The Cardiff Times

BCTOH-KBS' FITTING3* Scales, BaJanees, Steel- yards, Sausage Choppers, otuffors. Trays, Salting I Machines, Warranted Cutlery, Saws, Tools, Meat Hooks, Tickets, American Wdoa Skewers, and ever;' trade requisite.—PaMftu <* OOns, Limited, Narrow r Wine-street, Bristol, 141

AN AMERICAN MONTE CRISTO. BY JULIAN HAWTHORNE. PART IV.-LOVE. XIX.—OVER A CUP OF TEA. ""You mustn't expect from me any attempt to return you an equivalent for your hospitality," remarked Sallie, as she grace- fully began the brewing of the tea. "I haven't the material, nor the ingenuity. There is not so much as all assassin on the premises, not to speak of magic mirrors and Oriental enchanters, and beautiful spectres. By the way, that was a wonderfully clever trick how was it done ?" "You must ask Garcia," replied the Count, quietly, as one who had made up his mind to endure up to a certain point, and then no more. Do you think Garcia would tell me any secret of yours ?" said Sallie. She gave the question a flavour of arch surprise that sent the Count on a swift journey of expecta- tion, After all, why had Garcia left him ? He began to surmise a possible reason, but I he said only, 1 have always found him a useful man. Of course, I know he has his weaknesses." Yes so have we all," she replied. Even the Count de Lisle has weaknesses. And yet, it seems to me, were I in your place, I would have none. No man ever had a greater opportunity than you. If you stood for yourself alone, what could you not do ? No one could attack you. You could buy friends, police, juries, judge, and legislatures. You could make laws and elect rulers. You could yourself be the real ruler of this country and hold the balance of power in the world. With genius and pur- pose, and such wealth as yours, all that would not be impossible. But, then, you must make sacrifices. You must be soli- tary. If you give your confidence to a friend or your heart to a woman, you are vulnerable and can be overthrown. When I first learned who and what you were I feared you. Here is a man, I said to myself, who, from having a rope around his neck, has risen to power incalculable. The world has done its worst to him, he will have his revenge upon the world. The iron has entered into his soul, and now his soul will be like iron. He must be obeyed, for he can enforce obedience. But when I heard," continued Sallie, sud- denly changing from this serious vein to ^a light and bantering tone, "that the Count de Lisle was in love and about to be married I did not fear him so much. To have attempted to overthrow you by questioning the means. that had obtained you your wealth would have been a desperate enter- prise. Even robbers and murderers, if they be strong and resolute enough, need fear nothing. But to have given your heart to a girl—that was another matter You could be reached through her." "And you? Are yon impregnable?'' asked h. Only in so far, that if I saw my way to accomplish what I supremely desire, I would let nothing deter me. I was ap innocent little girl once, but even then I had strong desires, and without any opportunity to carry them out. I made some serious mistakes, and suffered for them, but I had had my way, and I found that most failures in this world are due to not having been unscrupulous enough. It needs courage to begin, but when you discover what it is to be without scruples, you wonder why any- body is controlled by them. They are the- great slaveholders of the human race. But I was going to say that I should be willing to put in your hands any evidence against myself that you might require for my de- struction rather than forego the purpose I have in view." What is your purpose ? "The poets say that Love is lord of all, you know. I have had my doubts of that, and I want you to settle them. You think you love Olympia Raven. How much would you be willing to sacrifice to save her life?" That is a hypothetical question. I could answer it only after I wa* made certain that her life was in danger." "Whether she lives or dies depends upon the result of this interview. She is in my power-as the people in melodrama say. What becomes of her depends on my will." The Count, who had been sitting with his elbows on his knees and his eyes lowered, looked up, and his glance and Sallie's met. What she saw in his mind sent a quick flush to her face. For a moment she held her breath. No soldier in battle was ever nearer death than Sallie then. But she had a resolute heart, and when she drew her breath again, it was with a smile. "Do you always carry a revolver ?" she said. Wo are alone in the house, except my maid. I could have protected myself but I am sufficiently protected by circum- stances. It has been arranged that, if any- thing happens to me, Olympia will not long survive me." Have we not had enough of this ?" asked he. "Do you really expect me to accept your statements as facts ?" I might leave you to suffer the conse- quence of not accepting them. But I wish to spare you the pain of uncertainty, if I can. Let me see. What can I do? Would you like to see something of hers ? Did you not give her an engagement ring ? And did she not wear it on the evening when you last saw her ?" He shrugged his shoulders. "I have given her many things-no doubt a ring, among others. She might have lost it, and it might have been picked up; I can't say." "At any rate, I will restore it to you," said Sallie. "It Is not mine, and since she no longer wears it, you should have the charge of it." So saying, she drew the box toward her, opened it, and took out a ring. It was a black diamond, in an antique setting. It was one of the jewels that had been con- tained in Napoleon's treasure-casket, and the Count had given it to Olympia as the pledge of their betrothal. Such another ring did not exist in the world. He know that Olympia would never willingly let it leave her finger. The proof that the worst was true was complete. He slipped the ring on his own finger, and said, Well ?" "Well, then, I return to my question," said Sallie, leaning back and stirring her tea. What would you be willing to sacri- fice to save her life ? V "I see no reason why I should-discuss the question with you," said the Count. "I prefer to deal with those who have the immediate charge of her. I understand your plot, and that I am to blame for the succass of it., I allowed Garcia to obtain hypnotic control over her you won the poor creature to your service by means it is easy to sur- mise ? and prevailed upon him to use his power to draw her into your hands. But Garcia, having received from you the price —the favour-promised him for his act, is now in a condition to bring forth fruits of repentance. I shall find means to induce him to give me the information that I re- quire. As for you, you have already supplied all the information I care to trouble you for." These words were slowly and deliberately spoken, while his eyes were steadily fixed upon her face. He was taking a final chance, with such imperturbability as he could command. And, indeed, since it was true, as Sallie had herself said, that no human being can be quite sure of another, it was possible that Garcia, who had already betrayed the Count, might now betray Sallie-assuaina that the Count was right m his gue^g 1 to Garcia's part in the affair. But SallS&f she felt uneasiness, showed none. She clapped her hands together once more, and the maid reappeared. "Step over to the corner," said her mis- tress, and tell Mr Garcia I want him." The maid went out, and a moment after the Count heard the streat door close. I am sensitive on some points," Sallie observed, and you hurt my feelings. I am building no house of cards, Count de Lisls I am perfectly in earnest, and I am not so childish as to attempt to fight you with shadows-as you fought me As to your insinuation about my purchase of your friend, I will not deny it you shall judge for yourself. It is your doubt of my intelli- gence that galls me—not, of course, the other insult!" other insult The Count made no reply. The point had been passed, with him, where words that were not also acts seemed worth utter- I' ing. He continued to gaze with a certain gloomy curiosity at Sallie. In heart more I savage and cruel than a wild beast in morality, a Faustina and all this incar- nated in gentle, low-voiced, patrician- mannered beauty. Sirius in Tophet must be like her and that sae was a woman was almost enough to damn the whole sex. She was not restless under his gaze she invited him to take some tea, and, on his maintaining his silence, she poured out another cup for herself, flavoured it, tasted it, and finally, when it suited her, drank it, just as the door opened to admit Garcia. "You know the Count de Lisle, Garcia," said Sallie, in her musical tones. He wishes you to tell him where Olympia Raven is, so that he may go and rescue her. You know the reward he offers-ten million dollars, is it not ? On the other hand, I tall him that unless he agrees to certain very unreasonable conditions of mine I will have the girl killed. The Count has been kind to you. You know whether or not I have been kind. Have you the heart to let that poor innocent girl perish when by a word you can save her, ruin me, and do yourself the highest service ? Tell the Count plainly and relieve his suspense." Garcia turned to the Count and gave him a dark, indifferent look, as if there were in him no instinct of human bro therhood. You had better do as she wishes," he said in a cold tone. She has the power to do what she threatens, and she will carry it out if you defy her." Do you know where Olympia Raven is ?" said the Count. "Yes; I charmed her there. You can never find her. Attempt no such folly. Comply at once, or it will be too late. She cannot survive indefinitely in her present state." What do you mean by that," said the Count, with a nota of horror in his voice." "She has been in the trance from the first," replied Garcia. She is of a delicate organisation, and she is sinking every hour." "You see, my dear Count," said Sallie with a soft laugh, how injudicious you were to distrust me. If you had met me frankly and cordially, all might have been settled by this time. Of course you know that Garcia alone can awaken Olympia irom her trance, and that he has only to refrain from awakening her to cause her death. Are you satisfied ? or is there any other person you would like to see and question ?" What do you want ?" demanded the Count; "I am at your service." "After all, think what are you doing," Sallie said. Why not let the girl die and forget her ? There are many others in the world more beautiful and desirable. Will you, for the sake of this frail creature, who may die next week in any case, put your- self absolutely in the power of your worst enemy ? Think better of it, Count de Lisle." I entreat you to have some mercy The Count de Lisle entreats me for mercy This is a new role, indeed, for him to play," she exclaimed, in mock admira- tion. Did you net tell me half an hour ago that you were a desperate man—with a revolver, too ? And you entreat me—Sallie Matchin-the forger, the murderess, the courtesan who buys men with her favours- you entreat me fov mercy ? Where is your sell-respect, my dear Count ?" Garcia, will you do iioL.Li; Oh, this is too bad exclaimed Sallie. You ought to be protected against your- self You are excited, and don't realize what you are about. I haven't the heart to take advantage of you. Take my advice have me arrested for my crimes I am sure to be convicted, and then you are rid of me forever. Olympus will be dead, but what of that The world will be at your feet. Your path will be clear. There will be no limit to your ambition. Come be a man Say the word Here I am, ready for the scaffold. I could not escape you if I would. Will not the pleasure of witness- ing my agony compensate you for a senti- mental pang or two ?" "That is enough," interposed Garcia, gloomily. "He cannot suffer any more. Get the papers and let him sign them. You have had your amusement." He spoke with an air of authority that gave a new aspect to his mysterious charac- ter. The man seemed to change his indi- I I viduality as easily'as ordinary men change their clothes. Well," said Sallie, with a sigh, what Solomon said is true Though you bray a fool in a morlar, yet will not his folly de- part from him ?' I will get the papers. Meanwhile, do youtcll him the purport of them." She left the room, and Garcia turned to the Count, who sat, white and trembling, in his chair. "You are to be brought back to the station in life from which you rose." said he. "The deeds which you are to sign transfer some property to others. You will execute a paper stating your true name and confessing that you are the murderer of Harry Trent. That will be used against you in case you should attempt to recover what you have surrendered. In other words, your life as well as your fortune will here- after be at the disposal of this woman. Are you content I" If Olympia is-served, I am content," answered the other. "She will be conveyed this afteruoon to some house on Long Island," said Garcia. "You will go there not earlier than five ,o'clock. To-morrow you and she will leave this country, never to return. Your de. parture will be satisfactorily accounted for, Such are the conditions. Do you clearly understand and unreservedly aceept them?" The Count bent his head. Sallie re- entered the room with the papers. They were placed before him, a pen was put in his hand, and he affixed his signature to each document. Words were spoken, but he did not comprehend them. The objects of the material world seemed to flow and dissolve around him with the phantasma- gory of a dream. He was fully conscious of nothing until he found himself standing on the end of a wharf by the river staring into the stream. XX,-D"WING LOTS. At half-past four o'clock Keppel Darke lln was handed on Long Island, and was within a couple of miles of the summer cot ge he had built there. It was Sunday, and the I workmen liad left their work. The house, for that matter, was all but completed ex- cept its interior furnishings. A watchman was appointed to keep guard over it, but I during the daytime his duties were merely nominal; and at that heur he was taking a siesta in his quarters above the stable at the back of the building" Ut,tle expecting that the owner of the premises was so near. It so happened that Darke was now tra- versing the same region through which he had groped his way on that night, three years before, after his escape from the rail- road wreck. The memory now recurred to him, and with it the parallel between his state then and now. The events of the in- termediate period,j^vere to him like a strange story which he had read, and which seemed I true while he was reading it, but which he new recognised as fabulous. This experi- ence, and that other one, were alone real. Now, as then, he was a penniless and help- less fugitive, an outcast from society, with danger dogging his footsteps. Then, as now, a treasure lay before him: but then the treasure was of precious stones and jewels; now it was the woman who loved him, and whom he loved. He had lost the one, but he had gained the other. And as he pushed his way onward he thanked God that the better part was left to him. The suffering that he had undergone since Olympia's disappearance, and especially the agony of the torture to which he had just been subjected, he remembered as a hideous nightmare, or a burning at the stake. But the flames of that fire consumed the baser part of him his heart was purified, and at every step he took it grew lighter and more hopeful. He was now within sight of the house, and he quickened hia pace—seeing, in im- agination, Olympia waiting for him there. How sweet beyond aU thought would their reunion be For her he had surrendered everything had there been more to give he would have given it. And he knew with a blessed certainty that she would love the poor artist as much as and even more than the hundred-fold miUionnaire. They would find their riches in each other, and the treasure of a thousand worlds would be well exchanged for that. Thus thinking he hurried forward, and crossed the lawn, which in a broad expanse surrounded the house. A broad, gravelled drive, sweeping in a semi-circle, led to the veranda and the front entrance. On this he saw the marks of carriage wheels and of horses' hoofs—evidence that Garcia had kept his compact. Yes, Olympia must actu- ally be in the house He realised now the alternative which, hitherto, he had not per- mitted himself to contemplate-that Sallie, after robbing him of all, might have omitted to fulfil her part of the agreement. Had she done this, he would have had no remedy. His joy that this crowning misery had been spared him was so great that he could find it in his heart to bless the enemy who had tormented him as seldom man has been tormented. He sprang lightly on the veranda, and trod it with resounding footsteps. He had thought that Olympia might hear him and come forth to meet him, but she did not ap- pear. No doubt she was too weak for any exertion, and he must moderate the first manifestations of his happiness, lest she be overcome. But his happiness was to last for a lifetime ho could afford to put a curb upon it at the cutset. The door stood wide open. His pulses beat with the buoyancy of boyhood as he crossed the threshold. The staircase was on the left a morning- room on the right. He entered this room. On a divan in the largo bow window some cushions were placed, and upon the cushions, with a shawl thrown over her, lay Olympia. She lay in an easy position, her right cheek resting on her hand. She appeared to be asleep. Grown Weary with waiting for him, she had probably dropped off into a nap. He approached her softly, intending to awaken her with a kiss. tie knelt down beside her and bent over her. Sound, in- deed was her repose. There was no move- ment of her bosom. No breath came be- tween her parted lips. There was no throb- bing in the artery of her white wrist. Her cheeks were very pale. She looked as lovely as a spirit but, in that warm spring air. she was strangely cold. Why was it ? What was it ? Olympia he said softly, awake it is I I" The did not stir. Olympia clamoured a wild voice,rais- ing to a shriek, resounding and echoing through tho empty house. Olympia And then a harsh cry, struggling in the throat—" Olympia But Olympia heard not. She Jay pale and still as before, with her cheek upon her hand. After a while Keppel Darke rose from his knees, another man than when he knelt down. His face was pinched and haggard, but he was now calm. He felt in his pocket and an ejaculation of satisfaction -escaped him as he drew out his revolver. He had feared that, in the bewildetment of the morn- ing, he might have lost it. He examined the weapon it was loaded, every chamber, and in perfect order. He cocked it, and then, bending down once more, kisssed Olympia's face. As he raised himself erect, and placed the muzzle against his temple, he faced the window, and his glance travel- led out across lawn and woodland, bathed in the light of the decling sun—the lovely earth, rejoicing in Spring, which he would never see again. At a distance of a couple of hundred yards the drive passed through a gateway, and was merged in a country road, extending in the direction of the swamp, where lay the bones of Francois Dupont. And just at the turning of the road, half a mile away, was visible an ob- ject that, even at that moment, caused Keppel Darke to stay hifi hand and lower the revolver. The object was a carriage and horses, and beside it stood two figures. The carriage seemed to have met with some accident. Keppel gazed for a few moments with burning eyes. Gradually a terrible smile wrinkled his cheeks. He uncocked the revolver, slipped it back in his pocket, and bounded out of the room. Leaving the house by a door in the rear, and taking advantage of the concealment of the shrubbery, he gained the woodland, and then set off at a swift, leaping run in the direction of the carriage. His course would keep him out of sight of the two persons until he was close upon them. In less than five minutes he was very near. Peering out between the trees, he saw that the forward wheel of the carriage had come off, the pin having given away. Garcia was working to remedy the broken piece, and Sallie, clad in man's clothes, was leaning against the bole of a young oak hard by, with her hands hanging folded in front of her. Her utter unconsciousness of tho eyes that were fixed upon her seemed strange to Keppel; he was half inclined to suspect affectation. To test the matter he drew his revolver, cocked and levelled it. He was an excellent shot; he could hit a I shilling at twenty paces nine times in ten. He took aim at a button on Sallie's coat, just over her heart. Only an imperceptible contraction of his forefinger was needed to send her to another world. She did not change her position, but she spoke to Garcia in an amused tone. "You don't seem as successful a wheelwright, Nanak, as you are in other professions. Let us give it up and walk." "This is my evil day—and yours, also," said he whom she called Nanak. At six o'clock the worse will be passed, but until then" The worst! This has been the happiest and most successful day of my life If I were to die this moment I should die satis- fied. But you and I, my dear Prince, are not going to die just yet, in spite of that broken wheel-pin. You shall boy ijack your kingdom, or intrigue it back H- Be still It has come said the other, rising to his feet as Keppel left his conceal- ment behind the trees and advanced upon them, covering Sallie with his weapon. The suddeness of the apparition, added, perhaps, to other influences, overthrew the woman's habitual self command. She crouched with the instinctive impulse to es- cape, but the muzzle of the revolver fol- lowed her. Stand up said Keppel. Are you afraid to die ?" Why do you do this ?" she demanded, fiercely. "Have I not kept my promise?" "Even her dead body is worth a universe of souls like yours; but you have taken her life, and you must join your sister devils. It is no punishment; but there can be -one for you in this world You shall go l ae- where." I tell yoa she is alive Speak to him, Nanak he will believe you. What does he mean ? She is alive f" "It is the evil hour," said the man, in- differently. "It cannot be averted." He spoke in an abstracted tone, and stood staring on the ground with his arms hang- ing by his side. The evil hour I" he re- peated. "Coward—noi to-help me 1 And you, Keppel Darke coward to kill a defenceless woman Oh, if I had a weapon Give me an equal chance and I will not be the first to cry for mercy." "Yes, it shall be so," said Keppel. "I, too, prefer it. You shall have the chance you think so valuable." Have you another pistol ?" she asked, with fierce, searching eyes. No but yoti shall have your chance at this. We will draw lots for it. Garcia, J pluck two grasses and hold them for us. The one who wins shoots." Garcia complied. There was an ex- pression of weary contempt on his features as he held out the grasses, concealing their length. You cannot avert it," he said to Sallie, as she stood trembling with suspense, now flushed, now white. "J shall win-I will kill you yet, Keppel Darke!" she said between her teeth. Kepple was now as impassive as Garcia. Which gets the pistol—the short grass or the long ?" "The long," said Sallie. "There it lies," rejoined, Keppel, placing the revolver on the turf at her feet. "Now, are you ready ?" Y es- I shall win Draw, then They both drew simultaneously. Sallie won. She threw up her hands with a wild laugh, and then stooped to pick up the weapon. But Garcia had already secured it. Keppel stepped back a pace or two. and stood with his hands clasped behind him. "Give it to me said Sallie; "I will kill him myself. Ah, Keppel Darke-at last!" "You cannot kill him," returned the other, retaining the weapon. "It is you who must die-you and I." Are you mad ? Give me the revolver She tried to snatch it from him. He avoided her movement, and, with a quick turn of the arm, aimed at her heart and fired. She remained orect a moment, her eyes dilating in a stare of rage and amazement. As she sank forward, the wound being almost instantly fatal, the mysterious being who had slain her received her in his arms and, half kneeling, sup- ported her against his shoulder. You Caucasians do not understand love," he said, looking up with a quiet face at Keppel. You do not this woman did not, but she understands now. Hitherto many things have separated us, but henco- forth we shall be together. \Vhy do vou wait here ? Go home to your Olympia. Be happy in your way. The papers you signed are destroyed with this woman. Leave us to ourselves." H You will come with me," said Keppel, sternly. You will answer for SaUie't life, as well as for Olympia's. My revenges and my hopos are both ended." "Olympia is alive," returned the other, quietly. What you mistook for death was only trance. I should have awakened her as soon as we were off your grounds." He paused and waved his arm with a peculiar gesture. She is awake now," he added, and she looks for you. Go to her and leave us to ourselves." Is this the truth ?" cried Keppel. The other made no reply. He passed his arms beneath Sallie's body, and raised has as easily as if she were an infant. The swamp lay on the left of the road, at a dis- tance of thirty yards. Thither, with his burden, the man directed his steps. Kep- pel gazed after him, but did not follow, not divining his purpose. Aa the man approached' the margin of the swamp he clasped the dead body more closely to his breast. He was now partly veiled from Keppel's eyes by the bright green foliage that grew luxuriantly in this spot. The black, still water reflected the warm hues of the afternoon sky. Quickly and with strange agility, the man leaped from one quaking hummock of turf to another, until he was far out in the deepest part of the swamp. One more leap he gave the water splashed upward, and then closed over him and that which he carried. The ripples widened out and died away, and all was as before. Keppel turned toward the house. The level sun shone full upon it and upon a figure standing on the verandah. Olympic was alive. THE AND.

PAID UNION OHAPLAINS. The weekly meeting of the Cardiff Board of Guardians was held on Saturday at the union workhouse, Dr H. J. Paine in the chair. There was a large attendance of Members. The report of the visiting committee on the subject of religious services for the inmates haviDff been read, Alderman Jacobs, in accordance with notice moved the fallowing resolution That it is desirable to appoint a Nonconformist minister as well as a Roman Catholic clergyman to attend to tho'Spiritual needs of the indser paupers of the Cardiff Union Workhouse. On the 20cii June last there were in the botilo 549 inmates, of whom 270 belonged to the Church ot England, 186 were Koman Catbolic, and S2 were Nonconformists. The Roman Catholic clergy, to their credit it must be said, had been most deveted in their ministration! and bad not neglected their poor in the bouse. Of the 186 Roman Catholics in the union duriof tie last fouc Sundays, about 56 had attended service at the church in Canton, leaving some 132 in the bouac- Those were, for the most part, old and decrepit people who were unable to go out, Special provision should be made for these people, and the Board would be quite Just" tied in paying a stipend to a Roman Catholic priest to attend them. It was true the number ot Nonconformists in the house was not large, but it did not remain stationary, and the engagement8 of ministers not enabling them to attend properly to the spiritual needs of the inmates, it was only fair and right that a minister for the Roman Catholic and Nonconformist paupers should be appointed. Mr H. J. THATCHER seconded the motion op the ground that the inmates were entitled to their own chaplain, that the chapel was constructed for different services, and that the discipline of the bouae would be improved by the inmates not going out to Charcb. Mr F. BEAVAN moved as an amendment That this board declines to take any step which may diminish the chances of purely voluntary ministra." tions at the Cardiff workhouse and Ely schools when the present cliaplainey becomes vacant. The Rev L. 13. JONES (Llandougb) seconded the amendment.—In the discussion which ensaed* the Rhv Father Butler, Mr D. T. Alexander. gf S. Evans, Mr U. J. Jackson, and Mr J. RaIDS" dale took part. On a show of bands being takejj there were for the amendment 29 votes and against 4. The amendment was carried as substantive motion.—Mr THATCHER gave notice that he would move at a future meeting that^ small sum be paid to the Roman Catholic priesr who officiated at the workhouse.

THE QUEEN'S VISIT TO SOUTHAMPTON. The Southampton Dock Company's new deep' water dock was inaugurated on Saturday by tbe Queen. Previous to her Majesty's arrival the uock directors entertained about 600 guests to luncheon in the large warehouse adjoining new dock. A special train from Loudon arriv?^ shortly after midday, bringing a large and dlS' tinguished company. Her Majesty, on board tb* Royal yacht Alberta, and attended by tbe Roy9 yacht Elfin, arrived at 4.45 p.m. The Albertd broke the ribbon on entering the dock, and steamed alongside. The guard of honour, com* posad of detachments of Royal Marino Iii(jb* Infantry, presented arms, the band playing National Anthem. The chairman and director* of the dock company proceeded on board Royal yacht, and wer« received by her M»jestf« to whom they presented an address. Her Majesty also received the mayor, tbe sheriff, and to#*1 clerk, who presented an address. Tbe Que^i1 then declared the new dock, Empress," opened' and-returned to Osborne.

[NOW FIRST PUBLTSHHD.] A MINT OF MONEY; Or, NORMAN GARTRAM'3 HEIR, .< BY GEO. MAJSVILLE FENN, Author of The Master of the Ceremonies," "Black Blood, or, the Lass that Loved a boldier," tiard to Win," &c. [ALL RIGHTS RESERVED,] CHAPTER I.—F_RT OF THE GARRISON. ♦'Hullo Claude going for a walk ?" "Yes, papa." "Alane ?" "No Mary is going with me." Humph If you were as giddy as Mary i'a_I'd—" Whitt, papa Don't know something bad. But, Claude, my girJ." Yes, dear." Why the dickens don't you dress better ? Look at you." The girl admonished turned merrily round, and stood facing an old bevelled glass cabinet in the solid-looking, well-furnished library, and saw her reflection, one which for some reason made her colour slightly perhaps with pleasure at seeing her hand- some oval face, with soft, deep brown hair, and large, dark, well-shaded eyes—a face that needed no more display to set it off than the plain green cloth, well-htting dress, held at the throat by a dead gold^ brooch of Roman make. Well, papa," she said, as she altered the sit of her natty, flat-brimmed straw hat, 44 what is the matter with my dress ?' The big-headed, grey-haired man addressed gave his stiff, wavy locks an impatient rub, wrinkled his broad forehead, and then smiled in a happy, satisfied way, his dark grey eyes lighting up, and his smile driving away the hard severe look which generally rested lowering upon his brow. "Oh, there," he said, drawing the girl on to h\8 knee and kissing her, I don't under- stand such things but your dress seems too Common and plain." IV But one can't wear silks and satins and muslins to scramble among the rocks and go up the glen." Well, there, don't bother me. But dress better. If you want more money you can have it. You ought to take the lead here, and there were ladies on some of the yachts and on the pier yesterday, who quite left you behind. Yea What is it ?" "Isaac Woodham from the quarry, sir, would like to see you,' said a servant. Confound Isaac Woodham Send him here. The servant retired, leaving his master muttering. Wants to spend money in some con- founded new machinery or something. I wade all my money without machinery, Clau,le, and these confounded people want to waste it with their new fangled plans." But papa dear, do speak more gently to them." What let them be masters and eat me out of house? Not susrh a fool." Put, papa- Hold your tongue, weak little goose. You don't know them, T do. They must be ruled-ruled. There, be off, and get your walk. Seen Mr Glyddyr to-day ?" The girl flushed scarlet. Hallo, pussy that brings the colour to your cheeks! No papa, indeed—I—" "Yes, I know I say, Claudie, fine hand- some feilow, eh? Bit too pale for a yachts- man. Bur, what a yacht Do you know how he. came in for three hundred and fifty thousand when his father died ?" ''Indeed, papa,* said the girl, carelessly. Yes. Old Glyddyr was not like your grandfather, confound him." "Papa!' "COTI—found him Didn't I speak plain. Glyddyr left his boys a slate quarry in Wales for the eldest, and three hundred and fifty for i4 younger. Parry's the younger, ,h 1 Nice fortune for a handsome young yachts- man, Ciaudie. There, go and have your walk md keep Mary out of mischief.- %N' ell ?" This was to a hard, heavy-looking man in working clothes, covered with earth stains ind stone dust, who was ushered into the room and who, ignoring the speaker's presence, stood bowing awkwardly, cap in hand, and changing it from right to left and back. Quite w thank ye, miss, and sent her dooty to you. I'm very glad, Woodham. Remembat me kindly to Sarah, and tell her I shall call at the cottage soon." Yes, yes," said the old man, im- patiently, following his daughter to the door. Goon now. I have business with Woodham. Don't be so familiar with the work people," he whispered as he closed the door after the girl who ran lightly to the foot of the great carved oak staircase to call out merrily Not ready, Mary V' "Yes, coming, coming, coming," and a quaint, mischievous-looking little body clime tripping down the stairs, halting slightly as if from some form of lameness which her activity partly concealed. But no effort or trick of dress could hide the fact that she was deformed, stunted in proportion, and with her head testing closely between her shoulders, which she had a habit of shrugging impatiently when addressed. H Oh, do make haate, Mary, or we shall have no time whatever before lunch. "Yea, I know. You've seen him go by." "For "harne, Mary said Claude, flush- ing. "You are always thinking of such things. It is not true." Yes it is and I don't think more of such things than you do. Oh, 'tis love, 'tis love, 'tis love that makes the world go round, she sang ill a singularly aivR.-t, thriving aoprano voice, her pretty but thin keen face lighting up with a malicious smile. But the old song was checked by Claude's hand being clapped sharpiy over her mouth. "Be quiet, and come aloug. Papa will hear yuu," Wei!, I dare say he wants to see his darling married. Take away your hand or I'll bite it." You're in one of your mocking moods this iic)ri): ii Mary, and you really make me hate you." "Don't tell fibs," said the deformed girl, throwing her arms lovingly about her com- panion. "You couldn't hate anybod., you peautiful pet and why shouldn't you have a true, handsome lover ?" v Ah, Mary, you are insufferablo. You think of nothing else but lovers." Well, why not, Clauclie T' said the girl, with a sigh and a peculiarly pinched look coming about her mouth, as her clear white forehead wrinkled up, and her fine eyes seemed full of trouble. "One always long* for the unattainable. Nobody will ever love me, so why shouldn't I enjoy seeing some- body love you ?" "Mary, darling, I love you dearly." "Yes, pet, like the dearest, sweetest old sister that ever was. You worship poor old humpty dumpty." D')fi't ridicule yourself and your acci- dent, Mary dear." Why not ? But I meant no nice, hand- some Christopher Lisle will ever want. to look in my eyes and say— "Will you be quiet, Mary. "Why will you be al>»ayf* bringing up Mr Christopher Lisle 1 I .is over tease you about Mr Guillick." Because—because—because—" She did not finish her speech, but burst out intr. a loud ringing lau«?h, full of teas- ing, malicious mirth, till she saw Claude's flushed face, and the-: she stopped short. Th/ure, I'7 Jon.. Which way shall we 1° 1 I don't care. I feel as if I'd rather stay it home ii-,w." "Fa, no I won't tease. Shall sve go as r as the town ?" "0. Anywhere you like," "Say somewhere." M Not 1. You'll only fease JD. and say I I had some reason. I'll go where you like." Then you shall, dear. We'll go up the east glen to the fall, and then cross over the hill and come back by the west glen, and you shall tease me about Mr Gullick as much as you like." Very well. I don't want to tease you about Mr Gullick." T n Mary made a grimace as she looked side- wise at herself, but she coloured a little, and I' was silent for a time. They were already some hundred yards from the great grey granite mansion, which stood up on a bold bluff of cliff, built within the past thirty years, and by the fancy of its architect made to resemble a stronghold of the Norman times, with its battlements, tower, frowning gateway, moat and draw- bridge crossing the deep channel, kept well filled by a spring far up in one of the glens at the back, while the front of the solid-look- ing, impregnable edifice frowned down upon the glittering sea. ".See how grand Castle Dangerous looks from here," said Mary Dillon, as they were about to turn up the glen. "Don't you often feel as if we were two forlorn maidens —I mean," she added, "a forlorn maiden- and-a-half—shut up in that terrible place, waiting for a gallant knig'nt-and-a-half to ome down and rescue us from the clutches cof ogre-like Uncle Gartram." Mary, darling," said Claude, affection- ately, lc if you knew how you hurt me you would cease your mocking allusions to your affliction." Then I will not hurt you any more, pet. But I am such a sight." No you are not. You have when in repose the sweetest, cleverest face I ever saw." Let's be in repose, then." And you know you are brilliant in in- tellect where I am stupid." "Oh if I could be as stupid And you have the sweetest voice possible. See what gifts these are." Oh, yes, I suppose so, Ciaudie, but I don't care for them a bit-not a millionth part as much as having your love. There, don't let's talk nonsense. Come along." She hurried her companion over a bridge and toward a path roughly made beside the babbling stream which supplied the moat at the Fort, and then in and out among the rocks, and beneath the pensile birches which shed a dappled shade over the path, while every here and there great clumps of fuchsias and hydrangeas shewed the moist warmth of the sheltered nook. They walked quickly, Claude urged on by her companion, who climbed the steep path with the agility of a goat, till they reached a fall where the water came tumbling over the hoary weather-stained rocks, and the path forked track going over the stream behind the fall and the other becoming a rough stairway right up the side of the glen. "Hadn't we better go this way?" said Claude, timidly, indicating the route to the left. No too far round," said Mary, peremp- torily. "Comr along," and she began to skip from rock to rock and rough step to step, up the side of the glen, Claude following her with more effort tiil they reacned the rugged top of the cliff, and continued their walk onward among heather bloom, and patches of beautifully fine grass, witivhere and there broken spots where the wild thyme made the air fragrant with its scent. This is ten times as nice as going through the woods," cried Mary. You seem to get such delicious puffs of the sea breeze. Vorwarts She hurried her companion on for about a mile, when the track turned sharply off to the right, and a steep descent led them to the banks of another stream which was gradually converging towards the one they had left, so that the two nearly joined where they swept down a rocky channel into the sea. This is ten times as good a way, Claudie. I always think it is the prettiest walk we have. Look what a colour the tir trees are turning, with those pale green tassels at the tips and how beautiful those patches of gorse are. I wish one could get such a colour in paintings." She chatted on merrily as they descended the stream, with its many turns and zigzags, through the deep cha3m along which it ran, and whenever Claude seemed disposed to speak, Mary always had some familiar ob- ject to which she could draw her companion's attention. In fact, it seemed as if she would not give her time to think, as she noted that a quick, nervous look was directed it the stream trom time to time. A stranger might have thought Claude was nervous about the risks of the path as it went round some pool, with the rocks com- ing down perpendicularly to the deep, dark water. Or that she was in dread of encountering graver difficulties in the lonely ravine, whose almost perpen-v dicular sides were clothed witli growth of a hundred tints. Far beneath them, flashing, foaming, and hurrying on with a deep mur- muring sound, ran the little river, from rapid to fall and from fall to deep, dark, sluggish-iooking hole while in places the trees, which had contrived to get a footing in some crevice of the rock, overhung the river, and threw the water beneath into the deepest shade. They reached at length a more open part, where the sun shone down brightly, and their way lay through a patch of moss-grown hazel stubbs, which after a few steps made a complete screen from the sun's rays, and they walked over a verdant carpet which silenced every footfall. We shall have plenty of time," said Mary, as they reached the further edge of the hazel clump, and we may as well sit down on the rocks and read." No, not here," said Claude, hastily. Then in an agitated whisper, as a peculiar whizzing noise was heard, Oh, Mary, this is too cruel. Why have you brought me here Because it was not considered good for Adam to live alone in Paradise. There's poor Adam, alone and disconsolate, fishing to pass time away. Paradise in the glen is very pretty but dull. Enter Eve. Now, Claude, dear, show yourself worthy of the name of woman. Go on CHAPTER II.—THINGS GO CROOKED. I Norman Gartram returned to his seat, and there looking rigid and scowling as he gazed fiercely at the workman. Well he said sharply. D<.n't believe she can be his bairn," said the workman to himself as he returned his employer's angry stare. "I said Well! "I heard you, master. Needn't shout." What do you want ? Come about the big block at the corner. Time it was blasted down." "Then blast it down; and how many more times am I to tell you to say sir to mei" You're my master and pay me my wages, and I earn it honest. That's all there is between us, for the Lord made all men equal and-" Look here, Isaac Woodham, once for all, I will not have any of your little Bethel cant in my presence. Now about this block; let it be deeply tamped and the powder put well home." I'm going to blast it down with dinnv- raite. The elder man Rushed up scarlet, and the veins in his forehead swelled up into knotted network. Once for all he thundered. There, don't get in a way, master," said the man coolly. If you go on like that I you'll be having another fit, and I'm ure you oughtn't to cut short euch a life as yours. Isaac Woodham, one of these days you'll tempt me to knock you down. Inso- lent brute! And now, look here, I've told you before that I would not have dynamite used in my quarry. I'll have my work done as it alwaya has been done-with powder. The first man who uses a charge of that cursed stuff, I'll discharge." It's better, and does it's work cleaner, grumbled the man, sullenly; and he gave his superior a morose look from under his shaggy brows. ,,y I don't care if it's a hundred times better. Go and blast the block down with powder, as it always has been done. I want my men and there's no trusting that other stuff, or they're not fit to be trusted with it. Now go, and don't come here again without being summoned." Too grand for the likes of me, eh, Master Gartraoa ?" Will you have the goodness to recoliect that you are speaking to a gentleman, sir." "I'm speaking to another man, I being a man," said Woodham, sturdily. "I don't know nothing about no gentlemen. I'm speaking to Norman Gartram, quarry owner, who lives here in riches and idleness upon what we poor slaves have made for him by the sweat of our brows." "What does this mean?" cried the old man. "Have you turned Socialist?" "I've have turned nowt. But as a Chris- tian man I warn you, Norman Gartram, that for all your fine house and your bags of money, and company and purple and fine linen, 'the Lord gave, and the Lord taketh away.' You "There, I'm going to do my work honest, Master, and earii my wages." "And blast that granite down with pow- der, sir." "I know my work," grumbled the man, and he backed out of the room without an- other word. Norman Gartram-the King of the Castle, as he was called, at Danmouth—stood listen- ing to the man's footsteps, at first heavy and dull as they passed over the carpet, and then with his face still flushed he laid his hand gently on his temples. A little hot," he muttered. "A fit ? Enough to give any man a fit to be spoken to like that by the canting scum. They're spoiled, that's what it is-spoiled. Claude is always fooling and petting them, and the more there is done for them the worse they work, and the more exacting they grow. I believe they think one s capital is to be sunk solely to benefit them. What the deuce do you want now ?" This to the servant, who had timidly opened the door. 1 beg your pardon, sir." If it's someone from the quarry, tell him I'm engaged." "Mr Glyddyr, sir." "Why didn t you say so before? Where is he ?" In the drawing-room, sir.* Norman Gartram leaped quickly from his chair, hurriedly crossed the room, stepped out of the window on to the granite paving, which did duty1 iill-hi,4 garden for a gravel walk, carefully closed the French casement, and locked it with a &mall pass key he carried in his pocket, and walked round to the verandah in front of the house, entering by the French window of the drawing-room, where a tall handsome man of about thirty was leaning against a table, apparently admiring the brown leather shoes which formed part of his yachting costume. Ah, Mr Glyddyr, glad to see you. Kept your word, then 1" Oh, yes I always do that," said the visitor, shaking hands warmly. Not come at an inconvenient time, have I—not too busy '<" Never too busy to see friends," said Gartram. Sit down, sit down." Miss Gartram none the worse for her visit to the yacht ?" Oh, by no means. Enjoyed it thoroughly. I could see that little Miss Dillon did, but I thought Miss Gartram seemed rather bored. Oh, dear no nothing of the kind but you'll have something ?" "Eh? No, thanks. I'oo early." A cigar?" Cigar ? Ah, come, I can't refuse that." c "Come in my room then. Obliged to obey the female tyranny of my household, Mr Glyddyr. I'm supposed to be master, but woman rules, sir, woman rules. My daughter does what she pleases with me." Happy man." « Eh I say happy man, sir, to be ruled by such a queen." Norman Gartram gave him a keen look. I Don't pay compliments, sir. Society compliments. We are out of all society. I've kept my daughter out of it. Only a tradesman. Lord Gartrarn's brother a tradesman, air ?" Yes, why not ? Why shouldn't he be ? My father left my brother and me with a few hundred pounds apiec.e and the prestige of being a nobleman's son, sir. I had to consider ^diat I should do—loaf about through drawing-rooms as a beggarly aristo- crat always in debt till I could cajole a rich woman into making me her poodle or take off my coat and go to work like a man. Be a contemptible hanger-on, too poor to dress well, or a sturdy hardy workingman." And your choice, sir ? said the visitor, enquiring for what he knew by heart. The latter, sir. I bit my nails down to the quick till I had an idea-sitting out on this very coast. I was yonder smoking a bad cigar whieh my brother had given me. I couldn't afford to buy cigars, neither could he, but he bought them all the same. I sat smoking that cigar and thought out what I was sitting upon—granite, and went back to the hotel where we were staying, and told my brother what I thought out. He called me a fool, and went his way. I, being a fool, went mine." Yes, sir 2" My brother," said Gartram, married a shrewish elderly woman with some money, I spent all I had in buying a few acres of the cliff land by the side of this coast. Brother Fred said I must be mad. Perhaps I am but my cliff quarry has supplied granite for some of the finest buildings in England it has made me a rich man, while my Lord Gartram has to ask his wife for every shilling he wants to spend—when he does not ask me. But here, come along, I never know when to stop if I begin talking about myself- This way." He led the visitor into his study, unlocked an oaken door in the wall with a bright key, and it swung open heavily, showing that the closet .was formed of the same glittering stone. Curious place to keep cigars, eh ? All granite, sir. I believe in granite. Take one of these," he continued, as he carelessly placed a coutpie of cedar boxes on the table. Light up. i'il .have one, too. Bad habit at this time in the morning, but can't be always at wo-ft, eh 1" No, air 'd you work too hard, if report is correct." "Hang report," said the old man, taking a cigar, throwing himself back in the chair, and gazing at his visitor through his half- closed eyeth-. That a good one I" Delicious," said tho visitor laconically, and there was silence. What do you think of my place, eh ? Solid. Quite stand a siege." I meant it to, air. There isn't a spot where I sould use granite instead of wood that it is not used. Granite arches instead I of beams everywhere. When I have my gate locked at night, I can laugh at aU .-the burglars in Christendom." "Yes, I should think you are pretty safe here." There was another pause, broken by Gartram saying suddenly, in a loud, sharp voice: "Well?" The visitor was a cool man-abont-town, bnt the query was so sudden and unexpected that he started. Well, Mr Gartram Why did you come this morning V You asked me to look in-a. friendly call." Won't do. If you had meant a friendly call, you would have come in the afternoon. You don't want to borrow money y Good heavens, sir I No." "Then out with it, lad. You are not a boy, now. I am an old man of the world, speak out frankly, and let's get it done." You guess the object of my visit, then, sir ?" "No; I can feel it. Besides, Pm not blind." Parry Glyddyr looked at his host with a half-amused, half-vexed expression of coun- tenance. "No," he said thoughtfully, in reference to Gartram's last remaric, I suppose not, sir. Well, it is an awkward thing to do, and I may as well get it over. I will be frank." "Best way, sir, if you wish to get on-with me." Glyddyr cleared his throat, became deeply interested in the ash of his cigar and lolled back in his easy chair quite conscious of the fact that his host was scanning him intently. I can sail my yacht as well as the master, Mr Gartram I have a good seat in the hunting field and don't funk my hedges I am a dead shoe you know I can throw a fly, and am not a bad judge of a horse but over a talk like this I am a mere faltering boy." Glad to hear it, sir and hope it-is your first essay. GQ on." Well, I came here nine mcnths ago, to repair damages after a storm, and you did me several pleasant little services." Never mind them." "I came again at the end of another three mouths in fine weather." And you have been here several times since. Go on." Yes, sir," said Glyddyr, smiting, but are all fathers like you ?" No," said Gartram, with a hoarse laugh," "I am the only one of my kind. There, we have had enough preamble, Parry Glyddyr. Out with it.' "I will, sir. You say you are not blind. You know, then, that I was deeply impressed by Miss Gartram the first time we met. I treated it as a tem- porary fancy, but the feeling has grown upon me, till I can only think of doing one thing, coming to you as a gentleman, telling you frankly I Jove Miss Gartram, and asking your permission to visit here regularly as her accepted suitor. « What does Claude say to this?' "Miss Gartram," said Glyddyr, raising his eyebrows, and removing the grey ash from the end of his cigar. Nothing srr. How could I be other than the ordinary acquaintance without your sanction ?" "Quite right," said Grantram, looking at him searchingly, "how, indeed?" and. he remained gazing at the unshrinking cou nte- nance before him, full of candour and sur- pnse at his ignorance of etiquette till, he covered his own eyes. "Then Claude knows nothing of tbi?. 7" "I hope and believe, sir. that she k.Tiows a great deal, but not from my lips. Women, I believe, are very quick in knowing when they are admired." "Humph 1 And you like my daughter, Mr Glyddyr?" said Gartram, exhaling a huge cioud of smoke. 1 love Miss Gartram very dearlj-, sir," said the visitor frankly—" so well tha.t I dare net even think of the consequencos of a refusal." Broken, heart, suicide, and that sort of thing, eh ?" "I hope I should never make a. fool of myself, Mr Gartram," said Giyddj^ coldly. "So do I. Now look here, sic. I gave up society to become a business mnn-slave driver; some people politely call but as a tradesman 1 have been so tricJred and swindled by everybody, even my banker, that I have grown suspicious "I don't wonder, sir. Without g,oing into trade a man has to keep his eyes open to the rascality of the world." 'tes/ said Gartram, scanning the speaker keenly still. "Then now, sir, 1E:.t me ask you a question ?" By all means as many as you like." Then pray, sir, is my daughter had been a penniless girl would you have felt this deep admiration for her ? Mr (iartram said Glyddyr haughtily, as he flushed deeply and rose from his chair. Bah!" he added, after a pause, and he let himself sink back and smoked heavily for a few moments. Stupid to be 30 put out. Quite a natural question. Really, sir," he said, smiling, and looking ingenuously in the old man's face, fate has beon so kind to me over money matters, that fortune hunting has not been one of my pursuits. In round numbers, my father left me three hundred thousand pounds. Gol den armour, sir, againt the arrow of poverty, and such as turns aside so fierce a stab as thiat of yours. Has Miss Gartram any money ? "Humph I I have," said the old man, roughly. "If she has, so much the better," con- tinued Glyddyr, smoking <silmly, and evidently thoroughly enjoying the cigar. A lady with a private purse of her own no doubt occupies a more happy :Mid indepen- dent position than one who appeals to her husband for all she wants. sorry that our conversation has taken this turn, Mr Gartram," he added stiffly. net, Glyddyr. It hasa shown you up in another light, Well, vchat do you want me to say ?" To say, sir 1" cried the; young man, eagerly. Yes. There I don't think I need say anything. Yes, I do. I donftlike the idea of Claude marrying anyone, put; nature is nature. I shall be carried off some day by a fit, I suppose, and when I am I believe, slave driver as I am, and oppress or of the poor, as they call me, for makirg .Danmouth a prosperous place and paying thousands a year in wages, I should rest morei comfort- ably if I knew my child was masked to the man she loved," Mr Gartram." I haven't done, Glyddyr." Thera was a pause, during which the old man seemed to look his visitor through and through. Then he held out his iand with a quick sharp movement. Yea," he said, 1 like you, my lad. I always did. You think too much of sport but you'll weary of that, and your whole thoughts will be of the best and truest girl that ever lived." Then you consent, Mr Gartram ?" cried Glyddyr with animation. No. I consent to nothing. You've got to win her first.. I give you my leave, though, to win if you can, a.nd if you do marry her, well I daresay I can afford to buy her outfit—trousseau—what you may call it." Mr Gartram-" "That will do. Be cool. You haven't won her yet, my lad." I may speak to her at once 1" "If you like; but my advice is—don't. Lead up to it gently—make sure of her before you speak. There, I'm a busy man, and I've got to go up the east river to look at a' vein of stone which crops up there. Take another cigar and walk with. me if you like." I will, sir. Try one of mine." Yes," said Gartram, laconically, and as they went out into the hall, he purposely picked out his worst hat from the stand and put it on. Old chap wants to make me S'hy at him, and show that I don't like walking through the town with that hat. Got "hold of the wrong pig by the ear, said Glyddyr to him- I self. I They walked along the granite terrace with its crenellated parapet and row of imitation I guns, laboriously chipped out of the granite, and then out through the gateway, and over > the moat, and descended to the village, j reaching the path leading to the east glen, j and were soon walking beside the rushing salmon river, with Gartram pointing out great veins of good granite as it cropped out; of the side of the great ravine. Hang his confounded stone F" Glyddyr to himself, after he had made several attempts to change the jdrift j:.of thai conversation. J Fine bit of stuff that, sir,said his J companion, pointing acmes the river with his heavy stick, I believe I could cut a monolith twenty feet lo Dg out of that rock, but the brutes won't let me have it. My solicitor, Gullick, has fibught for it hard, but they stick to it, anotmoney won't tempt them. I believe that "was the beginning of. my sleeplessness-insomnia, as Asher calls it" "Asher ?" Yeg, our doctor. You must knowhim!! Pleasant, smooth-spoken fellow in black." Oh yes, of course." Worried me a deal that did." And you suffer Irom insomnia V "Horribly. Ke^p something to exercise the demon thouglx," he said laughingly, taking a smati bottle from his pocket. "Chloral." A "Dangerous stutfsir, Take it cautiously." I take it as my medical man advises," That is right; Of course I remember Doctor Asher, and, that other young friend of yours-the naturalist and salmon fisher- man, and— "Oh, Lisle. Yaes, Sort cf ward of mine. I am his trustee." Quite an old ^friend, then, sir." Yes and—eh ? said the old man laughingly, "Why, Glyddyr, I can read you like a book. la rthere, or has there ever been anything between Claude and Chris- topher Lisle ? I Bhuld think not, indeed. Rubbish, man,: rubbish and — They had just turned one of the rugged corners of th?a glen, and there before them in the distance was Chris. Lisle helping Claude to cSutch ntfisli. His words, of course, inaudible but his actions sufficiently demon- strative to make Parry Glyddyr press his teeth hardly together, and the owner of the granite castie grip his stick, and swear. {To hi continued.)

EI&T £ DDVQD AT [vllUFORO HAVEN. An eitffeddvod was held at MilfordHaYec, on Thursday. The weather was all that could be desired,-and a largo number of persons availed themsebres of the opp irtunity thus afforded them of viaitrag the far-tamed haven. The proceedings is a spacious pavilion kindly placed at the disposal >of tba committee by the Milfoid Docks Company. The attendance at tha UloniLllg meeting was below what might have anticipated. The conductor was Mr W, S. Jenkins, of Scleddy, Fishguard. The adjudica- tors ^rsre:—Music: Eos Morlais and Mr It. C. Jenb^ns. Poem Kfv W. Lilestono. Recita- tion, and speeches: Ksv D. Winter Morris. Art studies: Miss Thomas. Accompanists Misa Wiziifred Bamkin and Mr Fred D. Williams.—■ Tlxschair was occupied by Dr Griffiths, who, io. o?«4iiuj5 the proceeding, said hQ extrcmoly re- -grc.tted that the president (Alderman Mayne, Mi-P.) would not be able to attend. The first, event on the programme wail a piano- fa cte solo, "Andante and Rondo Capriccioso (Mendelssohn). The prize Waq awarded to tb. e oly competitor, Miss Winifred Bamkin. Glee, There is beauty on the mountain" 1 (Gross), for parties of 16 to 20 (unaccompanied). 'Two entries, Maenclocbog and Mrlford prize, £3. E 's Morlais, in adjudicating; upon this com- pytitu'n, said the singing of tha Milford Choir was very good. The balance of voices was better, and they were of superior quality to those of tha 'Maenclochog Choir. The cadences were also done exceedingly clean and artistically. Ha had no hesitation in awarding the prize to the Mdford Choir, by Mr E. H. Jones. (Applause.) Adjudication on the poem, "A Pembrokeshire Story." There were two competitors. The prize was awarded to (Ambition) Miss Laura Thomas, Milford Haven. Duet (T and B), How Sleep the Bravo (Gwent). Only one couple competed, namely, Ddulais (Mr W. H. Lewis and Mr S. J. W. Williams), both of St. David's. The adjudica- tors did not consider the singing in this competi- tion of sufficient merit, and awarded only half the pr zo, namely 10s. Serenade, "ListeD, Lovely Maid" (Evans), for parties of 16 to 20 male voices, unaccompanied. Two entries, Mueuclochog and Milford. The former choir withdrew at the last moment, thus leaving the Milford Choir tbe only competitor.— Eos Morlais, in adjudicating, said he again re- gretted the absence of any competition. He also regretted being unable to give much praise to the p.irty that had takeu (Jart. Justice would be aifit by awarding two-thirds of the priz", namely, £2. Contraico Solo, "Glory to Thee, my God, this night" (Gounod). This event; brought out two o JmpeLÎtol8, Miss Watts Williams, St. David's, and M as Maggie Bovuns, Eishguard. The prize was awarded to Mixa Bavans, the adjudicators remarking upon tha extreme sweetness of the lu,xIJ8sfullady', voice. Soprano Soio, With Verdure Clad (H;*ydn). Two competitors. The pnza was awarded to Miss Watts Williams, St. David's. Chorum, H*d Bright Abode (Wagnor), for chorus of 25 to 40, with or without pianoforte aud organ acconip.inimcnt. Two entries, Milford and Llanelly; priz, £7 10s. The last-nam^l choir did not put iu an appearance, and tbe pi ai was awarded to the Milford Choir, led by Mr E. H. Jones. Impromptu Speech prizi 2) M. The prize was awarded to IVf r George John, Milford Haven, the only competitor. AFTERNOON MEETING. The proceedings in connection with the after- noon meeting commenced at 3.15. The chair was occupied by Mr W. Davies, M.P., who was accompanied on the platform by Mrs Davies. Duet.—(S. and A.) We are two roving minstr»ls (J. Parry) prize £1. This event brought out three competitors, and tho prizo, after a closely contested competition, went to the Misses Watts-Williams, St Davids. Quartette (unaccompanied). — Good night beloved (Piusuti), prize £1 10s, Two competi- tors. The prize was awarded to the Misses Watts-Williams and Messrs W. H. Lewis and S. J. Williams, St David's. Bass Solo.—li Now Heaven in fullest illory" (Haydn), prize 15<. Three competitors. The pnzi was awarded to Mr Willy Williams, Llan- otephan. A prizo of 7s 6d for the best water colour paint- was awarded to Miss Elleu McJones, of Aberdeen. Sight Singing Competition.—Three Competi- tors. The prize was awarded to Mr John Thomas, Milford Haven. Tenor solo, If with all your hearts (Men- deiegohn), prize 15s; divided between Mr F. B. Tombs,'Pembroke, and Mr S. J. Watts Williams, St David's. Chief competition, Worthy is the Lamb' (Handel), for choirs of 50 to 70, with or without piano or organ accowpanin¡éut. This was the chief event on the programme, and the intense manifested in the result was exceedingly keen. There were three competitors, namely^1 Haver. fordwest, Maencloohog, and Milford choir. The prize was awarded to the Haverfordwest choir, led by the Rev J. Evans second prize to tbo Maenclochog choir. The baton for the best conductor was won. by E. H. J-ones, leader of the Milford choir. Tbe adjudications were received with loud and prolonged cheering.

A MISTAKE. MACDB What a distinguished-looking 0 gentleman. He must be a poet. UIANOHI Or an artist. DISTINGUISHED STBANGEB Will you try Horn blower's Imperial Cough [ coughs, colds, headache, neuralgia.