Abergavenny Chronicle

X [All Rights Reserved.] y? I THE PAIGNTON HONOUR f I $- BY y ? ALICE & CLAUDE ASKEW, (' "v Authors of "The Shulamite," "Testimony," &c.' ? Authors of "The Shuiamite," "Tcstimouy, &c. >1 r.ç'9L,: -'> 'V.<v<rVY><>'0/V'Y.">vv' ,v,>>,v">v<>-+ I STNorsis. '/fjOHB Piiontow. Intely a widower, ha* been absent ia Australia lor eighteen mo.'iths,his two daughters in Bru^els, niKI his ikiii limee at Oxford and with Sir Mark Thort«uxle 8 family, which in: lu-les II. prptty daughter Doreen, to whom Bruce has just become engncrea. They are now re united at ,the auccstrnl home, Charlton lJnrk. Tk-ere is an old saying, When Paiq-nton honour yieMs to shame, Extinct shall be the Taignton name. Lord Puipnton tolls his srirls that he has bought a bougo in ?ni?htsbn<?e, ar:d promi "s them a season in town. Marion whirrs to K?V'We shall be ?Me to see BMt! and Oregory." Therie are two youn^ in^n with whom the sisteis have bwvnie fric-ii-Ity during their absence in Belgium. lie familv ?iic?r. David Moz?ey. is homned t? h? of  «trH?.?nce. kno?ng th?t o?npto Lord Paignton s (re- fewne*. in men y rnJe-* he is drifting to nUll. Mozplpy's partmr remains that the Paignton honour will soon be worth *erj little. CHAPTER IV. LORD PAIGNTON IS UPSET. Lord Paignton walked jauntily to his club, his mind quite devoid of care in spite of the solicitor's warning. The fact was that The had not attached the smallest importance to it. The idea of a Paignton being short of iundfl or having to fidget himself with con- eiderations of retrenchment! Why, he had never heard of such a thing in his life—a Paignton and retrenchment! "But it's just what one may expect of a volicitor." he told himself confidently. "It's the business of the profession to croak, and Mozeley always looks like an undertaker even when he's talking about roses, and pre- sumably quite happy. I don't want to change my solicitor, though I nearly threatened to, but, really, Mozeley is very aggravating at times—very aggravating." After a comfortable lunch he engaged a taxicab and drove 10 his bank. He never •worried himself as to how his accounts stood -why should he. According to his own idea ihe did not spend anything like his income, so doubtless there was plenty of money lying to his credit, enough to settle for the Knights- bridge house, at any rate, and if any more I -was wanted-well, it was quite eaey to give instructions for the sale of sufficient stock to meet the demands of the case. Or, no doubt the bank would oblige with a temporary loan. Lord Paignton had m6 vague notion that there had been talk of such transactions -Q,{\ former occasions, so why not again? He entered the bank, walking lightly, his head high, and he was quickly shown into the -manager'*} private room. Here he remained closeted for half an hour or so, and when he took his departure the clerks behind the long counter stared at him with some aetonish- meiit. For though he was not a very fre- quent visitor at the bank, hia figure wao yet -well known to all of them. Lord Paignton, -who always walked and talked as though he had not a care in the world, what could have come over him? His shoulders were drooping, his cheeks were sallow, and he was muttering to himself as he paired out into the street, quite forget- ting hie usual friendly nod and smile to the cashier seated at his desk near the door. This was quite a remarkable thing, for they were by way of being good friends. Lord Paigntoii and the old clerk, who had grown grey-headed in the service of tne bank. The latter had adopted the, old- fashioned custom of keeping a snuff-box on the counter by his side, 11 so that all the clients who cared for this luxury might m. -dulge in it; and this was the first occasion that Lord Paignton had taken his departure iwithout the customary pinch. There was good reason for his trouble, Siowever. Lord Paignton had been upset; ihe had never been so terribly upset in all his iife before. That interview in the manager's room had opened his eyes to a condition 01 affairs which he had not deemed possible. He hardly believed it now. He was in a eort of dazed condition, and the uppermost impression in his brain was that solicitor and bank alike had entered into a conspiracy agalIlst him. It appeared that his actual capital was mortgaged almost to the hilt-what avilil- able stock there was could only be sold out at a dead loss. As for his main income, de- rived from the estate, that had been upon the down grade, eo it appeared, for years; it •was still quite substantial, of course, and all 3migilt be well if Lord Paignton would only Tealise the position and adapt himself to it. But as for a further large loan, fifteen to -twenty-five thousand pounds, such as Lord Paignton had airily suggested, why, such a thing was utterly out of the question. Letter after letter had been written by the fcank, and the Manager lifted his eyebrows in .polite surprise when he learnt that Lord Paignton had practically no recollection "wha'tever of hiving received these notices. Re bad treated them as he did all business betters, and had sent them straight on to (Mr. Mozeley; the latter had spoken, had rused his best endeavours to make the position clear, but he had never been believed, never listened to. That was the whole case in a inutshcll. But even now Lord Paignton could not for the life of him believe that things had come to such a pass. To retrench, give up, or even modify, the mode of life to which he had ibeen accustomed, to request that he might The released from his bargain in connection ."nth the Knightsbridge house, to let Charlton Park and take up his residence in more modest quarters; all these things which toad been suggested to him were rankling in his brain as an absolute insult. b What would any of. hia long line of ances- tors—even his own father—have said to such ? thing? Why, they -tild have looked upon it as a slur upon the family honour. The Paignton dignity must be maintained at all .costs; it was a thing, according to his Lord- ship's views, that stood by itaelf, that was ^unassailable, inviolate. "I'll find another solicitor-I'll find -unother bank," Lord Paignton muttered to lim-vlf, as he tilted his hat a little to the tack of his head and wiped his heated brow. "They'll goon put things right for me-yea- Another solicitor, another bank." lie kept repeating the words as he Atumbled down the broad flight of steps to the street; then, without a pause, he plunged into the traffic, forgetting all about the taxi- cab which he had left waiting for him. The driver followed and reminded him of hia fare. Lord Paignton stopped and stared at the man for a moment or two without under- standing. The driver was possessed of a short temper, and he gesticulated in his endeavour to explain the situation. A few loafers col- lected and made sarcastic remarks. "Trying to bilk ver, was he? Looks a re- gular old ruffian, don't he? You see that you gets your money "—and so on. Lord Paignton felt in his pocket and found that he had nothing less than a sovereign. He had meant to ask for some small change at the bank, but had quite forgotten to do so. As he tried to explain this, the irascible driver became still more heated in his demeanour, and the gradually enlarging rowd more delighted and amused. A. burly man, well dressed and consequen- tial of aspect, shouldered his way through. •"What's up," he demanded. Then, turning to Paignton: "I thought I wasn't mistaken," be continued; "I recognished your lordship. &nd so I came up to see if I could be of any 080. Your lordship! The crowd had overheard those magic words, and they fell back in open-mouthed awe. The taxicab driver ceased to gesticulate. "He went off without paying the fare," he said sulkily. "I only followed and asked for it. Lord Paignton explained. He tad not been able to get in a word edgeways before. ?T'd have let the man have a sovereign and -welcome he said, hesitatingly, for the ex- ?em? of the scene had unnerved him, "but he was so impertinent, so bullying. T& ?-corner \con put matters to righta. He had an easy manner that earned w?e&ight The necessary change w? forthcoming, and the driver was paid hiB far?-the amo^unt that he waa entitled to and no more. Lord Paignton pleaded for an extra, shilling, but pleaded in vain. The crowd gradually melted away, realising that the little scene wras at an end and that there wae no further prospect of amu&cment. Glad to be of use to you, I'm sure. M The stranger rested his hand familiarly upon Lord Paignton's arm. "These fellows have to be kept in their places sonrctiaWjS. and I expect you're more accustomed to drive about the city in your own brougham. I saw you from the other tide of the road and thought I'd better interfere. I'm glad to meet you, anyway, though I'm not sure that you remember me. I'm Mortimer—Owen Mortimer—and the last time we met was on board the Doric, coming here from New York." Lord Paignton had hardly had time to take stock of this friend, whose timely arrival had put an end to a trying scene. But he remembered him now. He had been intro- duced to Owen Mortimer in New York by some mutual acquaintance, who had told him that Iflr. Mortimer was & man worth knowing because he was "real pushful," a description which seemed to apply particu- larly well to the individual. As a general rule Lord Paignton did not approve of the "pushful" man. That sort of person had never entered into his life, and he was rather afraid of the type. Mortimer, however, had shown himself very amiable, and Lord Paignton had felt that he was wrong to judge from mere external appear- ances. Mortimer was very big and blatant and full of confidence. When he said & thing it was evident that he intended his statement to be accepted there and then. He would stare impudently at anyone who ventured to differ from him, as though he wondered that there could be such a fool upon earth. It was a manner which he had specially cultivated, and ho found it very useful, since he had more dealings with fools than with anyone Else. He could be very genial when he chose, and he was possessed of a ready wit-it was coarse, but it appealed to many men. He had a big face, with a square, atrong chin, keen gr^y eyes, and a nose that was a little flattened along the brim. He was clean- shaven, and his complexion was bronzed, indicating a strenuous life and one that had been passed much in the open air. He had dark, curling hair, which hung rather low over his forehead. It was a strong face, but hardly n. pleasant one. A more acute observer than Lord Paignton would have set the man down as one who had been at war with the world—and with himself. Lord Paignton had not seen so much of Mortimer upon the ship returning home, as the fine,ilcier spent the best part of his time in the smoking-room playing cards, an occu- pation which did not appeal to his lordship at all. The latter always thought of Morti- mer as a financier, though beyond that ho had avowed an interest in company pro- moting, he had not spoken of any definito profession. "Oh, yes, I romembcr you quite well," Lord Paignton said now, and I'm really very grateful to you—very grateful. I really quite lost my head for the moment." "That's all right," returned the other genially. The two men were walking slowly down the street, Mortimer's hand still rest- ing upon his companion's arm. "And how are you, apart from this little incident? Going strong, eh?" Lord Paignton did not approve of slang; for himself he was always precise of speech. But somehow it seemed natural that Owen Mortimer should express himself in this manner, and so there was no lack of cor- diality in Lord Paignton's reply. They talked on ordinary topice for a few minutes, and then Mortimer suggested that they should turn into a City club close at hand, of which he was a member, and take some refreshment, a suggestion to which Lord Paignton readily acceded, feeling that he would be all the better for a cup of tea. Mortimer did not drink tea, and over the whisky and soda, before which he was soon sitting, he scrutinised with more than a little interest the benign face of the old gentleman who had drifted in his way just at the right moment. He had wanted to meet Lord Paignton again, and had regretted that he had not been able to make better use of the acquaintance while on board ship. Now, under the kindly influence of hot, strong tea and toasted tea-cake--& much favoured delicacy this—the healthy colour was creeping back to Lord Paignton's cheeks and he was beginning to recover somewhat from the mental perturbation into which he had been thrown by his interview at the bank. It was so unusual for him to worry his head about anything; he had a delight- ful facility for putting unpleasant thoughts behind him, wiping them practically out of existence. And, as it happened, the topics of conver- sation chosen by Owen Mortimer were ex- actly the onei calculated to appeal to Lord Paignton in his present frame of mind. No doubt Mortimer had an object in view in opening up these topics, but equally, of course, Paignton was far too simple to have any suspicion. Money and the rapid making of it by those already in a solid position- A wealthy man like you, for instance, a man of rank-whv, your name alone might make you a millionaire. I can never understand why there are so few millionaires in this old country of ours. It's just want of enterprise. Look at yourself, Paignton. You've got all you want, I suppose, and don't care 1o make more." Such was the gist of Mortimer's argument. He did not guess that his words would fall upon soil so ready for the sowing. At any other time Lord Paignton would have found the subject a boring one. But now he pricked up his ears, and, under the solace of hot tea gave the subject his full attention. It really seemed remarkably easy to make money when one had a namo that carried weight; he wondered that he, man of the world as he was, had never thought of it before. Mortimer lit up a cigar and Lord Paignton accepted a cigarette. He was quite pleased that he had fallen in with so obviously clever a man as Owen Mortimer. He was debating within himself whether he should make a confidant of him. Why not? He felt more and more assured from Mortimer's manner that here was the very man who could help him out of his difficulties. Why, he had beet) quite right after all-Mortimer would bear him out-it was absurd for a Paignton to have money worries. "I wosder you've never thought of specu- lating, Paignton," Mortimer remarked, blow- ing a cloud of smoke from between his lips. "Speculating?" Lord Paignton lifted horrified liandi. "Oh, no, rve never thought of such a thing. Something so commercial about it, isn't there? And then I've always had all that I could want. There isn't any need, you see-at least, there wasn't," he added, correcting himself conscientiously. Mortimer did not fail to notice the correc- tion, though he was too astute to make any immediate reference to it. "One may have all one wants for oneself," he remarked, "but when there are others to be considered too—one's family, you know-" This was an argument that went home. Paignton thought of his son and his daugh- ters, and all the arrangements that he had made to give them a good time that season. This decided him, and, never a man to be very reticent about his own affairs, he soon found himself making a clean breast to Owen Mortimer of' all that had happened that morning. Mortimer listened with keen interest, and now and then a self-satisfied smile curved his lips. Things were going exactly as he would have them go. Lord Paignton, wealthy and without ambition to make money, would pro- bablv not have been the man to serve his purposes at all. But now-well, now things were beginning to look very promising in- deed, and so Mortimer did not have to affect an interest he did not feel-all he had to affect was a keen sympathy, and he was no novice at playing that part. When Lord Paignton had concluded his story, Mortimer, always prompt in action, reached a big hand across the table and gripped the delicate white fingers of his com- panion. "I'm glad you've told me all this," he said heartily. "You've come to the right man to set you on your legs again. Give up your house in London—let your country place-I never heard such infernal nonsense in my life! All you've got to do is tp put yourself unreservedly in my hands, see? Do that, and I'll guarantee you'll be pretty near a million- aire before the year is out. What do you say to that, eh? A millionaire l,ord Paignton gasped. It was partly from surprise and wonder, and partly because his I hand was being gripped so tightly—it seemed to him a grip of iron-and it hurt. I I CHAPTER V. I AT CHARLTON PARK. It was a sunshiny day towards the latter end of April. The Paigntons were still at Charlton Park, but they were to migrate to London on the morrow and take up their residence at Wandsborough House, Knights- bridge, which was now quite ready for their reception. Neither Marian nor Amy—not even Bruce himself-had seen the inside of their new London home. It was all to be a great sur- prise to them, a surprise which Lord Paign- ton had carefully nurtured to himself, though it had been his delight to hint at all the wonderful things which he had prepared though it bai d I th ]L ne g i fi ca tiion. for his children's edification. The house was to be a wedding gift to Bruce and Doreen-so much had been de- cided. Of course this would make no diffe- rence Teally, for it was always to be an understood thing that Bruce's father and sisters should stay with him whenever they liked. But Wandsborough House was to be Bruee's definite London abode, and it was a mansion that the young man might be proud of, one that was in every way suitable to a Paignton. Bruce had no idea of the trouble-fraught days which the purchase of that house had brought upon his father. The young man had been educated in the true Paignton spirit; that is to say, from his earliest days the knowledge of his high social position and his future responsibility of wealth had been impressed upon him. In this regard he was a true son of his father, but it was in this re- gard only, for Bruce, after his public school and college education, bad developed into a young man possessed of more than the aver- age of commonsense. He had all the makings of the man of the world about him, all those qualities which Lord Paignton himself so painfully lacked. This was the latter's mis- fortune rather than his fault, and he could hardly be blaiwed because his parents had ejected that he should be educated at home. Bruce, his two sisters and Doreen, had been playing lawn-tennis that afternoon— not a very energetic set, because Doreen was no adept at the game. She preferred, in- deed, to run away, with a little scream of dismay, if the ball came anywhere near hor, calling upon her partner, usually when it was too late, to take it. As she was playing ways, this didn't matter much, for she merely stood in her corner of the court smil- ing and laughing while he did all the hard work. Marian and Amy were playing to- gether, and between them they were able to make their brother work hard to gain the victory. Doreen, with her father and mother, was paying a visit at Charlton Park. Lord Paignton had issued the invitation upon the very day that he had learnt of his son's en- gagement. The visit had been prolonged be- yond the time originally laid down for it in order that the Thorndales might participate in the first view of the new London house. The whole party was to migrate there, and then it had been arranged that Doreen should spend the rest of the season, after her father and mother had returned to their own home in Surrey, with her married sister, Mrs. Coverdale, who lived in London. "Game—and set," cried Bruce, as he care- fully placed a ball between his sisters so that they both ran for it unsuccessfully. "And now I think we'll knock off for a bit, as it's really most awfully hot. Besides," he added sarcastically, addressing Doreen, "you must be so frightfully tired after aU the running about you've done." The girl laughed, displaying delicious dimples in her cheeka and a set of perfect white teeth. She was a winsome little creature, tiny, but most delicately made. She had dark ringlets that hung in a quaint, old-fashioned way over her ears, and the frocks which suited her best were those which were cut in early Victorian styles In appearance she was one of those girls whom a man instinctively wants to pet and pro- tect but, for all that, she had a will of her own and pronounced ideas upon things in general and politics in particular. She had, indeed, proved herself a most useful can- vasser for her father, who for many yeare had sat in Parliament in the Unionist in- terest; she always professed to disagree with him when politics were discussed, but she was one of his ablest supporters when he had; any real need for her. "It's lucky you're thinking of going k into Parliament yourself, my boy," Sir Mark had said to Bruce, when giving his consent to the engagement, "for it would never do for Doreen to marry anybody but a politician. If she did there'd be no holding her in. She'd be advocating Votes for Women, and want- ing to get into Parliament herself by wav of ,I 11?7ay-and the Lord preserve us from that Bruce had quite made up his mind that h. should go into Parliament. None of the re- gular professions had ever appealed to him over much, but he was fond of debate and was quick to grasp the detail of intricato subjects. Through the influence of Sir Mark Thorndale he had been offered the post of Secretary to Lord Tolmore, who was in the Cabinet and a very important personality. Doreen did not at all mind being teased by Bruce; she was usually very well able to defend herself; in fact, she usually got the better of dt in any discussion that arose be- tween them. She was very much in love, as must have been evident to the most casual observer, but, at the same time, she liked to feel the command which she, tiny little thing as she was, had over this big, strong man, who could have crushed the life out of her with one hand. It's your duty to do the running abeert, the told him now, "and since you were quite decided that you must blunder into my way whenever I was about to hit a ball, you can't wonder that I didn't distinguish myself. But that's just as I like to see it, Bruce," she added, "it's the men who've got to play the ga.mes, the big games-and the women who have to look on." They were crossing the. lawn by now, walking side by side, in no hurry to join th. two girls who were already seated under the shade of an ancient oak tree that had stood in the grounds of Charlton Park from time immemorial, and which had its own par- ticular legend attached to it. "What a handsome pair they make, and how they adore each other," remarked Marian, with a light sigh, as she sank down into one of the camp chairs, ranged under the tree. The. path of true love lies smooth enough for them, at any rate," returned Amy a little petulantly. "Not a single shadVW in the way," she went on:" tapping the soft turf with the handle of her racket. TheM was a bitterness in her tone which caused her sister to look up in surprise. But Amfs face V>ld her nothing at alL "But I think we have every reason to be happy too," said Marian after a bvief pause. "Look how nice- papa has been about Basil and Gregory. He has told me that I may write and ask them to call as soon as we are settled in London. And he wasn't a bit cross when we told him just how we kad made their acquaintance." The scene of the coni^sion, indeed, had not been without its comic side. "Of course you may ask the two young men to call," Lord Paignton had declared without the smallest hesitation; "any frienda of Lady Westingford are welcome." "But they are not friends of Lady West- ingford," Marian had corrected. "We met them when we were staving with Madame Cailleux at Verton Plage." "That's just the same, Madamo Cailleux is Lady Wcstingford's friend." Marian had felt conscientiously obliged to explain further. But Lord Paignton was quite content. His dear Marian was not likely to have done anything foolish. Let the young men call whenever they liked. A footman appeared from the house, bear- ing the tea-tray, and another followed, equally heavily laden. Tea was always a great institution at Charlton Park. "Oh, dear, here comes tea," cried Amy. "We never seem able to have a quiet talk together. PapEb will be here directly, too, and Mr. Mortimer. Marian, dear "-she eat up in her chair and put the question with some curiosity, "what do you think of Mr. Mortimer? "I don't know," was the guarded reply. "I don't think I quite like him. He looks at one in such a funny way. And then-well, he isn't quite the same type of mtin that we've been accustomed to 6eo here, is he? It may be because he's been so much in America, roughing it in the wilds-he told me some wonderful stories at lunch to-day—and per- haps he's picked up something of the ways of the people he's lived amongst. I don't know what it is, and I can't explain it, but there's a difference somewhere." "And I don't like his eyes or his mouth," I said Amy. "I have a sort of feeling that he's not a man to be trusted. I wish papa didn't seem to be on such very friendly terms with him." As she spoke the words Lord Pa'gnton and Owen Mortimer appeared from the house, walking slowly in the direction of the oak trees under which tea had already been laid out. This was Mr. Mortimer's first visit to Charlton Park. He had come down in tho morning and had been closeted for some time with Lord Paignton, talking business in the study; he had been introduced to the family at luncheon, during which meal he had palpably done his beet to make himself very agreeable, though, as was usual with him, he had dominated the conversation. It had been quite a cheerful party, how- ever, notwithstanding the presence of a stranger. Lord Paignton was in the most C'i. of tempers, and no one, seeing him, would have imagined that only a week or so back he had been threatened with ruin. He Was in his usual happy vein of smiling upon everything and everybody. The world was treating him well, thanks to Owen Mortimer. There was not the smallest doubt in his mind now that Mr. Mozeley had woefully mismanaged the estate, foolishly neglected to take advantage of his opportunities. He had taken his affairs out of the hands of Mr. Mozeley and transferred them to another solicitor. There was no difficulty now about the London house or anything else. He was going to be a millionaire, as Mortimer had promised him. The world was a good world to live in. The two men walked slowly towards the oak, where Marian was now busy preparing tea. She made a charming picture as she stood there in her white frock, the sun glint- ing through the foliage upon her hair. Amy had not risen, she was leaning back in her chair, her face rather more in shadow. Mortimer paused when he was within a few s of the tree. He laid his big hand upon Lord Paignton's shoulder. "They make a kandsome pair, those daughters of yours," im remarked. "Fine girls, both of them. I admire the elder most. What's her name? Marian? I like the name, too." He repeated it softly to himself. "She ought to make a good match, your Marian," he commented; marry a rich man." He said no more, but Marian was uncom- fortably conscious, when she handed him his tea, of the fixed regard with which he ob- aerved her. (To be Continued.)

PERIL UNDER THE TREES. I B?VE PERSONS STRUCK BY IAGHT- I NING. I The danger of taking shelter beneath trees in a thunderstorm has been proved once again. Lightning struck five people in Sibton Park, Lyminge, when a terrific storm inter- rupted the annual treat of the Folkestone Parish Church Sunday School. When the storm broke a party of about 200 children ran for shelter to a great tree which was struck by a violent flash. Miae Greggs, a teacher, was the chief suf- ferer. She was thrown to the ground with such force that the base of her skull was fractured. She was taken to Folkestone Hospital. Mr. W. O. Spain, a sidesman at the church, was also struck. Like Mies Greggs, he Was holding up an umbrella at the time. The umbrella was wrenched out of his hand and he was twisted round and round like a top, the children shrieking with terror at the sight. He was much shaken, although he did not fall. A donkeyman named Lee was paralysed and unconscious for a time. Two children who were struck were affected less severely.

THE 44 GERMAN SPY." I An elderly man, named Thos. Geo. Pater- son->1# described as a merchant, of Farn- borough, Hants, caused some amusement at Marylebone- when charged with attempting to travel on the Bakerloo Railway without paying hd» fare. Paterson, said he was living with his brother at Farnborough. The previous day he was strolling round London, and went into the Great Central Station, where he met a German gentleman. "Te'y for a joke—very foolish perhaps ?;17t-nd?d that I belonged to the Secret Service, and that he was a German spy. We got chatting, and to cut a long story short -I don't wish to take up your time or that of the audienpe or the reporters—I said I would follow him as a German spy and arrest him. at the psychological moment." The German afterwards took two tickets for the Post Office, and he (defendant) understood that he paid for them. The evidence showed that when the gentle- man referred to asked for a ticket to the Post Office, Paterson shouted: "Make it two" and then declined to pay. He de- clared- that he was Consul for Iceland, and used bad language. A previous conviction for drunkenness having. been proved, Paterson was ordered to pay a fine of 20s., or go to prison for fourteen days.

Mr. Nathaniel Waterall, of Waddon Lodge, Waddoii, Croydon, who lefr £ 68,872, directed that no public trustee was to act in the ad- ministration of his estate. Police-sergeant John Figg, in acknowledging a presentation from his comrades of the Dover Police Force on his retirement, denied that ill- luck attached to the number thirteen; he said he was one of a family of thirteen; st arted work at thirteen was thirteen years in his first employment joined the Dover Police on April 13, when he was twice thirteen years old; and his family numbered thirteen.

) YOU CANNOT AFFORD d, I to be unwell. Health of body and the B H resulting elasticity of mind are of H I supreme importance to everyone living H I under the strenuous conditions of B H modem times. The person who is H j)tt "out of 80m;' "off colour," or "below ■ ? par" is not in a condition to make the H fifl most of life. Now, the necessity of U M keeping the organs of digestion in a I ? thoroughly clean and active state can )? ? never be too strongly empha.ieed, || M since they are the channels through S B which the body receives its nourish- B I ment. It is therefore a wise, as well 9 Mj a simple coune, =vex jSj i TO BE WITHOUT 8 fl Beecham's PHla. the tonic, corrective m I and curative properties of which, B Q promote a healthy action of the liver, Q B stomach, kidneys and bowels, thereby B H rendering the work of digestion and H B assimilation easy and satisfactory. It B B is a well-known fact that great and B II ever-increasing numbers of men and H N women in every walk of life owe their B M unvarying state of good health to the H M) regular use of || BEECHAM'S mis. Q j Sold ererywhert in boxes, Q B trie* HH (56 pill*) & 2/1 (168 pilfcti B

LOAVES FOR STRIKERS' CHILDREN. The London building trades dispute still drags its weary length alrng, an^ a large number of men have been out on strike for many months. Our pfco ograph shows bread and other provisions waiting outride the Tiade Union Hal!, Brixton, to be distributed among the wives and children of the i?tr.kejs.

THE FIRST PADDLE. A charming snapshot of a scene which may be witnessed any day at any seaside resoit at this time cf the year. Buby i- bnvin- her nx-t piddle, end is obviously nob enjoying itr.

KING'S PRIZE WINNER. A Scotsman has won the King's Prize at Bisley-Sergt. J. L. Dewar, of Glasgow. The winner, who is seen here being chaired after his victorv, is a commercial traveller and a Volunteer and Territorial of fifteen years' standing.

 T EH LEICIM FORTH THE BLL-STEEL BICYCLE B N?SE?'thDun)op Tyres. Brook. Saddle and Sturmey-Archer 3-$p«ed Gear, is as famous at B the Forth Bridge as the emblem of the highest ,tase of modem e.:mhefim. Built mtirely B H fl n fl » I n S^^ £ RALEIGH]I HW B "Po.-n'??/o'r ''?'?? ?? are no malleable ,ron castinirs in the Raleigh T.able to hidden dws, as im BB N C?/ b'cyctet. Send a postcard for the "B?k of the Rak-igh. — L —? ? ?c m all ol"er bicycle*, bend a postcard for the Book of the Raleigh." — AnenU. I/- Tho Bicycle that ia Guaranteed for Ever. 1 ABERGAVENNY.—Abergavenny Cycle Co. ?'   -^3[ B | RAGLA^N —Percy Wilks, High Street. J 1 tS H RAGLAN.-Davies & Jones. The Ro l"iUR USK-TomPtobert. Bridge Street. Ti''d>u sip^be | H L -?-?- Raleigh Cycle Co ?°"?'?*' Prices ?""?! *9t. M.. «w9/4 per month. R