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(S) [ALL RIGHTS RMMVM,] U? FL YN O' THE HILL § ,A\ or, THE LITTLE WHITE WITCH A\ flfll By MADGE BARLOW, IUJ Xa Author of "Crag Cormac," "The Cairn of the Badger,"&c. /M CHAPTER IX. 1 PATE SHUFFLES THE CARDS. Sylvia had told Flvii of Dorn's arrival in Culsheen, and the result disappointed her. Instead of dread, outcry, and shrinking pro- test she saw anger in the girl's face, a fight- ing look in her eves. "He is pushful," she replied, breaking a prolonged silence. "He hasn't learnt his lesson, and must be taught again. He shall be if he dares to approach my door." ""Hoity-toity!" jeered my ladv. Your tragedy manner is ridiculous. The man's at libertv to come to CulshceH, and you are equally at liberty to bang your door and barricade it, but anybody who heard his side of the storv would condemn your action." "I forbade him the house and he defied me; actually threatened to compel me to re- ceive him." "Love-lorn ravings, my dear. He can t compel you, and wouldn't attempt the im- possible. He was in a temper, no doubt. You do rouse the devil in him sometimes. Listen to me. You could travel the wido earth round and find no one to love you as Ralph Dorn does, not one. It isn't in men nowadays. And think of his constancy. Don't forget that ho wanted you just as badly when you were a poor little typist of whose familv and antecedents he knew next to nothing.. Did anybody else in his social position covet you, then P "Then he was all right, rather a nice fellow. It's the afterwards I detest him for." "The afterwards was a harvest of your own sowing, and Ralph did nothing very dreadful, nothing you can't pardon." From this we see that Lady Darkington was tho- roughly posted in the history of the two, notwithstanding her evasive replies to Cheveral. "He to prate of love! cried scornful Flvr,. "True love is unselfish and forgiv- "19 it? If you were the victim of a grand 1s it? If you were the victim of a grand passion, and a woman came between you and its object you would be a fury. There is no miik and water in your veins, demure though you seem. Put yourself in his place and say if you would bear what he has borne and show less violence. You are re- sponsible for his past and present misery, and in common justice to him you ought-—" I won't hear a repetition of that argu- ment. You always ignore the thing that happened, the barrier that would part us even if I still cared for him." Don't be a crank. The barrier doesn't exist. It's levelled." "But the ghost of a dead girl would rise between us. Drop the subject, you make me hate him." "He has more reason tO hate you," snapped Sylvia, longing to take her by the ehould-ers and shake her. "For the whole year of vour residence at the Hill you im- posed galling restrictions on Ralph, forced him to come sneaking in the dark, snubbed him, let your Jaffcs deride him. It's a pity to waste your youth dreeing it when Ralph could give a wife he adored such a rattling good time. Is there anybody els.e? Has cousin Andy-" Sylvia, you carry inquisitiveness too I far My child—you are the simplest child— I warned you that he was a philanderer who'd flirt with a ship's figure-head if if, had feminine shape. Has he made love to you? From brow to tliToat Flyn flushed scarlet. I am answered," tittered Sylvia. It's an amiable failing of his. I'd stake the paste imitations Horace gave me when he pledged my diamonds that your precious Mr. Andy stopped short at asking you to be his wife. A piteous glance did not move her. If he asked you you wouldn't look at me like that. He doesn't want you, and only pretended to because it suited him to bamboozle Horace and get out of the way of his creditors for a while. In fact, he's secretly engaged. Why did he run off to London without finishing the pretty sceno which I disturbed among the roses? "He had business." You believe that? Andy's sole business was to escape an awkward predicament, and pique you into a coldness which wiU give him a pretext for the non-renewal of that scene. If you don't furnish the pretext he'll be in a blue funk. I tell you in friend- ship. Horace and I are both fond of you, but I know what he does not, that his cousin is sacrificing you to a summer flirta- tion. I repeat, Andy is promised in mar- riage to another. And if you knew who the other was you'd be astonished beyond mea- sure," her ladyship added, in the depths of her wicked heart. Flyn evaded an attempted caress, her bosom heaving indignantly. Don't kiss me," she said in a ringing voice, tears of outraged dignity in her eyes. I WOll,'t have your kisses. There's no truth in these Darkingtons. I wish you'd all leave me alone. I don't want to be mixed up in your twistings and turnings. I don't want your cousin to make love to mo or marry me. Do you imagine that I gave Andy Bamfylde the stewardship in order to catch him? Hateful word!" Nobody dreams of such a thing," replied Svlvia inl shocked tones. "He'd be a poor match for you. and the honour would be ours. Horace's eagerness proves that. And I spoke out of kindness, to caution you against wiving on anything Andy might sav. He has an irresistible way with women. They dote on him, and can blame themsel/es if he raises hopes that have no foundation. Now you're huffier than ever, but I will say. Flyn, whether it vexes you or Dot, that if you aren't in love with him you *e peril- ously near it." And if he were not the cousin for whom you have professed intense and bitter dislike I'd be inclined to say the same of you," re- joined Flyn, a trifle maliciously. The shaft at random hit Sylvia and brought a curious grey tinge to her brown skin. Was she so transparent that this country mouse could see below the surface? One penetrating hawk's glance relieved her. The stiff little face was innocent of double meaning. They were in Lady Darlcington's boudoir, whither Sylvia had enticed her to sing Dorn's praises, and while my lady pondered over her next point of attack, and called her dear FIVTI nasty names under her breath, a knock came to the door. Jaffe stocd outside, flustered and purple. Mr. Mallard. Miss Mallard, and Mr. Dorn," he quavered. "I had no orders. Miss Flvn. I was taken by surprise, and into the parlouV they walked." He watched his mistress, waiting for the storm to burst. Ladv Darkington watched her. Flyn stared fixedly at the floor, battling with anger at this prompt throwing down of Dorn's gauntlet, pondering what weapon it were best to use against so re- sourceful an opponent. She thought of one and smiled. It was Andy. Let him pursue his confident course till Andy returned to hear her complaint and deal with him. His protection would be sweet, and sweet the haven of his strong arms. Not for a moment had she believed Sylvia's tales of # him, though in that first flush of outraged dignity she had exclaimed that there was no truth in any of these Darkingtor.S, She had repented her hasty words when memory re- minded her of that hour in the lane, the more recent hour in the garden, the truth and love in his face, the ring of absolute truthfulness in his voice. How could she doubt him? She would fight no more, but deliver Dorn up to her lover for judgment unless he saved his skin by going in time. Say we shall be down directly," she said to stricken Jaffe. For Heaven's sake don't make a fuss in front of the Mallards," cried Sylvia. The girl's serene smile disturbed her. Isn't it an accepted theory that when we flee men pursue, and when we cease to flee they lose interest in the chase? asked Flyn. You are quite right. It is." "Suppose we test it on Ralph Dorn?" Really one can't be sure of what vou will I do for two minutes too,,ether", wailed puzzled Sylvia. "You are amnoyed because I destroyed your silly illusions about Andy, ready to vent your annoyance on Dorn, to give that awful Aunt Too-Too more to talk about." She wrung her hands, but her only fear was that Flyn at one blow would de- molish the mountain of mystery she had built around herself. I had no illusions about Andy," was the proud reply, and I am not piqued or an- noyed. As for Dorn, he requires practical common-sense treatment, and I've deter- mined he shall have it. If you are curious as to its nature, hadn't you better come and witness its beginning? Retracing our steps, we return to Eric, en route to the hospital. where John Salter was to assist him out of the mess into which he had thrust him. He found the spacious entrance hall busier than usual, owing to a tieries of accident cases that bad poured in during the after- noon. A perspiring porter answered his beck, and, in reply to a question concerning John Salter, said, gaspingly, that the patient named had been sent to the South- bourne Convalescent Home a fortnight ago. Asked if he were certain, he said he couldn't make a mistake, for Salter's re- covery was a miracle, and had been dis- cussed in medical journals with enthusiasm. The doctors had given Nurse Bland a large share of the credit, she having snatched him out of the very jaws of death after the opera- tion. She went in charge of him to the Home to pull him safely through the final stage of convalescence. Eric left, and entering the nearest, call office, requested the Exchange to connect him with the Southbourne Home. Holding the receiver to his ear, he waited, chafing at what seemed an eternity of delay. When the answer came it exasperated him. No connection." He spoke sharply into the instrument, every word staccato. I asked for the Southbourne Convalescent Home." "No connection. Wires hroken." They switched off, and he set the bell whirring madly till an operator at the other end cried in desperation. "Hello!" i Why is the Southbourne Home not con- nected (" "I told you wires broken. The Home was totally destroyed by fire last night. inews- papers full of it." The proprietor of the call office tapped him on the arm. Would you care to glance over a noou edition, sir? It contains the latest accounts. I believe it was a regular bolocaust-bodies of the victims cremated—nothing left for identification." Mechanically Eric hung up the receiver. He swayed like a drunken man. Deathly sickness clutched him. The paper shook and rustled in his grasp, the print swimming be- fore his eyes in a black and white blur. When the mist cleared he skimmed the terrible details of the fire in search of a list of saved and lost. He has it. No. Those are only the saved. But two have been for- gotten. Oh, surely, they have been for- gotten. l- Further on he finds the roll-call of the missing, poor creatures, represented by a I litter of charred bones, of whom it can never be said, "This was he. and this she." And at the end of the mournful muster he reads the names of John Salter and Nurse j Dora Bland. "You were brought home unconscious in a tab, sir. Fainting fit, the doctor who ac- companied you said." Simpkins' voice greeted him on his return to consciousness, and a realisation of the horror. Eric raised a hand to his brow. It was wet, and his hair clung dankly to it. His moist palms smelt of brandy and sal volatile. What womanish tricks had he been up to ? He remembered reading tho paper-seeing two names blazoned on the sheet in red letters of flame. Then all was a blank. Fainted, had he? Would to God he had died. For Andy is dead. Worse, he lies vanished off the face of the earth, leaving no trace. The numbed senses re-awake and his agony begins. He has beheld the last of Andy, truest friend, most faithful comrade, whose love was far beyond the capricious bye of women. How strange to think of him as dead! A violent shudder shakes Eric from head to foot. He feels the scorch of the de- vouring element, hears the shriek of tor- tured souls ascending to their God in a fiery chariot, Andy's shriek and Nurse Dora's. Poor, pretty Nurse Dora! "Leave me," lie says to Simpkins. I-I haven't been well of late. No need to tell my uncle." "Very good, sir," murmurs Simpkins, and straightway goes and tells Gid, who is pen- ning advertisements for various news-sheets, begging the owner of the book inscribed With Clodagh's love" to communicate with him. Gid hastens to his nephew, and for the remainder of the day makes life hideous to him. Will he see the doctor? Gid asks. Has he pain, and can he locate it ? Or is his trouble mental? To get rid of him Eric feigns sleep, but all night he lies awake, his brain reeling. He wonders how many nights like that he must go through before he becomes a raving lunatic. Men reported dead in the, confusion of great fatalities have often turned up again to laugh at their obituaries. Why not Bamfylde? He hugs fantastic hope to his heart, and spends days in sickening sus- pense. There is no revision of the fatal list. The pitiful remains are buried. The Southbourne calamity sinks into the back- ground, and public interest centres in a fresher sensation. Torpor succeeds his fevered expectation. The foul fiend insom- nia has gained such a grip of him that Gid insists on an immediate holiday, and sug- gests Cornwall. I'd lend you Simpkins," he says, "but at this critical point in our investigations-" "Don't want Simpkins," grunts haggard Eric. So Eric departs alone, and goes to South- bourne, and spends a fortnight there, pot- tering about the ruins of the Home, ques- tioning natives, debating with them possibi- lities of escape, and earning the sobriquet of "the mad gentleman." While he thus ? .tt,?; upon grief, and augments his an- guish of mind and body, a telegram for "Cheveral" is handed in at Gid's town house, and he tears it open. It runs:— "Andy's address or his immediate presence imperative. Urgent. Sylvia." Gid examines the post-mark of the Irish town whence it was dispatched. Evidently it is for Eric, whose place of residence in the delectable duchy is still unknown to him. But what is Sylvia doing in the Irish town? Why does she wire to his nephew concerning Andy's address? Is not Andy somewhere convenient to her, in the service of the farming female? He scents mystery, double-dealing, and his bushy eyebrows lower till they seem to rest on the harsh, hooked nose. Spreading the telegram flat on the table he sends for Simpkins the in- valuable, and lays a case for unravelling before him. u-, i Is CHAPTER X. "When sorrows come, they come not single spies, But in battalions." Tatthers gaped in astonishment at the wreck of the big fair Englishman stepping listlessly on to the station platform, and opined that Bamfylde had been going the pace on the devil's hunting ground since he went from Culsheen. With subdued greet- ings he brought the car forward, and Eric mounted. Be had nothing to say, but Tatthers had enough for a dozen. Seating himself on the other side, he shook the reins tnd bade the horse "Gee up," and they crawled int-o the sunny street at a snail's gallop. "The little nag's afeard of jowltin' yer fut. He seen ye had the bit limp back wid ye," whispered Tatthers behind his spread fingers. To himself he added: An' a face that'd stop a clock, howiver ye got it. Deuce sich a caricature of yerself iver I see. He leant across the well of the car and eyed his fare askance. "Yer soart of cousin's above at the Hill yet, her that welted me wid her umbrella." "I suppose she is, Paddy," indifferently. "Large as life, an' frisky as a young cowlt. Forever havin' parties, an' sprees, an' dancin' be moonlight to the music of fiddles, an' that Gerald Joyce-Duffy trippin' at her heels like a pet puppy. Miss F ?, ? at a lot of expinse by her. Mane as dirt her ladyship is. No fear of her to sind me five shillin's compensation for batin' the teeth outer me head. I swallyed wan yon evenin', an' to coort she should be broiight for swindlin' an' killin' honest people. Sho near bruk the nag's back, too, sittin' tight an' lettin' him dhrag her up hills." They were approaching a mountainous part of the road, and Eric took the hint and hopped down. Tatthers joined him, and helped the horse to clamber skyward, grumbling that Sir Nicky had been "shuk" by the accident. He accepted a pipeful of tobacco gratefully, debating in his own mind whether to inform Mr. Bamhlde of an unpleasant surprise awaiting him, or let the misfortunate man discover it for himself. On the principle that bad news will bear keeping Paddy held his tongue. "Bad cess to me mimory, aren't they havin' a gipsy tay in the fields behind Para- dise," he cried, bringing his ramshackle vehicle to a standstill. "If ye'd like to go there I'll perceed to the Nest an' warn Bid of yer honour's arrival. Cut over the stile an' folly the track till ye come to the whin stretches where they're sportin' "I don't care to meet a lot of people," Eric protested, but Paddy had visions of cold victuals and happy dalliance in the Wisp's kitchen, and he prevailed. "A lot is it?" he queried. "The mischief a sowl is in it except her ladyship, an' Miss Flyn, an' Miss Cathy. Ould cock-eye (by whom he meant Aunt Too-Too) is feard o' rheumatic, an' wont squat on grass to dhrink tay she could dhrink comfortabler on a chair at home." So Eric paid like a gentleman for the privilege of walking two-thirds of the way, and cleared the stile amid a shower of bless- ings. The fields were golden in the light of the declining sun, the air was warm, fra- grant with cowslips and breath of kine. He followed the track until he saw a flag flutter- ing at the top of a tall and distant pole, then he halted and wished he had gone straight to the cottage. He was in no mood for frothy conversation, even though it were uttered by the lips of his beloved. He hesitated, shrugged his shoulders, and went on. He moved towards a gap in a hedge whither the track led, and on the near side of it he paused to listen to a voice, Flyn's voice. She was farther off than he at first thought, and she was not alone. Looking through the gap he espied a man's broad back disappearing down a steep bank on the top of which stood Flyn garbed in pink lawn, with a rustic, rose-laden hat tied eoquettishly beneath her chin. For whom had she discarded her quaint white mourn- ing? He awaited breathlessly the man's ascent. A large hand holding a few sprays of crimson dog-rose gripped the bank, and Ralph Dorn pulled himself up and pre- sented his trophy to the girl in pink. "I've changed my mind," she said pertly. "They're not nearly so pretty at closa quar- ters. Dorn quietly tossed the flowers whence they came, his face unruffled. "Are we going right ahead?" he smiled. "Which would you prefer?" she asked. "Right on, or a return journey?" "On, of course, with you," he replied. "Then we'll return," she said; coldly. Their words were inaudible to Eric, bul they were together, and the green-eyed I monster hinted that she had chosen the time I of his absence to do that which she would not do in his presence. He had heard her inveigh against this man, order him off her doorstep, vow that she had spoken her last to him. But the new lover goes off the stage for a while, and hey presto! the old is summoned back to bask a season in her favour. She was a hypocrite, a skilled actress, he said savagely, crouching in shel- ter of the hedge to watch them, his eyes vengeful. Her childish, innocent airs were assumed, worn to deceive the poor fool who had lovid and trusted her in spite of con- demning appearances, in spite of the doubts he could not wholly drive out of his own heart. It did not occur to Eric that "un- faith in aught is want of faith in all," and that, since he could doubt, his love was as yet an imperfect thing. Reckless with jealousy and unreasoning resentment he pushed through the gap, and at the rustling of the bushes Dorn and she glanced round. A glad cry rose to her lips. She took a step towards him, all joy, all sur- prise, and then with a look of pathetic be- wilderment stopped and let her outstretched hands fall to her side. His face froze her, such a changed, bitter, sneering face. What is wrong? Can it be-she gasps in dismay at the abhorrent thought—that he suspects hex of treacherous dealing? That he is jealous? A hot flush mounts to the roots of her hair. She is, in outward semblance, a detected culprit. Flyn could weep for very rage be- cause of that ingenuous blush, and the more conscious she is of it the hotter it grows. Beyond the lifting of his hat Eric ignored her. He replied to Dorn's courteous How d'ye do" as courteously, for the scene be. neath Flyn's window in the grey of the dawn had convinced him that Romeo was an honest fellow, albeit lie had once drunk deep of brandy and uttered vain threats. Who could blame him for wanting to marry the girl he loved, ad who had loved him in a day gone by? Not Eric, her other dups, though he fears Dorn will wear rue with his bargain. (To bo Continued.)
ITHE TRAVELLER RAT.I
I THE TRAVELLER RAT. Needless to say, the commonest rat in tho British Isles is the brown or Hanoverian rat, a detestable Hunnish animal which reached England about the year 1730. There are still black rats of the old kind in some parts of the country. We have also a third rat. This is the black Alexandrine rat, a more recent arrival than the brown, and a near relative of the old English rat. The upper part of the black Alexandrine rat is glossy black, with a greenish sheen. It is a native of the Black Sea ports, but a great traveller. This rat is rather larger than its cousin, the old black rat, and seems better able to hold its own against the brown beast. All rats are bad neighbours, but the Alexandrine has several advantages over tlft brown. It has none of its repulsive smell or mangy appear- ance, nor is it, like the Hanoverian, a can- nibal. It can be tamed without much trouble, and it is said that it makes a most interesting pet.
IOLD BOW STREET.I
I OLD BOW STREET. The history of Bow-street, London, is one of the most romantic of our notorious thoroughfares. It is nearly 300 years old, while the police court, which at one time was the only one of its kind in London, was established 170 years ago. The first paid magistrate was Henry Field- ing, author of "Tom Jones," and his brother, Sir John Fielding, also acted in a similar capacity. Bow-street in those days was the home of the elite, poets, painters, actors and physic ns having their homes there. The street and court will always be associated with the "Bow Street Runners," or the "Robin Redbreasts," as they were called, from their red waistcoats, the fore- runners of the Metropolitan Police. There were less than a hundred "Runners," the re- mainder of the metropolitan area being guarded by a nondescript Watch, assisted by the citizens. To-day the City Police 70rce tolals over 0 Force totals over 1,202, and the Metropoli- tan force 25,047.
I PENSION PROBLEMS: !
I PENSION PROBLEMS: I HOW TO SOLVE THEM. I By AN EXPERT. I A Great Opportunity for Ex-Service Fishermen-Our National Obligation to Ex-Officers- The Work of the King's Fund-An Outline of the Cases That Came Under Its Provisions-Local Com. mittees and Their Powers. I FREE ADVICE TO OUR READERS. Ex-Service fishermen have been presented with a business opportunity which, by reason of the ideal htness to the obvious needs of the men, at once captures the imagination. I refer to the Cabinet's de- cision regarding the disposal of some of the trawlers that rendered so much valuable ser- vice to the country during the war. The scheme sanctioned is as follows: Two hundred trawlers are to be handed over to a company of ex-Service fishermen who will find the requisite capital, together with the cost of gear and equipment. The price of these trawlers will be settled by the Ad- miralty, in conjunction with the Shipping Controller and the Fisheries Boards. All drifters are to be put up for disposal to fishermen on terms permitting of gradual payment. < < The sympathetic co-operation of London merchants and business men has been en- listed on behalf of ex-officers in need of em- ployment. Although the Ministry of Labour has placed between 16,000 and 17,000, there are, unfortunately, a good many men who still require jobs. Sir Robert Home, the Minister of Labour, has appealed for the co- operation of 400 business men to devote half a day a week to affording these men all the assistance in their power to get established in civil life. This is a move in the right direction, for the future of these ex-officers is a national obligation, as well as a Depart- mental one. • About 7,000 firms have completed under- takings entitling their names to appear on the National Roll, by which employment is guaranteed to nearly 70,000 men. One hun- dred and seventy public bodies have given similar undertakings. In accordance with the fitness of things, the Ministry of Pen- sions is leading the 'wav by illl,,ikiii- it a rule always to give preference for employment to disabled men, and then to ex-service men who are not disabled. This policy will be rigidly followed. The first report of the good work done by the King's Fund has been issued, and I am glad to see that the Council has been en- abled to assist lhore than 23,000 disabled officers and men, and widows, orphans and dependents of thewe who have fa'llen, over £ 600,000 having been disbursed. Here it may serve a useful purpose to re- mind my readers that grants may be made from the King's Fund:- (1) To widows of officers and men of the Navy, Army or Air Force who have lost their lives in or from causes arising out of the war, for assistance to start in an occu- pation cr business, or to change their homes, or to proceed abroad aione or with their children, or to cover expenses consequent upon widowhood. (2) To sons and daughters (not over 21 years of age) of officers or men of the Navy, Army or Air Force who have lost their lives in or from causes arising out of the war, to assist them to make a start in life, or for the purchase of equipment, piant, instru- ments, stock, books, clothes, etc., or in special cases to pay for education or appren- ticeship. (3) To dependents of officers or men of the Navy, Army or Air Force who have lost their lives in or from causes arising out of the war, for the same purpose as in the above paragraphs. (4) To supplement grants already made from this Fund. (5) To cover the actual cost of passages of officers or men, or their families, to proceed anywhere overseas on medical grounds or for the purpose of taking up employment. A small additional grant may be made to cover expenses during the voyage. (6) To enable offers and men to purchase outfit, if they are taking up appointments in industrial concerns overseas. (7) To meet app!ications for other forms of special assistance in cases in which no grant has been or can be made out of public funds. Attention is called to the fact that all applications from officers, or from the widows, children and dependents of officers deceased, shall be recommended by an officer of the Outdoor Staff of -th, Ministry of Pen- sions. And all applications from men, or from widows, children and dependents of men deceased shall be recommended by a local War Pensions Committee. This means that any man or woman belonging to the non-commissioned class, who fecb that he or she has a claim on this fund should apply, in the first instance, to his or her local com- mittee. • In view of what has happened in one or two areas, I think that it is as well to point out that Local War Pensions Committees are limited by the terms of their constitu- tion to administer the regulations as laid down in the Royal Warrants and Orders in Council. As to finances-they are responsi- ble to the Ministry of Pensions, which has power under recent legislation to audit ibeir accounts. This check is imposed in the in- terests of the public. A limit is set to the Ministry's expenditure by the Treasury, and it is incumbent upon the Ministry to see that no local committee should exceed its powers on the financial side. We all wish that the Treasury had a bottomless purse, but, as this is far from being the case, you will recognise that it is desirable that the Ministry should have power to overlook the accounts of the two thousand odd committees and sub-committees that are now in exist- ence I ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. I W. A. C., Hythe—Your Committee is doubtless making arrangements to have you medically examined by their medical referee. and I expect you will have heard from the secretary by this time. E. S., High Halden -Xo provision from State funds. L. P., Herno Ba,You have been incor- rectly informed. If you care to ask your Local War Pensions Comnntttee they will explain the difference E. C. A., Braid >o,.rne Lees.—Have read I your letter with sympathetic attention, and will see if anyO, can be done in the cir- cumstances you have explained Our Pensions Expert, is anxious to assist sailors and soldiers and their wives and de- pendents in deaHr.ir with intricacies of the War Pensions System. Address your queries to "Pensions Ex pert," c/o Editor of this paper. All essen- tial facts should be stated as briefly as pos- sible, such as name, number, rank, regi- ment of soldier, name and rating of sailor, particulars of families and separation al- lowance and (in inquiries concerning civil liabilities) pre-war or pre-enlistlnent in- come, present or war income, and full lia- bilities. Do not send any documents, birth certificates, or discharge papers, etc. Will correspondents please make a point of sending their regimental number, rank, namç, and regiment?
I THIS WEEK IN THE GARDEN.…
I THIS WEEK IN THE GARDEN. ? yJI In Nature's infinite hook of secrecy AA A little I can read.-Yintony g (Bleopatra. The Scarborough Lily.—Whilst annual repotting is not necessary with the Scar borough Lily on account of its dislike to root disturbance, it is most wise to do so because the soil becomes exhausted and the bulbs work up above the level of the soil. Unless increase is desired, do not divide it when repotting, as strong clumps give finest results. Turn the bulbs out of their old pots and shake away most or all of the soil about the roots, returning them to clean pots of the same size. Set the bulbs fairly low in the pots, adding soil until they are buried half their depth; space will then be left for top-dressing the following year. Repotting is frequently done in spring, but may be done now. Polyanthus and Primrose.-As a rule- these spring flowers lift with good balls of soil. If there are beds and borders in semi- shade, polyanthus and coloured primroses may be planted with success. For the light, but sunless north border, ther are also very beautiful. Have the planting finished at once. Christmas Rose.—Though a perfectly hardy plant, it is desirable to protect the flowers of the Christmas rose, some of which are already pushing up on the variety maximus. The clumps arc sometimes planted so that a cold frame can be placed over them. Failing this, cover the best of the clumps with handlights. Gladiolus Seeds.—Lovers of the gladiolus will find it interesting, work to raise seed- lings. Sow half the seeds, collected recently, in a cold frame, and the remainder in a greenhouse in early spring. Sow the ceods rather thinly, say each seed about ^in apart. Prepare shallow pans or boxes of well-drained, light, sandy soil. Large boxes may be used for a quantity of seeds in preference to making up a bed in the frame. Planting.—The long spell of dry weather during October delayed planting, but even- tually it had to be commenced. The diffi- culty was overcome by watering evergreen shrubs liberally, including bamboos, hollies, and yews. Even the wallflowers and Canter- bury bells were benefited by a good soak- ing with water after planting. Carnation layers are being watered. Rather than de- lay planting roses, these were given water, the climbing sorts in particular commencing to make new roots in their fresh stations. They have not suffered in the least by the moving. I The Buried Solanums.—Move the plants of solanum capsicastrum from the frame to a light position in the greenhouse. Remove all new shoots; if allowed to develop they would soon hide the berries. Give weak liquid manure once a week. Syringe with a solution of soft soap and nicotine if I green fly is troublesome. Chimney Campanula.-Though a hardy plant, it is usual to give this the protection of a cold frame for the next three or four months. Failing this, plunge the pots to the rime- in ashes in a sheltered position- The Greenhouse Temperature.—To grow a mixed collection of plants in a small house is always more difficult than when limited to a few kinds requiring somewhat similar treatment. From now onwards a night tem- perature of 45deg. Fahr. will be suitable for the majority of cool greenhouse plants. Ventilate freely during mild weather. Young Fruit Bushes.—There should be a good proportion of well-rooted young bushes from the cuttings inserted a year ago. These should now be planted 1ft. apart on a plot of rich, well-worked ground. The young growths which have! been made should be cut back to four or five buds. Planting Blackberries.—It is hard to understand why the finer sorts of black- berries are not more extensively planted. They can be grown in small gardens and utilised as screens or divisions They are easily grown on wires in the open or upon walls and fences. They succeed best in rich land. Annual prunings and securing to the supports are all that is needed in the way of cultivation. Lilies Out of Doors.—Bulbs intended for outdoor planting should be got in early. A late-planted bulb has not the same chance of quick root production as one planted in good season. Poor root production is a frequent cause of poor flowers. Whilst they serve a useful purpose in the border, their true beauty seems to be exhibited when planted amongst rhododendrons. As peaty soil suits rhododendrons, it also proves ideal for lilies. Plant 4in. to 6in. deep. The taller growing varieties should occupy the centre and the dwarfer ones nearer the out- side. Late-sown Carrots.—If the bed of these is sheltered, a little covering strewn over it on frosty nights will ensure continued growth for some time. Winter Tomatoes.—Be careful when giv- ing water to these. From now onwards water will be only occasionally required. It is far better to keep the soil too dry I than too wet. I Savo,vs.-Heep watch on rows of these, immediately cutting all showing signs of bursting. Even a few days' exposure to fog, rain, or sharp frost suffices to reduce the food value of these considerably. <- Rhubarb in Boxes.—Keep the soil un). fftrmly moist, but avoid a constantly wt soil until new growth is pushing freely. Where the boxes are in heated houses use the syringe twice each day; also damp the surroundings with tepid water. Sweet Peas.—Sow a selection of sweet peas for spring flowering. Five or six seeds may be sown in 3iin. or 4in. wide pots. Use a compost of 3 parts of turfy loam and 1 part of leaf-mould, adding plenty of coarse sand. For a few weeks following germination grow on a shelf in the green- I house. Three plants will be sufficient in each pot. Move into larger pots when a few inches high, give short, twiggy sticks, and stand on a light front shelf or stage. < Pelargoniums—The Show and Regsu. Pelargoniums are ready for repotting. Give the plants plenty of space near the roof glass. A few cuttings may still be inserted if more stock is required. Take out the tips of the longest shoots to induce them to branch. Fumigate about once a fort- night; it is this section of pelargoniums greenfly attacks first. Readers who con- template the purchase of additional sorts should give their orders now. Small-rooted plants are forwarded readily at this season by post. < < Renewal of Trees.—Heavy crops of apples have been the rule this season, yet there does not appear to have been too much fruit. Therefore, do the best possible to increase the supply by having young. healthy trees. Where old trees have to be replaced by young ones no time should be lost in carrying out the work. Late Grapes.—Great care is needed to keep grapes in good conditio^ at this season. If the temperature of the house becomes too low decay will almost certainly set up; where many berries have to be cut away the appearance of the branches will certainly be spoilt. Do not allow the tem- perature of the house to fall below 45deg. to 50deg tt Black Currants.—These should be cut rather severely when planting. There is but a small loss of crop6, and the bushes are much finer later when treated in this way. The prunings can be used for propa- gation, and a number of young bushes can 1 soon be raised if pieces of these young j growths, about Ht. in length, are inserted < in firm, rich land. Rabbits and Fruit Trees.—Rabbits will j play havoc at times with young trees. The J bark of the trees may be protected from being gnawed by painting them with the following mixture. Mix clay. soot, and. lime, in about equal proportions, to a thick creamy paste with water. To a bucketful of this add a wine-glassful of tar; mix this j well by stirring, and apply to the stems of the trees. Early Purple Broccoli.—This is now form- ing heads, but except where thezp is a scarcity of greens cutting should be delayed | until well into the New Year. The plant ia hardier than many imagine, and a few extra weeks are bound to make these far more proStaMe to the grower. J1 Brussels Sprouts.—If owing to the mild weather these have grown too fast to be prontablp. lift a few of the most f?orward I and "lay in" where it will not be dIfficult to locate them should we have a heavy faU of snow. Do this instead of risking many to become "blown." Plants treated thus retain their healthy condition quite a long period, while the "buttons" remain per- £ fectly sound. I
ICHARACTER BY THE HAIR.I
I CHARACTER BY THE HAIR. I Character, it is said, can be told by means of many physical features, such as the bumps on the head and the lines on the hands. According to folklore a heavy head of hair indicates little, if any, virtues. The Turks claim that women with short intellect have long hair. The Albanians say. with more finality, "Long hair, little brains." Very quaint indeed, and also amusing, are some of the other character delineations which the hair-prophets have set down. Kinky hair is a sign of a variable and hasty disposition; while smooth, plain hair denotes that the owner is peace-loving and cour- teous. A long and peaceful life is promised the owner of hair that grows low on the, forehead and retreats up the head above the temples. It is said that the darker the hair the more powerful the physical organisation. Chestnut or dark brown hair denotes fair- ness in dealings, generosity, absence of de- ceit., but unhappiness in domestic life. Thick, straight, and glossy brown hair indi- cates a robust constitution, energy, and eagerness in the pursuit of life; thick, coarse, and wiry brown hair, great deter- mination of character; curly brown hair, a weak character, but natural ingenuity and ability. —
WATER THAT TALKS.I
WATER THAT TALKS. I Most of us have heard of "Minetata," the Indian equivalent to "Laughing Watei," but few, one thinks, are acquainted with "Katie," which is one of the most wonder- ful inventions of recent origin. It is said that it will prove most valuable to sea captains, inasmuch that it makes water talk. "Katie," is an automatic float, with a sen- sitive depth-finding mechanism connected telephonically, and is placed on the surface of the water. Another delicate instrument rests on the bottom, with a wire connection. When an engineer wants to know the depth of water at a particular spot he rings up "Katie" on the 'phone, and she tells him the exact depth. She speaks in soft, jerky buzzes in the manner of the Morse code, and when she gets out of her deDth she stutters. If the current is too strong she becomes speechless. Another wonderful invention is the float- ing ship's safe. This automatically casts it- self adrift from a sinking ship, and will send up a distress signal every hour for 12 hours, a sound signal is given, and a light at night will burn for three months.
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Leyton Council, which started street markets at the request of local residents, is now receiving petitions for the removal of one of the markets. Glasgow Corpocation, bv 65 votes to 8, have decided to urge the Government to provide work for the unemployed er to con- tinue the dole. In Dublin the statement is being made that armed soldiers will soon be requisi- tioned to assist the police on night duty in the- streets.
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It is stated that the British Government ha<* vetoed Sweden's proposal for a ferry- boat service across the North Sea. Mr. W. R. McCall, the well-known linen manufacturer, and brother of Mr. R. A. McCall, K.C., has died at Belfast. Arable land at Spalding, Lines., sold at J:274 an acre. A Coalville smallholder has sold milk at 2d. a pint all through the war. Owing to the continuance of the shortage of trucks and fuel in North Yorks, the iron- works are only kept going under great diffi- culty, and unemployment is increasing. M. iiro Sakata, the Japanese Minister in Madrid, has died suddenly.
!SUBMARINE MINES. I
SUBMARINE MINES. I Wonderful are the submarine galleries running for miles under the sea bottom, in Cornwall the Levant Mine is not the only Cornish mine whose galleries extend below the ocean bed. Only a mile or so south of it is the even more famous Botallack Mine, which is one of the most wonderful examples in the world of man's audacitv in searching after y.ealth. A trip through these tortu- ous underground workings used to be fre- quently undertaken by people in search of a new experience- but some little time back the mine was definitely closed to tourists, owing to the danger of their be. coming lost in the maze of submarine gal- leries. Men who work in these Cornish tin mines are a class by themselves, and all their dif- ferences are adjusted by the Stannary Courts, as they are called, from the Latin word "stannum," meaning tin. These curious courts Rave existed in their present forth eince the middle of the 13th century, and, in a simpler form, much earlier; and the miners claim to be free from all other jurisdiction, "except in matters concerning tand, life, or limb."
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An Order in Council has declared the foundation of the Bishopric of Bradford. Land for the housing scheme at Cowes, Isle of Wight, cost about X150 an acre. At a meeting of the French Cabinet all the Ministers who were defeated in the General Election tendered their resigna- tions.
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— ———————————————————————————— I THE POULTRY YARD. m) Helpful Hints for "Backyzu-dera." I J Now that the winter is upon as, greater care must be taken with the birds. It ie obviously necessary to give field flocks somt additional shelter, but it is a mistake tc place the poultry-houses where there is much dampness. If the houses are placed under a tree, or against a wood, it must be ob- served that the site is a dry one, otherwise the fowls will be better in the open. Where the grass is always damp, the fencing posts green with moss, and the hoar frost there nearly all day is a site to be avoided. Also it is well to bear in mind that all the sun there is should be sought for. Further, drip, even from a leafless tree, is undesir- able; in fact, the shelter of a good, thick- bottomed hedge is often more effectual thau that offered by trees. As to whether it is best to keep field flocks entirely confined to their houses in bad weather is a question which must be very largely decided by the accommodation. If hens are running in old- fashioned shanties wpth scarcely anything better than a ventilation hole for a window, and scarcely sufficient room inside, they would be Letter off outside. CHANCE FOR WOMEN. I Some weeks ago I referred to the advan- tages offered by poultry-keeping as a profit- able employment for women. Undoubtedly more and more women are taking up this work with great success. Women are peculiarly fitted for the task, as they are infinitely better than men where the rearing of chickens is concerned, their instinctive cleanliness .and keenness on details giving them the pull. In breeding high-class pedigree stock it is just this keenness on detail that tells, and many women now make a good living out of poultry. To those who contemplate entering the poultry- farmer's ranks, I would repeat the advice I -have before given, and that is that they should start in a small way. at home if pos- sible, so that they are not dependent on their poultry fer a living for a few years. The majority of holdings and gardens have some sort of a shed that can be adapted for the- use of poultry, and this should be done. Keep all the profit your poultry make on one side and save for a year or two, so that eventually you may purchase various appliances, and build up your nobby so that it will become a paying proposition in the future, when financial success should attend your careful efforts of the past. BINDINO OF THE CROP. It is generally the case that crop-binding is caused by fowls picking up long pieces of coarse grass, or eating a large amount of indigestible matter. When a bird is found to be suffering from this complaint it will not eat, and stands moping a.bout all day long. If taken in hand at the beginning, the ailment may be cured by a dose of olive oil, about two teaspoonfuls of which should be warmed and poured into the crop. Next work up the contents of the crop between the fingers and thumb, until the solid mass is distributed. If such treatment fzils an operation should be performed For this it is necesasry to pluck the feathers coverin., the crop, and. make an incision about liin. in length with a sharp knife. After remov- ing the accumulation of solid matter, and washing the crop, stitch the inner and outer skins together again. AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE. It was announced at the fortv-fourtb Annual Convention of the American Poultry Association just concluded that the Society is out for business. There is to be. an advertising campaign to educate the poultry public to the use of incubators and foster- mothers. A National Poultry *nd Egg Week is to be one of the principal features in the endeavour to make the coming season the best year in the history of the American t] poultry industry. Mr. A. Fenimore Cooper, i the newly-elected president, proposes to in.. stil into the Association new life and new ideas, and intends to give up all other busi- ness in order to devote his whole time to the work. It is to be work not only at the desk but in the field-he is going out on the highway and the by-ways and will look for business, aiming at a 50,000 membership. Such enthusiasm is worthy of emulation at home. EGG PRODUCTION. While referring to matters on the other side of the "Herring Pond," it will interest man" y of my readers to learn that the Cana dian Department of Agriculture is institu ting an official "Record of Performance" for poultry. The preliminary announcement. just issued, says:—A review of the present and prospective egg and poultry situation  points strongly to the fact that the eco- "y nomical production is going to be an in- creasingly important factor in meeting the competition of the world on the export market. While the cost of unit production in the poultry business is affected by many conditions, it has been clearly evident for some time that no factor has a more potent | bearing on cost than the productiveness of the individual bird. It requires a certain number of eggs to pay for the food given and labour expended. The number required varies according to the cost. Profitable pro- duction can only be obtained by having a safe margin of eggs over the equivalent of cost; the more eggs per bird the greater the remuneration. KEEPING THE RECORDS. Increased production, both in the indi- vidual and in the flock, has been shown tc be largely a matter of breeding. The Record of Performance for poultry is a policy planned to give point, direction, and encouragement to the breeding of poultry along lines of greatlv increased individual and flock production. The minimum record to permit a bird to qualify in the Record of Performance has been set at 150 eggs in 52 j consecutive weeks, and for qualification in j the Advanced Record of Performance a I minimum of 225 eggs in 52 consecutive t weeks. The weight and quality of the egg during the month of April f,an not be lower than that of the grade "Specials" in |v the Canadian Standards. Certificates will  be issued for all birds qualifying in the Record of Performance. IN Two SECTIONS. j. The Record of Performance for poultry it divided into two parts. i'he A" Records will consist of the inspection of trap-nested flocks on individual poultry plants, and will be similar in form to the Record of Per- « formance for dairy cattle. It will be open I to any breeder who wishes to outer his flock and will be under the supervision of officers of the Poultry Division of the Live Stock Branch. The "AA" Section will consist of the conducting of tests under Government supervision and on Government or neutral ground, for the purpose of obtaining an official record by actual trap-nest results. This official test may be conducted by either Federal or Provincial Government or colleges, and may be secured by (1) Laying tests; (2) laying contests Record of Per- formance "AA" wiU be under the super- :fj vision and direction of officers of the i Poultry Division of the Experimental f r Farms Branch Now that Canadians are j taking such a sane interest in this matter, << it is hoped the British Government will soon j wake up and get to work.
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A monster lobster, measuring 20in. in length and weighin.g 91b., has been caught off the Isle of Kerrara, near Oban. t,