The Cardiff Times

DANGERS OF TATTOOING. Fatal Use of Indelible Ink. At Crewe on Friday an inquest was held on the body of Eruest Powell (25), a Crewe railway workman, who died under extraordinary circum- stances. Tbe evidence showed that the deceased, wishful to have the head of a young lady tattooed on his right arm, one of his fellow- workmen drew the sketch on his arm with copying itk pencil. Deceased next went to a soldier comrade and asked him to prick the sketch into the skin, but he declined, stating that the indelible ink used was dangerous. The deceased obtained needles and commenced prick ing it himself, causing bis arm to bleed, He afterwards obtained some Indian ink, and a fellow-workman completed the sketch for him. Two days afterwards blood poisoning set in, fol- lowed by mortification, and he died after grott agony. Dr. Moody expressed his opinion that the blue pencil indelible ink was the cause of the mischief. The eyes for the figure had been pricked too deeply, and the tnber tissues had been penetrated, setting up blood poisoning. The jury returned a verdict of Death from blood poisoning." Views of a Tattoo Expert. A Morning Leader representative who chatted on the matter with Mr Sutherland Mac- donald, the famous expeit, who has tattooed the Prince of Walei and other Royalties, learned i that cases of blood-poisoning from proper tattooing are unknown. I don't wonder at the man dying," said Mr Macdonald, if copying ink was used, for it con- tains aniline dyes, which might easily poison the blood. Indian ink is the only pigment for blue- black work There have been some cases of blood- poisoning in men tattooed in Japan. In that country they are veiy careless. They use no antiseptif.3,neither do they sterilise their needles. I remember a well known English actor who had himself tattooed in Japan, and. came to me in a fearful state. He was a imaq s of boils.

REHEARSAL OF A MURDER. CALLOUS CYNICISM. I Mmei Giriat, the self confessed accomplice in the mnrder of her friend and mistress, tho pro- fessional beauty Mile. Fougere was on Saturday brought from Chambery to Aix les-Bains to undergo the farce known in France as reconsti- tuting the crime. She was smartly dressed in a tailor-made robe, and during the proceedings displayed the most revolting cynicism (writes tbe Aix-les-Bains cor- respondent of the London Daily Express '). She laughed outright at the crowd that had assembled in front of the villa to hiss ber, and, meeting the local inspector of police, said in the most jocular way, Hello, my dear fellow, how are yon ? You see I was right in saying that we should soon meet again." On being taken into the drawing-room of the villa she sat down, and folding her arms turned to the Mayor and said, Tell me, are poor Eugenie's dresses still here On being told that they were, she replied, Dear me, what a pity. They will be ruhed." The most revolting scene occurred in the murdered woman's bedroom. The prisoner jr mped on the bed where Mlle. Fougere was fourd dead, and kicking the pillows away with her muddy boots, began to look for an electric bell which the police magistrates had tried to find. Why, I declare it's gone," she exclaimed, and only to think that Door Eugenie was strangled on these pil- lows." Tbe whole crime was then enacted as on a stage, but the woman viewed the scene with the utmost indifference. She showed, however, such an intimate knowledge of all that happened as to leave little doubt as to the put she took in the crime.

Complete Story. THE WEDDING PRESENT. -8 BY GEO. R. SIMS, Author of Diamas of Life." Tales of To-Day," As it was in the Beginning," Lights o' London," &c., &c. Twenty times had Elsie Latimer been down into the drawing-room to kiok at the beautiful wediing presents artistically laid out for the guests to admire on the morrow. Of course, her heart was full of the man she wasabout to marry, bnt there was just a. little corner of it vacant for all tbe beautiful things which affectionate relatives and kindly friends bad forwarded as mementos of the happy occasion. Slowly she pasgeel up one siae of the table and down the ether, lingering here to admire a lovely silver souvenir, there to contemplate a chuming golden gift. She picked up the cards laid out against tbe separate articles, and mentally ticked off the list of her friends. Nearly every- one had sent her something useful and pretty. She was no' quite sure which she liked best. She was trying to decide when the servant entered with a package. Another present," cried Elsie, instinctively. Ob, I wonder what it is ?" Assisted by the maid, she quickly divested the package of its outer wrappings. Inside was a case. She opened the case and uttered an ex- clamation of joy. Oh, how beautiful. How exquisite," she cried. Then she looked at the card. To Elsie Latimer, wishing her every happiness. From a friend." Why, this is the most beautiful pcesent of all," she exclaimed gleefully, and I'm not to know who has sent it. Whoever can it be The present was a charming little gold bon-bon box of antique workmanship. It was exquisitely inlaid, and was just sbch a box as Elsie had seen In the collection at the South Kensington Museum. There is no doubt that it must have ¡ coat a great deal of money originally, and be doubly or trebly valuable at the present time. Elsie ran off with her prize to the library, where her father and mother were sitting to- gether after luncheon, discussing the arranse- ments for tbe morrow. Mr Latimer, who wa3 a connoisseur, took the gift and examined ic carefully. My dear child," he exclaimed, this is indeed a hand- some present. It may bave cost the purchaser anything from one hundred pounds to three if, as I believe, it is genuine Italian sixteenth cen- tury work." Mrs Latimer took the box, and put her hand to the lid to open it. The lid did not move. How does it open, I wonder ?" iihe said. Then papa tried, and Elsie tried without suc- cess. They turned the box about in every direc- tion, but there was no sign of a keyhole or a spring or a catch. Well," said Mrs Latimer, we shall bave plenty of time afterwards to find out how the box opens. Go and put it among the presents, Elsie, and then come back again. There are so many things ( want to talk to you about." Elsie took the bon-bon box into the drawing- room and put it in a place of hononr on the table. It stood upon four tiny ball feet which raised it about a quarter of an inch from the flat. When it was in its place Elsie tbongbt she had never ssen anything so beautiful in her life. It quite pat all the other wedding presents in the shade. And there was tbe added charm of mys- tery about it. It evidently opened by some secret arrangement, and the donor preferred to be un- known. J The marriage of Mark Avis, Esq., of the Inner Temple, to Elsie, only daughter of John Latimer, Esq., of Bryanston-square, was duly chronicled in the u Times," and most of the newspapers dedicated a little personal paragraph to the event. For Mark Avis was a brilliant young barrister, whose name was now continually to be seen in the list of counsel engaged when any big case came on for decision. Mark Avis had risen rapidly in the profession he had chosen and now at the age of five and thirty he was a K.C. and a highly popular advocate. He was ? great cross-examiner, and a powerful and dramatic speaker. His address to the jury, no matter how weak bis case, was always listened to with rapt attention, and when it was known that he was on his legs the great unbriefed in wigs and gowns crowded from other courts to sit at his forensic feet. The last great case bad been rather a. new ex- perience for him, and had cansed a considerable amount of discussion. A beautiful woman of Italian extraction married to a wealthy country gentleman, famous in the world of sport, had insisted he should represent her in the action for divorce commenced against her by her hus- band. Mark Avis had met the beautiful Mrs Marsden frequently in society, and he admired her exceedingly, When her husband, who was many years her senior, commenced proceedings against her Avis was inclined, with most of her friends, to take her side and to look upon her as the victim of unreasoning jealousy on the rart of a man who had certainly not heen a. pattern of husband. Mr Ma.rsden had shown a tendency to prefer the society of salmon in Norway and big game in the Kdekies to that of his beautiful young wife, and for this he bad been severely criticised. It was, therefore, with chivalrous alacrity that Mark Avis accepted a brief for the defence of [Cora Marsden. The jharges seemed easy to dis- prove. The gentleman who was made party to the suit was an attache of the Italian Embassy, and a distant cousin of Mrs Marsden's. Such intimacy as there bad been was accounted for by their relationship and their nationality. Mark Avis bad not the slightest doubt of de- feating the jealous husband and re-establishing the fair fame of his Client. The correspondence placed in his hands by the solicitors admitted of a perfectly innocent explanation, and for the occasion upon which the petitioner relied to prove his case Mrs Marsden held a perfect alibi, and documentary evidence to prove it. On the 17th January, the date on which it was alleged that she stayed in London with the co-respondent, she bad her maid to prove that she was at the Lord Warden Hotel breaking her journey to Paris. The maid was with her. The entry in the hotel boolit was perfect the receipted bill for the night's stay was in the possession of the defence the arrival of Mrs Marsden at the Grand Hotel, Paris, the following night was conclusively proved. Everything was complete. The hus- band had absolutely refused to accept any ex- planation. A dogged determined man, he per- sisted in coming into Court, in face of the representations made to him, and it was gener- ally left that ho was wilfully (jausingan innocent wife pain and mortification. The caae for the petitioner began to fall away like a house of cards, as the defence unfolded. When Upe maid was called, and the book-keeper of the Dover hotel, and the foreign waiter who had. attended Mrs Marsden in her sitting room on this occasion, had given their evidence, it was felt that the Judge ought to stop the case. But the triumphant point was oniy reached just at the bour of adjournment, and the audience filed out of Court in a state of intense excitement. But the cross-examination was not quite com- pleted. On the following morning counsel for the petitioner, after a few brief questions, asked a young lady to stand up in Court. A prettRr young English girl of about two and twenty rope, and every eye was turned upon her. Mrs Marsden gave a terrified look at the young lady, an the colour faded from her cheeks. I never saw her before in my life," she stammered, in answer to a question. The counsel, the evidence previously given having left nothing possible but for the jury to find a verdict for the respondent, obtained leave to put this young lady in the box. Her story was a singular one. Her n&me was Elsie Latimer. She had heard nothing of the case, but her father the previous night after reading the Evening Standard had uttered an exclamation of surprise, and asked her if she remembered going down to Folkestone OH the l§th of January last year. She did remember! it, because it was her birthday. She had left her father and mother in Folkestone, and had been up to town on the previous pay to see to some boiuehold arrangements, bctfj her parents being at the time ill with influenza. She returned to Folkestone in a first-class com- partment on thel&thof January by the afternoon 'I' train, known as the'boat train. In the carriage with her was a lady, who was rather thickly veiled. yAfter the train started the lady raised her veil, and then Miss I.atimer saw her features I distinctly. She recognised her at once, having seen ber portrait only that morning in an illus- tratej ladiea paper, which give the poctraits of certain ladies who bad recently presided at a chanty bazaar. She bad brought the paper j with her to read it in the train, and being struck by the resemblance ve-opened the paper and looked at the portraits in order to see if she was mistaken. She looked first at the paper and J then at the lady, and there was not the slightest doubt in her mind. She did not know if the lady noticed it, but somewhat quickly she lowered her veil Any doubt she mignt have had as to accidental resemblance was set at rest when she saw that the lady was wearing a black velvet and silver chatelaine bag. In the centre of the bag was a plain monogram in silver. C.M. The lady she bad seen in the witness-box that day was the same lady she saw in the train going down from London to Folkestone on the after- noon of January 18th. The witness got out at Folkestone town, the lady remained in the car- riage and went on to Folkestone Harbour. When the witness got to Folkestone she told her father and mother of the circumstance. She thought it worth telling because it was an odd coinci- dence thr (, she should have an illustrated paper with the lady's portrait in it, and the lady should be sitting opposite to her. Tbore was a buzz of intense excitement in court as the witness concluded her evidence The judge looked at Mark Avis. He rose and asked the witness a few simple questions there was no real cross-examination. Mark Avis had done two things he had fallen in love at first sight with the pretty girl who blnshed aud answered so timidly amid such strange 8ulloundingsand he bad come to the instant conviction tbat the alibi of his client was a gigantic fraud. Tbe > enci of the case was soon reached. The; lady's maid was recalled. She came pale, ner- vous and trembling into the box, broke down, became confused and presently fainted, and was carried out of court. The foreigner, who had been sitting-room waiter at the time of tbe sup- posed stay of Mrs Marsden, had disappeared. He was searched for, but in vain. Mr Mark Avis made no address tc. the jury. He practi- cally retired from the case. The verdict was for the petitioner. Later on Mrs Marsden and the maid were prosecuted for conspiracy and perjury, and the cleverly-constrncted plot was revealea. The maid, taking ber mistress's luggage with her, had travelled with her sister, a lady-like woman of about Mrs Marsden's age and appear- I anee. The sister had worn Mrs Marsdim's clotbes and had been veiled. The hotel clerK entered tbeir names as Mrs Malsden and maid. The only person likely to have detected thefraud was the sitting-room waiter, who brought the meals up. He had been secured by the con- spirators, and paid for bis testimony The chambermaid had not seen Mrs Marsden, as her pwn maid attended to her, and she, the chamber- maid. was not admitted to the bedroom when Mrs Marsden was there. But she had seen the dressing bag, and the brushes and scent bottles I and things about on the hotel table, and her evi- dence was, therefore in Mrs Marsden's favour. It was proved that the plan was carried to its completion by the maid and her sister crossing to Calais and getting out at Boulogne, where they waited for Mrs Marsden. When Mrs Mars- den arrived the sister returned to London by the night mail. The celebrated case of Marsden v. Marsden and Paloch-dtti ended in a term of imprisonment for the lady and her maid. It was the sensation for a time, then a grave scandal shook society to its foundations, and it was forgotten. But Mark Avis did not torget the pretty modest girl who had lost his case for him. He obtained an intro- duction to the Latimers, he paid his court, and pleaded his case so successfully that two and a half years later Elsie Latimer became his junior counsel in the Court of Hymen. Mr and Mrs Mark Avis spent their honey- moon in Switzerland, and returned about the middle of October to the charming bouse which they bad taken in South Kensington, and which had been furnished and prepared for them before their marriage. Elsie's first task as soon as she had settled down in her new home was to go over the wedding presents. The gold bonbohniere, the mysterious gift. had been the subject of frequent conversa- tion between herself and her husband. The day after their return they had the box out and examined it carefully. Mr Avis was as puzzled as his wife and her parents had been. There was absolutely no sug- gestion of any means of opening the pretty curio. Mark suggested taking it to a jeweller, and hav- ing it forced open, but ultimately he agreed with I Elsie that violence to suh a dehcate piece of work might damage it considerably. And after ¡ all the box was for ornament not for use. There was nothing in it. That they were sure of be- cause they had shaken it ever so many times. I Finally they decided to let it be as it was, at any rate for the present. Soon after the re-opening of the Law Courte Mark Avis was retained in a case Which had excited a great deal of interest. On the eve of the day of bearing he received a telegram stating that his father, who lived in the ISJorth of Ire- land, had had a stroke, and was not expected to live. The next day it was announced that the celebrated K.C. hid been called away to the sick beù of his fatber in Ireland, and his brief had j been handed to another eminent barrister. On the following day when Mrs Avis came down to breakfast she found among her letters j a very mysterious one. It was unsigned and ran as follows :— The friend who sent you the gold bon. bon. box has been absent for some months from England. On his return he finds that a letter, in which he instructed vou how to open it, was; not enclosed. The box stands on four little ball feet. Press the left hand one in the front of the box. Press it hard with your thumb and the box will open. The contents are for I your eyes alone. Elsie Avis dropped the letter with an exclama- tion of surprise. Here was another element of I mystery added to the extraordinary wedding present. But at any rate the secret of the lid was now revealed. She would go into her hus- I band's study directly after breakfast, open the little safe in which he kept bis papers, and in I which the box had been locked away with some t of her jewels for security, and open the mys- terious box. But before she could do anything the maid servant entered with a terrified face, Ob, ma'am," she cried, "I've had such a fright. I left masters ptudy till last this morn- ing, he being away. and directly I went inio the room I saw the window open, and things were lying all over the place, and Jones has been to the plate chest and he saya all the silver's gone Mrs Avis, with a cry of alarm, rose and fol- lowed the maid. There was no doubt what had happened. Burglars had entered the bouse in the night. They had evidently obtained access to the study, which was on the first floor, by a garden ladder, and from the study they had gained access to the pantry and rifled the plate chest, retreating by tho study vyindow again. One glance at the study safe was sufficient to realise the poor lady's-worst fears. The door had been forced open, the jewels and the little gold box were gone. The police were instantly communicated with. Detectives from Scotland Yard arrived, and went carefully over the house. The story of the bur glary was in all the papers, with a list of the articles stolen. Only one article, by the request of the police, was not included in the list. Keep that gold box out of the newspapers," said the inspector who took charge of the case. The thieves, seeing that omitted, will think it has accidentally been left out of the list. They won't be so careful in trying to get rid of that, and it may be a means of our putting our bands on the gang. But the list that was sent round to the pawn- brokers gave a full description of the little gold box. Mark Avis's father's illness turned out less serious than ho at Srst thought. The K C. there- fore hastened hack to town to comfort his wife, who was not only upset by her loss, but terribly nervous and prostrated bv the shock. He bore his loss philosophically, and made up his mind that some day they might hear, when too late, what had been the fate of his plate, his wife's jewels, and her mysterious wedding present. The letter which she showed him made a great impression on him. He immediately jumped to the idea that there was some connection between the meSaage aud the burglary. But what it was he could not define. He saw the police several times, and they assured him of their vigilance, bnt the-months went by and no arrest was made and no trace of the stolen property was dis- covered. Six months Jater the police maje a haul. Two ticket-of-Ieave men, strongly suspected of having been concerned iu a burglary in the North of London, were arrested, and search was made of tbe house of a fence or receiver; to whom it was believed they had disposed of some of the stolen property. Among the items discovered was the g-old box which figured on the list of tha things stolon from the residence of Mr Mark Avis. The industrious reporter of an evening news- paper got hold of the facts early in the after- noon and in a later edition gave a graphic account of the search, winding up with a pictu- resque little bit concerning" an exceedingly valuable sixteenth century gold bon-bon box," etc. The police communicated with Mr Mark Avis that evening, requesting him to kindly call at Scotland Yard ou the morrow and look over the articles found to see if he could identify any of the property in addition to the box. Mark Avis drove with his wife to the police office during the honr's adjournment of the court in which he was engaged. When he arrived the I superintendent received him and explained that a curious thing had happened. A gentleman who had seen the account of I the box in the evening paper called this morning while 1 was out to say that from the descrip- tion he believed the box was his. He had lost 'I it under peculiar circunstances some three years previously." He had been requested to called that afternoon to see the box, and the Superintendent was oxpeoting him every minute. U I think," said Mr Avis, when the Superin- tendent had made his statement," that under tbe circumstances yon had better hear how the box came into my wife's possession. It was three years ago that it was sent to her I anonvmonsly. And you don't know-you have no idea who was the donor ?" said the Inspector. Not the slightest," said Mrs Avis. I bave often tried to think. All the friends I knew intimately sent me presents in their owu name. It has always been a mystery to me." "This gentleman says he lost it under peculiar circumstances— he means, I suppose, that it was stolen." A thief would hardly bo likely to send it to my wIfe, "¡¡aid the K.C. smiling. I Unless it was a thief whom you have suc- cessfully defended,and that WtS his way of show- ing his gratitude." He must bave been a very exceptional thief," laughed the barrister," and I never had an Old Bailey practice, you know." Mrs Avis wag puzzled, and at the same time rather worried. She did not at all relish the idea tbat the beautiful wedding present was stolen property, or that it could be claimed by someone else. Then she remembered the letter she had received the night before the burglary, and told the Superintendent Of its contents. Ah I" said the official, then we won't meddle with the box till this gentleman comes j The spring which opens it is a secret one. If it is really his property he will certainly know I of this peculiarity." But we can see the box ?" said Mr Avis. Certainly. Come into my room. All the recovered property is there you may be able to identify other portions of it as yours." Mr and Mrs Avis followed the Superinten- dent into his room and sawithe recovered "loot." The box they recognised instautly. but among the jewellery and pieces of plate there was not a single article that they could claim. Elsie would have liked to try the secret spring of tbe box, for she remembered the words, The contents are for your eyes alone." But on this point the officer was firm. It is possible," he said, that we might not be able to close it again, tben the test of owner- ship I propose would be valueless." While they were talking a constable entered with a card. It s the gentleman about the gold box, sir," be said. The Superintendent took the card, glanced at it and gave a little start. This is curious, Mr Avis," be said. I tbink you will know the name." ¡ He banded Mr Avis the card. It was that of Mr Gabriel Palochetti, Attache of the Italian Embassy. Palochetti I" Here was indeed a dramatic situation. The gentleman who claimed the box that bad been sent to Elsie was the corespondent in the divorce case that Elflia Latimer bad decided. I don t think we 3hould care to meet bim," said Mr Avis under all circumstances it I would not be pleasant to my wife." No," replied the Superintendent, "I thought eo when I saw the name—it brought the whole case back to my mind. You know, of course, that after Mrs Marpden came out of prison be married her." I beard so. Bat what shall we do?" Tbe ^Superintendent opened the door of a email j inner room. If you don't mind waiting here while I see the gentleman," he said. Mark Avis and hia wife stepped into the inner room. The Superintendent closed the door, and then taking the gold bos wrapped it in bis handkerchief. Then he gave orders for Mr Palochetti to be admitted. The Italian, a handsome man of about two and thirty, entered and bowed politely to the Superintendent. You have heard why I have called ?" he said. Yes, air about the gold box that was man- tioned in the evening paper last night.' Wonld you mind telling me nnder what circumstances you lost it ?" I will be perfectly frank," replied Palo chetti. It was at tho time I was made party to the Marsden divorce case. The box was in my rooms. It used to stand in a little cabinet among some other curios. It has a history, you know. that box. It was said to have been the property of Lucrezia Borgia. At any rate it was valuable." Yes -but under what circumstances aid you lose it I am coming to that. I bad a valet at the time. For reasons which I need Dot enter now I had to trust him in a private and personal matter. Just after the divorce proceedings were concluded he left me. A. day or two after- wards I missed the box I concluded hip had stolen it." But you gave no information to the police ?" The Italian shrugged his shoulders. I could not. He knew certain things of a com- promising nature. Had I caught and prose- cuted him he would have made a statement which would have revived a scandal. You under- stand ?" Quite. Will you describe the box ?" Mr Palochetti gave an exact description. Yoa are right," said the detective, but to make sure let me ask you one question. What is there peculiar about the box ?" It ononis by a curious arrangement. No one could open it who did not possess the secret." Under these circumstances." said the Super- intendent, producing the box from the handker- chief, perhaps you will prove that you do possess the secret and open it in my presence." The Italian took the box in his hand, looked at it for a moment, then put his thumb to one of the ball feet and pressed it firmly. He started -back with a little cry, as the lid flew sudden ly open. "Excuse me," he said, looking at his thumb, ou which stood a little bright spot of blood. I had forgotten that the pressure released a neoale point." A needle point Yes—this was a box of the Borgia's, asl have told you. It was said that she used to send this box as a gift to those whom she wanted to put out of the way. She sent with it instructions how to open it. But the prick of the needle point is not fatal I" No— but the needle is hjllow — The Borgia i used to fill it with a deadly poison." Ho paused and turned suddenly pale. Excuse he snid." I feel faint." One moment 1" cried the detective. To whom have you told this story in the past ?—to whom did you tell it three years ago ?" To one person only—I remember now—to—" j He stopped suddenly, and put hIS hand to his ) heart. My God 1" he cried, the thing was poisoned—I—I He staggered forward, feeling with his hands I in front of him like a blind man. Then his face became ashen, hia lips livid. A second later I he fell forward in the Superintendent's arms. The officer shouted for help. When Elsie and her husband, alarmed, entered the room, the Italian was Jying on the floor. A terrible thing has happened," exclaimed the Superintendent. He is dead I" There was no evidence to prove that the secret of the gold box had been told to Cora Marsden, or that she had abstracted it from her lover's room, and sent it as a deadly wedding gift to Elsie Latimer. But Mark Avis always bad his own idea. He concluded that the present was sent without the directions as to its opening at first, lest some of the family should try the experiment instead of Elsie. It was not until it was known that he was but of town and no one but Elsie would be likely to open the box that the secret^was imparted. He is convinced that Cora Marsden deliber ately planned the murder of the girl who had been the means of bringing her wickedness to light, and that Fate had ordered that her vic- tim should be not the woman she hated, but the man sbe loved.

EX-VALET'S REVENGE. WELL-KNOWN NEW YORKER KillED. Mr Andrew H. Green, who was known as the Father of Greater New York, was shot and killed by a nepro on Friday afctirnoon, in Park-avenue, as he left his house, at No. 91 in that thorough- I fare. The negro, a well-dressed man, appa- rently acted with deliberation, and after shooting Mr Green put the revolver in bis pocket and tried to escape, but was caught by a policeman. Mr Green had hell many positions of public and private trust, and discharged them with a fidelity and ability known to and applauded by all. He was Con- troller of New York for a series of years, a mem- ber of the Greater New York Commission, and a Commissioner of State Parks. Mr Green was the partner of be late Mr Samuel J. Tilden, and was that gentleman's literary executor. He was a leader in many commendable publi: improve- ments, and he fulfilled the duties of tbe many loositiona which he occupied with credit to him- self and benefit to the State. He was aDsmocrat of the old school, a lawyer of sterling qualities, a foe to shams, a philanthropist, and a man of high ideals and ot spotless life. The negro who shot Mr Green was Cornelius iVI. Williams, 43 years of age. Mr Green had just descended the steps of his house, aud had started to go down the street, when the negro, who had been loitering about, shot- him. He fired five bul- lets, of which four took effect. Mr Green feil in the street, and expired instantly. Williams was Mr Green's valet, bat was discharged three days ago. After he had shot his master he stood look- ing at the body until several policemen, who rushed to tho scene, seized and hustled him to the station. There he told a rambling story about revenge, declaring that he was glad he had committed the deed, as he wonld rather be dead than have his wrongs go unavenged. He is pro- bably insane. The New York correspondent of the Timos denies that the assassin was ever in the service of the deceased, adding Mr Green's nephew declares that his uncle never employed coloured servants. --A..

BURNT BY WATER BOTTLES. Damages Against a Nursing institute. At Manchester Assizes Mrs Hall, wife of an Oldham ironfounner, has recovered £300 dam- ages against the House Committee of the Old- ham Nursing Association for personal injuries due to the negligence of two nursed supplied by the defendants. Mrs Hall was obliged to undergo two operations, and in February. 1902, her medi- cal advisers applied to the OldhamNursing Asso- ciation for two nurses to attend upon her during the operations. Two nurses named Head and O'Donohue were accordingly sent. In the course of, or immediately after, the second operation the female plaintiff was severely burnt about the leg? by hot water bottles applied, and in consequence she was laid up for many mouths and suffered excruciating pain. The defence was a denial of liability and a denial of negligence. Mr Shee, K.C submitted that there had been no contract to nurse. The only obligation upon the associa- tion, by its rules, was that it should provide pro- perly gualified nurses. During attendance) upon patients they were under the control of the d6ctors engaged by the patient. In answer to the Judge as to whether that did not make a contract be- tween the plaintiff and the association, Mr Shee submitted tbat there was not such a contract under which the association was liable for negli- gence. His Lordship ruled that he must take the verdict of the jury upon the facts. The jury, after 20 minutes' absence, in answer to questions left to them, said that the injury to Mrs Hall was caused by the negligence of the nurses, and that the defendant association undertook to nurse 1\118 Hall through the agency of the nurses. They assessed the damages at £ 300. Mr Shee applied for a stay of execution on the point of law. His Lordship refused, tbe facts were so strong. There was a letter from the defendants reserving the power to withdraw nurses at any moment. In ad- power to withdraw nurses at any moment. In ad- dition there were 30 or 40 rales framed by the defendants, and they took the money.

£1,000 FOR AN EAR. The American physician who is offering 5,000 dollar i for an ear has selected the man whose aural appendage is considered to be the most suit- able for grafting. The subject is a German, and, unless he backs out, the doctor says the operation of transferring his right ear to the head of the Westerner who wants it will begin on Tuesday. The number ofcandidatfes was narrowed to seven. The ears of the first fivo were either too large or too small, or not of the right shape.. The sixth man examined was selected. He is 40 years of age, is married, and has one child. He said he had kept a restaurant, but failed about a year ago. The doctor says he will be assisted by an- other surgeon. Before the operation the subject will have to sign a bill of Bale for his ear, trans- ferring all right, title, and interest in it. ,A-

INVALID S FATAL CURIQSITY- The East London Coroner held an inquiry at the Sick Asylum, Bromley, on .Saturday, with reference to the death of George Hunt (37), a- ship's fireman. Dr. C. Spurrell deposed that the deceased was suffering from phthisis, and had not very long to live. Witness was called to him on Wednesday, and found that he had, in the momentary absence of the nurse, swallowed a small portion of liniment with which he was being treated, bat not enough to kill him. De- j ceased was more frightened than anything else. Death, which occurred the same night, was due to heart failure and phthisis, accelerated by excitement after taking the liniment. In wit- ness's opinion; deceased simply tasted it out of curiosity. The jury returned a verdict of Co Death by misadventure."

The 53rd quarterly meeting of the above society was held on Friday evenine. The capital of the society is .£.),273 15s lOd, and the trade done during the quarter amounted to £5.127.138 8&d, an increase of £ 1,416 Is on the corresponding quarter of last year. A dividend of 2s 6d in tbe £ was declared.

f FOR BOYS AND GIRLS. Evan's First Party. BY MARGARET FABER. I wish I hadn't come," exclaimed Eva" &0 himself. a[ This sounds a rudo thing for a boy to a children's party, especially when all the ot little people seem to be having such a time. But Evan may be excused, for he *°ITue himself in the uupleasant position of being only guest who didn't know anybody at all- you have ever leit like that you will know "0 nasty it is. I bit Evan was bitterly disappointed. It was first pa^ty, for he was a boy who led a quiet life, and had no mother who could arraIj?f little parties for him. His father was a scb^oJ as well as an invalid he was perhvps noS able to seo that all work and no play Jack a dull boy." So that little Evan's was mostly taken up with his books and lessoBJJ and sedate afternoon walks beside his fatb8^ bath-chair.. It was on one of these walks that Lady the great lady who had como to live in Manor House, recognised in E,an' fa*lief op old friend, and invited the little boy to to children's party in the autumn. Evan, shiaiaa from the han3s of Sarah housemaid, and rather uncomfortable i° Sunday velvet, aud snowy collar, tremblingly followed the butler into the Djg drawinpr-rooai, buzzing with the chatter laughter of some fifty boys and girls.. Evau did not koow in the least what to but it struck him as the bebt course to bold a clammy hand, as he stood before the lady, and heard the name ha had sbyly pered to the butler echoing round the room- Master Evan Bryce." The very pictures 2 the, walls seemed to have heard it, and down out of their ruffles and antique e~j| broderies in aristocratic scorn at the so"1 stranger. Lady Wayne shook bands with him, and 8** How d'ye do ?" I'm cry well, thank you," said Eva1J' How are you ?" a Then some more names were announced, Oa Evan felt suddenly shy, and made his through the conservatory into tbe garden, the other children were gataerin, It was more like a park than a garden, Eva: thought. Such stretches or' smooth lawn, broad white walks and neat flower beds. £ children clearly hadn't to worry about "Poiliog the grass, as he bad, on the little lawn at horne, for some boys were starting a game of football- d Evan's hellrt thumbed as he went forwaf rather timidly. It would be jolly, he though to have a real game with a lot cf boys. His ball had never yet got beyond a game with boy next door. One of the boys, a jolly-looking fellow, Wilb freckles, came up as he hesitated.. s I say," he said, would you mind keep'^J further off. It spoils the play if people walk 1 between." v Evan drew back disappointed as the boy t up bis place at balf-back, and strolled away W* his hands in his pockets, feeling, and trying nO to look, very strange and out of his element. Three pretty little girls were turning a sicily ping rope on the short grass. Evan began forget his disappointment in watching the dilititl figures skipping and jumping. Me so tired, Bessie," complained a tiny rose- bud of a maid, Me too little to turn." Evan went up awkwardly in the little pange that followed. I'll tarn for you if you like," he said. The tiny one gave up ber end of the rope fully, and Evan felt himself blushing, under t» scrutiny of three pairs of bright eyes. J Quicker, quicker," commanded the elder, Evan thought he bad never seen feet twinkled so fast. Twicker," cried the little one in But the treacherous smooth grass, and to high heels of Baby Barbara's white shoes p&1 her a shabby trick, and down she came with dismal wail, and one foot doubled under Are you hurt ?" asked Evan tenderly, as & picked her up. Don't cry, then," and he wiped. first her tearful face. and then her frrase.stairled knees, with his handkerchief. Oh, M35 Barbara," cried a trim nurse, rusbi ing up. "Dear me. and yonr pretty frock al spoiled. That's your lault, I suppose, you roug" boy," ohe added, turning sharply on Door Eva"* Let the little ladies alone, can't you ) I Evan coloured. He was too proud to reply. to the unkind charge, and he wandered away Sick at heatt, not knowing nor caring where. It was leaning against the low rail round Dutch pond, with a dolphin spouting wate' the middle, that Evan uttered the dismal wor° that opened our story. j I wish Ihadn'tcome," he said, as he watchs a boy of about bis own ag6 kneelinp by the wa' leading a little boat by a string. Evan though him a silly boy to amuse himself in such a bab- way, and so, it seemed, did a yellow-haired who was trying to upset the ship with a i*11 chievous bronze-clad toe. a Get out, or I'll give .you something," the boy. Evan was quite shocked to hear .sa £ g a rude speech from a boy who looked as if ji- had stepped out of a picture, with Vandyk collar, and brown satin suit all complete.» I've got a boat at home that steers of itselw said Evan to the little girl. The child turned on him for a moment aglaOc of high-bred disdain from under long dat lashes. Tbe captain of the boat looked with a masterful expression on bis spoiled lit" face. You mind your own business. Don't titl to him, Ma.)iorie," he said. Evan's red fists clenched. He felt a ilaughti desire to take the feathered hat and fling it Into the water. As he was glowering at the boy a brown, and the other was glaring at him, the mischievous lady made afresh attack on the bDt. and made a terrific gale that almost swamped This made the boy in brown very angry. seized her by the wrist, which is a very %0<IQ kthing for a boy to do to a boy, but never, neve, £ h0 a girl. Lady Marjorie slapped him hard. might almost have been excused if she scratched him I think. And tben. There was a scream, and a ^T6eZe ful splash, and Lady Marjorie was right in water, slippi- g, slipping down the smooth si0" towards the middle of the pond. rtt Evan immediately unbuttoned his coat. couldn't swim very well, to be sure, but he it already in his mind what he would do if 8*j anything like tbi3 happened. The boy in bro** was dreadfully frightened, and crying already* Evan threw a leg over the rail and slid d" into the water. be Ob, how cold it was as be waded in. Bat II kept on, fortunately not getting out of his dep until he got firm bold of Lady Marjorie's as she splashed and floundered in the deep P*L of the water. She had lost her balance on t slippery bottom, although she was cot exac out of her depth, aud it took all Evan's streng^ to drag and push and scramble with her safety on the broad back of the dolphin. There was no end of a commotion yoa be sure,as the frightened children crowded to J j spot, screaming for mothers and nurses shouting advice to Evan. And then Lady herself came running down the terrace her pretty face all white, and two close behind. be Oh, she is safe. Thank God for that,' 5 cried. f Yes," laughed one of the gentlemen, 3 as Arion on the dolphin's back. ( Who's brave preserver ?" ,ete Evan Bryce," somebody replied, and ^Kgjl was such a chorus of Bravo," and jjL done," that even a very wet cold boy might been pleased, But Evan didn't care just He sat astride the dolphin with both Slae supporting Lady Marjorie's plomp figure.jf, was still very pretty, despite her dripping 11 and not at all scornful now. You look like a mermaid," said Ev»n. You have saved my life," murmured Mferjorie. "YQU can kiss me if yoa like, And Evan did. you may be sure, for al* ji world to see. He looked round for the b01 brown, but be wasn't' loohing. 'Some,boalp slapped him, and his nttfte Was taking him in disgrace.. tJffI. At last the two adventurers were landed j a bridge of boards, and promptly taken warm fire. i a j(■ Evan reappeared as the tea boll sonnjl jjjj a suit of one of the young Paynes, and W damp hair still shining. onttf9* Lady Marjorie, dry, and quite herself Ago slipped a cold band into his. tingM' "Come and sit by me," she said, coa You haven't promised anybody else, you ?" All the little boys and girls wanted to Evan, and look at him and hear him t'illi. Ithy had a splendid tea, and enjoyed it, as a ne slJl boy should. He found himself, indeed, q°■ t<J hero of the day, and best of all he was foj*. {ij< be a splendid hand at parlour games W very boys who had snubbed him before. f øÕÔ t4 As for the boy in brown, he curtly Irefcou tio play any more, and went off by himecu in., sulks, which hurt nobody but himself-

.nia ai •" .1L jor|li( At the Castle Hotel, Brecon, on Friday tb' a complimentary dinner was Breconshire Cricket Club to Sergeant r*° £ &i« of the Depot, Brecon, on the occasion departure for Barbadoes. Sergeant has been one ot tbe most prominent «>e C»Vj the Breconshire and Depot teain?j-nt tain D. Hughes Morgan (Pre8,d^fl J the club), presided, and there gtroPJ ke good attendance/ including representation of tqe military from aud Cardiff Depots. The health 0* Bowntree, proposed by Mr R. B. LatU I received with the greatest enthusiasm. o