RESULTS AT A GLANCE. -|1908-12-25|The North Wales Express

THE COMBINATION. |

/ WORTH WALES COAST LEAGUE.

RESULTS AT A GLANCE. -

Rhestrau Manwl, Canlyniadau a Chanllawiau

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RESULTS AT A GLANCE. THE COMBINATION. Birkenhead 1, Welshpool 0. Whitchurch 3, Crewe Alexandra 3. Chester 4. Nantwieh 0. Oswestry 4. Saltney 1. Rhyl 2, Connah's Quay 2. Bangor 3, Druids 0. Tranmere Rovers 5, Wrexham 1. NORTH WALES COAST LEAGUE — (Division I.). Beaumaris 1, Denbigh 0. Festiniog v. Llanrwst—abandoned. WELSH AMATEUR CUP (Second Round). Carnarvon 2, Conway 0. Llandudno 12. Denbigh Reserve 0. Bala. Press, w .o. Pwllheli scratched.

FIXTURES FOR FRIDAY.

NEXT SATURDAY'S FIXTURES.

THE COMBINATION.

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THE COMBINATION. BANGOR v. DRUIDS. (BY "EN AVANT"). A. miserable, aggravating, Scotch-mist- Hort-otf-rain permeated the atmosphere, people's clothes, ,and the Press-box at Ban- gor, on Saturday, what time the Ancient Druid* endeavoured, by their enchantments, to gain two points, or, at l«ast, orne (point from the BiMtgornuts. In vain Ha, ha, .HA! A reference to Euclid, in Euripides Thamrietocles' fine epic, will show the most cursory reader that the modern methods of the Ancient Druids are by no meaais the Wiroe, nor as effective as their ancient tnertbods, while, on the contrary, if the tnodern Druids adopted and attempted to etwtorve the ancient methods, there can be no doubt that Superintendent Harris (him- 1f. one, in the palmy days of his stalwart, youth, a High Priest >and Full Book, of Druidifym), .and "60," not to spea-k of Sergeants Griffiths and Owen, would 1\¡t once violently intervene, with the result that the following Tuesday's Police Court would have been a record one. It may be that the presence of my friends "Salambo, '"Recorder," and Llew ap Jones, overawed the Druids in respect to I any revival of their remote ancestors' Kanigifinary methods. of winning games. In those remote times, I remember (to. have, read) we used to have good gates at Stone- henge to see the League Champions of those days, to wit. the Ancient Druids, make rings round their opponents. The Druids' Captain, in thoo.;e ,good old times, used to ,ic-ore goals fplaviug centre-forward), and, incidentally, bouses, by means of a. huge oowie-knife, w t: L'h he skilfully dribbled right m the goalkeeper's heart, amid enthusiastic cries of "Well played, sir!" and equally enthusiastic handshakings by hM. fellow -forwards. In the opinion of the opposing side, these chaips were, ÆIa a matter of fact, and "Without Prejudice," a jolly sight too forward for their liking. However, their method of playing, if some- what drastic, was always effective, and they invariably went through the League Season without having a goal scored against them. Then, at last, a. superlatively fine team was organised in Italy, and this, playing a scientific gainxe,Im which combi- ilaitiaii was a conspicuous feature, with Julius Caesar as centre-forward, won both the League Cha.mpiouship and the English Cup in the same season, and firmly estab- lished a different style of play to that of the Ancient Druids, which was, thence- forth, entirely superseded. With this brief. explanatory, historical. scientific,amd nons-ensical resume of the origin of the name of the team which played Bangor last Saturday, I now pass on to a consideration of the manner in which they adapted themselves to modern requirements and (more or less) played the modern game of "pel droed." The Master of Ceremonies -was Mr Russell. (Note: I remember a. lord of that name). The legionaries,.—I mean the play- answered to their na-mef as follows Bangor: Teddy Owen; Hwfa Wynn-Wil- Hams and Jack Jones; Jack Abridge, Alf Thomas, and Griffiths Hughy Owen. Mathews, Bob Daviess, Willie Jones, and Oliver. Druids Jones Albert Evans and John Griffith; Charles Jones. Cave, and W. Owen J. Edwards, Kinson, Hannaby, W. Jones. and Joe Williams. Ground: Heavy and soft. Ball: Slippery a-s an eel. The Druids advanced at. once, and some brilliant miekicks by IIv."fa, and Jack Jones Jet them through, but, when play was trans- ferred to .their right-wing, Griffiths very neatly and cleverly pulled them up. Griffiths, however, was very shaky, and passed quickly to Alfy Thomas. Alfy served up to Bmb Da vies, but that burly young player was robbed in the flower of his vouth by Cave, who drove strongly up the field. Jack Jones met. but a mighty mis- kick sent the ball swirling and twisting and rioocbetting towards Kinson, who, after an exchange or two with Edwards, passed on- ward to Hannaby. The visiting centre in- stantly sent in a great drive, but Jack Jones, who had fallen back, charged this down, and the ball conning to Bob Davies, he sent it wide across to Oliver, who dashed forward with desperate determination, forcing his way nearly to the corner, whence he sent across to Mathews. Mathews drove in at once, but there was too much side (not on him, but on the ball), ,and it crossed the open goalmouth, and unexpectedly ap- pealed at the feet of Oliver, who, taken by surpris-e, and standing (like sinners) on slippery places, sent the ball on the wrong Slide of the post. Bangor ca.me. again, a.nd Davies forced his way right u,p to the goal, where he shot over, just as John Griffith hurled ihmsclf at him. A spell of nice passing by Davies and Mathews brought them within a few yards of goal again, but the ball was sent over, an iincident which was twice repeated in the course of the next few minuter. Again Bob Davi,es was prominent with good centre play, ,and this /time he gave the ball to Hughy Owen, who drove t he ball along the ground into the goal- month, when Cave kiekcd clear. A moment later, energetic work by Mathews gave Hughy another chance, but he was offside. Again Mathews put in some hiard work, and aiga in gave to Hughy. Hughy battled strongly, and forced "hands" off John Griffith. The free-kick was cleared, but Mathews clearly had designs on the Druids' goal, a.nd, after some more characteristically earnest play, lie transferred to Hughy again. This time Hughy made no mistake, but banged the ball right into the net. The refere.a (wrongly, in jny opinion), ruled Hrrgtiy offside, and, amid angry cries from the crowd, pointed lor a. goal-kick. My friend "Recorder" was violently agitated, but "Salaanbo" was absolutely incoherent in his denunciatory explanation^ of the error of the referee's decision. "Eon Avant" agreed with them in principle, but main- tained his usual stately and philosophic calm, having witnessed niaiTy siucih hap- penings in his time. A mighty return by Hwfa put Jiack Arridge in ^possession about 25 yawls, 7 feet, and 131 inches from the Druidical goal, with the result that Jones was violently agitated by what must have felt like a thunderbolt, with the trade- mark "Jack Arridge; his mark," on it. Jones cleared, aiud Hughy Owen put behind. Up to now, Bangor had been playing a man short, and cheers greeted Willie .Jonas' appearince as he took his plac& 100- side Oliver. Willie's appearance did. not improve Bangor's chances apparently, for a moment after his arrival, Win. Jones sent a beauty just wide of the mark, and, more- over, the visitors established .themselves in the home territory for quite five minutes. Then grand work by Alfy Thomas raised the seige, and gave the ball to (Griffiths. Griffiths, who was playing well, transferred to Oliver, who returned to the other wing, where the ball went into touch. Arridge darted at the throw, and once again Jones' travailed from the shock of the im- pact of Jack's drive. Jones cleared, though Mathews sent in a terrific shot which John Griffith just diverted from goal, and Albert Evans catching the ball sent it up field, and we saw Hannaby flying towards Teddy Owen. Everybody was beaten on our side, even Hwfa, but Hwfa, having an uncon- querable aversion to defeat, raced after the flying Hannaby, caught him up just in front of Teddy Owen, and forced him to kick wildly behind. Then was seen nice bits of half back and forward play by Alfy Thomas and Hughy Owen respectively. jlHughy worked beautiful opening, but in- stead of shooting, passed to Mathews, whom even "Recorder" and "Salambo," Llew, and ieii Avant mournfully admitted was offside. Offside against the Druids, a moment later, spoiled a good opening for the Ancients, and a long shot by Jack Arridge came to Oliver, who dropped the ball in front of goal, where Bob Davies headed over. Then Alfy Thomas serVed up to Willie Jones, r who sent forward for Oliver. The Bangor flyer sprinted after it for all he was worth, and dropped it plump into goal. Jones caught the ball. but dropped it. There was a rush and a melee, and several of the defenders played the ball. and after then it came to IHughy Owen, who promptly banged it into the net. The Referee ruled Hughy onsldp. ''Sal am bo," "Recorder," Llew. and En Avant werp-w-ell. E ve n th F, latter couldn't find words to express h's feelings, said they ail laid their heads on the Press table, and groaned. Mathewn is n vii'i who does not cry over spilled milk. and in o n^>nient lie had taken possession of the ball after the goal kick, and after fur- iously battling with Charles Jones and Cave. came out "onqueror. and passed to Hughv Owen. The Referee ntled Hughy offside. "We" (that is "Salambo." "Re- corder," Llew, and En Avant) admitted the fact, thereby saving half the hearing fees (Countv Court Clerks please note), and the game was allowed to proceed. Give and take plav (including many throws) followed, after whi4h Wm. Jones showed ability in forr>in° an onening. finally parting to Joe William- (not our Joe) who middled nicelv, but. Ki i-i-on was declared offside. "We" a^so admitted that fact, and thereby saved the other half of the hearing fees).

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"k ? I remember at this moment that my damoie EDITOR has developed a craze for short reports this Christmas time, so I must summarise the remainder of my notes of the play in the first half by saying that after Jones had disposed of 12 good shots, and Teddy Owen cleared 6 similar shots, HALF TliME arrived, in the score reading, Bangor, 0; Druids, 0. At the coniviencement of the second half I had to open ,n, new note book, having filled the other, and consequently I had plenty of room for an absolutely verbatim note of the doings of the players during the last 45 minutes of the game. I will not, however (having the fear of the Editor's gigantic blue pencil—and a pair of glasses —ibefore my eyes) recount them. Four columns will be amply sufficient (that is, of course, for my Editor, not for my readers). ,(Tim,e-anfl spaee-is up, Mr En A vant.- Ed.). 13 minutes from the re-start, the score stood, Bangor, 1 Druids, 0. A minute later, after a. series of warm attacks, Alfy Thomas cleverly stopped one of Hannaby's breaks away, and sent to VHughy Owen. John Griffiths; handled Wugliy's shot just outside the penalty area, near the corner. Jack Arridge took the free kick, and shot diagonally along the ground, for goal. Albert Davies waited its arrival, and behind him Jones stood ready, only half a yard between them. Albert raised his mighty right leg, ixl aimed a terrific kick at the ball as it slithered to- wards him. He kicked over it, and he swung round on one leg, to "Salambo's" in- tense admiration, and before Jones could stoop down to the ball it had crossed the line and lay panting (but safe) in the far corner of the net. Bangor, 2; Druids, 0. When the cease fire sounded, the FINAL RESULT was Bangor, 3; Druids, 0. o

WELSH AMATEUR CUP.

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WELSH AMATEUR CUP. SECOND ROUND. --7 CARNARVON v. CONWAY. HOMESTERS ENTER THE THIRD ROUND. Carnarvon United had Conway as visitors to the Oval, on Saturday, in the second round of -the Welsh Amateur Cup. The weather turned out most unfavourable, and good football under such conditions was im- possible. Rain started falling early in the morning, and did not cease throughout tlie afternoon. The teams lined up as follows, being in charge of Mr A. C. Slater, Llan- dudno Carnarvon: G. H. Jones, Evan Hughes and Albert Griffiths, J. Griffiths, M. Her- berts, and Jack Williams, R. H. Roberts, Tom Roberts, Walter Jones, Hugh Roberts, Johnnie Jone8. Conway Llew Parry, Tom Jones and O. Ellis, W. Evans, B. Owen, and T. Thomp- son, J. R. Jones. L. H. Roberts, Allterton, Salm Parry, W. Stone. Conway having won the tos, decided to plitiv towards the town goal. Walter Jones set the ball rolling, and Hugh Roberts, dash- ing up the field, shot a, trifle wide. Johnnie Joner; gaining possession of the goal kick, raced along tihe touch line, but Tom Jones kicked out. of touch. From the. throw in, IIng.li Roberts tested Llew, with a. fiaet grounder, which brought him to his knees. J. R. Jones and L. H. Roberts now ad- v,anced on the right, Albert Griffith clearing a dangerous attack in goal mouth. A foul against Conway brought, the home forwards to the Conway goal. Tom Roberts gaining c' gf the free kick, romped round the vI&itol defence, but unfortunately Walter banged the leather into the net off Tom Roberts's foot, Walter being ruled off side. C onwo-v now broke away, but Allerton shot. wide when nicely placed. The game was mostly in the Conway half from now to half-time, the Conway forwards being unable to break through the home halfs, who were plalying a. liard game. At half-time the score stood :— Carnarvon. 0; Conway, 0. From the centre Conway went, up, Albert clearing with a huge punt to the Conway goal mouth, where Tom Roberts slipped. After some good play, R. H. sent the ball aecross the goal mouth, where Johnnie Jones sprang round Tom Jones and banged the ball into the net Carnarvon, 1; Conway, 0. From the centre, the home forwards were gwarming round Llew Parry, Tom Jones forcing Johnnie to place the ball behind. A fould against Conway brought the home for- wards to the attack once, more, and Tom Roberts, after getting clear of two or three of the visitors, crashed the ball over O. Ellis' head into the top of the net, giving Llew no chance of saving. Carnarvon, 2; Conway, 0. From the centre, Johnnie raced along the touch line, forcing a. corner off Tom Jones, which was placed behind by R. H. Roberts. The home forwards kept the Conway defence very busy, Hugh Roberts and Tom Roberts giving Llew a warm time. After some tur- ther play, Hugh Roberts sent in beauty, which Llew Parry fisted away. Carnarvon were attacking strongly when the final whistle was blown. Final:— Carnarvon, 2; Conway, 0. -0-

BANGOR FOOTBALL NOTES.

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BANGOR FOOTBALL NOTES. (BY EN AVANT.) The Druids are not what they used to be. Neither, for that maHer, are the Bangorians. But a.s, on the whole, the deterioration in both teams has developed in about the same degree, the status quo ante deterioration may be regarded as having been maintained and, in the making of comparisons, it may be taken that the merits of each team were pro rata, and anything hereinbefore men- tioned notwithstanding, the same as they used to be before. I don't know ,whether that sentence clearly conveys to my readers what I have in my mind or not. Probably not. Anyhow, it has left me hopelessly befogged. I don't know whether the Druids put their best team on the field or not. I was told ,that they were sending a. team to play Llan- rwst a "friendly' that same afternoon. Pos- sibly some of their best, men went to Llan- rwst, though I hardly think so, seeing this (with Bangor) was a. Combination fixture. But, assuming they had, their best team out at Bangor, then, even after making full allowance for the heavy condiuon of the ground and the extremely slippery condition of the ball, all I can say is that the Druids team is a poor one. But, mind yon, Bangor play has very often the quality of making really good teams appear to be poor ones. There is a quality of inconsequence about it which bewilders teams playing according to the accepted canons of the game. Yet, I will put all these things into the balance, of judgment, and even so I pronounce tlie Dtruids team of last Saturday a poor lot. Hannaby was the best of their forwards. Charles Jones came next to him, and he worked hard. Thev had two other good men —Albert Evans. by far the best back on the fieldand Jones, the goalkeeepr. Of the team as a whole they showed no trace of combined working throughout the game, and their advances on the Bangor goal were the result of long passes and rushes. Their shooting was not bad. The home team. though disorganised, was more than 6 goals to 0 a. better team than Ithe Druid's. They were bet,teri (jn every position except at right back. but the home backs, rn,f together, were cmite eanal to the Chirk backs, for John Griffiths' glaring de- — ficiencies counterbalanced Albert Evans' ex- cellencies, and so levelled up the merits of the full back lines. But the home halfs were far ahead: of the Drulds halfs. Cave was by far the best of the latter, but he bears no comparison with Alfy Thomas. Alfy was wonderful. Jack Arridge was to my mind the prettiest half-back on the field. Griffith, who played at left half, was also in rattling «ood trim, and put in a. lot of good, clean, effective half-back play. The forwards were disjointed. Naturally. They had a new centre, and Oliver's partner, Willie Jones, is a half-back. Mathews again was a. new partner for Hughy Owen. so that not one of them was accustomed to each other's play. Who do you think I think was the best man of the five? I vote for Mathews II ughy Owen was not in his most brilliant form, but he was far too good for Charles Jones and John Griffith. Willie Jones played his usual half-back game amongst the forwards. Oliver did a great deal of very fine individual work. Combination of course was impossible under the circumstances. But Davies is a tre- mendous centre forward. He wandered a bit too much, but his methods are good, and his weight and strength stood him in good stead. Despite what I have &aid about the lack of acquaintance with each other's style of play, the Bangor forwards—at anv rate three of them—Davies, Mathews, -and Hugliy Owen,—several times put in bea-utiflil and verv clever pasisng movements. Of Teddy Owen, there is not much to say. be- cause he had not a great deal to do. He had some, and that he did very well—couldn't have done it better. for a mo- ment to Hwfa's play, I am glad to be able to say that. though in the opening of the first half he miskicited in critical places and with alarming frequency, he steadily improved, and during almost the whole of the second half he was almost as good as-well as Hwfa at his best. Next Saturday Bangor has to meet ttihe formidable Connah's Quay team at Bangor in a Combination fixture. As next Saturday- is Boxing Day. there will be large numbers of people, in the town, and the two facts I have na-med will be sure to draw a big crowd to the Bangor Football Field. Bangor will be "up SLYliiisf," a strong and clever team, and it. will need a-11 their dash and courage and skill to beat their visitors. I think thev can do it, if they each and all put in their very best. 0

FOOTBALL NOTES.

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FOOTBALL NOTES. (BY "VETERAN"). Having an open date, the Swifts of Holy- head arranged a match with their old op- ponents Greenfield, on Saturday last, but the weather mitigated against good foot- ball. The game was, however, a very good one, although rain fell continuously, the attendance being meagre. The visitors were the first to open the score by the aid of iHood, who converted a nice cross shot sent in by Roberts. Although the field was in a fearful state, the players kept their feet well, and keen was the struggle for supre- macy. W. Brown equalised for the Swifts, .and for some tifcie after this the homesters enjoyed all the plav, further goals being added by Hughie Brown (2), H. O. Jonea (1), and J. Jones (2). After crossing over, the exchanges were more even, the visitors adding two goals to their credit, whilst the homesters did likewise. An interesting game ending in a win for the Swifts by 8 goals to 3. There was no doubt as to the superiority of the winners, though if Col- lier had not. been in form the difference might have been appreciably reduced. It may, with credit to the players, be added that the game was fought out in the most friendly spirit throughout. In the North Wales Coast League, two matches were. down to be played. At Blaenau Festiniog, where Llanrwst were the visitors, the referee found the ground al- most under water, and it was decided to abandon the game. At Denbigh, Beaumaris caught the home- sters napping, and scored the only goal of the match, thus keeping their own League sheet clean and rising to second position on the table. v The Bangor Druids journeyed to Llan- rwst to meet the Roosters Junior team, and a. fairly even game ended in favour of the homesters by three goals against two. Bangor are gradually improving their position in the Combination list. The com- mittee, after a. few recent, games, decidel to make a drastic change in the composi- tion of the team to meet the Druids, both Will Evans and D. T. Davies, the captain, were dropped, whilst Hughie Davies and Joe Williams were indisposed, thus bring- ing in Bob Davies of tlie R.W.F., (Matthews, of the 'Varsity team, Hwfa Williams, and Willie Jones. The first half of the game was of an even character, and when the interval ar- rived, neither defence had been penetrated. On crossing over. Bangor had the best of the argument, and won bv three goals to nil. It is to be hoped that on Boxing Day, when Connah's Quay visit.s Bangor, that the City boys will be able to record another win. In this division three matches were to be played in the second round of the Welsh Amateur Cup. but only two took place. The Penguins were drawn to meet Bala Press at Bala, and for some reason or other Pwllheli gave the BaJa. team a walk over. 'Carnarvon met Conwav at the Oval, and although the score was only two goals to nil in favour of the Canaries, it might have been much more, had it not been 'for the grand goalkeeping of little Llew Parry. iDenbigh were drawn to meet Llandudno at Llandudno, and tlie'y tried the experi- ment of playing two teams, with the result that the Amateurs scored no less than twelve goals, whilst Denbigh failed to notch a point. On Christmas Day three matches in the League will be decided. Colwyn Bay meet Conway at the Bay, and a keen struggle is isure to be the outcome of the game. At IHolyhead. Llanrwst will be the visitors, and Holyhead will greatly improve their goal average with this game. Pwllheli journey to Denbigh, and should give the county town boys a good game. —■ 1 « On Boxing Day there will be four .^a-mes played. 'Carnarvon will entertain the Ban- ker Reserve on the Oval. It is a great pity that one or two of the Bangorians will he holiday-making that day. Holyhead will have Pwllheli as visitors, and the Penguins will have a hard nut to crack, as the Swifts, at present will require some beating. Llan- dudno will visit Beaumaris, and Colwyn Bay journey to Llanrwst. On this day thereiwill be four good games. Readers —I WISH YOU ALL A IIERRY CHRISTMAS.

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PWLLHEf PIPINGS. -

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PWLLHEf PIPINGS. Tho Penguins faill to visit Bala, and so gave up whatever fance they may have had for the Ainate: Cup. Had they ful- filled their en.g,agnt, and won, there would have been very probability of an- other meeting beieeii Canaries and Pen- guins, but this Aviinot now come to pass. It says much f the enthusiasm of the players that, n,withstanding the little chance they got <playing in a cluib match. twenty four ,plays turned out in the rain on Saturday. Ts continual trial between Blue-, and' Red&s becoming rather mono- tonous, and <>ecially when the full strength is alws with the regular team. Next time such fixture is necersary,-and let in hope it -11 not be for a long time, 'it would be a ]t1 more interesting if the regular d-efene* was played on one side, and he first frward line on the other. A& it was, e Reserve forwards scored two, and altlwgh "the" team put on six, they had not well of la. defence opposing them, the exc)tion being Rowley Hughesp wlio played .a, sally good game, and White, who was veryiseful as centre-half. Of course, lC state of the ground, which waa in m-,tnyplaces under water, made any real footbalput of the question, and so criticism is -reless. The BoxinDay comipetition promises, to be very sueÆuL Nearly a dozen teams have enterec and, given a fine day, there should be a. Joo gate. The Penguins' purse is none too Ill. The resu. of the Christmas games1 at Denbigh an. Holybeai will be anxiously awaited, an« will havt a big effect on the club's positin in the League. The hooky match v. Carnarvon did not ("Dime off—gound qute unplayable. D. H-ard,stle an, A. Williams, of Pwll- heli, figurec in tbetria.1 match a.t Denbigh on Saturda-, and, though the West was badly beatei by 5 » 0, the Pwllheli playera figured as Nell as te majority of ttieir side.

KOW I THE TIME.

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KOW I THE TIME. At this Season < the Year no one should he -without Gwilv Evans' Quinine Bitters. It is for Indigestion; its different forms, '«ch as sick headache, heart-burn, cram.) flatulency, sense of ful- ness ^d oppress after eating, drowsi- nessllud pains 1 the region of the heart. Gwilyn Evians, -itters is, without excep- tion he Best, emedy for Depression of Spirit and Mencholy, and it is strongly reeoiiunended fl nervous diseases, such as undue anxiety despondency, fainting fits, neuralgia, an, nerve pa.ins generally. Gwilvra Evan Bitters has successfully treatM, after 1 other known preparations had failed, se-se cases of affections of the chest, such a.' common colds, bronchitis, asthtuatic col., shortness of breath, in- fluenza &c. Gwilym Evans' Bitters puri- fiesand enrich the blood, and is a. healthy and safe ton; It should be taken by all who are deli-te, as it strengthens the sys- tem and so oing assists nature, thereby promoting$»d health. Gwilym Evens' Bitters to oldren growing, and to people suffering ,,rft weakness, either after an ill- ness or thrigh long confinement' in ill- veritil&ted ooms, or any other cause, is most valuat- Beware of imitations. No It1 had so many imitators as Gwilvin Quinine Bitters, but the purchaser is. the remedy against such deceit in Is own hands. Note particularly the name 'Gwilym Evans" on the Label, on the StJip, and on the Bottle (a three- fold precision), without which none are genuine. Indignantly refuse all others. Gwilvin Jans' Quinine Bitters is sold evervwhe: in bottles, 2e 9d and 4s 6d each, or will b sent direct, carriage free, from the Sole Proprietors, The Quinine Bitters Manufaetring Company, Limited, Mincing Lane, LJiellv, South Wales. A perjiual injunction has been granted against orgaii W. James, Llanelly. with costs, regaining him from passing off his gcods ascrwilvm Evans' Quinine Bitters.

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[ALL RIGHTS laRSEPVED..) FOR AULD LAjSG SYNE. A NEW YEAR STORY. BY HAROLD BINDLOSS. It was an afternoon of the last week in December, and a bitter wind, that drove a thin drizzle before it wailed among the fir- •voods that clustered round Thomas Marston's hou^e, which stands in a dale of the North Country, overhung by the limestone crags of Allertcn Rise. Marston sat in a big c-hair by his smoking-room fire, fumbling nervously with a cigar, and his somewhat effeminate face was stamped with concern. He was a gentleman of station in the vicinity: easy- going generally, but careful of his personal comfort; weak, and somewhat vain; and lie had been hampered by financial difficulties during the last two years. In fact, they might have crushed him if his thin-lipped, strong- willed wife had not grappled with them reso- lutely. On the afternoon in question he felt them especially burdensome, for had he lwei- free from pecuniary anxiety he would have returned a different answer to the man who had come over to ask him for his daughter's hand. This was not the husband he would have preferred for her, though Mrs. Marston appeared satisfied with him, which was rather more to the purpose. Osborn. who leant against the mantelpiece watching him with a quiet smile, was close on fifty, a full-fleshed, red-faced man, with a certain suggestion of indulgence about him that Marston did not like. Still, he had made money, and wielded political as well as com- mercial influence. "I think," he Mid. suggestively, "vou understand what—if I am successful—I c should be willing to do, and I believe my wishes have all along been plain to Mrs. Marston, who has shewn no sign of disap- proval. I only await your formal permission to speak to Muriel." Marston temporised as usual. Have you any grounds for believing that she would be disposed to listen?" It is rather a difficult question." and Os- born made a deprecatory gesture. "I be- lieve your wishes and Mrs. Marston-s would have some weight with her, and—it must be said—I have a good deal to offer her. Still, to be frank, I have felt inclined to wonder if there was anything of the nature of-a prior attachment?" There was." said Marston. who wondered if his wife would have been pleased with his honesty. Whether it was really serious on either side I do not know, and Mrs. Marston is firmly persuaded of the contrary. In any case, when Henrv Anneslcv went to build a South American, railroad rather more than two years ago I promised that I might, per- haps, ountenanc an engagement if he came home in a stipulated time successful. He failed to do so, and sent no explanation. In- deed. for some time we have heard nothing at all from him, and Muriel never mentions him." Osborne nodded. Well." he said. I am willing to take my chance. I understand that Muriel iis not at home this afternoon, and I must leave for town to-night. Still. I hear that she will be at the Ferrars' New Year daneeT and I shall take that opportunity of speaking to her." Marston said somewhat reluctantly that he had his goodwill, and by-and-bye Osborn drove away; but he managed to secure a few words with Mrs. ilarstoii, whom he con- sidered as his ally, first, and it wat4 some time later when that lady entered the room where her daughter sat. Muriel was five-and-twenty, tall, and delicately pretty, but she looked weary and spiritless just then, and she shrank a little from her mother's caress. "Your father has told you?" said the latter. The girl made a dejected gesture. She had made a good fight, but circumstances had proved too strong for her, aad she knew that she was beaten. "Yes." she said, "I suppose the thing is inevitable. You are bent on it." "That," said Mrs. Marston, with a re- proachful air, is not the way to look at :t. It will secure you a brilliant future and lessen your father's difficulties, while, though Mr. Osborn has a few peculiarities, he is a man with at leah-t as many excellent qualities. I think most young women in your posi- tion-" Muriel stretched out one hand wearily, and a moment later a little flush crept into her face. "If Harry had only sent us word!" she said. Ah said Mrs. Marston, "I fancied yon had more pride. Harry has certainly for- gotten you-and, while hurt, I am not greatly astonished. He was always a trifle- wild—and vwu have no doubt heard that young men are—apt to acquire rather liberal views of life in Spanish-American countries." She saw the girl's cheek burn. and changed the subject. You have not accepted the Ferrars' invitation yet. Hadn't you better do it?,, She went out shortly after this. for when she had produced the effect she desired she seldom spoilt it by saying too much. and Muriel sat down at a writing-table. She laid a dainty invitation note in front of her, know- ing well that if she accepted it she would come back from the New Year's dance the affianced wife of a man she certainly did not like. Then she unlocked a drawer, and. taking out a little bundle of letters on thin paper, gazed at the photograph that fell out from them. After that she read one of the letters, which she knew by heart, and once more looked in vain for anything that was particu- larly lover-like. It ispoke of culverts and, bridges which. though he did not say so. the man was building for her sake. and it was unfortunate that she did not know her father had pledged him to abstain from anything that suggested the accepted suitor in his correspondence. Marston had insisted that Muriel must be free to change her mind. and it was a pity she had not seen the smile in Annesley's eyes when he heard it. Then, re- membering her mother's suggestion, and that Annesley, who bed sent her no more letters, could have written if he had liked, she rent the bundle to pieces, and flung them and the photograph into the fire. In another minute she hastily scribbled a note and handed it to the maid she summoned. "Will you see that is posted—at once?" ehe said. The maid went out, and Muriel sat very still, staring straight in front of her with A great wearinese in her eyes. The l'xt few days passed very heavily with her. But New Year's Eve ciii, length, and it happened that while she arrayed her- self for the dance a man with face bronzed by the tropic snn drove across a high, bleak moorland from the little branch railway that wound through a sheltered valley some twenty miles from Allerton Scar. A crescent moon was climbing over the rim of the moor, and silver froe-twork sparkled faintly among the heather. Annesley shivered a little, for it. was more than two years since he had faced such a nipping air as came down from the black and solemn fells. In due time h8 got down at tlie gate of an old grey house, where he was effusivelv greeted by a man some years younger than himself. Annesley was not quite thirty. "Harry!" said his companion, as he led him into a lighted room. It's good to see you; but I thought you were still on the Pampas. Where—have—von sprung from ? Newcastle," said Annesley. laughing. "I landed at Gravesend early thiti morning, and had to run up and see my employers. Had some difficulty in getting away, on condition that I went back in a day or two. You'll pl,t me nn to-night?" Woyne. th younger man, said he would put him up for a year, although his mother and sister were just then away. He had a meal brought in. and when it was over looked at his companion a6 they lighted their cigar*. ••Now talk." he said. "You've been I siic /essfult I lly employers seem nlecsed." said Annes- II ley. Any way. they offer me an engagement on vevv tempting terms. Another eone, would have me as partner." '•Excellent! You']] IV Wayne sc-emed to remember something sud- denly. and his face grew thoughtful. "Of course, I know most of the Allerton folks rather well. If I'm not trespassing, wasn't there—something—between you and Muriel Marston ?" There is. I expect to get her father's con- sent to our wedding to-morrov." Wayne seemed siartled. Ha\e you written her lately? I haven't. I got hurt when tne of our locomotives jumped the track, and h,v a long while in a hospital. When I came round things had all gone wrong on my piece cf the line, and I didn't write then. Everything ^as to depend on my isueccclz-cdd it looked more like failure. I worked all day and most of every night, and when at length my diffi- culties were elided and the line was taken over a letter would only have come by the boat I travelled in. I'm going on to Marston's first thing to-morrow." Wayne leant forward in his HirrN-. you should have gone to-night. I was at Ferrars's yesterday, and it seems to be under- stood that Muriel will be offered an oppor- tunity of marrying a richer man than you are before to-morrow. What's more, her mother is bent on it. Annesley rose to his feet, and in a few minutes something very like the truth came out. Then while the veins rose swollen on his forehead he closed one hard, brown hand. "Tom," he said, "you have got to get me t 11 e. horse or a motor in the next ten minutes." Sorry it can't be done. Lansing's gone to Hexham with his car, and there's nobody here keeps a horse that would take you into Allerton under a good four hours. It's twentv- four miles—over Garside Scar." Then a thought seemed to strike him. Harrv. we once did our hundred and fifty miles on the tandem, and I ride it with young Leslie still. Are you fit to drive it over Gaiside to- night? Annesley laughed harshly. With you or by myself. Still, if you ride with me down Garside you're going to risk your life." Wayne swung out of the room, and five minutes later he had the tandem at the door, and screwed on a big acetylene lamp. The blaze it flung out shewed that the drive was smooth and iron-hard, and that the grass was white with frost. Gate's open," he said, simplv. Into the tladdle." They were off in another moment, and the bitter wind that swept down from the fells went through them like a knife as thev flitted out from the shelter of the yews and laurels into the open moor. Then their breath whirled behind them in filmy wisps as they pedalled steadily up the long road past spiny whin bush and shaggy heather. That moor stands eight hundred feet above the sea, but they had almost as much to climb before they crossed Garside Sear. Still, they had the breeze with them, and while the blood tingled in their veins the milestones leaped up under the flickering blaze of the big lamp and whirled behind. Wayne. who was the yonnger, raised his voice when they swept with a mad whirr into the shadowy depths of a ghyll. Oh," he said. Young Lochinvar is come out of the West. Through all the wide border his steed is the best. You doddering fool =" said Annesley. Can't you save your breath? Wayne found that he wanted it as they raced up the ghyllside with lowered heads, and there was then to be faced a long, strenuous climb. 'A frosty moon sailed slowly up the sky. The road was as hard and almost as smooth as polished marble, and the dry stone dykes sprang up by it and unrolled their ragged lengths before them. At times they passed a lonely cottage or a little deso- late farm, but for the most part there was only the ample moor and the ridge of Gar- side cutting against the blueness black and high. They were breathing hard, and Annes- ley. who was fresh from the tropics, was con- scious of a distressful pain in his side; but he would not let it trouble him. and gazed ahead over his comrade's shoulder watching for the milestones with straining eyes. Then with the bright blaze flickering before them they rode into a little town quarried out of the grey fellside, and went through it furiously. There were still lighted windows I that flung streaks of yellow radiance into the frosty night. and here and there a man or wrapped-up woman leaped aside and turned to eta-re after them. Sharp to the right! cried Wayne, as 1 thev barely cleared a running child. The tandem swung, and there was a crash and jar as Annesley's pedal struck the kerb; but though he reeled in the saddle they were going on again, and the blinking lights of the little town grew dim behind. Once more, breathing heavily, they plunged into the moor. the long white road rolling away, still steeply, straight in front of them. It was up and up through the heather, with Garside crags creeping back to them. and the tandem creaking and rocking under them, until at last they shot beneath tlie rocky rampart, and a valley opened suddenly like a pit beneath their feet. Wayne snatched out his watch. They'll have begun the dancing. It's eleven o'clock," he said. Now it's hold on and let her go. We drop one thousand feet in the next few miles." Annesley had p, mcmentarv glimpse of little yellow lights that shewed very dim and faint. and the silver gleam of a river, in the valley far below. Then he saw scarcely anything, for the rush of bitter wind brought the water to his eyes. There was a mad rhythmic whirr- ing beneath him, and a long stone wall seemed to leap out of the hollow, for that is one of the highest high roads in England, and drops almost precipitously, while Wayne, who was young and reckless, had let the tandem go. If there's anything on the road we'll go smash through." he said, and the words whirled over his shoulder harsh and almost unintelligible. Axinesley only leughed, a little jarring laugh, for he was born on the border, and odd words of Sir Walter's ballad went jingling through hie heed Ere he arrived at the Netherby pate. 1 The bride had consented, thp gallant came late. "Tom." he said, a miriute later, "what kind of man is he! "A beast I" was the breathless answer. "Fat and fle,,Iiy-tlie kind that lives too well." Then Wayne's voice grew sharper, "Sit tight. We're on to the Devil's Crook. I Shall I try to check her with the brakes? If you do I'll fling yon off." said Annesley. They were going downhill very like a loco- motive. and the white road seemed cut off by a ridge of limestone close ahead. Annesley, looking over his comrade's shoulder, won- dered how the long tandem would go round that bend. It was clear that if it did not there would be verv little left unshattered of either it or them. Then they swung over. men and machine slanting until the pedals grazed the ground, and a ten-foot ridge of limestone, with a narrow strip of turf be- neath it. seemed flying at them. The fore- wheel jumped the tiny runnel, that was crusted with ice, and they crashed through a space, of rushes and up a slope of frosted grass; but it" I- w-are still in the saddle when the tyres bit iiirn road again. There was a two-mile straight in front cf their, dug oil the one hand out of the hillside, rnd the tandem seemed to clear it in a bound, for that is one of the steepest bits of good road in the North Country, where rteep roads are by no means uncom- mon. Far ahead, the hills of the Scottish border ro.se dim beneath the moon. with the gnp where the Ek comes down in the midst of vheni; but that modern tandem would have left the Gordon of the ballad, who rode to Netherby on a similar errand long ago, very far behind. They swung round the next bend somehow. and the moors of Westmor- land rose in front of them, while lights be- gan to grow out of the valley, and the glim- mer of the river became a trifle plainer. A mile to the ghyll. cried Wayne. Then you can pedal again." His voice scream. ar Ihad sea flash sight of the river with the perspiration drip- ping from them. Then it was once nooro downhill, and rows of lights, with a great flickering one in their midst, flitted up to- wards them. Annesley flung & question at blis companion as a post with a board attached to it went by. Eden bidge." said Wayne. "I was for- getting. They're rebuilding it. An arch is to be broken to-morrow. I've got to stop her." It was half a minute before the brakes got hold, and they irove into the midst of a gang of workmen toiling beneath a flickering blast-lamp before Wayne could pull the ma- chine up. T h-en they came to the ground breath- less. and he looked >aek at the ridge of Gar- side that now cut blak against the soft blue- ness of the night ver\ high above his head, while Annesley queatioied the workmen. "Can we get acr("?-' Jae said. "To-morrow." c,?!id tm of them. "Well h. have the temp'ry timbering in by then." ? Annesley swung round or Wayne. "ICa six miles to the lower bridg. How much water is there on the YanwathPord? Most of three foot," said he workman. She's running full. You're not going to shove that bicycle over? Wayne laughed. If you had come down Garside with him you wouldn't tell him that." he said. "Into the saddle, Harry; it's grass to the ford." Part of it was a bank like the side of a railway cutting, but they went down, and over a strip of what is, called bottom in that country, where the tandem smashed through crackling ice and bounced through clumps of rushes. They also rode right into the ford, where the machine turned them off; and they were dripping to the waist when they shoved it up the further bank, while Wayne at least realised that the wafer of èn waa- bitterly cold. Then it was two mil up the valley to Ferrars'is house, which blazed with. light, and the strains of a waltz reached them as they flung the tandem up against a frost-spangled yew. Five minutes later Wavne made the lady who met him in the wide hall a little inclina- tion. and pointed to his drenched attire. I am not going to dance, my dear lady, as you may surmise." he said. "In fact. I have only come to bring you an uninvited guest. t may explain, in excuse for the state of his garments, that he has just pushed my tandem bicycle through Yanwath Ford." The ladv started when she saw Annesley, and Wayne. whose mad ride had had an effect upon him, grinned. Well." he said, "you ought to remember Harry; and in one way it's rather a pity thi& isn't a fancv-dress ball. You see. he's bent on playing Young Lochinvar over again. The bride's father is Mr. Marston, and if he proves obdurate we've the tandem waiting." Mrs. Ferrars shook hands with Annesley* whom she knew and liked, and then drew him aside a pace or two. I If 1 had known you were still in the same mind as when you went aw ay, I would never have had Muriel's new suitor here to-night," she said. Try the room near the conserva- tory-and be quick." Annesley scarcely thanked her, but swung through one or two more or less secluded rooms, where several couples gazed at him in blank astonishment; and. as it happened, just as he reached the last of them the orchestra struck into another waltz, and Muriel Marston rose languidly from a lounge. Osborn. who had just come in. stood before her. red-faced, thick-necked, and fleshy, in his evening dress; and the girl strove to restrain the shrinking she felt at the sight of him. My dance. I think. at last. Would you like to sit it out?" lie said; and there was something in the way liis eyes rested on her that brought the blood to Muriel's face. She stood very still a moment, tall and f statuesque in her long, light-tinted dress, striving to brace hereelf for what must be faced; and then another voice broJse in. No," it said; I think its mine." Muriel turned with a gasp that set the- dainty laces heaving at her throat as another man strode to her side. He was brown-faded, stendy of eye. and clear of skin; but there was dust on his tweed clothing, and Eden water still dripped from him. Osbora gazed at him with bewilderment in his little, narrow eyes. Miss Marston promised me this dance an hour since," he said. "Well." said Annesley, drilv. "my claim on her is & prior one. It goes back at least two years." He laid a hard brown hand gently on her arm. and while Osborn gazed at him in grow- ing auger Muriel made the latter a little sign. It is as he says," she said. "You must hold me excused." Osborn made her an inclination as he moved away, and Muriel turned to Annesley with burning cheeks. "Harry," she said, "you might. at leasts have spared me this." One moment said Annesley. "Have you promised that man anything? No," said Muriel, quivering a little while she tried to straighten herself. Annesley laughed exultantly. "Then yotr are going to promise it to me. Come into the conservatory." ) His manner seemed to sweep her off her feet, and it was a minute later when she stood facing him again. He seized one hand and held it fast. "I believe I understand," he said. All this is your mother's doing; but you can't marry a man of that kind. You must be frank with me." "Would it matter to you?" said Muriel. You didn't write to me." I did. until I lay badly hurt in a swelter- ing hole of a railway hospital. Then every- thing went dead against me. You know I was to come back successful or stay away, and I wasn't to write you all I felt." H I didn't," said Muriel, softly. Were you very ill, Harry7? Annesley laughed. "A freight car that jumped the track fell upon me but that's not the point. I was to come back successful ,-and I've done it." L Ali said Muriel, "there are things they never told me. I thought you had lot- gotten—I was very Litter against you." "The one question is, are you the least bitter now? Are you unwilling to go back to where we were when I went away? Muriel looked away from him. No," she paid. I almost think you have cleared vourself." Annesley held her fast. Then 4iold out this hand. The first Tisit I paid when I landed on English soil this morning was to jeweller's. Now. ,and lie slipped on fJ glittering ring—" you belorg to me. quite prepared to carry you off on tandem if it is necessary." Muriel glanc-ed from the ring to a trace of somewhat natural a^toni& she said: Wayne's tandeni? "You know what happened at long ago.v* and Wayne laughed. S put the old ballad into my head. I plain that we rode down Garside on dem to get here in time, and it wa fault, but the river's, that we did through Yanwath Ford. Still, that the question. The one thing that » that you belong to me. Now it mw on twelve o'clock and this Xew wonderful things in store for tw. have. You and I stand hand in hi we did two year= ago." He drew her to him, and as b there was a sudden crash of mus Auld Lang Syne stole sweet a out of the ringing chords. fTIlE END.1

Papurau Newydd Cymru

The North Wales Express

17 erthygl ar y dudalen hon

THE COMBINATION. |

/ WORTH WALES COAST LEAGUE.