could know that she bad become cognisant of the illuminating epi- "Odeki just referred to. She kept all that she knew to herself. I toShe could not help wandering if it was the ^oglish habit to keep as a dead secret such a ^lationship as existed beween Mr Urquhart *nd Lady Evelyn. Of course, the two had an ^Oderstanding between themselves. They were "engaged." She conld easily believe that they should try to avoid the liability which attaches to a subjection to the condition of that odious e c<>mtnonplace. An engagement somehow horribly middle-class. It was conven- f'onal. There was nothing emotional about it- Jt was not rhythmical-there was no lyrical ?h&rm about it—no melody. An engagement in England is the solicitor's draft of the title- deeds of the estate of matrimony. It has not Yet been sealed, but it is eminently satisfactory. It entails a ring. Archie led the way to the Witch's Hat. I liut in the case of Mr Urquhart and Lady there was no visible sign of any engage- ment existing between them certainly no mem- of the party at Suanamara seemed to have the faintest idea that even the most informal eOntract existed between them. This being so, Claire did not need to take any great trouble to Persuade herself that it would be ridiculous for her to do otherwise than fall in line with the teet of the party, and act as if she Ind not Accidentally become possessed ot a greater know- ledge on the subject of the relations I between the two. Lady Evelyn had become her greatest friend. Claire had an Idea. that the fact that she had become aware Lady Evelyn's secret constituted a bond of 'riend3hip between them. But she would not go s° far as to assume that this bond would be ap- 110 far as to assume that this bond would be ap- preciably strengthened were her friend to know 'hat she had overheard that last good night Whispered at the foot of the stairs. Whispered at the foot of the stairs. And yet, why shbnld that knowledge make "any "'fference to her Y Lady Evelyn had been at the Point of telling her the name of the man whom IIbe loved when Claire had stopped her. Why fhen should she object to^Claire's acquiring that knowledge for herself ? It would be unreasonable for ber to object but 'l-iire had na instinct that Lady Evelyn's friend- ship for her was strengthened in some measure -V the promptness which she had shown in pre- senting ber from revealing the name of tbemau. t was under the prompting of a momentary im- pulse that Lady Evelyn had offered to tell her 'he name of the man but Claire had a feeling 'hat her friend was glad she had been prevented doing so.. She could not help wondering if Lady Evelyn informed Mr Urquhart that Lord Medway had told herfthat beloved ber-askingherlove in feturn. And if she had told him so much of the had she added the information that Claire hfcd accidentally been present when Lord Med- Sy had asked" bis question ? Claire thought Jh&t she had not and tbersfore it was best for her, Claire, to make no 3ign to anyone regarding knowledge which sh0 bad accidentally ac- laired. You got your pendant from Mr Urquhart ? 11 her mother a.fter breakfast, i Yes," said Claire. It is most gratifying, not, to bave such an example of honesty in e upper ranks of life." ller mother ignored her pleasantry. h M The upper ranks of life ? Mr Urquhart is in the upper ranks of life," she said. Of course not," said Claire. He is only an honorary member of the upper ranks. He is an ^Pioyee. That makes bis honesty all the move "wing." t "Mt Trent is a delightful man he has been about yoa this morning abeady, said e* mother.. He is a delightful man," said Claire. "II rather that people talked about me iu the •ternoon.; Their judgments are riper than they r*e in njorning. Wasn't it Mr Marvin who assuring us that people were not fully awake "*jl four hoars after they got out of bed 'f x»Her mothec ignored the reference to Mr rr**vin. After a decent pause—a pause suffici- ,y long to convey tbe idea of one topic being and another begun—she said, with an of carelessness Mr Trent is a delightful man—so apprecia- Shall I put in a good word for Mr Urquhart fth him ? He would, I am sure, be pleased to 2 £ ofthe honesty of one of his employees?" Claire. La Uo&che gave au exclamation of im- ?*«enc6. She conld cot understand her daugh- Jl* 8 flippancy at that moment. Flippancy in tioa with a millionaire aa a topic she "/)'1,,¡;(':f tn ,,11"\11' ¡,J The millionaire himself was in no position of prominence during this particular day. His telegrams began to pour in ebortly after break- fast, and he was kept busy with his secretary and his secretary's secretary. The telegraph messengers had to form a queue at tl"\6 doer of his room. I He has probably made as much laoney to- day already as we shall leave when we die, after years of scraping," said a man with a ^Tin who returned after a day's mixed shooting on the I mountain. As much as we shall leave when we iMe ?" said another. "If he doesn't do a deal bttter than that there isn't much fan in n.dl- lionaring." There was an inquiry for Archie a lunch. Now and again people staying at a houSe show a certain amount of solicitude for their host— always for their hostess. He is the messenger of King Saul," said Philip Trent. He is gone hunting for a witch throughout all the land. He may find one." I hope he will not," said Archie's wife, with some severity. She had been "silently dis- couraging the quest of the witch which had been set on foot by her mother. But Lady Innisfail did not mind silent discouragement. She had been too long subjected to the non-silent dis- couragement of her schemes by her daughter to be in any way affected by her reticence. Archie is a good boy he would do anything for me," said Lady Innisfail. Besides, this is a scientific research. A witch there is nothing so scientific as a witch—Mr Marvin will tell you thfct—only I hope he won't." Thore was It general acquiescence in Lady Innisfail's views in this particular; Mr Marvin was not present. But it was late in the afternoon, and the tea- fables were spread with hot cakes and other delicacies before Archie rode up. Everyone ex. fables were spread with hot cakes and other delicacies before Archie rode up. Everyone ex. pected that he would have a word or so to say I respecting the future of the witch as an object of scientific research. But Archie was grinning with considerable breadth and force of charac- ter. Some of his scientific associaties in the old days had been known to hold the opinion that Archie's grin could not be properly measured by an ordinary pair of callipers full justice could be done to it only by the aid of a sextant and an artificial horizon. You have found her ?" cried Lady Innisfail, in tremulous eagerness. Give me some tea," said Archie, and a few hot cakes as hot as you have them. I've had nothing but a sandwich since breakfast." That's not enough for a huntsman," said Mr Urquhart. Don't spare the butter. A what ?" asked Archie. A huntsman. Bunting is the highest form of scientific research," said Urquhart. Did you bring her back slung across your saddle ?" Scent lying well ?" inquired Lord Medway. Ob, go hang Scent I My aunt I Scent said Archie, enigmatically. Lady Innisfail took her son-in-law under her wing, so to speak, After all, the hunt was of her making. She brought him buttered cakes in a lordly dish, aud stood by him while he crammed a few into his month. Poor boy my poor starving boy! I will not have him worried." sbe cried. "Eo did it for me. If he should die, his death would be laid at my door," she added with a tragic solemnity that was the height of comedy. She turned with bitter words on the people who laughed. Archie grinned and put away two or three more mouthful-cakes. Evervone envied bim his teeth. But Lady Innisfail stood by him to the last. He felt for his cigar-case. Lady Innis. fail rushed for a light for him. My aunt What a day I" he managed to say when his cigar was well alight. Poor boy I my poor boy said Lady Innis- fail. But you found her ? You are an English- man. And they say that the daya of chivalry are over. You found her ?" But the hero of the quest had no idea of com- ing to the point at once. If heroes of quests had come to the point at once there would have been few epics written, and the lyric drama. would have languished. You see I heard nearly a year ago of this particular witch," said be. Which one ?" asked Lady Innisfail. This one," replied Archie. Then you found her ? Heaven be praised," cried Lady Innisfail, in her truest devotional spirit. I knew you would. And yet they say that the English gentleman of to-day Is she coming to us, or must we go 10 her ? Does s)^e live at a distance ? Tell us all about her ?" I was going through the whole story in good order when you broke in on me," said Archie. I found her at tho foot of Slieve Dhu. She lives in the rummiest cabin ever known. It is built somehow out from a cave. Rummy I knew that I remembered hearing about her a yeui ago from the D.L He told me that she had been accuEed by some idiots in the neigh- bourhood—graziers of spoiling their churning; laying a spell on it and that sort of thing. They wanted to get a magistrate's order to 'burn her at a stako. A couple of years ago they took the Jaw into their own hands not sa far from here and did actually burn a witch. A happy sort of country this—steeped to the lips in super- stition. I met a magpie at the end of the drive, aud that made me sure that I would have no luck to-day— but I found her. The rummiest—" We shall make a picnic of it," r»aid Lady Innisfail. We shall boil oar kettle on the I witch's tripod—jaet like the scene in Macbeth —not the Lyceum Macbeth —the real one — with the music. We shall have a delightful day. Only-to-morrow is Friday. It's the height of unluckiness to do anything of this sort on Friday, you know." Stephen Urquhart smiled. The end justifies the means—the wilch averts the ill-luck that attaches to the day. I believe that her powers are equal even to such a miracle," he said. CHAPTER XII. The visit to the witch of Slieve Dhu made a good enough excuse for a drive through some of the most chilling scenery in the West of Ireland. For twelve miles (Irish) the coach went through mountain pass and along the banks of mountain tarn, UD through the still pines and across cata- racts that sent a note of rejoicing through the murky glen — fording narrow streams that rippled and wimpled about the horses' hoofs. There was no loneliness in this land,though only at intervals of long miles a human being was to be seen. and, at rarer intervals, a cabin with a brown turf stack. Competent judges affirmed that the Witch of the Hills—she had taken her degree in necro- mancy and had been given the title of Witch of the Hills by the Irish-speaking people of the neighbourhood—had a. thorough knowledge of the art of choosing a studio. Her cabin had been built on the hill-side, enclosing a cave. Above its roof rose the flat wall of the cliff for perhaps thirty feet. and tho dark face of the stone was blackened by many year's smoke from the chimney in the most grotesque and even horrible shapes. They Jay like the shadows of some un- earthly creatures projected upon the cliff face and, seeing the enormous curled and twisted things, the peasants were accustomed to cast a fearful glance into the space opposite to the cabin, as though they expected to see hovering there the dreadful shapes that cast such shadows. The door was open and Archie led bis friends into the cabin with the air of responsibility that one associates with the personal conductor. "How fearfully dim," cried Lady Innisfail, the moment that she crossed the threshold. Your ladyship will have no need to complain in another minute," came a voice—a thin voice sounding as it seemed from outside the cabin altogether. The seance has already begun," said Philip Trent. The lady does a little in the ventrilo- quist line. I perceive." "I cannot see you. Miss Curtis-or should 1 say Mrs ?—but everyone does say that you are quite extraordinary," cried Lady Innisfail. Now do please tell us where you are." There was no answer but a enrioua thing took place, for gradually whatever light was in the cabin -and there was certainly enough to allow of the me nbers of the party beeing each other's faces-became dim and still dimmer, until the place was left in complete darkness. It waB as I if the daylight had Deen turned off as though it were as amenable as gaslight to such an opera- tion. Don't stand at the windows, said Archie You are shutting out the light. Hang me, if 1 can see a single thing. Now where's the door ? What idiot shut the door ?" The tiny room was in complete darkness. Of course someone was bound to stand before each of the window:-the place was about ten feet square- but the queer thhig was that the light was shut out from the windows,and no one could finli the door- A thunderstorm at the end of September," said Lord Medway. It came on pretty quickly, didn't it ?" said Archie. This is horrid: let us get out again as quickv as we can," said Lady Innisfail, in a frightened whisper. I'll stay—I mean to get the worth of my money,">said Archie, doggedly. "You may go if you can fiud the door." He had already been groping for it without success. Lady Evelyn laughed. It's the queerest thing lever knew," she said. "Would it be playing the game to strike m match, 1 wonder?" Out of the darkness came the voice of Lady Innisfail- For heaven's sake let me get out. Something touched me ou the face—something queer- horrible—" I felt it a bat's winft—cold ItS leather," said Lord Medway. "Are you there ?" ho.JJooed Archie, as though he were speaking through a telephone. Hillo Lucy—Mrs Curtis--giva us a light, please—a candle end svill do." Why.sureiy—surely—a light," came the thin distant voice. In a second there was a shimmer as of a corpse candle in the diiltancc-it seemed to Lidv Innis- fail and the others of the party ai if they were looking down a very long gallery—the faint blue qnivering light appearing like a planet in a j mist. "I sxy," said Archie, can anyone tell I where we are ? I shall be glad to take the advice I of an average expert on the subject. In my ignorance I believed that we had come to a cabin I' on the hill side, but by the Lord Harry. it took-; jolly like as if we had lost our way. My aunt I should like to know if I look so blae about the face as all of you." I have seen enough I want to get away," said Lady Innisfail. Is there anyone in the cottage besides ourselves. I am perfectly certain that someone brushed passed me—two people." I certainly felt something like that," said Lord Medway. What do you say. Mr Marvin ?" I am silent one cannot observe and talk at the same time," said Mr Marvin in a voice that soundea unlike his own, being deficient in that effect of finality which marked his pronounce- ments. I fancy it must be a matter of sug- gestion-synthetical with hypnotic suggestive- ness." I want to get away," said Lady Innisfail. Good heavens, are we such fools that we can't find our way to the door. I don't want auy more synthet—whatever you call it. There it is a-gain-tbe thing-I tell you I felt it—clammy- like touching a frog." A little shriek came from Lady Evelyn —a shriek and a laugh that had nothing of a laugh about it except the gasp. Snakes," she said. A cold touch like the touch of a dead snake. There is a queer smell— like nothing I ever knew before-clammy." My aunt," cried Archie. A crypt," said Mr Marvin. Hypnotic sug- gestion." Are you there ?" Archie shouted again tele. phonic. It seemed to be in his mind that the I best way to neutralise the effect of the super- natural would be by resorting to commonplace rcientific formula. He selected the most com- monplace. Mrs—Miss—Lucy—this is past a Joke-let us have a light for goodness' sake. I say- confound it all; I didn't baigain for this. I thougbt-well, I'm hanged." Anything that the gentlemen and ladies wish," said the voice. A light appeared which gradually grew stronger. In a second the corpse candle in the utter dis- tance was extinguished, the outline of the win- dows appeared in their proper places, and there was light in the space of the open door. The room became as light ag it had been at the en- trance of the visitors. These visitors looked into each other's faces. In front of them at the entrance of what seemed a cave six or seven feet deep, stood a small woman clad in peasant's shawl and with her hair tied up in the usual lumpy knot. It was perfectly black hair, and her eves were of a bead-like black. Her face was the browu face of a very old woman, seamed- and pencilled with ■•ountless iines. The yeliovvbits of her face were puckered up in a smile as she stood cui"t?eying to the group who bad become huddled—positively huddled—together, near the door. At the sight of the curtsey the group drew a long breath and became more artistically grouped. They per- ceived that she was not a hag. I "The pretty ladies," said she. "And they want their fortunes told. That is whv they come to old Lucy. They have heard that she is a witch, and that she can make the butter come and do other queer thing3 entirely, to say noth- ing of a cure for warts and tha green fly on rose bushes and other miracles, and she doesn't want her hand crossed with silver, for that would bring her under the law. Such pretty ladies I Especially the one that loves the man that she says 'na.y to though there's a good favour about the one whose husband is on a far journey. Gantlemeu, too-well favoured gentlemen—not forgetting the one that told the pretty young English colleen that she was like her mother of fifty thousand years ago, and wanted to kiss her on the strength of itas they were walking through a shrubbery. It was on the left cheek that she slapped him, calling him an old foot but that was where she was wrong—for bo isn't a fool, though he is paying a visit to a witch- woman this blessed day." There was a lond laugh, and all eyes were turned upon Mr Marvin. The men muttered that they didn't think he had it in him. But the women only smiled; they knew better even Lady Evelyn, who wm only twenty-three. Mr Marvin had a look of foolishness, but there was a reminiscence in his expression. lie was unconsciously stroking his .left cheek. It was a case of synthetic hypnotism," said Lady Innisfail. "But I wonder who the girl, was." Would the gentleman who has ever thought more of millions than of maids like me to tell him what his future would be ?" said the old woman, looking into the face of Lady Evelyn. No," said Philip Trent, I know what will be the future of any man who loves millions rather than maids." Bat isn't there a dark colleen coming over the water to him ?" said Lord Medway. No, shs has come—she has coins, and he does not know it," said the woman. She has come, and one day he will want to leave her, because he does not know that she loves him." And does she not know it," said Lady Innis- fail, who had the nans of being a great match- maker. "Sue does not know it; but she will know it; before the day when a mountain melts with fire," replied the witch. My aunt," said Archie. Is it worth setting a whole mountain on fire in order that a girl may see her way to be on friendly terms with Philip Trent ? Look here, my good woman, do you mean that someone will put a match to the heather on Slieve Gorm ? If anyone does I'll prosecute him within an inch of his life." The heavens wouldn't be on file if Slieve Gorm was in a blaze," said the woman. The heavens—oh, that's a roundabout way of saying that the Judgment ray will come first," said Lady Innisfail. Isn't that so, my good woman ?" I only say what I see, your ladyship," said the woman. And what I say is the truth. But it would be an unhappy thing to be married to a maid and then to be separated from her till the biggest fire that ever was on the es,rth blazes itself out." Yes, I admit that would be hard on a chap," said Mr Trent. Yes, and on the girl," said Lady Innisfail. Don't you think that we have had the worth of your money, Archie ?" Don't say my money it isn't me that's running the show," cried Archie. Is there anything else that you would like to ask ?" inquired Lady Innisfail. Of course, there may be some private affairs—but I think that we have done very well so far as matters I of general interest are concerned. What do you say, Evey ?" I have nothing to inquire about," said Lady Evelyn. And .if 1 had, I shouldn't inquire," she added. Does the pretty lady doubt the poor old witch's word?" asked the woman with a curious gleam of the eves. Lady Evelyn felt that her inmost thoughts were being Rontgened the creature's eyes were piercing her. She felt her own eyes closing. Yes, we have had enough for our money," said Lord Medway, v;ho was looking at her, and took a careless step between the woman and the girl. I am going to clfear off, anyway. Come along, Evey." The old woman gave a chuckling langb, which was very nasty. You are the man that will take care of her-. vou-vou-from witches and warlocks and— worse," she mutteted. Come along, we can see our way to the door just now, but goodness knows how much longer we may be able to see it," said Lord Medway. The witch laughed quite pleasantly—for a witch, and the last of her visitors tripped away, with another Good-bye." (To be continued.)

---MFRTHYR GUARDIANS AND COUNTY…

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MFRTHYR GUARDIANS AND COUNTY RATES. Recently the Merthyr Guardians wrote to the cierk of the Glamorgan County Council in- quiring how the county rate for Gelligaer and llhigos was made up, and at the meeting of the board on Saturday, under the presidency of Mr John Rogers, Mr Franklen's reply was read. Mr Franklen said be did not understand what was meant by the rate of 2d in the £ levied on the parishes of Gelligaer and Rhigos in the last half-year." The rates ordered were 7d in the f for the half year. There were certain purposes for which the rates had been specifically designated in the precept, and for all other pur- poses the rates were directed by the statute to be consolidated and were only divided into rates for general and special purposes according as the whole or a part of the county was liable thereto. He presumed the board desired their letter to }je laid before the Finance Committee, and thai would be done in due course. —The Chairman That is a step forward, is it not ?—Mr David Evans considered it ambiguous. The clerk then laid before the guardians particulars of a. Glamorgan County Council precept payable on the ht December next. General lud special rates were specified. The Gelligaer late was 7id in the V,, of lid was for police. The total of the precept upon tho Union was JEl 1.7,84.

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I j¥&m$i f&iieiiiS),. ■"1 ■1 J Happiness consists of having all our reasonable wants gratified. Pa, what is a fray ?'* Why. my son, that is what a person who has never been in a fight calls it." It isn't every man that knows when he is well off." Not but lots of us know that we are not." Ethel My right pbeelc burn? so what can I do to stop it ?—Beryl Tell Jack to shave loitener. Jones Your daughter Imogene is a perfect Venus, Mr Duggins.—Duggins Yes, Venus de Milo she never does any work with her arms. Ernie Are tunnels really dangerous ?-The Bachelor Should say so. I knew a man who kissed a girl onu time and he bad to marry her. Hotel Proprietor (to waiter): Did you give that young tourist there his bill ?—Waiter :Yes, —Proprietor Impossible he is still whistling. What kind of psncil is best for writing a love letter?" asked the blushing maiden. "Soft," replied the practical man, with a laugh. City Nephew Yes, the dinner our club gave cost ten dollars per plate -Uncle: Hi Great horse-fat An' what did the saucers an' other stuff cost? Arrived At.-—He She told me that it was her first year out,- She: Why, she's been out four seasons.—Well, I suppose she counts four seasons to the year. Beyond Doubt.—" Why do yon say that he's a wonderful actor?" He sat through an amateur dramatic entertainment and actually made people think he enjoyed it. It's funny our minister never gets married," remarked the young husband, who bad just refused his wife a bonnet, in his endeavour to change the subject ''I think he'd make a good husband." Well," he didn't seetn to make a very good one when he married us." Much Hetter.Don't you wish you had de- voted more time to literary and artistic pur- suits?" "No," said Nurich; "I could buy more books and pictures with a thousand pounds than I could learn to write or paint in ten years. With One Exception.—Lawyer: I must know the whole truth before I can successfullv defend yon. Have you told me everything ?— Prisoner Yes, everything, 'cept where I hid the money, and I want that for myself. In a. Nntshell. [i'a,tiler," queried little Johuny, "what's a dipioma.t ?" "A diplomat," my son," replied his parent, is a persou who doesn't mean what he means others to think he means." Concluded.—Jack I have just received a tele- mim savint! that a rinh annt mv nnlv relative. has died, aud left me-^— —His Intended (eagerly) Yes, and ieft you "Alone in the world." Didn't Work Both Ways — Mistakes will happen in the best regulated families." quotes the apologetic one. "Perhaps," conceded the other sourly but it isn't any sign that a family is well regulated just because it makes a lot of mistakes." j Miss Fudge Ob. Mr Whooper, you haven't that beautiful diamond you wore when you were here last -Whouper (slightly embarrased) No, my uncle liksd it so much when be saw it that I had to lend it to him for a while.—Miss Fudge Have you got the ticket with you ? Didn't Approve to the Feast. The lesson was from the Prodigal Son, and the teachar was dwelling on the character of the elder brother. But amid all the rejoicings," be said, "there was one to whom the preparation of the feast brought no joy, to whom the prodigal's return gave no pleasure, but only bitterness, one who did not approve ot the feast being held, and who bad no wish to attend it. Now, can any of you tell who this was ?" A little boy finally vouchsafed this answer,— Please, air, it was the fatted calf." Good to Identify. A German who lately lost his horse published the following notice Rundaway, or stolen, or was sdrayed, mine large piack horse, about 13 hands hie. He has four piack legs, two pehind and two pefore. Ho is plack all over his body, put he has got some vite spots on his pack where the skin was rub off but I greised 'em, and de vite spots is all plack now. His ears is both alike, but von is placker dan toder and a small pit longer. He has a long tail dat hangs pehind but I cut it short toder day. and now it to not so long vat it was. He is shoed all round, put is behind shoe comes off, and now he has got on shoes all pefore. He is not very old, and when he valks or runs his head goes first and bis dail stays pehind, ony ven he gets mad and turns round den him dail comes first Vooever vitl pring him back shall pay five dollars reward ana if he pring back de tief dat tole him be shall pay 20 dollars and ax no questions. Wise Words. Few faults are lost, yet many are found. Fortune seldom knocks at the door of the knocker. Stolen sweets frequently upset a man's diges- tive apparatus. Many a man thinks he is good at heart because his conscience troubles him. The faith cure has no effect on love. Only absence of faith cures that disease. Men who spend the most of their time sitting around saloons are seldom able to stand pros- perity. Stocks have a peculiar way of doing a balloon stunt just after a man last margin has been wiped out. If a city man has a garden 12ft. square what he doean't know about flowers isn't worth knowing. Young- man, if a girl declines the offer of your heart and hand it is up to you to make her regret the lost opportunity. Ever Notice It ? I've often wondered (remarked the man who digs in ann finds out about things) how many different ways one can be answered bv the word Yes or its synonvms. So the other day I thought of a scheme. Whenever I met anyone I was acquainted with I asked him a question tLat required a direct affirmative answer. The first one thundered out a well-throated English Yes," to which there was no gainsay- ing, and which gave me tho idea that perhaps I had been mistaken when I imaeined that the affirmative is not always as Webster would have it uttered. Number two uttersd a hearty Yep that cheered my heart. Number Three said Ya-a-s," in a drawling, hesitating way. Number Four glibbed out Yas," sharply, as a whip sting suggests a back at the whipping post. Number Five uttered an easy, warm-weather M-m-mm.'1 Number Six said busily, "Aha," and turned the conversation. Number Seven murmured a thoughtful "Urn." Number Eight nodded his head, but did not speak a word. Number Nine's aiisvver sounded like Yay-oz." Number Ten cheerily said Ay-up." Proved Their Patriotism. A story is told of two patriotic British working men, who, chancing to overhear a foreigner giv- ing vent to disparaging expressions regarding this country (in which he had taken refuge from the laws of his own land) called upon him to atone for bis conduct by singing Rule Bri- tannia." The frightened alien showing some hesitation, a bystander suggested that perhaps he was un. acquanted with the piece, and that one of the Britons should sing it to him first. And then came the humiliating discovery that neither of the indignant patriots could do so. More gratifying to our national pride, however. is the account given by an American tourist of a concert which took place on board an Atlantic liner during which the Americans present were asked to Join in singing tbe famous bvmn, America." The first verse was given with great gusto, and then the singing weakened and finally ceased no American knew the piece all through. The Englsh passengers were then called on for "Cod Save the King," which they gave with true British vigour from start to finish. Cat-Chucking A New American Game. Got a fcreat new game up our way," said the gentle-nan who lives on Washington Heights. "Beats golf, ping-pong, or automobiling all hollow. What is it? Well, for lack of a better name we call it cat-chucking,' and, as this name suggests.an important element m the game is felines. No spot in the wide world is so replete with cats as Washington heights. Some of these pussies are valuable, and are highly prized I by their owners. But the swarming aDd yowling majority is not, and so when it comes to playing a game of 'cat-chucking' the participant usually captures stray animals, elsg surrepti- tiously borrows his neighbour s. About once a month a lot of us get together for a game. We meet at the upper end of Manhattan, where the woods are a trifle thick, each of as bearing a thick paper bag in which is confined a tabby or a Thomas, according to taste. These bags are deposited at the foot of a tree and then all hands bolt for home. The bags are but insecurely fastened, and the imprisoned animals have but little difficulty in breaking their bonds. Once released, where do they go ? Why, eitch dashes off-foi once, a's a rule, for the home of the cat-chucker who has brought it to the foot of the aforementioned tree. The cat-chuckers have had time to reach their places of abode long I before the felines have solved their various and intricate problems of direction, and that player whose animal is first toarrivois dsclared winner.

Y SOLOFN GYMREIG.

CYSTADLEUAETH Y GOLOFN.

Y BYD A'R BETTWS.

CARTREF.

Y GOLOMEN.

' YR YSGWD REWEDIG.

Y MAB AFRADLON.

YR ORGAN.

I GODI'R HEN Vv LAD.

AETHUM I'R ARDD I GANU.

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Rhannu

AETHUM I'R ARDD I GANU. Aethuui i'r ardd i ganu. Yn lion yn nghanol baf. Nis gallwn beidio moli Yn yr oiygfa fraf 'Roedd tannau telyn awen Yn llawn brwdfrydedd byw, A chenais yn y gydgan Am fawr ddoethiueb Duw. l. Gardd fawr yw'r dda.ear fytV, Dan ofal manwl Duw; A cheuais 0 fy nghalon Mai Duw cariad yw. Aethum j'r ardd i gann, Mae perthi oddeutu hon; Drwy serch at lafur vnddi Daw mwyniant i fy mron Wrth wel'dei gwyrdd blanhigion A'u ffrwythau'n dlysau byw, A blysio eu inelusion, Daw can dadblygiad gwiw. Mae'r pren afalau'n hardd Y per a r aeron chwardd, Mafon a mefus curaidd Wridant yn yr ardd. Aethum i'r ardd i ganu, [ fysg y blorfeu blydd. Prydferthant gan arogli Khv/ng iraidd detail yn rhydd: Mor gatiaid yw eu dillad, Yn der fel ser diri'; Deiftydan'r gwir gyir>eria<l Adliwia yn eu bri. Rhosyuau teg eu bryd A lctewa'r ardd i gyd Y lili, a'J: liloeiaid heryd. Hyfryd yw eu gwrid. Aethum j'r ardd i gann, l'an oedd y gauaf ereh Yn cwympo ac yn matbra Y Reman ddenai'm serch Mor ddyrys yw'r accenion Wrth werd ei ddifrod certq. and rhaid vw cael colledion CYil enill dim o werth. Trist, lleddfol nodau cwyo, Sydd yn dyeithrio swyn, A mud yw'r telvnoricn Galhient ar bob Ihvyu. Aethum i Or a.rdd i ganu, Gardd dlos yr Ysgol Sal; Dr>g hon yn y goleuni Lie tardd ddillynion fit Awelon mwynicti cariad Wna r plaufc yn flodau'r oes, Mor tidwyfol eu haddoliad Dau heulvven rhin ainoes: Yn hon caf seinio'n glir, Dan nawdd a lierth y gwir, Tyf hon fythwyrdd blanhigion, Paradwysa'r tir. Aelbum i'r ardd i gILUU, Gardd fawr Efengyl lor, Gwir fawl o hon sy'n dyrchu, Or mynydd hyd y mor Mi genaia Salman Seion, Prif Winllan Nef y Net, Ar ianerch vr ucheiion Byth seiniaf, Iddo Ef I Gardd deg yw Seiou Dnw, Dadblyga hon bob Miw, Blodeua, gardd fy enaid,— Canaf tra b'wyf èyw. Ciydach. Daniel Harding (Glaisffrwd).

CWSG.

Y CYNHAUAF.

MEMORIALS TO THE FALLEN.

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MEMORIALS TO THE FALLEN. Window and Brass Tablet Unveiled On Sunday, at the Priory Church, Brecon, two beautiful memorials to the gallant officers and men of the 2nd Battalion South Wales Bor- derers (24th Regiment) who fell faghtiug or died of disease in South Africa during the Boer war. were dedicated. The memorials, erected at the expense of comrades of the 1st and 2nd Batta- lions of the regiment, took the form of an artistic stained glass window and a handsome brass I tablet, the former being in the north transept and the latter on the north wall of the cbaacel- ne3lr numerous other itteniorials,, to officers and men of the South Wales Borderers, including the stained glass east window and memorial brasses erected to the memory of the 22 officers and 655 non-commissioned officers and men who fell in action or died of wonnda or disease in the South African cam- I paigns of 1877-78-79, and the more recent memo- rial to the officers and men of the 3rd Battalion (Militia) the South Wales Borderers, who fell in action or died of disease whilst on active service during the Boer war. The window is the work of Messrs Taylor and Clifton, artists in stained glass, London. The central light has a height of 22; feet, and the side lights 18* feet,, and at the foot is the fol- lowing inscription :—" In memory of those who gave their lives for their country in the South African War, 1899-1902." The Scriptural sub- jects portrayed are canopied by exquisite 14th century work, the chief place in the central light being given to a representation of our Lord in majesty—" the Captain of oar Salvation," with adoring angels beneath. The other figures repre- sented in the two side lights are David and Nehetniab, St. Alban and St. David (Dewi Sant). _n- 10 the lower part of the window are portrayed our Lord and the centurion, while in the bases are shown the shield of the 2nd Battalion of the South Wales Boderers; the Sphvnx (the bat- talion having gained distinction whilst serving in Egypt) and the Welsh dragon. The memorial brass is a most artistic pro- duction (being the design and work of Mr George Hay, engraver, Brecon, au artist whose works cover the greater part of this wall). The tablet, which rests on a black marble slao, measures 6ft. 9in. in height and 3ft. in width. The upper paitistntbeform ot a beautiful canopy sur- mounted by em battlements. Under the centre arch of the canopy is engraved ths wreath of immortelles (being a facsimile of the wreath which her Majesty Queen Victoria placed ou the colours of the regment after the Zulu War, a distinction which no other regiment holds). In the centre of the wreath is the old regimental uumber-" XXIV. above it is the Imperial crown on the dexter sidn is the crest of the 24th Regiment—the Sphynx and the word Egypt whilst on the sinister side is the Welsh Dragon (being the crest of the regiment. since its formation, under the territoiial sys- tem. into the South Wales Borderers). Beneath are the inscription and the names of 159 officers, non-commissioned officers and men, the whole being enclosed in beautifully engraved border in the form of oak leaves. The inscription reads as follows The window in the north transept of this church was erected by their comrades in the 1st and 2nd Battalions to the Glory of God in memory of the officer's, non-commissioned officers, and men of the 2nd Battalion South Wales Bordarers (24th Regiment), who were killed in action or died of wounds or disease in the South African War, 1899 to 1902." Then follow the names. The Service. The dedication service was attended b^ the troops of the depot, under tbecommand of Major C. Purchase, a number of Reservists and veterans of the 2nd Battalion, S.W.B., the Brecon and Talgarth Volunteer Company of the 1st Volun- teer Battalion, S.W.B., the Cadet Corps of the Brecon BOY:i' Intermediate School, numerous officers from various parts of the 24th Regimental district, and a hage congregation of the civilian population ot Brecon and district. The froops paraded at the barracks at half-past 10 and marched, headed by the band of the 3rd Battalion S.W.B. (under the direction of Sergeant Drum- mer T. Smith),through the crowded streets to the church. The officers present at the service were Brigadier-General E. S. Browne, Y.C. (formerly commandant of the 24th Regimental District), the Right Rev. Bishop Tavlor Smith, Chaplain- General of the Forces, Colonel C. G. C. Money, C.B. (commanding 24th Regimental District), Colonel R. D. Garnons Williams, Majos J. D. Lloyd, Major C. Purchase, Major Turner, Capt. F. J. Lawrence, D.S.O., adjutant, depot S.W.B., Capt. G. W. Gale, Capt. Moore, 3rd V.B. S.W.B., Captains D. V. Rees, D. W. E. Thomas, Dickey, T. Butcher, and Cooke. Lieuts. Kitchen, Tudor, and J. Price, Captain and Quartermaster Rich, Newport, Quartermaster Field, Depot, Sergeant-majors Floyd, liusby, and Griffiths, Sergeant Fred Griffiths (representing the Swan- sea Squadron of the Glamorgan Imperial Yeo- manry). The service throughout was of a most impressive character, the clergy taking part including Bishop Taylor Smith, the Van. Arch- deacon Bevan, ani the Vicar (the Rev. E. L. Bevan). Following the anthem came the dedication of the memorials to the deaa. The tablet and the window, which were draped with Union Jacks, were unveiled byBrigadier-Gcneral Browne,V.C., who said he had the honour, on behalf of the 2nd Battalion South Wales Borderers, to ask the vicar and churchwardens of that parish church to accept in all honour and reverence the memorial window and brass tablet which bad just been unveiled, and to ask his Lordship, Bishop Taylor Smith, to dedicate, these memorials to the honour and glory of God and to the memory c.f their fallen comrades. TheVicar, in reply, said that on his own behalf, and on behalf of the churchwardens and parishioners generally, he gratefully accepted the charge of those gifts with which the second battalion of their territorial regiment had beauti- fied and enriched their church, and it would be their treasured privilege to reverence and guard the same. The memorials having been dedicated to tbe the same. The memorials having been dedicated to the honour and glory of God by Bishop Taylor Smith the Last Post was sounded by bnglers of the depot, following which came the hymn On the Resurrection morn." The 9ermon Wfk 9 preached by the Chaplain General, who dwelt upon what soldiers did and what sol- diers said in Biblical history and on the triumph an:) message of the Cross. The National Anthem was sung, and the service concluded with Beethoven's Funeral March, played hy the band of the 3rd Battalion South Wales Borderers.

DISTRIBUTION OF MEDALS AT…

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DISTRIBUTION OF MEDALS AT THE BARRACKS. After the troops had returned to the barracks good conduct medals were presented by General Browne to Colour-Sergeant Job and Sergeant Howathon, of the depot S.W.B., and medals for long service to Sergeant W. Morgan, A Company 1st V.B. S.W.B. j Brigadier-General Browne, addressing the troops, said ue came down to Brteeon more par- ticnlarly to take a very humble part in honouring their dead, and be went to that very impressive service which had been held that mornicg with very deep joy in his heart because he was able to < be present. Now he turned with even greater joy j to the bonour of the living, because there was no greater pleasure any senior officer could have than that of presenting medals to deserving eoldiers, whether it was the distribution of war < medals, medals for saving life, or auy other good caube. It was a very big thing to gain the good con- duct medals necessitating as it did the leading of a blameless life for almost a lifetime, and a man with all the temptations he bad to encounter who could stay upright for 18 years in the King's < service was a man full of a\l honour, and to be very greatly respected. The troops were then dismissed. A first class j dinner awaited the veterans and Reservists who had come from different parts of the district to attend the day's proceedings. Messrs John Williams and Co., Brecon, catered.

THE RATES OF GELLIGAER.

--PENRHYN QUARRYMEN.

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PENRHYN QUARRYMEN. Divided Counsels. On Saturday what was expected would prow a critical gathering of the Penrhyn quarrj strikers was held at Bethesda. At the preceding Saturday's weekly meeting a motion had been proposed that the strike aboatd be now discon* tinned, but the meeting had with practical unanimity decided to postpone any decision for a week, Mr Henry Jones, chairman of the com- mittee, who presided, invited a free discussion. A man in the body of the hall proposed that the strike should now be broken oil. This was seconded. Another at once asked the seconder if he had applied for admission to the quarry and been refused. The seconder warmly If you and your sort had done what we have done during the past three years we should now have had a roof over our head:. The Chairman frequently appealed to the audience not to indulge ill personalities. Griffith Solomon Griffith then mounted the platform. He said that to give up the struggle in thema.Dner now proposed was totally irregalar. The men should first obtain from the committee a. statement of where and how they stood. Tho Chairman said the wen were welcome to take the matter from the committee's hands whenever they chose. The committee were not going to take the responaibility of advising the men what to do. Neither could he give theca information which the committee possessed of a confidential character, tie would, however, wish the meeting to beat iu mind their tellowa in South Wales, and if it wa.s decided to seek reo udmissioc to the quarry to give the men III Soatb Wales the same chance 8.3 themselves of obtain- ing work at the quarry. A striker then proposed that they continue to hotdoat. Another striker said the circndistances were materially altered. Three years ago 2,300 men stood by the flag. When the ballot was taken two years ago 1,700 oely stood by It. At the meeting three weeks ago onlv 850 stood firm. The Chairman said that, although possibly only 880 voted three weeks ago, 1500 men had paid their Union contributions last month. A striker said he could not see how they coaid have effective combination while they were divi- ded into three sections, traitors, strikers and neutrals. The speaker was at once taunted with not hav- ing paid his Union contribution, and that there- fore be had no right to speak. A hot altercation followed which the chairman in vain endeavoured to stop. Wm. James then said there were hundreds of old hands whom Lord Penrbyn had declared should never be allowed to return to the quarry. Those at a distance should have a voice in the matter as well aa those who were at home. (Hear, hear.) Wm. Thomas. a man of nearly 80 years of age, moved that they first pass a resolution pledging all present to abide by the decision of the majority. They were making themselves a laughing stock to the ccantry. Scores who ha.d voted three weeks ago, and who had publicly declared time and again to stand or fall together, had gone back to the quarry. If tbey wanted to go back let them do so, but do it honourably. This was seconded. The Chairman said there was no seconder to the proposal to seek read mission. Another striker promptly said he was prepared to second if thsv could seek readmission bouonr- iibly. There were men already returned to work whom be bad begged and implored not to com- mence the strike. Strangers and men whom their fellows ha.d maintained in idleness for three years were taking in the quarry the places of those who were opposed three years ago to the strike, but who had given way to the majority. He h id only receivect one sclitarv half-sovereign of strike pay himself. He had left home and sought work elsewhere until now. Now his wife's illness necessitated his return to the neighbourhood, and he could not see his sick wife starve. He most therefore say that he was corn. pelled to seek work in the quarry. The Chairman said if there were many holding the views of the last speaker it would be useless, taking any vote at all, for behad said in so many words that he would seek work in the quarry iu »ny case. The man Why do you invite us to express Mr minds freely if we are to be attacked publicly for doing ao ? The Chairman ruled the resolution to return to work out of order because the seconder said that he would return to seek work in any case. It was agreed to abide by the decision of the majority. To this there was one dissentient, but several did not vote. A motion that the vote on the aaeetion of returning to work shouid be by ballot was defeated, though a very strong minority voted ia support. It was decided that a. vote be taken next Saturday of all strikers in South Wales and it Bethesda.

-----------,-SWANSEA ACCOUNTANT'S…

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SWANSEA ACCOUNTANT'S FAILURE. Mr Truemau attended at the Swansea County Court on Saturday and asked Judge GwjJym Williams for all order under Section 10 of the Bankers Act to inspect the books of the Metro- politan and Capital and Counties Banks so far us they related to the affairs of Mr D, n. Knoyle, II: bankrupt. He produced au affidavit in which, be said, the managers of the two banks, while not desirous to withhold the required examina- tion, could not do so without the bankrupt's consent or an order of the court. He explained that he based his application on his belief that the books would show that many of the bank- rupt's liabilities were debts founded on felony a.nd therefore not provable in the bankruptcy. He alleged that the debtor had in nmAerou" cases given cheques for moneys he had collected and tbat the cheques had almost invariably been returned dishonoured. After argument the Judge decided that the points Mr Trueman had raised were intricate, and there must be notice. He added that be was reminded the public examination of the bankrupt was closcd. Mr TrHenjan Subject to appeal. The Judge: You must give notice; all thes6 things can't be doue without notice. The Judge It is not for mo to instruct you. Give notice for the next coiut to all concerned aud all who have a right to appear against the granting of that application. You can't get an important motion like this, where you allege fraud, without notice.

Papurau Newydd Cymru

The Cardiff Times

24 erthygl ar y dudalen hon

- -/ I £ SNA^|

---MFRTHYR GUARDIANS AND COUNTY…

I j¥&m$i * f&iieiiiS),. ■"1…

Y SOLOFN GYMREIG.

CYSTADLEUAETH Y GOLOFN.

Y BYD A'R BETTWS.

CARTREF.

Y GOLOMEN.

' YR YSGWD REWEDIG.

Y MAB AFRADLON.

YR ORGAN.

I GODI'R HEN Vv LAD.

AETHUM I'R ARDD I GANU.

CWSG.

Y CYNHAUAF.

MEMORIALS TO THE FALLEN.

DISTRIBUTION OF MEDALS AT…

THE RATES OF GELLIGAER.

--PENRHYN QUARRYMEN.

-----------,-SWANSEA ACCOUNTANT'S…

-..------,--CRUELTY IN COLLIERIES,

PUBLIC-HO USE TRUSTS.

HUGE TfRIKE.

PRESEI^TATION AT^IARDIFF.