The Cardiff Times

The special committee of the City Corporation appointed to deal with all questions relating to the Eoyal Commission on the Port of London has issued a preliminary report, advocating the imposition of tonnage and harbour dues, various improvements in the rivar and docks, and the creation of a new authority with extensive I nowers.

Complete Story. (All Rights Reserved ) A LUCKY ESCAPE. BY OLIVE R. FENN. (Author1 of A Far Away Memory," cfec.) It had. been a.stiff morning's fight. The dum- dums had worked deadly way with the Baggara horsemen, but yet a good many English went to the last account too. Estcourt recalled being struck down, and then a curtain fell. The next thing he realised wa,s curious in the extreme. He was being lifted up he heard someone say, He is alive." Then he was put on a horse in front of a rider, and a long march began. The hot day, the scene, the desert—all that seemed to go by like a. mist his head swam. It was not till the cool of the evening, when there was a halt, and he and his companion in mis- fortune, Sergeant Brooke, were placed in a hut, that complete consciousness returned. He saw too that though his own case might be bad that of the Sergeant was immeasurably worse the non-commissioned officer lay there looking up at the roof. He will die," he thought. When a man in authority looked in and asked in guttural French if hp was well, Estcourt en- tered a protest on behalf of his fellow-prisoner. Do something for him," he said. The man shrugged his shoulders. Mais il va mourir. Qu'il meure done," was the brutal reply, and he swaggered out of the hut. The Sergeant was in a delirium a :few hours later, imagining himself fighting. Estcourt watched over him. Whon morning came he ap- peared appreciably better. He was afraid that they |would separate them, but though several guards came into the hut at about mid-day they went again without doing more than glance at the fetters which had been fastened on the prisoners';wrists and ankles. In the afternoon Eastcourt her his name called. The Sergeant was lucid, :,but was nearing the end. I am lost," he said feebly I am lost. Estcourt, give me your hand. Yon have much to wish me ill for." But I don't with you ill. All that is for- gotten. Bygones are bygones for ever." Thanks. What fools we were. How we miss our chances here! Good-bye." The Sergeant's head fell back. He was dead. tEstcourt laid a cloth ^'over the face, and called j the sentry who was outside. What is it ? he said. You see my friend he is dead." The man made a gesture and went out, and a few hours afterwards the body was taken away and buried. Later in the day the man who -spoke French appeared again. Will you join us ? he said. Estcourt indignantly refused. "You had better reconsider that," said the man. I., You would have a post of confidence. You would be at the door of the master." I have considered," he replied. You will not join us ? I will not join you." You will at least give your parole." I will not." Triple fool You cannot escape, and such conduct, such obstinacy, will make your treat- ment more severe." All the same I am determined. I shall not change." Then you have but yourself to blame for what may occur." He J'gave an impatient shrug of the shoulders and walked out abruptly into the blinding white sunlight which looked so dazzling, so curiously brillÜmtAviewed gfsom the shadow of the dark hut. Hours went by he forgot that the Ser- geant was dead, that now he might try to escape, that nothing withheld him. "And yet, "he thought, need I have con- sidered him ? He made the poor chaps' lives wretched." Then he fell to thinking about why he, an Oxford man, had enlisted—a quarrel at home, a fit of pique. Perhaps all that would be forgiven now. It was all very strange. A feeling of indiffei- ence came upon him. It did not much signify, after all, and the past, the old life, the boating party, the piano at night, the remembered words of a song. Poor Jim! How I envied him t" all the old "dreams of a vanished summer, with a scene in a lilac-scented garden and an early morning departure before the break of day, with the life in later days, the canteen, the excite- ment of a military fete at the Victoria Barracks, Windsor—all that came back in a quaint misty way. What would they be doing in London just then? And as he lay there thinking of the old days and listening to the sounds of the night, the purring flight of a moth, the drowsy chunter of a camel, the confused medley of soft cries and movements, it seemed as if ho was being intro- duced in a dream to ia consecutive conversation. It was conducted in that curious chop-stick French he had heard before. The man who had spoken to him in the after- noon was outside speaking once more. Who was he ? Not a Frenchman, although he spoke a little French—Frenchmen did not act like that. Not a Spaniard, despite a soft exclamation in the language of Cervantes, a Dios!" in velvety tones. No, he must be a human compound, a poly- glot party, one of the men who have a little of the worst of every southern nation, the born ad- venturers on the great routes of the world. And he went on talking but unfortunately it was mostly in the native tongue—only a few words of which Estcourt could understand. So far as his chains would allow him he got up and listened. He made out such words as sur- prise'—"will end it all"—"to-morrow"— and he gathered from it that an attack was to be made. But then that meant that the English were clooO by. The voices ceased, and all was silent again. Then the English were near—near to El Farz —and they were ignorant of the presence of the enemy. They might be defeated, annihilated absolutely. They ought to be warned. But how? He rose to his feet. Alas! How could he warn his countrymen ? He was fastened by the ankles to a ring "bolt in the floor, and his hands were manacled he sat down again, and felt the ring, and then rubbed it with the chain which fastened his hands. Then he stopped suddenly, for the noise he had made frightened him. A fihadow seemed to flit across the open doorway of the hut. And out there in the mysteries of the night everything was happening, out there across the vast desert, in other lands, on the great sea! Yet rubbing the bolt would do no good. "It would take a good twelve months at least," he thought. There meat be another way—something short of taking the hut with him. "That poor sorgeant!" he thought, "I im- agined that we should get away together, but we shaJl not now. He rubbed the iron staple for another minute, but he made no impression. Then he took hold of the ring. Why should it not come up ? He tried to work it backwards and forwards, but bis efforts were at first futile, for the earth of the hut floor had been beaten hard, but at length he found that the ring slightly moved he jerked it, and it moved more. Then he endeavoured to per- form One of thejnovaments recommended to those who employ the athletic exerciser he took hold of the chain which fastened his ankles to the ring and threw himself backwards. The ring came up with a run, and he was thrown heavily on the ground on his back, where he lay for a few minutes with a j ar running painfully through his spine and partially stunning him. Somehow, though, the consciousness of what ha' had to do forced him back to action. He got up, and lifting the chain and staple walked to the door, and looked out. All was silent. He caught sight of the white robe of an Arab sentinel vanishing round the end of the buildings in that encampment, and then he moved quickly across the broad silvery patch of moonlight,into the shade of the other huta. Here he paused again- It needed no long consideration to realise that. he could not advance far, fattered as hs was by I the chains. He remained in the f hadow of tho huts thinking. Then a movement behind caused him to otarfc forward again. He continued in the shadow"as far as possible, but that friendly gloom would have to bo left directly, he knew. It was t&way out there across the desert in the brilliant. unrelieved light that he would find the English. A palm tree ahead to the north looked miles' 1 away. He reached the end of the encampment, and paused a^ain. Out of the darkness came an odd a^vtment Of f little sounds—native women were talking in J whispers, one of the little papooses whimpered, I and a camel seemed to be entering a protest. What if he was seen ? It would not mean any- thing very peaceful for him. It is very necessary not to be caught," he. thought. The duty before him was to escape, and give the alarm, for otherwise the Mahdist hordes might effect a surprise, and win at any rate a temporary success under its half-breed leaders. He soon came to the end of the shadow in case of detection there would be nothing else for it but running. The white desert stretched ahead like a vast silver sheet with no end to it. He was sure he was going right he had to take the direction of the north, and there was the Nile away to the right far distant. It was difficult to maka progress in the soft, yielding sand, and then there was not only the sand. There were the fetters, which rendered walking a feat of skill. He had been trudging on for some time, when an object caught his attention. The desert is like the sea—there is an absolute unbroken expanse, and then suddenly there appears some- thing quite close, and there is no ready explana- tion to the observer as to how it came there. It had seemed that he was absolutely alone, and then right in his path there lay something dark, a huddled heap. Was it a scout ? A sound behind him made him stop. A patrol was coming he crouched down, and then lay flat, wriggling into the sand until he was almost buried. The patrol did not observe him, but went by. He started up and hastened forward as fast as his chains would allow, and very soon he was able to make out what the object was the white clinging garments of a Southern Soudanese warrior, the free lance of the Baggara forces, were to be seen. The swathy son of the wilder- ness was sleeping there under the stars, his head pillowed by his camel. Estcourt's heart leaped with excitement. Here was his chance. He must have that camel at any cost. But need it be at the cost of blood ? Then he remembered that his own life was in jeopardy. If the man woke up he would to a certainty attack. Unarmed and in his present condition, what could he do ? He remained there a few seconds looking dovrn at his enemy. Unfortunately he could not steal the camel; the man had the bridle wound round his arm. But there was a knife in the man's girdle. Estcowrt softly leaned down and drew it. The sleeper did not move. With the greatest care Estcourt took hold of the bridle near to the camel's head and cut it, and then pulled at the cut off end, ordering the camel to rise. The animal chuntered and complained. Est- court rubbed its nose, and appealed to it as an intelligent quadruped to do as he wished, as he had heard the native drivers do. The camel abandoned its attitude of absolute unreasoning protest and began to weigh matters it ceased to chunter. It took into consideration the fact that its dusky owner was a hard, ill- tempered man with the heart of a nigger-driver. Then it seemed to say something like this. Dash my pasterns if I don't come I" It slowly and laboriously rose, and the head of its late master rolled back on to the soft sand. How some people can sleep The dark-featured nomad lay there his mouth half open, his breath- illg stertorous, his eyes closed. As it got up Estcourt got on to its back, and managed to keep his seat whilst the animal pitched its 'Equilibrium. Then he urged it for- ward, and the friend in adversity set off at a slow dignified rate across the desert. It hardly made a sound except for a slight crunch, crunch of the sand, Estcourt glanced round several times to see if the man had roused up but he had uot stirred, and at last he ceased to take any further interest in the matter, while the camel went steadily for- ward, bearing him towards friends and liberty. But he waa not to get away without any iuci- dent. There was suddenly a shout behind he turned—the owner of the camel had woke up and was now running—quite a little figure—calling on DJalma to stop and on Heaven to shower vengeance on the iniquitous giaour who had stolen his camel. What was worse, he seemed thoroughly dis- inclined to let Heaven have any monopoly of vengeance, for he was brandishing a gun, a sort of gingal, and with this he stopped and took aim. Estcourt heard the bullet whizz pass it went just over the camel's head, but the animal did not seem to care to any considerable extent, and simply went straight on. The man was running again hard on after him, the pat, pat of his bare feet being audible but unless fate was particularly indulgent to him he stood a poor chance of overtaking his enemy or his camel. He soon fired again; this time Estcourt felt a stinging pain in the arm the bullet had imbedded itself in the fleshy part just above the elbow. But though the wound began to smart and ache the rider took but little notice of it he man- aged to keep the camel up to a steady swinging trot—one of 'those trots which continue mechani- cally, and during which the camel seems to be thinking of something quite different. Without giving much attention to it Estcourt noticed ahead of him, towards the great river, a palm tree, looking as regular, as artificial, as a toy tree in the Lowther Arcade, and on the ton was a curious object which seemed to be bobbing up and down. It looked like a balloon. Sometimes it rose quite above the palm, and then later it "set" behind it. But it was so far away. A dreamy calm came to him as the camel trotted on for the time no- thing seemed to particularly signify Then the dull inert sensation came to an end suddenly it was not merely because his wound commenced to throb anew;, there was ^another sound behind him. He glanced back. Yes, he was being pursued by other enemies besides the owner of his mount, and they were HO I on foot. He made out indistinctly a company of white-robed Soudanese. But even then the horror of recapture was not fully realised. It is a mistake to realise everything time enough when the crucial moment comes. The camel was making straight for the palm tree—that much was evident. Sometimes he came back to a perfect comprehension of things with a curious nervous start the present was vivid. The next moment he was far away in sensation, forgetting all that was actually hap- psning at the flying moment. It seemed like a race. Would he get to the palm tree before his pursuers? And if hecH, what then ? He could not save himself by climbing up the palm Still, instinctively, he guided his course to- wards the tree, where the great circle was softly rising and falling like a big soap bubble. If sal- vation was to be found there it would not come any too soon, for though he did not look back any more the shouts of those who were in hot pursuit became louder and louder. Bullets whizzed by him, but he was not hit again. Then, as the noise of the pursuit seemed quite near the palm tree was reached. He glanced up as the camel came to a dead stop, aud saw that sure enough it was a balloon floating up there—a military balloon with the small car favoured by military experts. He dismounted, and the camel began to sniff round the foot of the tree but a second later it fell to the earth Estcourt gave an ejaculation of sorrow and rage as the poor beast turned his head, and looked up at him as if to say, Well, you can't deny I did my share," and then fell over and died. It was quick enough work to realise that the balloon was one from the expeditionary corps in the neighbourhood that corps could not be far away, but his pursuers wore nearer he had not a second to lose. If he could free the escaped balloon and save himself in it He began to climb up tfce tree, and then seized hold of the car the ropes only were entangled in the tree, and as the night wind freshened the vessel of the air was tugging des- perately in its efforts to get away and to soar into the heavens. He made one violent effort and succeeded in getting into the car,despite the impediment of his fetters the balloon swayed outwards from the tree. With the knife he had taken from the Bag- gara, and which he had kept unconsciously, he cut away the tailing ropes, but he had to cut through three before he severed the one which was keeping the balloon captive. I. Then just as bullets began to patter with the sound of thunder rain amidst the palm branches, and as the pursuers came within 20 yards of ths tree, the balloon gave a sideways sweep, clearing the palm, the cai brushing the topmost branches like an omnibus does a tree by the side of the route, and was sailing away into the ether, far, far above the gesticulating crowd. Estcourt glanced over the car edge, and for a moment felt dizzy, but that sensation passed off. He was free. He leaned back a moment in the bottom of the car, trying to collect his thoughts then he looked out once more on that wonderful panorama of dreams—the silvery desert, so sad, so silent, so vast, and far away to the right the sinuous line of the great water which sweeps out of the heart of Africa to the sea. After the first extreme feeling had gone he began to think of his mission. He had to give warning to those of the small English expedition that the Baggara host was in the immediate vicinity, and was contemplating an attack in force. But how was he to find them ? After the violent sensations of tho day he felt less keenly. Even if he did not find them, what then ? It could not be helped. And all through the long night tho balloon sailed on, now going higher, and then descend- ing the moon set there was a period of dark- ness, and then a faint shadowy light came in the east which gradually became pink and orange with the dawn. Estcourt saw that he was just over the great river he dimly descried brown-sailed boats, .and on the right banh there were tents. From down there came a bugle call. It was the English camp down there. ¡ Estconrc.looked over^ tho edge of the car and shouted, but his worus were horn away a3 lightly as if they had been seed carriers. Then he struggled up and seized the cord i' which opened the valve, and the balloon began to descend. He must have come down very swiftly, for the car bumped heavily, and he was thrown out. When he came to himself an officer of the car bumped heavily, and he was thrown out. When he came to himself an officer of the GloucestersillIcs was looking down at him, and a big burly bearded pioneer was taking off the .1 fetters. The enemy is at El Farz," he said. Great Scott, man You are sure ? I have just come from there." Another officer came up at that moment and heard what was said. You have brought news which will make, you," he exclaimed. And so it proved, for Estcourt was given a commission; but what he valued more even than that rew&ra was the Jotter of reconciliation irom bome W:(:; waHing for bim 11t fw ha.se.

PRISONERS OF LOVE., In the Days of Owain Glyndwr. BY MARIE TREVELYAN. Author of Glimpses of Welsh Life anel- Character," From Snowdon to the Sea," The Land of Arrbur," Holiday Hauats in Glamorgan," &c. CHAPTER XXIV. (Continued.) I fear nothing was the answer. Before sunrise thou wilt most likely be a dead man," adedd Evan, solemnlv. I am willing to die forher sake," replied De Ruthyn. Perhaps it were better that I had been allowed to slay you at Meifod than for you to run the risk of a terrible doom at the hands of Glyndwr. "I am prepared for anything," said Grey, gravely. It will be a double doom," said Evan. The anger of Glyndwr is terrible, and he will not spare an enemy like you—the prime cause of all this trouble in Wales. And I know not how he will be revenged upon you for this love matter that has cropped up between you and his daughter," said Evan. 01 Most likely I shall meet with a barbarous fate," said Lord Grev. almost hopelessly. "Glyndwr will order me to be dragged on a. hurdle at the tail of a merlyn then partially hanged, cut down, and mutilated, and my body shall be quartered and carried to the borders of Wales as a warning to all the Lord Marches. It is said he has treated others in that manner." Never," exclaimed Evan, emphatically. Severe ne may have been according to people's deserts. But he never approached the English for the barbarities they have accomplished from end to end of Wales." A slight noise in the corridor interrupted con- versation, and the Lord Marcher stood ready to accompany Evan. Very handsome he looked in his Court bravery. His breeches of sapphire velvet reached nearly to his knees, from whence he had long hosa of blush white silk. His doublet was of white cloth of gold with a collar of diamonds and sapphires. His mantle was of satin, half amber, half sapphire, and his shoes were similar to those; which he wore at Winchester House. He looks gay for a prisoner," quoth' one of Glyndwr's men as Lord Greytpassed out of the vaulted room with Evan Gethyn, who, hearing the remark, said, "I sent to Ruthyn Castle for some of my bird's fine feathers, be- cause I wished him to appear in his best on the last occasion of his life. To-morrow his plumage will be ruffled, if not destroyed." A moment later the arras concealing the arch- way of the great hall was lifted, and when it fell to its place Reginald Lord Grey de Ruthyn, attended by Evan Gethyn, appeared before Glyndwr. Had a spectre suddenly entered the ladies could not have been more disturbed, and Jane quivered with fear. Hugh of Glandovcy and Alan de Lacy now recognised in the Lord Marcher the stranger whom they met on the way from Ruthyn to Corwen, and were greatly surprised. He, then, was the knight to whose keeping Jane would willingly" give her life, as she said. Lord Grey, animated by love, but accustomed as a courtier to keep his emotions under re- straint, controlled his feelings, and a smile of proud pleasure spread over his countenance as he doffed his cap to the Lady of the Dec. Poor Jane grew pale as death. She became giddy and breathless and shrank behind a pillar, against which she leaned for fear of falling in a dead faint. Meanwhile, Glyndwr drew himself up to his full height, and gazed keenly and earnestly upon his enemy. Lord Grey's first thoughts were his being now a captive, and completely in the power of an enraged and slighted man, whom he had wronged, persecuted, and treated with contempt and contumely. There reflections brought appre- hension for what' Glyndwr "fmight now in turn make him endure. For, on the borders of Wales and in London, he heard many a tale of Glyn- > dwr's vengeance and art-magic that now returned i forcefully and vividly to his memory. Sir," said Evan Gethyn, bowing low before > Glyndwr, permit me to introduce to you, my prisoner, the terrible Lord Marcher, who, for some years, has been the terror of our borders, the scourge of Wales, the enemy of the Red Dragon, and the true cause of all our present tur- moil and mischief Jane scarcely heard a word of Evan's address. On first beholding Grey she trembled violently, and then became pale as death. Her eyes filled with tears, and she regarded him with yearning and wistful gaze, which he knew revealed her devotion and fear. He had pleasure yet pain in meeting it, but was quickly roused by the voice of Glyndwr. ¡ "Reginald Grey De Ruthyn," said Glyndwr, we have had occasion to meet a few times in our lives, yet we could not predict an interview here, and thus." t" Owain Glyndwr," responded Lord Grey, '1 only a few months ago I would have declared such an interview to be without the bounds of possibility." Lord Grey spoke ftrmly, but with a tone of hauteur. So neighbour, yet enemy, as you have always been to me," said Glyndwr, you have lived to see all your hopes and desires, your schemes and ambition fade away, and now you are a captive in the complete power of him whom ywu so deeply wronged and so cruelly insulted. True," responded Lord Grey, and what of that ?" His blue eyes gazed almost defiantly at his enemy. Do you not know that your liberty and life are alike in my power ?" asked Glyndwr. I am glad of it," said Lord Grey, to the sur- prise of Sir Edmund Mortimer and Jhis fellow- prisoners. my fate fully in my own con- trol I would not wish to fall into the power of a wiser or a better man than Owain Glyndwr, for during my captivity I have found what I never icnew before—that the Lord of Sycharth is a truly loyal friend to th038 he loves and respects and he has proved himself to be magnanimous as an enemy, and just and honourable to his captives." What return have you made for that magna- nimity, justice and honour ?" asked Glyndwr. Lord Grey was silent. Do you think I "have forgotten," said Glyndwr, that you have been my bitterest enemy, who, from this hour should have meted out to him the stern measures he so ruthlessly dealt to others ? Do you think I know not how, even in captivity, you have taken advantage of kindness, and proved yeorself as much a law- breaker as any one of us ?" How so ?" asked Lord Grey. By entering my home-fold, and stealing one of my flock," replied Glyndwr. "In other words, with malice prepense wooing and winning the heart of a Welsh maiden, and for that reason you have broken the laws of Henry Bolingbroke —you have proved a veritable rebel against the Unjust Ordnances, which, by your own enmity and spite toward me you helped to bring about. For the law dcclttres that :1n Englishman may not wed a Welsh woman. Therefore you have re- belled against this newly-enforced law, and must abide by the consequences." "And the consequences ?" asked Lord Grey. So far as England is concerned I know not," replied Glyndwr. As regards Wales, I shall be fully prepared to deal with you after consulta- tion with my council. Meanwhile I commit you to the care of Evan Gethyn and his men, who will keep you as you were kept until the coming of Sir Edmund Mortimer. But, for having wooed and won the love of my daughter, Jane, I will speak with you privately." A few minutes later the great hall was cleared of its occupants, and Glyndwr, with Sir Edmund Mortimer on one side of him, and Lord Grey on the other, entered a spacious ante-room leading to the apartments of the Lady of the Dee. For a moment Glyndwr t passed out of sight, and presently emerged with his wife, who re- quested the presence of Sir Edmund Mortimer and Lord Grey in her own room. What happened next nobody knew, because only the two distinguished captives were per- mitted to enter. But it was afterwards whis- pered that then Lord Grey seized the golden opportunity of gaining Glyndwr's consent to his marriage with Jane. It was then that Mortimer first gazed upon Anne—stately Anne, with the dark grey eyes and raven tresses, and thought her the fairest maiden he had ever beheld. it was then that great Glyndwr set aside the bitterness of his heart, and blotted out the past with its rancour and enmity, and forgot all that had been done against him, and remem- bered only the days of his youth and his love for the pearl of Gwynedd. CHAPTER XXV Glyndwr in the South, After the capture of Mortimer Owain Glyndwr I saw his opportunity and seized it. He besieged Carnarvon, destroyed Bangor and St. Asaph Cathedrals, and ravaged the territory of the Lord Marchers, striking terror into tho hearts of the people, and threatening-to clear Wales of Eng- lishmen. Thus would the Welsh prove them- selves to be free and ablo to hold their own against England and the Sassenach. I Wherever he went Glyndwr set beacons on the the mountains and hills, so that when lighted they could be seen far and wide over Wales, even to the sea. Some were placed where ancient beacon fires had blazed to warn the Britons, the Saxons and the Danes alike. Others were set upon unsullied heights, by which all men might know that the Mab-y-Darogan was nigh. Up hill and down dale, across river, and through valley went Glyndwr and his hosts, until they reached Glamorganshire. There they were joined by the men of Olynrhondda. spurred to action by Cadogan of the Battle Axe. And then the war-cry, fierce and frightful, was Cadogan, whet thy battle-axe." Then came they down to the Vale of the Taff, between the greater and the lesser Garths, and on with might and main to Cardiff. No sooner had Glyndwr set foot in Glamorgan than the people flocked to swell his numbers. There was magic in the mime of Glyndwr, which charmed the young men of South Wales. For the hero was said to be almost superhuman as re- gards his influence over his followers. "Of a truth he is the Mab-y-Darogan, the heir of the prophecy, exclaimed the high- spirited youth of the South. He is a born hero and leader of men," they added, going forth to meet and greet him. Hugh of Glanclovey and Alan de Lacy who accompanied Owain Glyndwr, were surprised at the enthusiasm of the people. The fervour and fire of the North had descended to the South, and with inward delight but a little outward misgiving on the part of those highest in

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It is the natural cure for constipation, weak heart,'and of your Seaweed Tonic and thought I would try it, and by doing so I have found the greatest poor blood. benefit. I have only been taking it a week, and I am surprised how much better I am teenng, can eat well and enjov mv food heartilv my tongue is once more clean, and no bad taste in my ANOTHER SWANSEA CASE. mouth. I can assure you I am very thankful for your Seaweed Tonic. A STUBBORN COUGH CURED. A SWANSEA CASE. W. Morris, 58, MattheW'Street, Swansea, writes, February 9th :—Mr Veno. Dear Sir,—I take Fanny Palmer, 3, Stanley-terrace, Swansea, writes February 12th, 1901 :-The Veno Drug Cflfe great pleasure iu writing these few lines to recommend Veno's Lightning Cough Cure. It is beyond Dear Sirs,—I aam very pleased to say I have feH much better ihe last few weeks. Since taking all praise, I had ft baa cough for nearly two years. Your medicine has done me a world of good. Veno's Seaweed Tonic and Veno's Lightning Cough Cure I am quite a new woman. These prepare You can make what use you like of this. tions are worth their weight in gold. VENO'S SEAWEED TONIC cures all ailment* arising from a diseased condition of the I stomach, liver, kidneys, and blood, such as indigestion, wind, costiveness, sluggish liver, headaches, depressioa of spirits, impure blood, weak and painful back, palpitation, fulness after eating, nervousness, and general weakness. It has wonderful tonic and strengthening power. Price Is and 2a 9d per bottle. VENO'S LIGHTNING COUGH CURE • will stop an ordinary cougb in one night, and cure chronic coughs, bronchitis, asthma, influenza, and whooping cough rapidly. Its vast superiority over ordinary cough mixtures and the different emulsions cannot be estimated. It has saved thousands of lives after they had been turned out of hospitals. It is a new scientific remedy endorsed and recommended by doctors. Price Is ly2d and 2s 9d per bottle. A valuable book accompanies each bottle on the cure of diseases. 3146 Sold by Messrs Anthony and Co., Chemists, St. Mary-street and Queen-street and Mr Sanders, Chemist, Cardiff, and all chemisfcs throughout South Wales, including Boots, Cash Chemists, Newport, Swansea, Pontypridd, Llanelly, and Aberdare, or, post free, on receipt of price from the Veno Drug Co., 59, Cedar-street, Hulme, Manchester.

ROYALTY IN WALES. Princess Victoria as Cyclist. l Princess Victoria terminated her private visit* to Glynllifon Park, Carnarvon, on Saturday, and proceeded to Windsor in a special train. Glyn- llifon, which has previously entertained Bovalty, is the seat of the Hon. Frederick Wynn, uncle of the present Lord Ncwboroiigh. The mansion is beautifully situated in a ■ well-wooded country between the slopes of Snowdon and the shores of Cardigan Bay, and commands extensive views of land and sea. The roads in the locality are we] I adapted for cycling, ] and as delightful spring weather preva,iled during the visit he:: Royal Highness greatly enjoyed some cycling tours. On the first day the party rode up the Nantlle Valley and saw the extensive slate quarries. The second day's programme consisted of a circukt tour round Snowdon. Starting early, the Princess pedalled up the steep ascent I through Drws-y-coed Pass past Pittshead 'a to the beautiful village of Beddgelcrt. Here short ha.lt was made before com- mencing the journey through Llanberis Pass. The Princess and her party then wended their way slowly to the top of the pass. The descent was rapid to Llanberis. until the lakes had been passed and Dinorwic quarries left eliind. It was really a. delightful trip. A less difficult ride was essayed on Good Fri- day, when the Princess and suite sped along the shores of Cardigan Bay through Clynnogfawr. I Her Eoyal Highness expressed herself delighted and charmed both with the romantic, scenery and the hospitable character of the Welsh people the hospitable character of the Welsh people whom she met on her travels, and with several of whom she entered into conversation.

UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD. The usual monthly public meeting of the Universal Brotherhood Organisation and Thco- sophical Society was held at 17, Working-street, on Sunday evening, when addresses on living questions from the Theosophical standpoint were given. It was said that this Brotherhood was a part of a great a.nd universal movement which bad been active in all ages. Periodically great teachers came into the world to remind men of and show them afresh the way to happiness. They proclaimed that life was joy, that all sorrow was a false growth, an unnatural thing, having loot in the false doctrine of selfhood. The great saviours taught nothing impractical, they strove to show the connection between ultimate perfection and everyday life, and to point out to all the clear and practical path to wisdom.

NOHOIR STRIKE- The Rector-Victorious. Our readers will remember' that some time ago a dispute between the- rector of St. Bride's Minor and the conductor of the choir led to the choir refusing to take their usual places. Both parties were determined not to give way, but apparently the rector has gained a signal victory, for on | Sunday a new surpliced choir, which he had j raised, attended and took part in the services, j The matter is the chief topic of convevsation in i the district. ¡

On Saturday morning a daring robbsTy wa3 1 effected at, the Kemble's Head public-house, at the corner 6f Bow-street and LongAcre. At 6 o clock the barman came downstairs a.nd placed t a. bag of silver, to be usea as chango during the j early part of the morning, on the table of a j private room at the back of the bar. He then proceeded to open the house. While he was un- fastening one door a thief entered by another, which had just been opened, and getting o'^r the { bar stole the silver and got a\v"» with it

SHOP ASSISTANTS' UNION. The second day's proceedings of the armrtal conference of the Shop Assistants' Union, heIcf under the presidency ofMrT. B. Duncan, Leeds, at Exeter Half, London, were opened by the e» change of telegraphic greetings with the shop assistants of Denmark and the National UnioC of Teachers. A long and interesting discussion took place OS the length of notice as between employer and einf ployed in shops, and upon a ballot a large majority was declared in favour of a week's notice a4 against a counter proposal of a minute's uotice.| Mr H. H. licper, Lincoln, moved on behalf o £ the Executive Committee the following resoln- tion :—" This annual delegate meeting of tha N.A.U.S.A.W. aud C., representing the organise# shop workers of the United Kingdom, hereby emphatically declares that no legislation for the earlier closing of shops will be satisfactory tha\ does not include the uniform and compulsory closing of shops, Sunday closing, and a limitaj, tion of the hours of labour as embodiet. in the Shops Bill. Further, that this confeB; ence is of opinion that the evidence collected bf, the Lords Select Committee will be incomplete- unless it includes representative evidence bv workers affected from all parts of Great Britain. Mr Ropc-r said the compulsory measure of thf. Union was supported by several of the most representative traders' organisations in the country. A permissive law would create con. tention and confusion. Stress was laid on the clauses in the Shops Bill limiting the hours of work to 60 per week, and providing for Sunday closing. The resolution was passed, and it was decided that copies of it be sent to members of the Select Committee, and that the attitude of the Union Oil the matter be laid before the Trades Councils of the country. Miss Bonfield, assistant secretary, moved a resolution calling the attention of parents and guardians to the long hours and general bad con- ditions prevailing in shop life, and urging them to give the published facts careful consideration-" before sending those under their care into the respective trades. She said that whilst tht; artisan and skilled workers generally had a defi- nite prospect before them, there was absolutely no certainty in shop life. There were really nd,. openings for assured positions owing to the rapie, growth of the multiple shop system. Then the effect of the modern commercial system on tht, character of the employees was not of a beneficial character. The particularly hypocritical made the most successful salesmen. Deceit haõ. become synonymous with smartness behind the counter, wliile the living-in system cramped' and narrowed the very exidenooúf theemployees. The effect on the young boys and girls entering the trade were exceeding!y^sad in most instances, and it was their bounden duty to do all they possibly could to inform the public mind of the true condition. (Applause.) The resolution was discussed at great length and carried unani- mously. Discussions also took place on the living-io system, the conference pledging itaelf to use every legitimate means to abolish it agree" ments, which were strongly condemned as one- sided and illegal and various other phases o{- shop life. Mr J. A. Lsddon, of St. Heleus, was elected vice- president and president-elect of the nexj conference. In the evening the delegates were entertained to dinner at Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street. The conference was attended by 20 delegated from South Wales, representing about 2,00 £ members.

DEATH OF MR G. SMITH. We regret to announce the death of Mr Gedrgt Smith, the eminent publisher, who died at St. George's Hill, Byfleet, on Saturday afternoon, al the age of seventy-seven. During the fifties and sixties Mr Smith was closely associated not only as publisher but also as friend and adviser with -is p- the Brontes and Mrs Gaskell, with Thackeray and the Brownings. The story of the encourage- ment given to Charlotte Bronte in con- nection with The Professor in July, 1847, and of Mr Smith's subsequent absorption iti Jane Eyre is very well known. In 1860 wad started the" Cornhill Magazine," which owed its origin to Mr Smith, and its success to his generous policy in conducting it and his tion of Thackeray to be its first editor. But tb £ hardest task and the greatest achievement remained for the last 18 years of his life. It wafc in 1S82 that Mr Smith first conceived the idea ojf supplying a reco;vni? ed want in English literal ,¡ ture by means of a complete biographical record( of the, of the English-speaking race, excluding only the field covered by thi American Cyclopaedia of Biography." Iff 3 865 Mr Smith founded the Pall Mall Gazette, having as his editor Mr Frederick Greenwood.

A very line collection of birds has irit lice's received at the Natural History Museum fro» £ Lord Kanfurly, Governor of New Zealand. wh«- made a special expedition to tho Auckland, Bounty, and Campbell Islands tor tho special purpose of obtaining certain rare species whict- were not represented in the Museum collections Every creek a.nd river on the coast line ww •searched for rare specimens, and anionf* th*. scarce birds secured were a pair of goosanders j (Merganser Australia), a species which^is on the* verge of extinction. Lord Kanfurly •- »-n enth»4 "iastic ornitholifldst- s

authority, the town of Cardiff was surrendered and spared a siege. After a halt, and as his men slyly remarked, a promise to call again another day," Glyndwr marched triumphantly out of Cardiff and across the river Taff to the West. Yet-on to the West. over the swampy marshes of Ely, rousing the wild fowl as they went. On to Llandaff, ravaging and scourging like the Destroying Angel, damaging the Cathedral, and partially desrroviug the Bishop's Palace. Then away to Peterston. where Glyndwr be- sieged poor Sir Matthew Le Sore in his Castle, and chopt off the unfortunate Knight's head, as the chronicles deal are. addingafter which they halted in the trenches of Gaer-ddy and Bolstkne and Caerwvge, in Caer Greer and in one of the hills not far from both called Allt Owen. There," says the Lan-y-lai MSS., the Anglo- Normans collected all their forces and a bloody battle took place on Evyz Owen mountain, now called the Stallingdown. The action lasted eighteen hours, during which the blood on Pant- y-wennol which separates the two ends of the mountain, was up to the horses' fetter-locks.' The victory of Glyudwr was decisive. In this expedition," says the historian, with one friend disguised as a servant, the Prince went to East Orchard Castle, St. Athan's, the home of Sir Lawrence Berkerolles, and requested in French a night's reception. which was readily granted. So pleased was Sir Lawrence with his guest that he pressed him to remain some days, observing that he soon expected to see Owain Glyndwr there, for the English troons were scouring the country for him, and he had himself sworn to give large rewards to the man who brought him his head. It would be well to secure him,' said Owen, for he is otherwise likely to be soon crowned, I hear, in North Wales.' Having stayed four days and nights Owain took his leave, addressing Sir Lawrence thus—' Owen of the Dee waters, as a sincere friend, having neither hatred, treachery, nor deception in his heart, [gives his hand to Sir Lawrence Berkerolles, and thanks I him for the hospitality he and his friend have ex- .1 perienced at his Cattle, and desires to assure him that it will never enter his mind to avenge the I intentions of his host, nor shall it be, so far as hi) ha,s the power of prevention, enter the minds of any of his subjects or followers.' He and his I friend then departed. Sir Lawrence wa,s struck j dumb with astonishment, and never afterwards recovered his speech—no word henceforth ever escaping his lips." So says the Lleision MS. Meanwhile, on went the hosts of Glyndwr, scouring the country, and scaring the MS. Meanwhile, on went the hosts of Glyndwr, scouring the country, and scaring the peasantry, who rushed anywhere out of the way J of the strangers with helmets and shields and glittering battle-axes and Snowdon spears, and swarthy archers whose arrows bore certain death in their flight. In the South, as in the North, Glyndwr and his men wrought havoc everywhere. They de- molished the castles of Tal-y-Van, Llanginan, St. Quintin's in LIanblethiaa, Llandough, I Flemingstone, and Penmark. He set fire to nu- merous villages and hamlets, including Aber- merous villages and hamlets, including Aber- thin, Penlline, and Llanfrynach then destroyed ¡ many houses in Llantwit Major, thence his hosts I went to -Wiel., Bronghtcn, and St. Bride's, then on to Dunraven and away to the west. This was only one of several "rebellious" visits of Glyndwr to the south. I All the way they went Glyndwr's men declared their errand to be a noble one—to help the people towards freedom instead of permitting the Eng- lish to enslave them by cruel oppression, and I those hatefully unjust Ordinances. Why should f the Welsh, argued the hosts of Glyndwr, obey English laws set over them by Henry the Fourth I —the Usurper—who kept the rightful heir to the j throne in prison ? They could not see why people I submitted to pay tithes to foreign English pre- 1 lates who, at the point of the sword, had robbed | ,d lates who, at the point of the sword, had robbed | deserving Welsh priests of valuable benefices and forced upon them a language which they only half understood or did not understand at all. Celtic priests preached to the best of their powers for the sake of leading people to truly worthy and holy aims. Yet these poor servants of Christ could scarcely keep bodv and soul together, while fat and lazy English clericals carried the em- blem of St. David behind the laws of Henry the Funrth. and for every rich living and honour they- gained a Welsh priest's promotion was hindered, l'f not altogether lost. '• Wales for the Welsh cried the sages of the Principality, whose spirits, though crushed down and partially enslaved, still lived, deter- mined at last to conquer. Again and again that indomitable spirit arose, and with it the resolu- tion to fight to the death against any power 0"1 interfering with them for so doing. Yet none of them in their fairest visions of emancipation from Saxon thraldom or their wild est ^flights of fancy could see in the near uture a King who. claiming pure Whels desceut on the paternal side, would, as the founder of the Tudor dynasty, unite Wales and England under a more congenial rule than the stern and unfair measures of Henry the Fourth. From the south Glyndwr triumphantly re- turned to the north, and soon all Wales, from. Mona's sea-girt solitudes to Morganwg's sun- kissed strand, vowed undying allegiance to the Mab y Darogah, Later on Henry the Fourth went again in person to Wales, determined once and for all to quell the rebellion. For which purpose he conducted a mighty army over the borders, and endeavoured to terrorise the people by main force and might. He was determined to destroy the life nf tha.lajid." Be would not brook defiance on the part of anybody, least of all the arch ( rebel. He would cross the Marches, scourge I Wales in the midst of it, and plant the standard of England on the topmost peak of Snowdon. This was easier promised than performed. Stern oppression had evoked fierce defiance, and while the English started forth to reduce I Wales to servitutude, and drive it to despair, the Welsh promised to make their enemies pay dearly for their arrogance. Proudly the Usurper crossed the borders into Wales, while Glyndwr and his hosts waited for the coining of the English King and his redoubt- able army. j But this time the elements assisted in raising obstacles to Saxon invasion for ail through j Wales there arose such foul weather of winds, tempests, rain. snow, and hail, that the like had never before been heard of," says Holinshed, I who adds that Glyndwr caused these storms to ¡ be raised, through his own art magic." So terrible was the weather that, "wasted with I sickness and fatigue," the English army re- treated I Another chronicler says of this undertaking that about the middle of August, to correct the presumptuous attempts of the Welch, the King I went in person with a great army into Wales, but by reason of extraordinary excess of weather, which some attributed to the magic of Glyndwr, he was glad to return safe." ) Later on the coronation of Owain Glyndwr was solemnised at Machynlleth. Of which the historian says, Amongst them came Sir David Gam, disguised, and eight of his retainers, insti- gated, it id said, by the Usurper, to deliver him by one blow from all future feai-ei of his formid- able opponent. BUG the plot was discovered, and the con- spiracy instantly was frustrated. David Gam was seised, aud suffered ten years' imprisonment for his offence many of his followers were beheaded on the spot. Later still came the celebrated Treaty of Bangor, immortalised by Shabespsare in the first part of his drama. Henry the Fourth." Of this the historian says Sir Edmund Mortimer, perceiving he was not likely to obtain his liberty bv King Henry's means, whether out ( of compliance, by reason of his tedious captivity or affection to the young lady (meaning Anne, the daughter of Owain Glyndwr), he agreed to take part with Owain against the King of Eng- land and to marry his daughter; with them joyned the Earl of Worcester and his brother, the Earl of Northumberland, and his son, the I valiant Lord Percy, who, conspiring to depose the King of England, in the house of the Archdeacon of Bangor, by their deputies divided the realm amongst them, -cans- ing a tripartite indenture to be made, and to be sealed with everyone's seal by which covenant all that country lying betwixt the Severn and the Trent, southward was assigned ?o the Earl of March all Wales, and the "lands beyond the Severn, westward, were appointed Glyndwr Severn, westward, were appointed Glyndwr t and all from the Trent, northward, to the Lord Percy. This was done (as some said) through a foolish credit they gave to a vain prophecy, as though King Henry was the execrable Moldwarp, and they three tho Dragon, the Lion, and the Wolf which should pull Sim down and distribute his kingdom among themselves. While the king refused to obtain liberty for Sir Edmund Mortimer, the ten thousand marks | demanded by Glyndwr for the ransom of Lord Grey were'promised, six thousand being paid j on the Feast of St. Martyn," November the eleventh. eleventh. The lortunes of Own-in Glyndwr after his coronation at Machynlleth are ^beyond the scope of this chronicle, but last words must be written, and they are reserved for the concluding chapter. CHAPTER XXVI. ¡ Home Again I Owain Glyndwr was home again. It was a siill day late in October when, I accompanied by twelve horsemen, including Hugh of G;andovey and Alan De Lacy, Glyndwr rede into the quadrangle of Sycharth and dismounted. ¡ Grey mists were creeping through the valley of G-lyndwrdvvy, where all was peaceful as ever, while the world beyond was busy and full of turmoil. Grey mists were stealing around the.moun- tains and lingering upon wide wastes of purple heather, wheia broken swords and splintered spears rusted iu golden brown bracken, where rotting whimberries drifted against tarnished shields, and ripening sloes dropped noisily into shattered helmets. Grey mists and and shadows of approaching evening obliterated all traces arid tracks of war- paths, a.nd kindly concealed many grim tokens of deadly struggle and relentless fray. But. while mists and shadows grew denser and darker in the lonelv valley, the radiance of heme shone with star-like brilliance. "Home again!" exclaimed the Pearl of Gwynedd, as she welcomed her husband on the threshold of Sycharth. Yea, God. be thanked—home again re- sponded Glyndwr, as he led his wife to the great hall where faithful friends, and the distinguished prisoners waited to greet him. Home again exclaimed Owen Tudor, and may there be no more war for ever and— ever! Soon afterwards tidings were exchanged be- tween all parties. Details of war and doings oi poace were told in turn, and hearts were glad- dened and eyes were brightened owing to the return of Owain Glyndwr. Then Evan Gethyn, garrulous as ever, gave an I account of his captives. I Indeed," said he, it would take the summing up of the renowned Judge. Sir David Kanmer, to bring the whole matter clearly before you but not being learned in the law, nor yet much of a speechmaker, I cannot do what would lie justice to this case, and perhaps it is too oresumptuous of me to speak at alL" Evan looked at Glyndwr. who desired him to proceed with what he had to say. Well, to tell the truth, the Lord Morti- mer "Sir Edmund Mortimer," corrected Owen j Tudor. I- Hold your tongue, boy, will you ?" jsaid Tudor. '• Hold your tongue, boy, will you ?" jsaid Evan, impatiently. You are always taking the words out of my mouth." Go on," said Hugh of Glandovey. Well, Sir Edmund Mortimer has fallen under the spell that enthralled Lord Grey, and now. instead of one, I have two—prisoners of love. For Anne—stately Anne-has been wooed and I' won by Mortimer a'ld.T ailc-beautiful Jane— is happy in the devotion of Grey, and I captured both men 1" Loud applause followed Evan's speech, es- I pecially when he added, Long life and happi- ness to my Prisoners of Love I Prisoners of Love lustily responded the guests and retainers. And the great hall rang again with the shout, Prisoners of Love (The End.)