Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
9 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau
9 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
Synopsis of Previous Chapters.
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Synopsis of Previous Chapters. CHAPTERS I to ni.—Elwood Randolph is driving recklessly along the winter roads When he notices smoke ascending from the chimney of /the Whispering Pines, the de-j »erted country club-house whe he had hini-j •elf locked tip that very day. Leaving his liorse and sleigh in a pine prove, he crosses the enow to the house and enters by the open door. He finds, a man's coat and hat on the hat-rack, and is about to strike nr. light when ¡ 111" sees :young girl coming downstairs with a light.id candle. Sobbing, she rushes out and locks the <lodf\ He has recognised her as Darroel Cumberland. Then Randolph finds that the man's coat and liar have disappeared. Con- iinumg his search, he finds in the room where a fire had been tighter' and under a pile of cushions, the- dead body of Adelaide (Jtimber- land, the woman fie was engaged to marry. He suspects suicide.- but sees the marks of fin- gers on her thro.it and realises tliM. she has i>een murdered. He decides to keep silence to Carmel's visit to the house." He is puz- tied by the presence of liqueur glasses, and is On the point of emerging into the blinding Snowstorm when he hears a loud knocking. Two police officers enter and search the jtouse. Randolph enters the room after they ttave found the body, CHAPTERS tV. & V.-—Randolph asks the policemen to help him to solve the mystery if his fiancee's death. They seem to suspect him, and he tells them the story of his visit to Jile Whispering Pines. They "are still incredu- lous, and cross-question him as to his move- ments, afterwards telephoning for oiofe assis- tance. The arrival of additional police is fol- lowed by a thorough search of the house. A number of bottles of whisky and wine are flouud on the kitchen table, and a coat and hat in the closet. Then the coroiier. Dr. Perry, TUTives, and questions Elwood Randolph as to his relations with Adelaide and Carmei Cumberland. The Coroner shows Randolph a note which the latter had written to Carmel poking her to elope with him and marry him. Randolph explains that he had fallen in love 'With the younger sister, although he was engsged to the eider that I:~ tried to end an Impossible situation in the only possible way. but that Carixiel., although she loved him, had failed him. It -vas on his way back from the station that he called at the club-house. He Remembers lc^»vin^ his keys at the Cumber- land's after dinner. CHAPTERS IV &, V.Handolph asks the policemen to help him to solve the mystery of his fiance's death. Tbey seem to suspect him. and he tells them the story of his vistit to The Whispering Pines. They are still in- credulous and cross-question him as to his Xnovements, afterwards telephoning for more assistance. The-arrival of additional police is followed by a thorough search of the house. A number of bottles of whisky and wine are found on the kitchen table, and a coat and hat in a closet. Then the Coroner. Dr. Perry, Arrives, and questions Elwood Randolph as to his relations with Adelaide and Carmei Cumberland, The Coroner shows Randolph a note which the latter had written to Carmei asking her to elope with him and marry him. Randolph explains that he. had fallen in love with the younger sister, although he was en- gaged to the elder that he tried to end an impossible situation in the only possible way, but that Carmel. although she loved him, had failed him. It was on his way back from the station that lie called at the chib-bouse. He remembers leaving his keys at the Cum- berlands after dinner. CHAPTERS VI, & VII.-The Coroner re- minds Elwood Randolph that two liqueur glasses have been found in the room of the Unorder, and another, unused, in an adjoining doset" but Randolph pleads ignorance of their Jmrpose. Next morning he is arrested for the finurder of Adelaide Cumberland, despite his vrotestaticas of innocence. He hears that Carmei has been. badly burnt about the face, sud is delirious. During his examination the, magistrates, Randolph is relieved, to EAAtlwife no suspicion of complicity in the murder attaches to Carmel Cumberland. Zadok Bnpjr^the Cumberland's coachman, declares that Arthur Combepland's sleigh had been out on the previous night. This Arthur stoutly denies. Randolph conjectures that the two sisters had harnessed up the sleigh and driven to The Whispering Pines, Miss Carmei wearing a man's hat and overcoat. Randolph's lawyer friend, Clifton, calls to see him in prison. The- former tells him all he can, and, seeing in- credulity in the other's ace, protests his inno- 'Stile*. Clifton agrees to defend itim. CHAPTER VIII. Some innocents 'scape not the thunderbolt. Antony and Cleopatra." II.5. I was conscious of few hopes, but some of the pppresaion tmdey which I laboured lifted at Clifton's words- I had assured one man of my innocence! It was like a great rock in the weary desert. My gigh of relief bespoke my f feelings, and I should like to have taken his Viand, but the moment had not yet come. Something was wanting to a perfect confidence between us, and f was in too sensitive a frame of mind to risk the slightest rebaff- >■ He was ready to speak before I was. "Then, you had not been long bn the scene of crime when the police arrived ?" "I had not been in the room 'but a few Minutes, I do not know how long I was search- • tug the house." 44 The police say that fully twenty minutes Elapsed between the time they received Miss CujxtberJand's ap-peal for help and their arrival 'it the cluJb-hotLse. If you were there that *>ng- 44 I cannot say. Moments are hours at such Such a crisis. I You are not open with me," he protested.' with a return to his old distrust. Why should moments be hours with you previous to the instant when you stripped those pillows from the couch ? You are not a fanciful man, nor have you any cowardly instincts. Why .Were yon in such a turmoil going through a house where you could have expected to find nothing worse than some miserable sneak thief- This was a poser.- I had laid myself open to suspicion by one thoughtless admission, and what was worse, it was but the beginning in all probability of many other possible mistakes. Charles," sail I, as soon as I couid per- fectly control my speech" you arc quite just in Sur remarks^JLarn.. not and cannot be per- :tly open with you. • I shall tell you no lies, but beyond that.1 cannot promise. lamina Bet not altogether of, my own weaving. So far I will be frank with you. A com mop ques- tion may trip me up, others lind free and ready with my defence. Y ou have chanced upon one of tb'! former. I was in a turmoil of mind trom the moment of my entrance into tha.t fatal house, but I can give no reason for it unless I am, as you hinted, a coward." You. say you cannot be open with me? That means you have certain memories con- certed with that eight which you cannot di- vulge." Right. Charles, but no memories of guiM of active guilt, I mean. This I have previously declared to you, and this is what you must be- lieve. I am not cven an accessory before the fact. I am perfectly innocent so far as Ade- laide's death ia concerned. You may proceed on tha.t basis without fear. Thatis, if you con- tinue to take ;1,n interest in my case." I have accepted the case, and I shall con- ,tinuc with it," he assured me, with a dogged rather than genial persistence. But I should like. to know what I am to work upon, if it can not be shown that her call for help came be- fore you entered the building." That, would be the best defence possible, of course," I replied but neither fromyom standpoint nor mine is it a feasible one. I hive no proof of my assertion. I never looked at my watch from the time I left the station till I found it run down this very morning. All I know and can swear to about the; length of time I was in that building prior to the arrivalQf ths police, is that it could not have been very long. since she was not only dead mOd buried under those accumulated cushions, but in a room some little distances from the telephone." That will do for me," said he, but scarcely for those who are prejudiced against you. Everything points so indisputably to yonr guilt. The note which you say you wrote to Carmei to meet you at the station kioks very much more like one to Miss Cumber- land to meet you at the club-house. Otherwise," he pursued. what could have taken her there ? Everybody who knew her "Wilt ask that. Such a night! so soon after teeing you It is a mystery any way, but one entirely inconceivable without some such excuse for her. These lines said Come and the went for reasons which may be clear to you who were acquainted with her weak as well as her strong points. Went how ? No one knows. By chance or by intention on her part or yours Wery servant was out of the house by nine o'clock, and her brother, too. Only the sister remained, the sister whom you profess to have urged to Wave the town with you that very evening, and she can tell us nothing-may die without ever being able to do so. Some shock tc her feeling*—you may know its character and you may not— drove her into a state of apparent health into wildest dilirium in a fl.W hours. It was not your letter-if your storv is true about that letter-or she would have shown its effect immediately upon receiv- ing it that is, in the early evening. That .she did not ebnw any effect is a telling circum- stance against you, Randolph, not only contra- dicting your own story, but showing that her after condition sprang, from some sudden and extreme apprehension in connection with her antes. Did you speak V" No" I had not spoken. I had no thing, to say. I was too deeply shaken by what he had just to!d me to experience anything but the utmost confusion of ideas. Carmel beaming and beau- tj fuI at an hour I had supposed her suffering and full of struggle"! I could not reconcile it with the letter she had written me; or with that understanding with her sister which ended so hideously in The Whispering Pines. The lawyer, seeing my helpless state, pro- ceeded with his presentation of my case as it looked to unprejudiced eyes. I Miss Cumberland comes to the cbib-house so do you. You have not the keys and so go searching about the building until you find an unlocked window by which you both-enter, there are those who say you purposely leftthis window unfastened when you went about the house the day before: that you dropped the keys in her house, where they would be sure to be found and drove down to the station and stood there for a. good half-an-hour, in order to divert suspicion from yourself afterwards and create an alibi in case it should be wanted. I do not believe any of this myself, not since accepting your assurance of innocence, but-there are those who do believe it firmly. and discern in the whole affair a cool and premeditated murder. Your passion for Carmel, while not generally known, has not passed unsuspected by your or her intimates and this in itself is enough to., give colour to these suspicions, even if you had; not gone so far as to admit its power over you and the extremes to which you were willing to goto secure the wife you wished. So much for the situation as it appears to outsiders. Of the circumstantial evidence which links'you personally to this crime we have already spoken.. .It is Very strong and apparently unassailable. Buttruth is truth, and if you only felt free to bare your whole soul'to me as you now-decline, to do, I should not despairof finding-some weak link in the chain which seemg-w satisfactory to the police, and, lam forced to add to the'- general public." Charles I was very near unbosoming myself to him at that moment. But I caught myself back in time. While Carmei lay ill and uncofisckms I would not clear my name at her expense by so much as a suggestion. Charles." I repeated, but in a different tone and with a different purpose, "how do they account for the cordial that was drunk—thetwo emptied glasses and the flask which were found in the adjacent closet ? '• It's one of the affair's conceded incon- gruities. Miss Cumberland is well known to be." a temperance woman. Had the flask and glasses not come from her house you would get no one to believe that she had anything to do with them. Have you any hint to give on this point ? It would be a welcome- addition to our case." Alas! I was as much puzzled by those [ emptied cordial glasses as he was and told him so also, by the presence of the third unused one. As 1 dwelt in thought on the later cir- cumstance I remembered the observation which Conner Perry had made concerning it. 11 Coroner Perry speaks of a third and unused glass which was found with the flask," I ven- tured, tentatively. He seemed to consider it an important "item hiding some truth that would materially help this case. What do you think, or rather: what is the general opinion oil this point ? 4; I have not heard. I have seenefcho fact- mentioncd, but without i comment. It is a curious circumstance. I will make a. note of it. Yrou have no suggestion to make on the subject ? None." The clue is a small one." he smiled. So is the one offered by the arr-Ay of bottles found on the kitchen table; yet the latter may lead directly to thetrnth. Adelaide, never dug those out the cellar where they were locked up, and. I'm sure I did not. Yet I sup- pose I'm given credit for doing so." "Naturally. The key to the wine vault was the only key that was lacking from the bunch left at Miss Cumberland's. That it was used to open the wine-vault door is evident from the fact that it was found in the lock." This was discouraging. Everything was against me. If the whole had been planned with an intent to inculpate me and me only, it could not have been done with more attention to detail, nor could I have found myself more completely enmeshed. You may add this coincidence to the other," 1 conceded after I had gone so far in juy own mind. t" lswear that I had nothing to do with that key. Some other man than my- self was thirsty that night," I firmly declared. We are getting on, Charles." Do you know exactly what the club- house's wine-vault contained he-asked with a shrug of his shoulders. An inventory-was given me by the steward the morning we closed. It must be in my rooms." Your rooms have been examined. You expected that. didn't you ? Probably this inventory has been found. I don't suppose it will help any." How should it ?." Very true how should it! No thorough- fare there, of course." No thoroughfare anywhere to-day" I ex- claimed. 4'To-morrowsome loop-hole of escape may suggest itself to me. I should like to steep on the matter. I—I should like to sleep on it." 'I' He saw that I had something in mind of which I had thus far given him no intimation, and he waited anxiously for me to reconsider my last words before he earnestly remarked "A day lost at a time like this is often a day never retrieved. Think well before you bid me leave you unenlightened as to the direction in which you wish me, to work." But I was not ready, not by any means ready, and he detected this when I spoke. 44 I will see you to-morrow any time to- morrow meantime I will give you a commis- sion which you are at liberty to perform your- self or to entrust to some capable detective. The letter of whch a portion remains, was written to Carmei and she spnt me a reply which was handed me on the station platform by a man who was a perfect stranger to me. 1 have hardly any memory of how the man looked, but it should be an easy task to find him. and if you cannot do that the smallest scrap of the note he gave me, and which nrrfor- tunately I tove up and scattered to the wintts, would prove my veracity on this point, and so make it easier for them to believe the rest." His eye lightened. I presume the prospect of making any practical attempt in my behalf was welcome. 44 One thing more," I now added. My ring was missing from Miss Cumberland's hand when I tooK away those pillows. I have reason to think—or it is natural for me to, think—that she planned to return it to me by some messenger or in some letter. Do you know if such messenger or such letter has been received at my apartments ? Anyone) who knew us or who had ever remarked it on her hand would be able to identify it." 4< 1 have heard that the police are inter- ested in finding it." he replied, 44 but I have not heard that they have been successful. You encourage me much by assuring me that it was missing from her hand when you first saw her. That ring may prove our most valuable clue." 44 Yes, but you nrtust also remember that she mayhave taken it off before sue started for the club-house." That is very true." You do not know whether they have looked for it-at her home ? > I do not." Will you find out, Charlie, and will you see that I get all my letters ? I certainly will, but you must not expect* to receive the latter unopened." 44 I suppose not." I said this with more cheerfulness than he evidently expected. My -heart had been lightened of one load. The ring had not been discovered on Carmel, as I had secretly feared. "I will take good care of your interests from now on," he remarked, in a tone much more natural than any he had before used. 44 Be hopeful and show a brave front to the., District Attorney when he comes to lnterVtew you. I hear that ho is expected home to- morrow. If you are innocent you can face«, hirp and his whole office with calm assurance." Which showed how little he understood my real position. There was comfort in this very thought, however, and I quietly remarked that I did not despair. And I will not," he emphasised rising with an assumption of ease which left him as he remained hesitating before me. It was my moment of advantage, and I improved it bv proffering a request which had been more or less in my mind durng the whole of this prolonged colloquy. First thinking him for his disinterestedness, I remarked that he had shown me so much consideration as a lawyer, that I now felt emboldened to ask something from him as my friend. 44 You are free," said I 44 I am not,. Miss Cumberland will be buried before 1 leave these four walls. I hate to think of her going to her grave without one token from the man to whom she has been only too good, and who. whatever outrage he may have planned to her feelings, is not without reverence for her character and and a hSftftfelt repentance for whatever he may have. done to j^tieve Ijer. Charles, a few flowers—white—no wreath, mst a few which can be placed on her breast or in her hand. You need not say whom they are from. It would seem a mockery to anyone hut her. Lilies, Charles, or—or bride roses. I shall feel happier to know that they arc there. Will you do it ? I will." v That is all." Instinctively he held out his hand. I dropped mine, in it; there was a sligh pressure, some few murmured woi'ds, and he was gone. I slept that night. CHAPTER IX. „ I entreat you then r rcm one that so imperfectly con jeeLs You'd take no notice nor build yourself a. trouble Out of this scattering and unsure observance: It were not for your quiet. nor your good, Nor lor-thy manhood, honesty or wisdom, To let you know my thoughts. —44 Othello." I slept, though a questionof nosnwJl import- ance wast agitating my mind demanding con- sideration and a definite answer before I saw again this friend and adviser. I woke to ask if the suggestion which had come to me in our brief conversation about the bottles taken from the wine-vault, was the promising one it had then appeared, or only a fool's trick bound to end in disaster. I weighed the matter -in every conceivable way, and ended by trusting to the instinct. which impelled me to have resource to the one and only meaDS by which the scent might be diverted from its original couijpe, confusion be sown in the minds of the police and Carmei, as well as myself, be saved from the pit gaping to receive us. This was my plan. To risk the divulging of jI. certain fact, known as I believed to my- self alone, which once corroborated, as it might veryeasiJy be by some fortunate chance, would emphasise my former declarations and ultimately lead to my whole story being accepted as true. This fact was the departure of an uuknown horse and sleigh through the upper gateway of the club-house grounds simultaneously with my entrance through fhe lower one. I thought it thus safer to antedate Carmel's going. The appearance of the person driving this sleigh I would in a measure describe. No one by the greatest stretch of imagination would be apt to associate this description with Carmel, bnt it might set the authorities thinking, and if by good chance a sleigh containing a person wear- ing a Derby hat and a coat with an extra high collar should have been seen on this portion of the road* or if, as I earnestly hoped, the snow had left any signs of another horse having been tethered in the ciump of trees opposite to the one where I had concealed my own, enough of the truth might be furnished to divide public opinion and start fresh inquiry. That a woman's form had sought concealment under these masculine habiliments would not--could not, strike anybody's mind. Nothing in the -1 I- HE STARTS AT EVERY CRY, "&ARMEL UTTERS, H crime had suggested a woman's presence, much less a woman's active agency. On the con- trary, all the appearances, save such as I believed known to myself alone, spoke so openly of a man's strength, a man's methods, a man's appetite, and a man's brutal daring that the suspicion which had naturally fallen on myself as the one and only person implicated, would in shifting past* straight to another man, and, if lie could not be found return to me or be lost in a4mAze of speculation. This seemed so evident after a long and close study of the sitaation that I was ready with my confession when Mr Clifton next came. I had even fore- stalled it in a short interview forced upon me by the Assistant District Attorney and Chief Hudson. That it had made *n altogether greater impressiepn upon the latter than I had expected, gave me additional courage when I came to discuss this new lino of defence with the young lawyer. Chief Hudson believes me late,as my state- ment is, I SAw-it in his eye." Thus I went on. 4 4 And the AssiBtaht D istrict Attorney, too. At leastfthe latter is willing to give m0 the benefit of the doubt, which was more-tharc I expected. What do you suppose has happened ? Some new discovery on their part ? If so, I ought to know what it is." I have heard of no new discovey," he coldry replied, not quite pleased as J could see, either with my words or my manner. 44 An old one may have served your purpose. If another sleigh besidp yours passed through the club-house grounds at the time you mention, it left tracks which all the fury of the storm would not have entirely obliterated in the fifteen minutep elapsing between that time and their own arrival. Perhaps they remember these tracks and if you had been entirely frank t that night—" 44 I know, I know," I put in, 44 but I wasn't. Lay it to my confusion of mind-to the great shock I had received, to anything but my own blood-guiltiness, and take up the matter as it now stands. Can't you follow up my suggestion ? A witness can certainly be found who encountered that sleigh and its occupant somewhere on the long stretch of open road between The Whispering Pines and the resident district. Possibly. It would helu. You have not asked for news from the Hill." The trembling which seized and shook me at these words testified to the shock they gave me- "Carmel:" I cried. She is worse—dead!" No. She's not worse and she's not dead. But the doctors say it will be weeks before they can allow a question of any importance to be put to her. A delay may or may not be favourable to you. I am inclined to think now that it will be. You are ready to swear to the sleigh you speak of, that you saw it leave the club-house grounds and turn north ? Quite ready but you must not ask me to describe or in any way identify its occupant. I saw nothing hut the hat and coat I have told you about. It was just before the moon went under a cloud or I could not have seen that much." 11 Those clouds obscured more than the moon, I fancy," he remarked presently. ",Ionly wish that they had not risen'between ypu and me. This is the blindest case that has ever been put in my hands. All the more credit to me if I see you through it, I suppose, but—" 44 Tell me," I broke in, with equal desire to cut these recriminations short and to leam what was going on at the Cumberland house, 44 have you beffli to th £ Hill, or seen anybody who has ? Can't you give me some details of —of Carmel's condition of the sort of nurse who cares for her and how Arthur conducts him under this double affliction ?" I was there last night. Miss Clifford was in the house and received me. She told ma that. Arthur's state of mind was pitiful. He was never a very affectionate brother, you know, but now they cannot get him away from Carmel's door. He sits or stands all day just: outside the threshold and caste jealotis and beseeching looks at thqse who are allowed to enter. They say you wouldn't know him. I tried to get him to come down to see me, but Mb wouldn't leave his post." Doesn't he grieve for Adelaide ? I always thought that of the two she had the greater influence over him." Yes, but they cannot get him to enter ^the place where she lies. His duty is to the living, he says; at least his anxiety is there. He starts at every cry Carmei utters." She-cries out—then ? Very often. 11 I could hear her from where I sat downstairs." 44 And what does she say ? 44 The one thing constantly. Lila Lila Nothing more." I kept my face in shadow. If he sMr it at ill it must have looked as cold and hard as atone. After a moment I went on with my juories -4 Does he—Arthur—mention me at all ? 44 I did not discuss you greatly with Miss Clifford. I saw that she was prejudiced and I preferred not to ri 3k an argument; but she let fall this much—that Arthur felt very hard to- wards yon and loudly insisted/upon your guilt." Does the doctor—Dr. Carpenter, I presume- venture to say how long Carmel's present delirium will hold ? 44 He cannot, not knowing its real cause. Carmel fell ill before the news of her sister's death arrived at the house, you remember. It is surmised some frightful scene must have occurred between the two previous to Ade- laide's departure for The Whispering Pines." And the gentleman who brought me the— 1 her letter ? It was more than difficult for me, to speak Carmel's name. He has not come forward ? 44 Not yet, not to my knowledge at least." 44 And the ring ? "No news." The nurse—you have told me nothing about her," I now urged, reverting to the topic of gravest interest to me. Is she any one 'We know, or an importation of the doctor's ? 44 I did not busy myself with that. She's a competent woman. of course. I suppose that is what you mean ? Could I tell him that this was not what I meant at all. That it was her qualities as woman rather than her qualifications as nurse whichr were important in this case. If she were of a suspicious, prying disposition, grven to weighing every word and marking every gesture of a delirious patient, what might we not fear from her circumspection when Car- mel's memory asserted itself and she grew morerprecise in the frenzy which now exhausted itself in unintelligible cries, pr the ceaseless repetition of her sister's name. 44 Watch her, watch them aJl and bring me each and every detail of the poor girl's sick- ness. You will never regret humouring me in this. You ordered the flowers for—Ade- laide ? Yes Lilies, not bride roses." I took the rebuke. After a moment's silence, I observed :— There will be no autopsy the papers say. The evidences of death by strangulaiion are too well defined." Very true. Yet I wonder at their laxity in this. There were signs of some other agency having been at work also. Those two empty glasses smelling of cordial—innocent perhaps—yet—'• 44 Don't I can bear no more to-day. I shall be stronger to-morrow." Another feeler turned aside. His cheek I showed his displeasure, but the words were kind enough with which he speedily took his leave and left me to solitude and a long night of maddening thought. (To be continued.)
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There is a small Welsh colony of captains, engineers and pilots in Shanghai, composed mainly of West Wa.lp§ men from Abcrayron j and Newquay. Amongst them is also a grand- son of John Jones, Talsarn. Mr Prank Davies, who aftersomemonths' furlough is now return- ing for another five years' term of service. A brother of his is Mr J. Grlyn Davies, lecturer of the University of Liverpool. r
LUSITANIA IN A STORM.
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LUSITANIA IN A STORM. Struck by a Huge Wave. New York, Sunday.—The fierce storm which has swept the eastern barf of the country during the btst ttu-ee days, and left New York with a snowfall of 16 inches, has had its counterpart out in the Atlantic. All the in- coming linens have been two or three days late, but perhaps the tnost eloquent witness to the ferocity of the seas is the fact that the Lusi- tania made the slowest passage in her history, not docking till the forenoon of yesterday. She encountered advene winds and mountainous waves almost as soon as she passed Daunt's Rock. On Monday evening she ran into a sort of tidal wave, and an avalanche of water, estimated by the officers to weigh 2,500 tons, descended upon the promenade deck. It smashed 11 windows in the wheelhouse. The chief officer, Mr McNeill,' was on the bridge, and he found him- self in water up to his armpits. Quarter- master ROOley was swept off his feet. He struck against the chart-room bulkhead, with the fragments of the wheel in his hands, and the water flooded the chart-room. The masthead lights and sidelights were extinguished. Mr McNeill kept his head, quickly saw that the signals were in working order, and tele- graphed to the engineer to reverse the turbines. Captain Turner, who had left the bridge a few moments before the' ship was struck, rushed back, and in less than 'half an hour the ship was once more proceeding on her course. Four lifeboats were partly dislodged, and companion ladders were carried away. while the captain's, officers', and their stewards' quarters below the bridge were soaked. The American liner St. Louis, which sailed fPom Southampton last Wednesday week, came up the bay at the same time as the Lusitanla. Her forward bulkhead rail was bent, and the seas flooded her decks, but she seems to have escaped the giant wave which spent so much of its fury upon the Cunarder. She left for Southampton again this morning, having discharged 3,000 tons of freight, and taken on several thousand tons of coal in record time. Another American liner, the St. Paul, which sailed on the same day as the Lusitania, arrived here this afternoon, having come over in the wake of the storm. Among the passengers were, besides Mr George Keppel, Miss Maud Anan, Lord Robert Innes-Ker, Mr Charles Rami Kennedy, the dramatist, and Mrs Kennedy.
---------_. CANADA'S TRADE.…
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CANADA'S TRADE. IN 1909. Growing Prosperity of the Country The-report of the Canadian Department of Trade and,Commerce for the fiscal year ending March 31st, 1909, states -that whilst the total trade of the Dominion in that period showed a decrease as compared with -that of 1908, the same state of affairs is true in the case of all the principal countries in the world. It is gratifying, however, to know that with the ten years ending 1909 Canada's relative increase in total trade was second amongst the great nations of the world as compared with third position for the decade ending with 1908. For a time during the 1909 fiscal yokr there was a halt, but conclusive evidence is obtained from the latest figures to show that the current fiscal year will compare favourably with the best in the Dominion's history. The decrease in the total trade of 1909 of 67,916.284 dollars was almost wholly in imports, for the decrease in exports only amounted to 3,446.586 dollars. The year's imports are returned as having a value of 309,75&,608 dollars, more than half of which was dutiable, and the exports were valued at 261,512,159 dollars. Altogether the Customs collected in duties 48.059,791 dollars, which figure is 10,000,000 dollars less than in the preceding year, but six times as much as the amount received in 1868. Taking merchandise only, the Dominion in the earlier year imported ,67,0%. 159 dollars from the United Kingdom, and the United States, a percentage of 56'06 coming from the Mother Country and 33'77 from the United States. Last year the. total imports from the two countries had risen to 388^17j515 dollars (in 1908 the total was 2151,879,955 dollars), and the percentage seems scarcely favourable to the home country, for the United Kingdom's share was only 24'52 of the total of imports, whilst the United States were credited with 59'00 of the grand total. Regarding exports, the talc is somewhat different. In 1868, in which year percentages were not worked out, the exports to the United IvingdoAi and the United States represented a value of 49,739,998 dollars. Last year they amounted to 259,922,366 (in 1908 the figure was 263,368,952 dollars), and the percentage for the United Kingdom to the total exports was 51'46, compared with 35'01 for the' United States.
CANADIAN TRADE DEVELOPMENTS.
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CANADIAN TRADE DEVELOPMENTS. We understand that the AHan, Line. in pro- secuting their active programme for the general improvement of a)I their services between this country and Canada, have decided to further increase their London fleet by the addition of fresh tonnage for the development. Of the pafe- senger and freight services. The keen interest taken by Mr Hugh A. Allan (chairman) in the affairs of the lines since his arrival from Canada has already been shown in other direc- tions.
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sn iox ,¡,; v Q --v.tt: t The Peer & the Parasite* BY ANDREW WHITE, Author of" The Eleventh Hour" Jfcc. &c. Hullo there goes Deyesbnry." Clare Newby roused herself into a sitting posture as she spoke, and her eyes followed the two flannel-clad figures till the large chestnut tree growing close to the porch shut them from her view. She bad been lying on a deck-chair under the shadow of the wan in a graceful atti- tude of abandon, till roused by the men's voices. And there goesllie parasite." added Mrs. Hope-Norton, as she looked up from her book. "Of course," said Clare; "wherú else would you look for him ? and she elevated her small chin and smiled scornfully. The matron's eves twinkled behind her gold- rimmed pinc-nez as she contemplated the other's graceful attitude with mild admiration. Clare Newby did everything gracefully. There was a studied elegance in her slightest movement a statuesque repose that was delightful and restful to the eyes. But in spite of which she was perilously near her thirtieth year and had not yet found a husband. She was fond of declaring her contempt for men which made members of her own sex smile in secret, and did not even deceive the obtuse male. 44 It is positively disgusting said Mrs.. Hope-Norton energetically. What is disgusting ? asked Miss Newby, with polite indifference. 4*TJow can you be so dull, Clare ? ex- claimed the other, wth the severity which the seniority of twenty years entitles one to adopt. Of whom were we speaking ? Why dosn't Deyesbury shake him off, I wonder ? 44 Is it a riddle ? asked Clare, lazily. I suppose Mr Verner clings to him like the old man of the sea. Wasn't it the old man of the sea who chrag to somebody's back and would not get off ? I forget." Mrs. Hope-No-ton looked doubtful. You musn't appeal to me for information, my dear child," she said hopelessly. My memory—but you know all my little failings by this time. I think Deyesbury is very-weak- minded and if I was in Ethel's place I would not marry a man wbb--—" Hush Clare Newby held op a warning finder, and looked across the lawn. A young lady, dressed entirely in white and holding awhite sunshade over her upturned face was swinging gently to and fro in a hammock suspended from the bough of a walnut tree. Ethel Percival made a pretty picture lying there in her white frock, the sunlight filtering through the leaves and chequering the grass beneath. The face was girlish, innocent, and beautiful, but with a look of cold disdain that seemed strangely out .of place. It threatened to become a settled expression. At least so she was informed by well-meaning friends who were solicitous for her beauty. 44 Of course, Deyesbury is very clever." went on Mrs. Hope-Norton, too diplomatic to lower her voice all at once 44 and I think that a strong-willed girl might turn him into an excellent husband. That is as husbands go nowadays." Then lowering her voice, She might pick and choose where she pleases, but it was all settled years ago—almost before Ethel was out of the cradle. Their mothers were great friends, and the two poor infants were disposed of before they had time to show any preference. Ethel, at all events, because Deyesbury is about twelve years older." 44 I wonder what Verner's influence over Deyesbury can be ? murmured Clare lan- guidly. The power of the stronger will over the weakef. I suppose." "Oh. don't you know, my dear T" asked Mrs. Hope-Norton, delighted at discovering that she possessed information of which another was igorant. 41 It is quite a romantic story. Verner saved his life at school." 44 At school! Did Verner ever go to school?" Miss Newby raised her eyebrows in gentle astonishment. I thought he was one of these geniuses who succeed by means of a colossal imprudence—a man of no education and breeding." Come, come," said the elder lady deprecat- ingly: he is really as well-bred a man as you coald wish to meet. The knowledge that he had to make his money instead of-inheriting it prejudices you." 44 So he aaved Dcyesbury's life, and has been trading the tfircnhistanice—feyCT øiMè T 44 Yes ,hc dragged him out of a naill-race. or something or other. I forgot all thepaf- ticulars, bat the boys were out boating to- gether. Of coarse Vemer's people were fairly well off at that time, but the father lost all his money. Verner was thrown in.2 the world, and started life a»—what do you think ? A burgia.r 1 An office-boy Mrs. Hope-Norton gave her information like one who is stating a curious and almost stupendous piece of news. 44 An office-boy One of those inky, smudgy little boys they put in comic pictures ? How ridiculous." It does seem absurd," the other agreed. 44 But you may take it as the truth. In fifteen years he was a millionaire and now at the age of thirty-three he is one of the richest men in London." It sounds like a fairy tale," said Clare. Only Verner is hardly the sort of man one would associate with fairies. I can't under- stand him myself. All the men seem to swear by him. Only this morning I heard Ethel's father asking him to prolong his stay here." 44 A host's duty is to be polite, was the sen- tentious answer, "and men haven't the dis- crimination of women." While the ladies was discussing Lord Deyes- bury and Verner on the lawn, these two gentle- men were discussing themselves in the library. 44 Hang it all. Verner," the peer was sayittg. I have just about had enough of it. Anyway fra going to clear out of England." He was a tall, aristocratic, and languid, the antithesis of the big, heavily-built, purposeful mafi who sat opposite him 44 I hope you will do nothing of the kind," said Verner gravely. 44 You know how much I shall miss you." 44 You are the most benevolent fraud under the sun," returned Deyesbury, with more energy than he usually displayed in conver- sation. 44 But it is no good, Verner, I found yon (lut years ago." Found out what ? 44 Why, the extent of my obligations to you." Verner shrugged his broad. shoulders impa- tiently. 44 Are we going to talk like two sentimentaJ old ladies ? he demanded angrily. 44 Oh, it is all very well to cut up rusty. But I am going to say my say out. Look here, the tale of my obligations goes back to the time when you fished me-out of the water-lilies." 44 Yes ? Go on. Very interesting. There a note of suppressed exasperation in his voice. 44 Well, you have stood my good aogel ever since. You told me you wanted my name at the head of your prospectuses when you started floating companies. You said a peer's name would look well." 44 Y'es what about it t .44 Well, people don't care a red cent. about peers nowadays; they are manufactured too cheaply. But you knew I was hard up, so you stuck my name into your coucwns and paid up heavily for the previous privilege. It was throwing money away." I suppose I can throw-my money away if I wish to." 441 suppose so. I oughtn't to complaili; I've done well enough by you. But that is not all my complaint. Yau are everlastingly loading me with favours. It is as hard to get away from your generosity as it is for a rat to escape from the teeth of a bull terrier. You have got your teeth into me, and you won't let go." Go on. You are almost amnsing." 44 Well," continued Deyesbury, looking at his friend, furtively. 44 I don't mind being under obligations to you. I have a strange sort of affectioh for you, old fellow. But you know what poeple say about our friendship ? Again Verner shrugged his shoulders. 44 Oh, I know what you would say about that," went on Deyesbury. 44 You would say, Confound the people !'—or perhaps something even stronger for you can be very energetic in speech as well as action. Theyseeoi to think you are so fond of me because I happefc to be a peer. They say you have used my name as a business speculation" Verner's face flushed slightly, but he con- fronted Deyesbury with a sniile. "Do you really imagine I care for the opinion of these people ? he asked slowly. Do you think I am such a hopeless idiot as thafr would imply ? 44 yo. no," answered the other hastily. 44 But I am not going to let them aling their mud at you any longer—not on my account, at least." 44 So you think you will improve matters by going to the North Pole 44 Who talked of going to the North Pole ? retorted Deyesbury. Nowhere so cold. Of course, I have another object in cleaning out." 44 Yes, t know. You think the surest way of winning Miss Perceval's love is to put some thousands of miles of water between vou." "You arc almost cynical at times," said his lordship indulgently. 4>You know I have given up all hopes of marrying the young lady. She is as cold as an Elgin marble, as obstinate as a mule. and shq entertains the most profound (ontempt for me." She ought to if she does not," said Verner. •4 A woman naturally despises a man who is I too stupid to appreciate her." 44 Another cynicism There is something wrong with you this morning. What is the By in the ointment ? 44 If yon wish to know particularly," answered Verner, 44 you are that irritating insect. You are more trouble to me than an infant cutting its teeth. I could suffocate the infant. 1 can't smother you and I can't train you up. I suppose I am an awkward animal for a nurse." 44 No, I am a bad subject." 45 You are." Vaj^wr stood looking at his friend with a peculiar expression of baffled effort that wen strangely with his determined cast of count-cn ance. *4 I wii-h I could endow yea with a little of my own energy," ho said impatiently. 44 Why don't, you pursue the girl, follow her up, make her love you ? The best kind of woman must be won. and she is one of the best. You know I am not a lover of the sex. Deyesbury but Ethel Perceval is a woman any man might be prowl of." Lord Deyesbury looked at the speaker curiously. It is no good, Verner," lie said. She doesn't like me and never will. I love her- after roy own fashjçn: but it is not the so»t of passion that wears and tears and spurs a man to action. She thinks I ought to have made more out. of rov life than I have done. Perhaps f might. Anyway, I'm going for a tour through the Colonies. Then when I get back I'm going to agitate in politics. But any thought of matrimony is quite off. Of course, they will say shctjiited me. She won't mind that." 44 You don't understand yourself," said Verner angrily. 44 Marriage would be your salvation. It would make you buckle t.o and Verner angrily. 44 Marriage would be your salvation. It would make you buckle t.o and do justice to qualities which Providence appears to have wasted on you. With such a woman He stopped abruptly for some reason, and again the other regarded him with a curious glance. If you heard what she Said of you, old fellow," remarked Deyesbury, 44 you wouldn't sing her praises so enthusiastically. And yet," he added, thoughtfully, a woman never runs a man down unless she takes an unusual inter- est in him." The real interest Miss Perceval takes in me.replied Verner, 44 is surely a reflection of the interest she takes in you. She thinks I am your bad angel." Deyesbury stroked his moustache to hide a. smile. 44 Women are usually keen-sighted you yourself have the eye of an hawk. What has stricken the world with blindness ? he asked with apparent irrevelance. "Come and play me a game of billiards. Perhaps you will talk more clearly after a little exercise," said Verner. The two men made for the billiard-room, and the click of the balls sounded through the open window. At the end of an hour Deyes- bury put up his cue in dsgust. He had lost badly. 14 You beat everyone at everything," he said with a peculiar smile. 44 The little things and the big ones." On the following evening Ethel Perceval had the house to herself. Her father, with his guests, had gone to a neighbour a to dinner. Verner had been summoned to London on business. Pleadfcig a headache, the young lady had been allowed to luxuriate in her own society. The drawing-room was in darkness as she sat down at the piano and sang Gounod's 44 Serenade Berceuse over to herself. Ah if Someone would only sing that over to her -someone she could love, someone she could admire, someone she could look up to. She had serious thoughts on love. A woman must feel that a man is worth kneeling to before she can love him. She thought she knew someone who fulfilled all the necessary requirements, only v 44 It is a lovely song." She came out of her dreams, and looking across the room saw Verner's burly figure in the doorway, shadowy and indistinct. She rose and inclined her head slightly. 44 May I switch on the light for you," he asked. "Thank you, do not trouble. I am just going to my own room." She said it in the casual and well-bred tone he knew so well but all her breedng could not prevent the note of antagonism from creeping into her voice. As he stood holding the door for her to pass out the dignity in his face affected her like a sudden rebuke. Why am I so rude to him ? she asked herself as she made towards her room, and the answering thought flushed her cheeks to crim- son. He was the only man she had met who did bow down and and pay homage to her beauty. Verner turned into the empty drawing-room with a look of bitterness on his face. She has no bowels," he said. Or perhaps she believes all the lies people say about me I ruin countless homes; I conjure coppers from the poor I steal the widow's mite and I beggar the orphan. These are the things she hears and believes. Blun innocent uirifsh heart! IsFever mind 1*11 get her for Deyes- bury yet. I Aever have been beaten, and I don't relish the idea." His big jaw shot out. and the friendly dark- ness hid the almost ugly look of detemination on his face. He sought Miss Perceval on the following afternoon, and espied her in the copse behind the Hall. J ust as he was entering the woods a servant panted up to him with a letter. His Lordship sent me after you with this, sir," he said touching his hat. WiU,there be any answer ? Verner thrust the letter into his pocket unread1. 44 The sentimental farewell, I suppose," he muttered savagely and then aloud "Tell Lord Deyesbury I will wire him at Lvcrpool." Ethel Perceval acknowledged Verner's greeting wth her usual studied politeness. .I" Will you be annoyed if I speak to you on an intimate personal matter ? asked Verner, plunging into his subject with his usual direct- ness. The young lady's eyebrows went up slightly. "An intimate personal matter?" she re- peated. Your own discretion will tell you how near you may approach to such a topic." It is about Deyesbury," said Verner, who had not looked formnch encouragement. "He is my dearest friend." "I am aware of your close acquaintanceship," she answered drily. 14 He journeys to Liverpool to-night—of course, you know he is on his way to the station." "/1 have made my adimix," she answered indifferently. 44 Don't you think it is a pity to let him leave England ? She did not trouble to reply. She only gazed at him with cye§ that held a cold inquiry. 44 He told me the marriage would not take place," continued Vomer. It is a pity. You could have made him one of the first men in the kingdom, I really believe." An idler! a trifler! a: man with' no strength of purpose She had flashed out the answer before she was aware of her indiscretion. 44 We do not all come into the world with the same qualities," answered Verner. He has a large and generous heart." Aa you have cause to know, perhaps." The inflection of her voice approached as near to a sneer aa her high breeding would allow. She could not help herself. He seemed so strong us he stood there in the bright sunlight, and 06h(' wanted to see the muscles of the determined mouth twitch with pain. But Verner only smiled--the smile she hated so much expressing as it did such depths of imperturbability, such inexhaustible 'reserve force. 44 Who should know if I do not ? he asked. "Our friendship dates back almost to the cradle." Can friendship possibly endure so long ? she asked with an assumption of eoutemVt. 44 I thought that sentiment did not exist now- adavs." 44 Von are so young and inexperienced," answered Verner coldly. You will find that cheap modern cynicism can kill nothing that deserves to live." Her eyes flashed angrily beneath the droop- ing lids. It is kind of you to lecture me, Mr. Verner," she answered; but will you pardon me ? I prefer to buy my experience. It is much more interesting than taking it at second hand." Verper inclined his head. You will not let me approach Deyesbury on your behalf ? *4 No. decidedly. We have already settled our own concerns—and without the help of a third party. And pardon me again, Mr. Verner; but is it not rather impertinent to assume the role of mediator without any authority ?" Do you think that I should indulge in idle impertinences ? Verner leaned slightly for- ward and looked straight into the beautiful face* She returned his glance with a gaze as steadv as his own, though she felt her heaft throbbing furiously as she did so. She knew that what- ever faults Verner might possess in the eyes of her own particular set, no one would have applied the word impertinent to this strong, purposeful man. But his quiet, bright-eyed challenge exasperated her. It seemed to call forth an admission of her weakness, her {emininity. "You arc impertinent, very impertinent," she said quickly, and then turned her head away. You think so ?" He put his great hand on her shoulder, and though the touch was very light she felt herself tremble beneath it. Her agitation was so great that she did not rebuke him for this fresh impertinence. How could she battle with him? He said and did such impossible things. In the woods around her she could hear the occcasional bustle of animal and bird life, and found herself listening with absurd anxiety to the rustic of the leaves. Was his hand still on her shoulder? she wondered, after what seemed a very long pause. She did not know; she did not dare fook up she only realised that she was shaking all over, and the hot blood flamed into her cheeks. Yet somehow her indignation was not all bitterness. If he would only soften, if he would only supplicate instead of command. Ah- You make me lose my temper. Why do you ? The question slipped out before she knew what she was saying, with all its con- fession of weakness. 44 I am so; .vy. She thought that the voice, sounded softer that usual. The hard deliberation was lacking. You are the only human being in the world who can make me feel like this," she went on. \Y hy is it ? Other people can annoy me, but you—you make me fed mad." She stamped her foot angrily, and then felt a strange and unwelcome sensation of freedom. He had removed his hand from her shoulder. Was he going ? She did not look at him. Why are you always singing Ijord Dcyes- burys praises ? You know what the worW says of your friendship." She might have spared the question. As it was she could not help stealing a glance at his J face. She need not- have taken the trouble. It was as tranquil as ever. There was only a smile of contempt on the lips. ): æ. I know what the world sa ,5," h. answered, slowly 4* hut T did nor think you wouJd be so blind as to beiieve or so ungener- ous as to repeat it." He raised his hat and walked slnwjy nwav. Ethel Perceval ;;ay.ed after his retreating figure. The disdainful repose of her fa«-e was sadly shaken and she wa." blushing l'uriously. But she did not consider her dignity. She wanted to call after him, to say that she knew the world lied, that he was the most generous" of fripntls-the strongest and bravest of men. Had not Deyesbury told her so himself ? It was only his coldness that kept, the words back. He would smile in bis tranquil manner, ;<nd that would kill her. She could not oring the flame of her emotion to play upon his ice- ribbed strength. As soon as Verner was out of sight he opened Deyesbury's letter. The sense of failure was strong upon him another sensation of winch he was but dimlv conscious agitated his iri^'i. He wanted to forget both. The letter was as follows My dear Verner—- I thought you had oyos litre aciit .*11 could sec in the dark but it appears thxf. oti can be blind in broad daylight. EthcJ Perceval worships the gronnd you trcid on.. Marry her and accept my blessing. I really do not care for hervervmuch.though 1 like r,er ^niffci'-ntly to wish her a happy future. For the sake of common-sense do not let any Quixotic notions of friendship stand in your way. I know you like her. and in making way for you I can eonsole myself hy thinking I have done something in quite the hero's style. I shall watch the" Morning Prist frcra abroad for the announcement of the engage- ment.— Yours always, Deyesbury. Verner stared at the letter thought full v. Deyesbury is mad," be said and then th« instinct of the speculator came to him. Anv way, I will try my luck. What a gioricoa opportunity it will give her for crushing me He tried to speak lightly, unwilling to admit, even to himself, all that the adventure meast to him. He slowly retraced his steps. Ethel Perceval had disappeared. He gazed around and caw a white-clad figure on the grass almost hidden by the trunk of a big tree. It was Ethel, and she was—crying. She sprang to her feet as he approached aud commenced walking rapidly away. But _ba spirit of the hunter had seized upon Verner. 44 Miss Percfval: "he called and repeated the cry until she could no longer feign deaf- ness. She stood with her face averted M he ettraw swiftly up. With his usual abruptness Verner closed and wrestled with his fate. I was speaking for Deyesbury a few inijj- utes ago." he said." I have comeback tu spcalf for myself." He paused, waiting to sec- the e <ua»v '1J' and the scorn flash from, the eyos. But sb* did not even look at him. 44 Miss Perceval—Ethel," h" said, •• )' m;? luck still with me? and his audacity prompted him to stretch out his fcfg arms. How blind yon L.*v<j be-^ ah* jUi reproachfully, and was a:l she could for Verner had saluted the v sur:o_.der i« the old conventional and u-MsrigmsJ \"<i' And the world gave its usvutKv.iriUblc us ment. People said thai, after ex-]oitin < Loixl Deyesbury for many years Verner 'a « ad^i up by robbing the peer or the giri oi his he-xi. The End. Next Week ■ IMPOSSIBLE BETI'T." By E. Ever«tt-Gr;.cu. l'
International Rugby Footbaii.
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International Rugby Footbaii. _0.- WALES V. ENGLAND. SURPRISE VICTORY" FOR ENGLAND. An auspicious opening for the English Rugby Onion's new ground at Twickenham v. as made' on Saturday, *hen for the first time since 1898 England succeeded in defeating Wales in the Rugby football tournament. The win was by eleven points 00 six, England making a remark- able start by scoring a try immediately after thekifik-off. Tb-s acore took the Welstuoen by surprise, and can be regaKfiST ad hrong practically a controlling effect npon the England's scores were one goal kickiff by Chapman from his own try. one hy made by Solomon, and a goal kicked by Chapman from a penaJty giver against Pugsli'y for obstruc- tion on the line-out- These points were gained in the first half, and Wales up to the interval had only obtained a try, the ncorer be inn Webb, of Abertillery. Bancroft failing to go*L so thatat half-time Wale* were behind by cighi points. Although WAltS attacked for iiinn- tenths of the second moiety and England'* visits to Welsh quarters were only two, and those of momentary duration, bat one scor% was made, that being a try which fell to Gibbs* no luck attending the try-getter's goal-kick/ Though fortune did not smile upon the toscrt they accepted the defeat with the good grace, of true-hearted sportsmen, and it is generally recognised that the victory will do mnch tor rehabilitate the strength of Rugby football in England- The winning side, though a really good one,, is not so exceptionally strong as the lead in points would suggest. Its great feature is in the abundance of dashing energy it possesses, its speed, and its physical strength. In skill Lher* is nothing extraordinary about it, but it maybe all the better that there is a uniformity aboufc it because English teams that have included 44 star players have invariably gone down before Wales. Every single man on the English side played with an abandon that was admir- able, though there were occasions when a little restraint would have ended in scoring before the Welshmen had recovered from th. nonplussing influence of what was a dazzling first minutir trl.
TREDEGAR WILL SUIT,
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TREDEGAR WILL SUIT, In the Probate Division of the High Court an Saturday, Sir John Bigham, president of tbft division. resumed the hearing of the will suxtol Scourfield v. Dauncry and Othqps. In this raSe the plaintiff, a married woman of Tredegar, claimed probate of a will in her favour made the 28tli October. 1908. by the late Mr Jamet Evans, of Penydrc, Church-street. Tredegar. The defendants pleaded that the will war. nc4 duly execut ed,that it was obtained by the undue* influence of the plaintiff and her husband, an<4 also that the testator was at the time suffering v from alcoholic epilepsy. The defendants sought to set up a will made on the 15th December, 1906. Mr Priestley. K.C., with him Mr Graubmo" ^instructed by Mr Gustard, Newport. Mon.), appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Barnard, K.C.. Mr Bayford. and Mr Walter Frampton appearpd for the defendants (on the inatnJoot. Lions of Dauncey and Son, of Tredegar). On his Lordship taking his seat in cout^ counsel had a conference with their refiper.ttai clients, and Mr Priestley asked his Lordship if counsel might see him in his private room. Counsel added that there was a proposal by hif friend (Mr Barnard. K.C.) that they should, pay some of the defendants' costs. His Lordship I see you have established this will on the evidence before me, but < think there are circumstances connected witln the execution, testator leaving his late solicitor^ his going a distance of many miles in the company of people who would benefit by thfIJ will, and the undoubted drunken habits and feeble mental condition of the testator made it a case in which I am justified in entering a caveat." Under these cirenmstances I was goinjp to say they ought to have their costs—not part* bat all which were occasioned by the defen- dants setting up the plea of undue influence. Mr Priestley said that would affect the intePo estss of Mrs Evans and. the infant, who, had been advised not to incur costs by beta* brought there. That beinar so, they had agree# to a figure— £ 175.—His Lordship That is m very reasonable sum. It saves the trouble and expense of taxation—Mr Priestley My friend says he will withdraw the charge of undue fluence Mr Barnard said he had already told hi* Lordship his evidence was very slight, and he did not think it would have been sufficient fctf Erove the charge of undue influence. Therefore* e withdrew it. His Lordship then pronounced for the will of 28th October, 1908, and made an order that &175 be paid to the defendants' solicitors iu satisfaction of the costs incurred. The plaintifl was authorised to take such further costs at had been properly incurred out of the residue. Mr Barnard stated that the duties had been paid by the defendants, and they would be re- funded, because they would be the same. His Lordship said he should not incorporatt that in the order. Mr Barnard It will be understood.
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DIED ON WAY TO WORKHOUSE. The old man who was found in a s*mi< conscious condition on Taff Mead a few dayi ago died in the Union Hospital, Cardie. 01J Saturday. It transpires thathcwaeataHot who had worked iu Cardiff for a number of years, but had no fixed abode, residing ir. various common lodging-houses. His last known place of abode was at a lodging-house in Millicent-strcet. which he left on the 12th January, saying he wa3 going to the Work* house, as he was destitute and was suffering from swollen legs. The same night Mrs Hicks, of Park-place Mews, gave him 4d for his night" lodgings. Nothing was heard of him aftei that till he was found lying in an uncousciouc — condition on Taff Mead on the niorning of 14tfc January. His name was Edward Henry Wilit a.nd his" age 75, and his death is believed to ha. been due to natural causes.