Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
4 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
HIS GRACE.
( Copyright.) HIS GRACE. Ih MRd C. N. WILLIAMSON, Author of "The Darn Stormerg," "The Woman it Grov, "Fortune's Sport," "The House by the Lock, A Man From the Dark," Lady Mary of the Dark House," Her Royal Highness," &c. SYXOTSIS OF PRECEDING CHAPTERS: Lord Warelinm hf.d been brought home from the hunting fi, hI with his neck broken. The consequence was that Lady Wnreham also lay in peril of her life, while mother life, still more precious to the family fortune and future, was trembling in the balance. Should death occur the man whom Lady Mary Blandcn—the spinster fister of the Duke of Leicester —despised above all other men would soon come into the title and estates. She and Mr. Savernake, who acted as a sort of confidential clerk to the Duke, concoct a scheme to frustrate this. A certain docu- ment which Savernake extracted frcm the pockets of Lord Warelnm revealed that a womsn, who claims to bp, his wife, h ;s come to live in the neighbour- hood to ascertain whether the reports of his second m.rrin £ e are true, and acquainting him of the birth of twins—two boys. Whilst this story is discredited by i-nvernake and Lady Mary, they conspire t.owcth! r to offect out of it a way out of the difficulty which lies before them. This is nothing less than the exchange of the young Lord Wareham the moment he should die for one of the infants of this strange woman. This is accomplished by Savernake, the woman consenting, with various stipulations. To the amazement of all, and especi- ally of the doctor, whom Lady Mary ingeniously got out of the wny, little Lord Wareham got better in a r"lllarbblv short time. We are next introduced to Randal Palgrave, at the coming of age of the Duke, when a grand ball is given at Lnrlworth Towers. His mind is full of bitter thoughts as he paces the picture gallery, and inwardly comments upon how nearly he had come into the dukedom. Maurice, the Duke, becomes acquainted at college with young Blandon, and Randal has a good reason for en- couraging the friendship. PIandon belongs to a rapid, card-ph^ine, hqrd-drinking set of young men, most of them much older than he, and through his and his father's influence the Duke had been drawn into it as well. With such a feeble consti- tution as Leicester's, no way of life could have been more injurious, and upon this fact Randal Palgrave had calculated. If the young man married, all his efforts of the last ten years would have been in vain. History would repeat itself. There would be an heir, and whether the Duke lived cr died, Randal Palgrare's fate would he the same. This fear of Randal's was well founded. The attentions which the Duke bestowed upon the "Princess''—Lady Ann O'Neill —called up all the bitterness in his nature. The Princess promises to lp the wife of Maurice, not because she loves the Duke, I ut because she is poor, and sees in such a marriage a way of helping the poor people of Kil- daragh. for whom she would have given her life. The Duko takes her upon these terms. The effect of this upon ra.1rave is to suddenly bring to his mind Lis possession of the "Moated Grange," a dilapidated house on the banks of the Thames, which had been left him by the departed Duke. This he seeks to have furnished and renovated, the money for which he borrows from the Duke himself. CIIAPTKR IV. It freen announced by the medical specialist to wh' he had been obliged to go, that his life was ""t worth a year's purchase if he continued living in the Bloomsbury Hat, Palgrave informed his distant relative the Duke of Leicester, after dne reflection. London air, and especially Bloomsbury air, was killing him, yet lie could not afford to go abroad. The doctor had told him he ought, to stay up the river for six months at least. As though a man with a son to support could go and take a place up the river, on a beggarly six hundred a year Everyone knew what the rents of even the smallest riverside h\1ng:õlnw;; ammmtrd to Well, he might better make up his mind to die, though, when one came to think of ii, it was hard, especially as there was 1hnt benntif111 oLl place, the Moated Grange. which could so easily be rendered a desirable residence, if only one hrd a few hundreds to spend on it. They would be well invested, too, by Jove they would! When he, Palgrave, had recovered his health and was ready to go elsewhere, the place, if renovated, would let for a tremendous sum. If Leicester were willing to advance a couple of thousand, for instance, to save his poor old cousin's life, he needn't lose 1\ penny of it. The Moated Grange should be mortgnged to him for the money, and all the profits of letting it each summer woult thus be added to his revenue, unless 1 lie loan w€;t- paid oft' within, Ray two years, and at a safe five per cent, interest. What did Palgrave's dear Maurice say to that ? Palgrave's dear Maurice thought the money might be managed. He would see Savernake. who was practically his man of business, about, the affair. But Palgrave was hardly satisfied with this concession. Whatever were the faults of the young Duke of Leicester (and unfortunately their name was legion), niggardliness was not one of them. He would 18 as willing to lend his cousin two thousand, as he would two pounds, but Savernake would not see the matter in that light. Palgrave therefore gave Leicester no rest until he had promised to do the favour, no matter what objections Savernake might raise. It was well for him and his schemes that he had done so. for there was a mighty war of words between the Duke and "his man of business" (as he generally eallcd him) before the transfer was actually accomplished. Leicester would, if left to himself, have made no conditions on lending the two thousand pounds, but Savernake was determined since the Duke had obstinately resolved upon parting with the money, that Palirnve should he held to the letter of his bond. The sum should be repaid within a year, or the Moated Grange would return to the son of the man who had once made so merry under its ancient roof. Palgrave had stipulated for two years grace, and he had his own private reasons for particularly desiring that extension of time. Still, pressed by Savernake and the young Duke's solicitors, he yielded at last, with a grim resolve in his mind which (had they but dreamed of it) would have filled those who witnessed his signing of the proper documents with loathing indescribable. As spring came on, Palgrave was able to move into the Moated Grange. IIehr.d rushed on the necessary repairs, slighting all that could be con- cealed in the way of dilapidation" and having such furniture as lie obliged to purchase hurried in almost before the big, wainscot ted rooms were ready to receive it. It is easy to let even a Bloomsbury flat in the height of the London sea on, and Palgrave had no difficulty in ridding himself temporarily of his at a good round price. With what lie had contrived to save from the loan made to him by the Duke he had n considerable sum in hand and as if his schemes did not go rsirnv, he would be plentifully provided for in the fr.i'ire. lie felt comfortably able to be lavish for the moment. Blandon he had kept in complete ignorance of his inter.' ion. It might be that when the crisis of the situation arrived he would need the aid of the young man. He was sure that, if so, he might count upon it but if it were possible he wished (in hi own words) to "pull the thing through by himself. Though Blandon was kept in the dark, however, he knew his father sufficiently well,and had enough of Randal Palgrave's blood in his veins, to feel little faith in 0 the plea of removal for health's sake. He could imagine no life more dull and distasteful than that which would be passed in a place like the Moated Grange, nnd he was sure that unless there was something of importance "in the wind," no doctor on earth could have induced his sociable and gregarious parent to retire to the riverside. He pondered the matter considerably, though he soon discovered that little was to be gained by putting leading questions and at last, when the repairs were all but finished, he inquired if his father intended inviting the Duke of Leicester to visit at the Moa el Grange. "I have no such intention at present." returned Palgrave, with elaborate nji-:lessncss, "why do yon a-k ?" "Oh, I hardly knov said Blandon, looking sly (and he could look increuiUy sly, when there was no audience save an admiring parent to observe his change of feature). "I only thought that, as the Moated Grange seems a deuced damp, unhealthy old hole, you might cherish the worthy design of-" "I must sav that it isn't very good form to jest on such a subject, Palgrave interrupted. There had been a time when he had allowed his son to guess why it might be advisable to influence Leicester into keeping late hours, drinking more wine than was good for him. and tampering with his health generally but the understanding had always been a tacit one. and now the elder man was more cautious or more scrupulous than of old. "There is one thing, however. I do intend doing," Palgrave went on. I sliall a-k Sir .Tames and Lady Olancarden and Lady Anne O Neill down for a fortni"lit (»• -■■>••'•••Mt to") and before they have a chance to get back to Ireland. It ia just as well for several reasons not to have Leicester under the same roof, but after Henley, he can bring his house-boat close to us, if he chooses, and can either come to ns, or we can go to him, every evening when he likes. I daresay that plan would suit him down to the ground." "I daresay," echoed Blandon, reflectively. He could understand that it might easily do so, but why his father should deliberately play into the Duke's hand, scheming to throw him into his fiancee's society, he could not so readily com- prehend. He declined to believe, on the whole, though Palgrave would give him no further satisfaction. that his clever parent did not intend, after all, suggesting the house-boat arrangement to Leicester and he flattered himself that the idea of having Lady Anne O'Neill in the house had been generously conceived entirely for his own benefit. Not only would he have been glad for the sake of his own inclination, and for prudential reasons, to "cut out his cousin the Duke in that direction, but he was well aware of Palgrave's scientific theories regarding the hidden existence of coal at poverty-stricken Kildaragh, and knew that despite appearances the penniless beauty might not prove to be such a bad match after all. It seemed to Blandon that if his fat her had gone to the expenses of renovating the Moated Grange solely in the hope of giving him a fortnight or so in the society of Anne O'Neill, the same object might somehow have been obtained in a less troublesome and elaborate manner. Still, on mentally debating the matter, he was able to fix upon no very plausible alternative reason, and finally concluded that there could be no other. It w: a early in May when Randal and Blandon Palgrave left the flat in Bloomsbury, and moved into the Moated Grange. Life went quietly, not to say gloomily there, though occasionally a few people (and the Duke of Leicester among others) tore themselves from the gaieties of town, and ran down from Saturday to Monday. The invitation to the Clancardens, including Lady Anne O'Neill, was duly sent, however, and duly accepted, therefore a break in the dull routine might be looked forward to. Blandon was glad of this, but he was more than astonished when the suggestion once made with apparent carelessness by his father, was religiously carried out. The season before the Duke had indulged his fancy by buying a house-boat. But the chances were that, save for Ilenley week, perhaps, it would have remained unused by its prratje young pro- prietor had not Palgrave painted in glowing colours the delights of having it towed to the point in the river nearest the Moated Grange. The place would be full of people for a fortnight or so, Palgrave said by way of apology for not asking the Duke to stop at the house, but there would be advantages in having the boat. It might amuse Lady Anne and the 0: her yonng girls who would be among the guests at the Moated Grange, to spend many hours, duly chaperoned, on the Duke's charming house- boat. There might be picnics, and all sorts of odd, original little entertainments and, besides, there might be some rather jolly poker and baccarat parties on board the Mischief, when the ladies were all safely sleeping in tbt4Ír own rooms at the Moated Grange. Leicester had thought it rather odd that he should not be invited to the house, but when this point of view was presented to him, he accepted it with enthusiasm. Despite Blandon's sulky looks the plan was carried out as arranged. During Henley week the two Palgraves and such guests as they had with them were all accommodated on boarl the roomy and well-appointed Mischief, gay with rose and white awnings, quantities of pink hydrangeas and brilliantly-coloured electric lights. After the last grand night of the regatta and its illumination and frivolities all went back to the Moated Grange, the Mischief meanwhile being towed to the shadowed backwater selected for iis sojourn. Of the party on board the house-boat and at the Moated Grange Lady Marv Blandon violently dis- approved. If she had changed little in appearance during the past one-and-twenty years, still less had she changed in her bitter hatred and distrust of Randal Palgrave. But the Duke was of age and his own master, and after more than one unpleasant scene between himsplf and hi" aunt he had, as a matter of course, taken his own way. It went without saying also that though invited for con- ventionality's sake, Lady Mary would not counten- ance by her presence the two guests on the Iischief whom she had so long and consistently detested. As for Leicester, he had never been so happy in his life. True, as he said to himself in certain lonely hours, when he had plenty of time for thought, Anne was cold to him as a statue and this was the more galling because there was that in her face and eyes which hinted that she had a heart to love. Still, she was uniformly kind, and very beautiful, and he had the selfish pleasure of feeling that other men envied him his good luck. He saw her every day, sometimes nearly all day and she spoke no word of protest, though her eyes were grave under her long lashes when he reminded her that in less than four months they would be man and wife. One evening, five or six days afier Henley, the Duke sculled over in his dinghy from the back- water where the Mischief was moored (shining like a white swan under the rich green of the chestnut trees) earlier than usual, on his way to the Moated Grange. He could have gone by road if he liked, but the river way was shorter, and brought him near to the back of the house, within sight of Anne's windows. lie was in evening dress —an odd sight, in a dinghy out on the river- but the Duke did not mind that. It was but a little way, and no one would see him—or if anyone did, it could not matter. To go out of the backwater in the way that ho must go, to reach the Moated Grange by the river short. cnt, h had to pass through a rapid part of the water, not far from a disused weir. It struck him as he took his boat through, that a man with his head heated by wine, coming home la'e at night, might have a nasty accidpnt. and he decided to beware. He loved life for its own sake, and for Lady Anne's sake, and shuddered at the dark, cold thought of sudden death. A mingled glory of sunset and moonrise irra- diated lawn and Irees and house, as he swung lazily along the water in his dinghy. Never before had he noticed the weird pictnrrsqueness of the old place, hnt to-night it impressed him. Along the bank where his boat would presently be moored ran a dense leafy canopy of over- arching willows and great spreading chestnuts, into which lie could look up as he passed under- neath, as int 0 a huge green dnnw. The rank-growing nettles and tangle of weeds that for a quarter of a century had reigned in undisputed sovereignly on the lawn, had all been cleared away, and the grass was smooth as emerald velvet. Beds of brilliant red geraniums gleamed jewel-like under an oak near the house, and a strangely deformed old cedar of Lebanon. The house was of grey stone, tinted green and purple with the mosses and lichens which those who had n scored it hnd not seen fit to remove. There were queer gargoyles, and many melancholy- looking gables over-avehing latticed windows, and on the side which overhung the moat, ivy grew thick and black as a funeral pall. Even in the rosy light of sunset there was a tragic air about that moat. It was dark, and deep, and—perhaps because there was an ugly old story connected with it—looked as though it might hide a dreadful secret silently and well. It ran alongside the house, and a large bow window in what was now used as the drawing-room, was built out over it. Above were the windows in the bed- chamber occupied by Anne O'Neill, and, as ho glanced up, the Duke instantly forgot the grim forebodings which. for a moment or two, had vaguely disturbed him. The latticed sashes were thrown wide open, and in the frame they made the girl Mood like a lovely picture. The light of sunset touched her hair, and rendered the fairness of her face and bare neck almost dazzling. She had promised the DuJ-e fo be early that night, and though it was only half- past seven, and dinner would not 1>c for an hour yet, she was already dressed. He waved his hand to her, and she disappeared. He knew this meant that she was coming down- stairs to him. and he hastened to make fast his dinghy in the lit lie boa'-house which his monev, lent to Randal Palgrave, had built. Often as he saw his lie was given very few opportunities of having her to himself. It might almost have seemed, he thought sometimes if anyone could possibly have had a motive for so doing, as though the perpetual espionage were intentional. For this evening, however, lie had Carefully arranged a rendezvous. He had won Anne's consent to his plan, by hinting that lie had something ofyast importance to say to her. and begged her to meet him in the little old summer- house under a clump of willows by the river's edge. Two or three tall trees shut the place out of sight from the houre. and this fact had not gone unregarded in the Duke of Leicester's eves. The back of the Moated Grange was turned full up >n the water, while the moat ran stealthily along its side. A hall, long and wide, cut through the centre of the house, with a wide, low-studded door at either end. Against the dark background formed by one of these standing half-open, Anne's slim white figure presently shewed itself to Leicester, as lie slowly wandered towards the trysting-place. Seeing it, he went straight to the summer-houso rather than be observed if lie met the girl within Bight, of the windows, and Anne half-reluetautly followed. Somehow, as he held both her little cool hands the strange, dim foreboding that he had felt, again came owr him. He hardly knew how to define it, unless it were born of {he shadow in her eyes, and the pensive curve of the soft, red lips that he had never yet been permitted to tone)); hilt it. callght. him, like a sudden deadly knocking at his hearÎ. "Ynll look very lovely, darling," he said, "but very sad. too. Has anything happened to trouble you, or is it-that. you didn't like coming here to meet me ? "Nothing has happened," she answered. "And I didn t mind coming." But she spoke with that down droop of the wonderful eyelashes that always baffled him, like a dark curtain that dropp:d between his mind and her, ¡. I wouldn't, have bothered yOU," lie went on, almost humbly "only I have something for you that I couldn't verv well cIv.> v<, before every- body—and you know how little chance I have with you alone." Anne smiled kindly, though without enthusiasm, in the prospect of receiving a gift, and sat 10 rn in a corner of the rustic seat that ran rounds he interior of the summer-house. Leicester promptly availed himself of the softness in her eyes to take a place rather closer than absolutely necessary beside her. The girl edged away slightly, as if with an involuntary movement, but then, thinking better of it, went no further. "Your birth-month is October," said the Duke, "and I was looking up the proper jewel for it the other day. It turned out to be an opal. Do you remember the old distich October's child bylwoe's opprest, But wear an opal in thy breast, And all these woes shall sink to rest ? You haven't any opals, have you?" "No," Anne answered. "1 haven't. I have so few jewels, you know. Yet I always loved opals. They seem to me like pearls, with a soul." "Look here, dearest," said the Duke. He took from an inner breast pocket a small old-fashioned case of gold and silver brocade, the bright inter- mingling of its threads dimmed by time. Opening it he displayed—lying on a background of white velvet, an extraordinary large and scintillating opal, of an oval shape, and surrounde I in such a curious manner by closely set brilliant? as to resemble a lustrous iris floating on an eyeball of diamonds. The effect was so odd as to he some- what startling, especially as the gem caught the rays of the sunset, and sent forth a spark of green light which seemed to Anne indescribably sentient, even vicious. She exclaimed involuntarily. It was as though the eye of some unhuman, supernatural intelli- gence had met and leered into hers, or so it appeared to her sensitive imagination, fed from childhood on the romantic folk-lore of her country. But the Duke mistook her cry for unmixed admiration. "It is for you," he said. "Though the thing is a family heirloom I may give it to the girl who is to be my wife. If you were superstitious, I shouldn't dare tell you the name it goes by among the Blandons, but you arc too clever and wise to mind nursery stories, and so you shall hear it. With me it only adds to the charm. The thing is c,Iled The Evil EN,e. You see, it's intended to represent an eye of some sort, but I don't quite know why evil,' unless because' it's been mixed up with some family tragedies as well as joys. The story goes, that when worn by the women of our house it changes colour in a conveniently prophetic manner, if any fatality overtakes the husband, father, brother, or lover. Of course, that's all childish nonsense; though they do say it was because of the red look on this very opal that my mother felt convinced something had happened to my father, and running downstairs found them carrying him into the house, stone dead—thrown by a beast of a horse while hunting. But I hope I haven't put you off it, have I? I want you to let me hang it round your neck, you know." Rarely beautiful as the stone was, with its strange, eye-shaped setting of diamonds, Anne felt a curions repugnance toward it, and a reluctance to accept or wear it. But seeing that the Duke was grieved at her lack of appreciation of his splendid offering, she relented, and submitted her white, uncovered throat to the delicate chain. A slight shuddering seized her as he fastened it, partly at the contact of his hands (for she never let him touch her, if without absolute rudeness she conlrl avoid it) and partly with the thought of the many women whose fair bodies had crumbled into dust long ago, who had worn it before her. The Duke lingered over the task, and paused finally, with his hands lying heavily upon her shoulders. Her flesh shrank, hut angry at what she thought her own ungracious weakness, she stood motionless. He looked into her eyes admiringly. "Anne, won't you reward me by letting me kiss you, just oi-,ce ? lie asked. "I shouldn't think there was another man on earth engaged for months to a girl whom he worships, and never once allowed to kiss her lips. It's nothing short of cruel, my darling, r.nd if I were not absolutely your slave I would never have stood it. Just once, Anne! Here we are alone, and not a soul can see." "No—no she cried, pale as a lily. "Do for- give me, won't you ? I know I'm in the wrong, but—-I simply can't. Wait!—after—after October you will have the right, and I won't deny it to vim. If you try to force me to it before 1-1'111 afraid I shall almost feel as though—I hated you." She was sorry as soon as she had spoken, feeing the hurt look on his face, but, though she honestly tried to take back her words, and even to say she would grant what he had asked, she found herself unable to do so. Endeavouring to compensate for her nnkindness bv profuse thanks for the gift she had jus! received, she made an excuse to return to the house. They had been too long already. He must see how dark it was growing. Why—consulting the plain little watch that had been her mother's, it was iive-and- twenty past eight. Dinner would be announced. and everyone would be wondering. if iir,,ed her no i,. or, She did not re him alone again, but throughout the evening her heart wa< heavy with a of ingrai itrd', and re:nors\ for the icy coldness toward-* him. which would not be thawed. Af er dinner, when the m n returned to the drawing room, Randal Palgrave came and sat down beside her for a few moment-, looking, as she could but notice, unwontedly haggard and old. "Forgive me if I comment upon the jewel at YOItr throa. he said, with the wolfish smile which she had always tried not to hate, since she had eaten his bread and salt. "It is a thing which all Blandons know, even poor relalior-' like myself. I must say, Lady Anne, hat you r a brave girl to wear it. Have you heard the slory -or ha;e you OIlly just been made the owner of the ornament." "It was given me to-night," the girl answered, blushing a little under his eyes, "but—I have been told the story. I do not think, though, that I m superstitious, at least, no more than all women aie at heart." "That is well," lie suggestively, as lie turned from her, making room with unusual graciousness for the Duke, he muttered: "Qneer thing that she should have got the Evil Eye' to-night—to-night of all other nights It was lato when Anne went up to bed, and she knew, from the beating of her pulses, that she should not be able to sleep for long. Daughter of an Earl though she was. and heiress to a great name and wide-spreading lands, there were few girls, save the poorest, who had less of luxury than she. Everything that she could deny herself she joyously did, that the money saved might be gi\en to the peasants whom she thought of as her own people and she had i o even a maid to take off the little simple white muslin dinner-gown (washed and mended many times) or unbind the masses of her waving hair. It would have been nice to have someone always ready to unt ie rrfrartory knots, pick lip whai ewr she might drop or fold away her things yet if v s pleasant, too, to feel herself quite alone whenever she entered her own room. To-night she w; s particularly glad of this privilege, and having tak n off the opal eye. which seemed somehow to bum her neck, she blew out her candles and sat in the white moonlight that streamed through her open window. How long she so remained in a species of waking dream, that was half-painful, half-pleasant, she did not know. but suddenly she was roused by a curious sound underneath the window. Her elbows had been resting on flic sill, lier chin nestled into her palms, but now she sat upright, with a thumping of her heart that was loud"in her own ears. What had she heard? She hardly knew, once fhe sound had (lied into sileme. It had been a jarring, grating noise. She rose, and for a moment stood erect and still, then, bending out from the window she looked down. She could see the round, flat top of the big bow window in the drawing-room directly beneath. She could see the moonshine lying like a benediction of peace upon the lawn, the long black shadows of the trees, the patli of light that danced upon the river, glimmering up to her eyes, from between the branches of willows and chestnuts Nothing else moved. The night seemed asleep and dreaming. Far away a church clock struck one, tivo and the strokes were followed by a soothing, musical chime. Whatever the sound had been it did not come again. Anne was tliiiosi ready to believe that she had imagined it, or at all events, the dreadfulness of it, yet she had certainly been startled by she knew not what. The pounding of her heart, as graduallv it ceased, and was reduced to a more normal beating, left her with a sense of lassitude and fatigue. She must have sac for almost two hours there bv the window, and thougTi it was July, she was chilled with a creeping, eerie chilliness. The thought that she alone was awake in the old house became frightful to lier. She pulled the curtains together, and relighted the two tall candles on her dressing- table. ° As she did so she glanced down at the opal "hich she had carelessly laid there whea she had taken it off, then started back with a low cry of mingled fear and incredulity. It must be the effect of the candle-light, she told herself, and vet it was strange, very horrible. The jewel glowed red as a spot of blood among its surrounding brilliants. ( Tc be con/in tied. )
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Cycling and Motoring* News.
Cycling and Motoring* News. Another instance is reported of a motor cyclist coming to grief through clldeavouring to pass between two vehicles, Mr. T. II. Holding, the President of the Cycle Campers' Association, was riding through Kipley, Surrey, when lie ventured in a narrow passage between the vehicles, and his handle bar catching in one of the wheels, lie was thrown to the ground. When picked up it was found he was suffering with a broken leg. There are many cyclists who are thinking of investing in new machines, but arc reluctant to part with their old steeds, 11.1., Ollie even find considerable trouble in disposing of them. There is no reason why an old machine could not be made as good as new again, so to speak. If the frame is up-to-date, all that is necessary is to introduce new wearing parts, such as cones, hearings, gear wheel, etc. The expense in com- parison to purchasing a new machine would be inconsiderable. Should the rider decide to go in lor an up-to-date machine, however, with all the latest improvements, he should patronise a good maker who has a good reputation to maintain. "Slaughter priced machines should be avoided. The lowest price in consonant with a good machine is certainly not les3 than eight guineas. To go below this price will be to court a lot of trouble, and eventually the cyclist will lose interest in the pastime, due to the inordinate amount of worry and annoyance that always comes from not buying a high-grade machine in the first instance. The more expensive article is the best in the long run, and if the cyclist has regard to the safety of his own limbs he will not go in for anything under the figure mentioned. With the view of fostering motoring and of at- tracting public attention throughout Australasia to the reliability of the automobile and its possibilities for use over rough Australian roads and tracks, and with the idea of holding a big Annual Auto- mobile Inter-State sporting event, the Duniop Tyre Company of Australasia have decided upon p inaugurating an annual Automobile Competition npon interesting lines. The most suitable course for such a contest is between Sydney and Mel- bourne, following the old overland corcli roiite, a distance of 572 miles. The course, which com- prises 343 miles of good roads, 140 miles of second rate roads, and 89 miles of bad roads, is no doubt a severe one—embracing as it does all classes of made and unmade roads and tracks, whilst the New South Wales section is over mountainous roads that will test the hill-climbing capabilities of the cars. But this is as it should be for a reliability contest. By the National Cyclists' Union Review we lean; that A. L. Reed, the champion cyclist, and membe: of the Polytechnic C.C. retires frcm the race pail a suspended rider. What offence has the popular rider committed? Did the suspension induce hilll to come to his final decision of retiring? Art questions to be answered. When first taking up cycling, the tyro should place himself in the hands of a good firm when purchasing a machine. Such products as sold by any of the prominent manufacturers are really wonderful value for the novice who has not too much spare cash. Ten guineas wili get him an excellentma.chine that will give him every satisfaction. There is one point, how- ever, that should not be overlooked when purchas- ing a popular priced machine, and that is-lhl tyres. See that good tyres are fitled-for npr¡J their quality largely depends pleasurable cycling. If Dunlops are stipulated the purchaser may res' assured that he has the best tlitit it is possible to manufacture. Passing along through a busy thoroughfare recently, we noticed in a cycle accessory store number of pneumatic tyres priced at the ridiculou- figure of 7s. 9d. These in appearance were every- thing that a cyclist could desire, and no douii many labouring under the erroneous impressioi that tyres were going to be considerably reduced in price consequent upon the master patents having expired, bought them its bargains. We believt they will soon learn out their mistake. Pneumatic tyres are the most important, or at least one of tin most important accessories of a machine, since the enjoyment of cycling so largely depends upoi them, and it is, therefore, a pity to lose the ship for a ha'portli of tar. If one pays a matter of tei, or twelve guineas for a machine, they might just as well have the best tyres fitted, so that tlieii rides may not be marred through punctures 01 bursts. With these chenp and inferior tyres on the market, cyclists must need be extremely care ful in their selection, and buy only tyres whirl possess a long and good reputation. It often happens that the mils or bolts of c machine shake loose occasionally from no ap parent reason. In such all ex-eiit the offendin; nut should be removed ind thoroughly cleaned so also should the boh on which it screws. little powdered resin should then be sprillk'eJ oi the thread of the screw and inside the nut, and a an additional security a piece of ordinary cotto thread also bound round the worm and bolt wi, then be found to hold firmly when screwed ul In the e-.ent of the thread being stripped" o o worn on either axle or nut, the wisest pavn is t. have a complete new axle lilted and save a lot o harassing trouble, which would most likely L the result if the old spindle was retaiued. There is nothing so annoying or exasperating a5 a puncture that eludes even the water test, lhl reason being that the pressure which can be put on an air tube when the cover is off is not sufficient to indicate the place of leakage even when water is employed. To believe a tube to be airtight and subsequently to discover that when occupying il:, place in the cover it slowly but surely deflates i: distressing to even the most philosophical. The only remedy in such an extreme c,is,.e-as very few punctures survive the water test—ts» to throw the tube away and have a new one. Some cyclists insert r. dose of giycerine into the valve stem, which acts as a kind of puncture stop, but it is a practice we do not recommend.
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We are still giving FREE to users of (falsi A beautiful enamelled Provost Porringer In exohange for Coupons whloh are on every Paoket. Then art no Oata like Scotch Oata, and Be Scotch Oata Ilka Provost Oata. BUY THEM I TRY THEM I bln.on & Son.. Anftan, N.III. TERMS FOR ADVERTISING in the "RHYL JOURNAL." Parliamentary and Board of Trade Notices, Is. per line County, Municipal Local Board, Poor Law,Joint Stock Legal andiother Public Notices, Contracts, Tenders Property Sales, &c., 6d. per line each insertion. Special Paragraph Advertisements, 6d. per line Long Term Business Advertisements as per contract. Continuous Advertisements and Specia Positions as contract. Entertainmen Sermons, Schools, Furniture and Stoc Sales, and all otherAdvertisements not specified in th foregoing or following classes, 4d. per line each inser tion Business and Entertainment Advertisements DISPLAYED,2s 6d. per inch each insertion Prepaid Advertisements. Houses, Shops, ApArtmentg, Farms, &c., To Let,Wanted Articles Lost, Found, or for Private Sale, Servants o Situations, &c., Wanted: Once. Three. Not exceeding 24 words 10 2 0 30 words 16 3 0 and 6d for every additional seven words for first insert. and threepence per subsequent insert. No advertise- under 2s boaked. N.B.—This scale only applies to Prepaid advertise- ments and is not applicable to Announcements from Public Bodies, Educational, Bankruptcy, or Liquidation Advertisements, Business, nor to other classes than those baove enumerated Births, Marriages, and Deaths—Is for three lines. As no letter addressed to initials at a Post Office are delivered, Advertisers may have replies addressed to our office,three stamps being remitted to cover cost by those residing out of Rhyl, if we have to forward such replies Only bona-fide answer fin writing admissibl Address" or "Apply" to Capital Letter, Number or Word, means applicant arenottoappl personal athe Office, but by letter. All advertisement mus be authentic byname and address f sender. Whilst great pains ar taken to ecure the correc- printing of Advertisements the proprietors will no tb answerable for inaccuracies nor om any consequencf arising therefrom Ade rt isers are requested to state distinctly the num ber oinBertioni which is required for their advertise men f gcfiolagttc Ælotíce ARGVILLE COLLEGE FOR GIRLS. EAST PARADE RHYLj (Recognised by the Board of Education). Principal-MISS MERCIER Well qualified English and Foreign Resident Staff And Visiting Professors, French-Paris. German-Aix-le-Chapelle. Pupils have been successfully prepared for the following Examinations Oxford and Cambridge Locals London Matricula- tion Associated Board of R.A.M. and R.C.M. School and Local Centre. Autumn Term began Sept 21st. ST. OSWALD'S, RUSSELL ROAD RHYL. (Recognised by the Board of Education). Principals THE MISSES REES (Miss E. REUS "Registered") Assisted by well-qualified English and Foreign Resident Governesses aid Visiting Professors. Preparation for all Exams. Special care to delicate children. References and Prospectns on Application. i"1 THFISUSTG" S T U D K). MR & MRS BEN" JACKSON, A.C.V. & A.I.U.M., Piano, Violin, Harp, Violincello, Mandolin and Banjo. Pupils visited and prepared for examinations. For terms, address, 160 Wellington Rd., Rhyl. 6C6 :o:=' MR. BRYAN E. WARHURST I.S.M, PROFESSOR OF MUSIC. Prepares candidates for the Royal Academ y o Music, Incorporated Society of Musicians, and Trinity College, London. r, 0) Organ, Pianoforte, Singing, Harmony, Theory &c. LATEST SUCCESSES, April, lUOJ-Advanccll senior R.A U. Pianoforte, .) i» >> it >i Theory, July, 1904—Advanced senior I.S.M. Organ. x Pianoforte. Second Grsdo Singing. From 1902—Five Diplomas gained A.L.C M. ORGAN RECITALS, CONCKIITS, &c. For Terms, Address, HAYDN HOUSE, BRIGHTON ROAD, RIIYL. 1G8 MiSS L. KATLIN, PROFESSOR CF music, GIVES LESSONS, Elementary aud advanced, on the Mandolin, Banjo, Guitar, Violin, Pianoforte, and Organ. Speciality Mandolin, double and trip!e stoping. Pupils trained for concert work. Schools visited Private or Public Mandolin or Banjo Bands Arranged and Conducted. A good assortment of Sheet Music in stock, also Strings and Fittings for the various instruments. All kinds of Musical Instruments in stock or to order. Open for Engagements for At Homes, Evening Parties, &c For terms apply 128 Wellington Rd, Rhyl. 467 r RUTHIN GRAMMAR SCHOOL. I Fine new buildings on a magnificent site, near the Clwydian range, very bracing and healthy. 'I Accommodation for from 30 to 40 Boarders. Excel- lent Piaying Fields. This old Endowed School attracts Boarders from all parts. Pupils are prepared for almost all the Public Examinations. Careful attention to individual, requirements. Parents spending their holidays at Rhyl, are espectfully invited to visit the ShooL Headmaster REV. W. P. WHITTINGTON, M.A. (formerly Scholar of Jesus College, Oxford), Assisted bv a strong Staff of Masters. 324 ELWY HALL Home School for Daughters of Gentlemen I (Recognised by the Board of Education. Principals i MISS J. M. BEST, B. A. (London), Registered1' [ Student of Royal Hollowly College). | MISS K. E. LEY, Senior Optime, Mathematical j Tripos, Cambridge, Registered £ (Scholar of Nuwnhain College). j Prospectus & References upon application. 702 I ST. ASAPH COUNTY SCHOOL.1 I Chairman of the Gcvernors: THE RIGHT.RKV. THE LORD BISHOP OF ST ASAPH. Vice-Chairman PETER ROBERTS, ESQ., J.P. Headmaster EDWIN MAINER, ESQ. M.A. (Cambridge), ,i B.Sc. (Ist Diviiion, London). Classical Master E. L. HOUSECROFT, ESQ., of Selwyn College, Cambridge. Science Master: H. B. \\OODALLt ESQ. (University College, London). I The School re-opened on September 12. The School stands on elevated ground in a position which commands a view of the picturesque Vale of Clwyd and within five minutes' walk of the Cathedral and Railway elation. For particulars apply to the Headmaster, or to CHAS. GRIMSLE1, St. Asaph. Clerk to the Governors. 378 TUITION FOR BOYS. I I REV. E. E. INGHAM, j 8 WEST PARADE, RIlYJL Prepares Pupils for Business an'd all Examinations. Reference to former pupils. Term commenced September 19th CHURTON VILLA I Boarding and Day School for Young; Ladies ¡ Principal MRS JOHN LUCAS, A.C.P. IHonor8) I Special Drawing Prize Holder; Member of the College of Preceptorf:, Pupils successfully prepared for any pubiue examl nations in English, &c., or M usic. Drawing, Painting, and other Arts ta.»ght. Juvenile and Adult Dancing Clwo es. Reference is permitted to Venerable Archda con Perowne, D. D., and others. Half-term, Nov., 7th.. FAIR HOLME, FAIRFIELD AVEIilUEl RHYL, Principals THE MISSES ROBERTS*. Assisted by qualified Resident Govern .esses, and Visiting Masters. Pupils prepared for all Examination^ Prospectuses and References on Application ORIEL HOUSE SCHOOL.. PREPARATORY DAY AND BOARDING SOHOObai FOR BOYS FROM SIX TO TWELVE YUARS OF AGE. KINDERGARTEN CLASS. For Prospectus apply to Lady Principal. Winter term September 20th.. moaummmw MIDDLE-CLASS EDUCA TION. F. WELSH, B.A Course of Instruction: ENGLIS.H SUKJECTS, CLASSICS, MATHEMATICS, FPIENCH, BOOK. KEEPING, AND SHORTHAND. BOARDERS RECEIVED PRIVATE TUITION Full particulars on application. Address-SEAFIELD, BUTTEFTT.:ON RD,, I THYL School re-opened September 21st. j gtucttontcrg, &c. Frank Jewell, AUCTIONEER, House and Estate Agent, Valuer, Life, Fire, Accident, and Plate Glass Insurance Agent. Offices: Grey Mount, Prestatyn. I Greenhalgh & Geary, FRANCIS GEARY, A.A.I., Auctioneers, House and Estate Agents, Valuers, Accountants and Insurance Agents. Msrtgftges negotiated and Advances arranged upon Approved Securities. Balancing, Auditing, Rnd Posticgof Tradesmen's Books Authorised to levy Distraints for Rent. PROMPT CASH SETTLEMENTS OFFICES & SALE ROOMS— QUEEN'S ARCADE & AUCTION MAR1 MARKET STREET, R HYL. Sales by Auction, and Private Contract if i'relerredj Furniture, Stock in Trade, &c Registry f oi Letting Farms, Business Premiseg, House (tfarniflhetl and UnfurciBhed), and Apartments and Collection of Rents. sposal of Businesses and Stocks without publicity Valuations for Probate and Administration. Iinarscce of Life Property, and Plate Glass. -"TWT71 'I'tTTiiirTTiT^YTTTi" if If T'TH'TT Chas. P. Sheffield, LIVE STOCK SALESMAN, AUCTIONEER AND VALUER, For 10 years Salesman and Valuer^to Messrs FRAxK LLOYD & SONS. WREXHAM), Pegs to announce that he has Purchased the Fre hold of the MOLD CATTLE MARKET, together with the Goodwill of the Business so successfully carried on by Mr J E Davies for the last 25 years; and haying engaged a fully qualified and expert Staff of Assistants, he hopes, with strict attention to business conibioed with moderate charges, to bo entrusted with the conduct of sales and valua- tions of every description in Rhyl and neighbours hood. Correspondence invited to TUB CATTLE MARKET, MOLD. ■B—ageam Fred Wallis, Auctioneer and Valuer, Accountant, House, Estate, and Insurance Agent Vurnisbed and Unfurnished iloascs to Let on application. Rents collected. Ben. Williams, Knmel Chambers, Kinmel Street RHYL Is prepared to arrange for The Sale of Furniture and other Effects either by PRIVATE TREATY or by PUBLIC AUCTION. Moderate Charges and Prompt Ssttlsmant in all transactions l AM H G. Perkins ? Auctioneer and Valuer House, Estate & Insurance Agent, BRYFFYNNON HOUSE, ABERGELE Auction and Private Sales of Property and Furniture, Cash advances if required. Immediate Settlements, V Vluation for Probate or Mortgage skiilully prepared. Hotel and Stock-in-Trade Valuer. General Arbitrator. Estates carefully managed. Rents collected House and Apartment Agency. Agent to tbe chief Fire, Lifo and Accide Insurance Companies. (z I HI illI HIHH ■ IIIII MII'U TNINW IIW N Pilr Jos. Williams, AUCTIONEER & YALXJEK Accountant, Property and Insurance Agent GENERAL CERTIFICATE HOLDER Appointed by His Honour Judge Horatio Lloyd, K SALES BY PUBLIC AUCTION personally con ducted on reasonable Terms, with immediate Cash Settlements. VALUATIONS AND INVENTORIES prepared for Mortgage, Probate, Partnership, Transfer of Tenancy and other purposes. Representative of the leading Life, Fire, Acci- dent, Fidelity, Plate-glass, Employers' Liability, Burglary, Licences, and Live Stock Companies. Estate Agent in all its branches. Mortgages procured. Registrar of Marriage Private Address Peterboro' House, The Grove Offices County Chambers, 51 Kinmel Street Rhyl. Wallis and Scott J (Late^SARSON & SCOTT Auctioneers and Valuers. Mortgages Procured. Insurances Effected Rents Collected. Valuations Executed. Sales by Public Auction of Land and* House Properties, Farming Stocks, Household Furniture, &c., conducted, with Immediate Cash Settlements. Trustees under the Deeds of Arrangements Ao 888. General Certificate Holders, appointed b ir Horatio Lloyd, Kt. Offices n High Street, Prestatyn -A The Oldest Established Auction and Esta Agency Business in Rhyl. Hubert R. Holbeche, Successor to Messrs Wm. Hall, and the Lata T. C. Amos. AUCTIONEER, House, Land, and Estate Agent 0 Surveyor, Valuer, & Architect. Sales by Auction and Valuations of Property, Furniture, Farming Stock, &c. Valuations for Probate, Mortgage, Transfer, &c., Properties and Businesses Sold by Private Treaty, Letting and Collection of llents of Residences, Houses, Shops, Farms, &c., Furnished and Unfurnished. Mortgages negotiated. Inventories taken and checked. Properties and Estates carefully managed. Building Estates laid out. Surveys, Maps, &c., for any purpose. Insurances effected through al principal offices. The Auction, Estate, and Survey Offices TOWN HALL, R UYL. And 81 ASAPH. r- MR. Collins Roberts, AUCTIONEER & VALUER, Surveyor, House, Land and Estate Agent Mortgage Broker, Probate Mortgage and Agricultural Valuer ZD Fire and Life .Agent, OFFICES— WELLINGTON CHAMBERS, BIl Yl, JI! itlr HHam. HOUSE AND ESTATE AGENT, &c. TeJerams-BEN WILLIAMS, Agent, Rhyl. TO LET, near Marine Lake, and close to the Parade, a newly-erccted semi-detiched Villi, 2 entertaining ro3<as, 4 bedrooms, bath (hot and cold), and every modern convenience. Rent £25. Particulars from Ben Williams, House Agent, &c. 11 TO LET, detached villa, close to Railway and within easy reach of Parade, &e, contains 3 entertaining rooms, 7 bedrooms, large bathroom good kitchens. Large lawn at rear and front garden. Rent £55, Apply to Ben Williams. IrO BE LET, close to Railway Station, com- L fortablo housr, rent £1:1 10s. 1 sittin- room, 3 bedrooms, 2 attics, &c.-Apply to Ben. Williams, House and Fire Insurance Agency, Kiurnel Street, .Rbyl. rr*0 BS SOLD, detaahed Villa Residence in JL Russell Road, Rby!, and known as Englefield. The accommodation consists of Dining Room and Drawing Room, small Sitting Room, 8 large and 1 small bedrooms, bath, and usual offices. Tlia house being centrally situated for Promenade, places of business, amusement, and close to churcb, and having pleasant surroundings. Price, and further partieuhrs, on application to Ben. Williams, House Agent, Kinmel Sheet, Rbyl. li-O LET, close to Cbureh, well-built and semi- _L delacbed villa residence. Perfect sanitary ivrangements. The rooms are large and airy, c Uent L-,io.-Apply tj Ben Wiliurus, House and Estate Agent, Kinmel Street, Itbyl. HlO LET, comfortable hojse, oat of Vale Roa I containing G rooms. Open situation. Kent £;15. Immediate occupatiou can be obtaiLeJ.— Apply to Ben Williams, Kinmel Street, Rhyl. riio LET, comfortable H >use in Mill Bank ]_ district. Parlour, 3 bedrooms, kitchens, Ac. Kent Gs,, free of ratts.-Apply to Ben. Williams, Kiamrl Street. I', MURNISIIED,—TO LF.T, several Residences J_' for 1, 2, 3, or 6 months. Terms accordirg to arrangemer t.—Particulars from Ben.Williams, Housie Agent, &c. I'Cinm'l Street (close to Railway station). 10 LET, in Kinmel Street, close to Statiom JL commodious House. Will be let for offices., if desired. Red £3.3. Immediate possession- Apply to Ben Williams, Agent. jVJRNISHED RESIDENCES TO LET in r all par!s of Rhyl and district.—Call or write for particulars to Ben Williams, liouso and Estate Ageut, Kinmel St, Rhyl (close to Railway StatioDj. RHYL.—House and Sbop To Let, together or separately near to main street and railway station. Rent for the whole of premises, £ 40.— I Full particulars fromB,m Williams, House Agent Kinmel bl,reet. pUIlNISHKD VILLA. near St Thomas' Church to let for one or two months 3 entertaining and 6 bedrooms; electric light; nice garden. Also pleasant Residence just outside the town, on Dyserth Road, with lovely views.-Full par- ticulars on application to Ben Williams, House &, Estate Agent, Kinmel Street, Rhyl. r|10 LET, No. 58 West Parade, commanding X fine views of the entire Parade, sea and moun- tains. Contains 4 (or 5) sittingi corns, 6 double- bedded rooms, 4 single bedrooms, good kitchens, pantry, and large garden. Well adapted for tbe purpose of letting apartments, or as a boarding house.— Apply to Ben. Williams, House and Estate Agent, Kinmel Street, Rhyl. mO LET, first-class House and Shop premises 1 in Water Street, where a yood trade has been done in the Dairy business. Centrally situated for Parade, &c. Particulars from Ben Williams, Kinmel Street (near Railway Station) HOUSES TO LET, from £ 15 to £ 30 and upwards. Furnished Houses to be Let at very low prices. Wanted for 12 months certain (possibly more) a good House in Country or jus outside Town, with Stabling and some landt Rent not to exceed £ 55.—Apply, B Williams House Agent, Rhyl. FIRE INSURANCE in all its branches.— Benj. Williams is open to receive proposals for insurance against Fire, Plate Glass, Accidents, for insurance against Fire, Plate Glass, Accidents, Employers' Liability, Carriages, Horses, Cattle, &c. B. W. is Agent for the eldest and wealthiest Offices in the above branches, as well as that of Life Assurance.—Particulars given on application at the House and Estate Agency, Kinmel Street. I Printng of every description neatly and promptly executed at the "Journal Works. .44 1 A disease neglected inevitably means ||| H 1 HK611 health lest. No one can afford to be g| p| ill. Sickness is costly, painxul and ||1 ft S dangerous. Wlien you commence to ||| if 111 feel run down, give Nature a frienaJy ||| !§§ lift. Help it to throw off the impurities ||| j|| time that clog the system, fhere is notmng ||| •|jf| to out the Bowels in gooct working fa ;g|l order, to repair the Liver, to improve V W gj C, its the Digestion and banish Headache |j| idil and Insomnia. A few doses will make /| Al*AH fly M you feel like yourself. Beecham's M lil| Pills will uo this. They prove all 11 raj they claim. They save time, worry HIS# b and feffL £ • old Everywhere in Boxes, price 1». I'd. (56 2*5. ec.. (168 pii!?Q.