County Observer and Monmouthshire Central Advertiser Abergavenny and Raglan Herald Usk and Pontypool Messenger and Chepstow Argus

G'SEWB not only owes its importance to the London and North-Western Railway Company, but also many of its buildings. There are twelve schools in the town, seven of which were built by the company, which has also endowed a church and liberally sub- scribed towards the erection of several others. The company also supplies the whole town with gas from its works, while it has built nearly 1000 houses which j are occupied by the employes. BIWEK, in Holland, is far-famed as the neatest town in the world." This town is so fastidious that until a few years ago horses were not allowed in its streets, for reasons of cleanliness, and the entire town is as scrupulously kept as a man-of-war. It contains 2700 inhabitants, and its main industry is the making of Edam Cheeses.

— THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. At the last scientific meeting at the Zoological Society of London's Howe, Dr. H. Woodward, .F.R.S., vice-president, in fcae chair, the Secretary read a letter from the West India Committee to the, Colonial Office respecting the damage caused to grow- ing crops in St. Kitts by grasshoppers, and soliciting- advice as to the introduction of the English starling, or the Indian starling, in the hope of keeping down these pests. The Secretary expressed his doubts as. to the wisdom of attempting to introduce birds from other lands. Some discussion ensued, in the course of which reference was made to the official publica- tions of the United States and Australia, where it was authoritatively stated that the introduction of European birds had disappointed hopes, and proved harmful. Mr. Cocks read a note on the pine marten, in which the interesting point was brought out that the young were ,born white. Mr. J. S. Budgett then gave an account of his recent visit to the Gambia, where he spent some time investigating the breeding habits of Protopherus, the African mud- fish, and other West African fishes. The paper was illustrated by lantern slides, showing the habitat of the fishes and their development from the egg, just after cleavage had begun, through the various stages to the larva with external gills, which presented great resemblance to that of the newt. Mr. Boulenger, F.R.S., Professor G. B. Howes, F.R.S., and Mr. Graham Kerr spoke in warm commendation of Mr. Budgett's work, and the thanks of the meeting were awarded by acclamation. Then followed a series of papers on the animals collected during the Skeat Expedition" and the Malay Expedition, 1899-1900. Only a brief abstract of each was given. That which had the great- est general interest was Mr. Nelson Ann&n- dale's on the insects. He described the re- semblance of some of the Mantidse, or praying in- sects, to the flowers of an orchid, and even when photographs were thrown on the screen it was practically impossible for the members to discrimin- ate the insect from the flowers among which they rested. During the expedition Mr. Annandale made the remarkable discovery that the projection in front of the head of the lantern-flies was really a leaping organ. He had watched these insects leap, and paid special attention to one which he saw on the bark of a durian tree. He attempted to catch it, but the in- sect remained almost still, merely drawing in its legs towards its body and pressing its claws firmly against the bark. Then it raised its head with great rapidity, flew up into the air without spreading its' wings, and alighted on the roof of a native house, about six feet from the tree. While in the Malay States Mr. Annandale could find no adequate explanation of the manner in which the leap was taken, or why the head should have been raised but on his arrival in England, and on examining his spirit specimens, he found across the nose there was a crease, and if the nose were bent back to the dorsal surface of the abdomen, held between the Enger and thumb, and then suddenly released, the insect would be propelled some distance through the air, just as would be the case if a piece of whalebone were treated in like manner. On his return to Eng- land Mr. Annandale went through the specimens in the Hope Museum at Oxford, and found this crease in individuals 16 out of 23 species examined.

[ A REMARKABLE PAPYRUS. I In the year 1895 the trustees of the British Museum purchased a fine papyrus roll, written on both sides, the obverse bearing a series of revenue returns, dated in the 7 year of the Empeto Claudius, B.C. 46-47, and the reverse a series of magic tales written in Demotic. The latter, with a fine facsimile, have been published (says the Standard) by the Clarendon Press, Oxford, accompanied with a translation and com- mentary from the pen of Mr. F. Ll. Griffith, the Egyptologist. The stories are part of a series which centre in a hero named Khamuas, High Priest of Memphis, the historical original being the Prince Regent Kha-m-uas, the son of Rameses II. The writer of these stories has collected a great quantity of folk legends which were current in Egypt at the time when this manscript was written, about A.D. 70-80; and the papyrus may certainly be described as one of the richest collections of First Century tales ever discovered. The stories relate to Khamuas under the name of Setme, derived from his title of Sem, priest of Memphis, and his son Si-Osiris. The story of the birth of this youth is given. He is the miraculous child of his mother, and his name is revealed to his father in a dream, his name shall be Si-Osiris (son of Osiris), for he shall do many marvels in Egypt." We are told that he grew big, he grew strong, and went to school," and that he rivalled the scribe who taught him," and he began to talk with the Scribes in the House of Life (the library of Memphis), in the temple of Ptah, and "all the land wondered at him." The resemblance between this extract and the story of the birth of Christ is most astonishing, and it is still more so when we read again, Behold the boy Si-Osiris reached 12 years of age, and there was no scribe in Memphis that could equal him in reading or writing or magic. If in these passages we have an adapta- tion of the story of the birth of Christ, as told by the disciples, it is certainly the earliest record known; being less than 20 years after the introduction of Christianity into Egypt by St. Mark (A.D. 67). The wonder-working youth takes his father to the regions of Amenti, or Hades, and the cycles of the land of death are described. Here we have a mass of valuable legendary matter derived from Egyptian, Christian, and Jewish sources. The judgment scene differs much from that described in the hundred and twenty-fifth chapter of the Book of the Dead, and there is woven into this portion a curious story very like that of the parable of the "Rich Man and Lazarus." The doctrine of future punishment, not found in the Egyptian rituals, is clearly stated in the words, he that is good upon earth they are good to him in Amenti-he that is evil upon earth they are evil to him." The latter part of the papyrus contains the account of the magical contest between Si-Osiris and the magicians of Ethiopia—resembling the traditional contest between Moses and Janes and Jambres. Here we have two curious echoes of the plagues of Egypt. The magician said to his mother the Negress, as a sign, "When thou shalt eat and drink thy water shall be the colour of blood, and the floods shall turn to the colour of blood, and the heaven shall be the colour of blood." Here we have certainly the echo of the first plague (Ex. vii. 19). So also in another pas- sage is the plague of darkness preserved. One of the magicians, who is in prison, says, I would cast my spell upon Egypt, and I will cause the people of Egypt to pass three days and three nights without seeing light," words which certainly resemble those of the plague of darkness (Ex. x. 21). The treasures of this curious document are not ex- hausted, for here we have also the story of Moses and the bulrushes, for one magician rebukes the other with the words, Art thou not Hor the son of the Negress whom I saved in the reecis of Ra ?" The manuscript contains many more valuable gleanings from the traditions current in Egypt in the first century of our Era, a period when Alexandria was the emporium of the literary wares of the known world. This valuable papyrus is but an earnest of wli f, we may expect as the rubbish heaps of the Fayoum and Lower Egypt are explored.

PROGRESS OF EDUCATION AMONG WOMEN. The progress of education and advancement among women has again been demonstrated at the recent examination for the London University degree of B.A., when several ladies have obtained honours, and one or two have gained prizes and distinctions. Notable among the latter is Miss Evelyn May Savidge, who at the age of 20, besides her degree, has taken the first, place in honours for modern European history, winning the "Derby Prize" of £50 and the title of Derby Prizeman." This prize was founded by the third Chancellor, the Earl of Derby, to be awarded to the candidate under 23 years of age (if of sufficient merit) most distin- guished at the examination for honours in History. Miss Savidge is the eldest daughter of a London solicitor, and was educated at Streatham High School, the James Allen's School for Girls at Dulwich, from where she matriculated at London University in January, 1897, passed the Inter. Arts Exhibition in July, 1898, and then won a scholar- ship for two years at Westfield College, Hampstead, continuing her studies there until her entrance for the recent B.A. examination.

NEW ARMY UNIFORM. -I It is probable (says the Daily Telegraph) that within a very brief period there will be considerable changes made in the material used for clothing the army on home as well as on foreign service. The committee dealing with the subject, which has been in session for about a couple of years, has at length been able to come to a final decision. Probably the events in South Africa have helped the members to make up their minds. At all events, they have chosen an excellent woollen serge-like material in which, for the future, practically the whole work of the troops will be performed. It is not khaki- coloured, though that well-known and serviceable hue is somewhat closely approached. Trousers will not be made from exactly the same material as the jacket, but of one somewhat rougher and thicker in texture. The new material is of a yellowish-fawn colour, and is of excellent quality. It was selected from a great number of samples submitted to the committee, and has been approved by the War Office. Two other materials of the same tint, but of rather stronger texture, have been selected for the mounted branches, and a stout Bedford cord of the same colour will be used for riding breeches. No regulation dealing with the new clothing has yet been issued, but one may be expected shortly, and from thenceforward uni- forms made of the new cloth will supersede the serges and dark cloth trousers now worn for drill and field work, both at home and abroad. The same pattern of jacket will be used for all branches of the service, but each unit will wear a distinguishing badge on the cap and shoulder-strap It is not, however, intended that the new clothing shall entirely supersede the old style of dress. The tunic is to be worn for full dress, so that on full-dress parades the familiar blue and scarlet and black will still greet the eye. Of course, it will be a considerable time yet before the uniform will be ready, but it it probable that the spring issue of clothingto the troops will include the new suit. It will be more handsome than khaki, while it will be far more comfortable and serviceable, and so far as experiments go to show, it will possess equal invisibility. It is to be hoped that & suitable headdress may soon be devised for the army. The helmets worn by the regular troops in South Africa are excellent, and greatly superior to the much-vaunted smasher felt hat, but they are hardly suitable for home wear. A peaked cap of the new cloth, picked out with scarlet lines, and made somewhat approaching the Russian pattern, would look very smart, and be suitable for general wear. At all events, the ridiculous forage and field service caps should be relegated to the museums, along with the blue and scarlet serges now about to be super- seded by the new uniform.

THE WORLD'S TRADE. In the account of trade and commerce of certain foreign countries, issued by the Board of Trade, the following totals are given: For the six months end- ing June 30 the imports of Russia are returned at E29,605,000, and the exports at E30,122,000, as against E30,505,000 and E27,520,000 for the corre- sponding period of 1899. For the nine months ended September 30 the imports of Germany and the United States amounted to £ 204,096,000 and £130.096,000 respectively, as against £ 202,887,000 ind E122,063,000 in 1899, and the exports for the same period, given at £ 162,588,000 and £ 210,989,000 compare with totals of £ 154,927,000and £ 184,438,000. The imports of France and Belgium during the 10 months ended October 31 are given at V.145,883,000 and £ 69,994,000, and show respective decreases of F,2,532,000 and I-PI,371,000, and the exports present reductions of E951,000 and EI,763,000 on respective totals of E134,109,000 and 08,541.000. For the 10 months the imports of the United King- jom are given at E427,647,000 and the exports at £ 243,215,000, showing respective increases of P-27,512,600 and £ 25,165,000 over the figures for the corresponding period of the year 1899. 0

ARMY MOBILISATION FOR HOME DEFENCE. lhe cecretary for War has approved of several idditions being made to the regulations for Army Mobilisation. In the event of a general mobilisa- tion for home defence, the Staff College, Ordnance College, Royal Military Academy, Royal Military College, Royal Artillery Institution, Schools of Musketry, Signalling and Cookery, Army Medical and Army Veterinary Schools, will be closed; and courses of instruction will be suspended at Schools of Gunnery, School of Military Engineering, Chat- ham (as regards officers of Royal Engineei's, and officers and troops coming in whole or part from other stations or corps), Royal Military School of Music (so far as relates to students or pupils capable of bearing arms), Riding Establishment, Canter- bury, and Royal Artillery Riding Establishment, Woolwich. All ranks employed in connection with Gymnasia, Royal Artillery Regimental District Staff, Woolwich, and the Discharge Depot, Gosport, will become ayailable For general duty. The officers affected by the above, as well as other (unseconded) officers in extra-regimental employment, will be given instructions from Army Headquarters, with the following exceptions: Those who have been assigned specific duties in the approved defence scheme of the district in which they are serving, will receive their instructions from district headquart ers; and those who are borne on the home establishment of units and depots will, in the absence of other orders, rejoin forthwith for regimental duty. Warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, and men affected will receive instructions from district headquarters, and those who are borne on the home establishment of units and depots should be directed to rejoin forthwith for regimental duty. Unless other provision has already been made, Military Staff clerks should, if possible, be allowed to accompany the officers under whom they were serving prior to mobilisation, if such officers in their new positions are entitled to the services of clerks. Officers on the Indian and Colonial establishment who, at the time of mobilisation, are on leave in the United Kingdom, will report themselves, in writing, to the Under Secretary for War. Warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, and men at home on fur- lough from stations abroad, will report them- selves, in person if possible, at the nearest military station, whence, in the absence of special orders, they should be despatched to the depot of their regiment, or to the nearest depot of their own corps.

« HAZING" A. CADET. Bullying in English schools has declined of late years, but there is reason to believe it flourishes at West Point, the Sandhurst of America. Mr. Driggs has introduced a resolution into Con- gress calling on the War Department to make a full inquiry into the circumstances of the alleged hazing" of former Cadet Booz, who died from tuberculosis of th3 throat. This case promises to be a most sensational one, since Mr. Whittaker, a coloured cadet, declared that Mr. Booz's ears had been cut by the upper classmen, in what is known as "hazing." The friends of the deceased lad say that the tortures he suffered at West Point when he was forced to drink Tabasco sauce, because he would not fight an upper classman, paved the way to the disease which caused his death.

MILITARY AND NAVAL OFFICERS COMPARED. A question put by an interviewer to a returned "non-com." of the Guards was, "Did the officers fare as badly as the men as regarded lack of food and clothing ?" The reply was, No fear. They always looked out for themselves. They could always find a flask of whisky. Although there was not sufficient transport for the needs of the army, many officers were allowed 1001b. or 2001b. of baggage in place of the 301b. to which they wer& entitled. They expected everything to bj the same as at home. Some of them were too flnegentlemen to speak to a non-commissioned officer, They would smoke their cigarettes and keep to themselves. The officers of the Naval Brigade were very different. They were with us at Modder River with the 4"7 guns. They worked and talked with their men, and even messed with themo

I GARDENING GOSSIP. I (From" Gardenivff Illustrated") CONSERVATTMLV. Now that the outside (lowers are over, this hoirso wiust (says Mr. E. Hobday) be made as gay as possible, and in addition many flowers will be required for cutting, and for the most part the latter should have fairly long stems. For the present Chrysanthemums will supply many Sowers for cutting. Lord Brooke, Niveum, Viviand Morel, and Phcebus are supplying long, stout-stalked flowers just now, and will be followed by Princess Victoria and W. H. Lincoln, which, when freely disbudded, produce perfect Sowers large enough for any purpose. Cineraria cnwnta produces useful flowers for cutting and Cyclamens are charming for small vases, and the colours are bright and clear. Bouvardias, Tree- Carnations, and Tea-Roses may also be had. Re- tarded Lily of the Valley produces plenty of foliage, and regarded Lilium longiflorum, though the flowers are rather smaller than the early blossoms, i-s always valuable for cutting. Croton leaves, where they can be spared, are valuable for decoration, and we have a large, old plant of Hibiscus Cooperi variegatus, from which nice sprays of pretty foliage may be cut. Ferns grown and hardened in the light will bei valu- able formixingwithcut flowers, andasparagits pitimo- sus and A. p. nanus will supply foliage for cutting, and the former, when grown freely, will yield long sprays for table or other decorations. Large plants of several kinds of Eulalia, including E. gracillima and japonica variegata, will supply long arching feathery sprays for tall vases. We never seem to have enough of these things in winter. In summer we epm find foliage in the open air. Through the autumn, when Ampelopsis Veitchi is putting on colour, long sprays of the young growths are very useful to form scrolls on the dinner-table or round the stems of tall glasses, or to use in various other ways. The climbing Fern (Lygodium scandens) and the Tree Club Moss (Lycopodium cajsium arboreum) are very useful for cutting. The latter has a metallic tint whpn grown in the shade, and is really a warm- house plant. One of the brightest of easily-managed plants is Habrothamnus elegans in fact, the whole group is useful for winter work, especially when planted out in the conservatory and trained over an arch. I have always found arches in large houses very effective when well covered. Heliotropes do well on an arch, and if pruned back early in August a new growth will break out that will flower well into the winter. FORCING-HOUSE. It is of no use trying to force anything to obtain blossoms or fruit which has not had previous pre- paration, which means that the plants have had at least one season of free growth and been well ripened. Rhododendrons are, perhaps, the exception to this rule, as we have often lifted well-budded plants from the bed or purchased them when well set from the nursery, potted and forced them moderately the following season. Rosea, which are potted up early in autumn and the pots plunged in a bed of leaves or wherever there is a little warmth to give the roots a start, will afterwards bear a little more heat. Still, it is best when these and other forcing subjects have been grown at least for one season in pots and have had proper attention during summer, such as water- ing and syringing. The usual forcing temperature now is from 60deg. to 65deg.. the temperature usually reaching t.Tie lowest point about sunrise. Many things might be introduced to the forcing-house now-all kinds of flowering shrubs, such as Lilacs, hardy Azaleas, Deutzias, various Spiraeas, both herbaceous and shrubby. Tea Roses which have been established in pots force easily, and have a charmiEg effect in the conservatory. Scarlet and pink Thorns may be started quietly in a Peach-house. Well-grown Standard Laburnums, standard and pyramid Acei Negundo variegatum, and others of the newer Japa- nese Maples, are very useful for furnishing colour. Bulbs of all kinds, Solomon's Seal, Dielytraa, Lily of the Valley, though the last requires different treat- ment from the usual run of forced plants, are now seasonable. CUCUMBERS. It will be well to have a house ready to plant early in the new year, and in clearing out old crops see that everything is removed and the beds thoroughly cleaned. Woodlice often give trouble when the cleansing has been badly done. A little old manure left or some short matting in a corner among the hot-water pipes is the best possible breeding place for insects. The paint, also, should be cleaned and the walls limewashed. When Cucumbers are forced briskly, with abundance of moisture in the atmo- sphere and not much air given, red-spider will not trouble, as it cannot live in a saturated atmosphere. Green-fly will put up with these conditions and thrive, but they are not difficult to get rid of with the vapor- iser. The plants should be brought on near the glass to get them sturdy and strong, and we always sow seeds enough to give us a chance of selection, so that the plants may be about the same strength and come on together. Cucumbers will do in a night tempera- ture of 65deg., and at this season forcing-houses will not require ventilation to any extent, as air enough comes in through the gaps to keep things buoyant. OUTDOOR GARDEN. The early planted border Carnations are now well established, and are pretty safe from lifting by frost when it comes. Nevertheless, it will be well to give a. light sprinkling of soot, stir it lightly in, and then top-dress with a mixture of good loam and old cow- manure not a heavy dressing, but an inch or so will be helpful. Beds of Hyacinths and Tulips may be mulched with Moss-litter-manure. This lies light, ind does not altogether exclude the air. Tree plant- ing is going on freely everywhere, and, if the weather rjontinues open till Christmas, a good deal of nursery stuff will change hands. Outdoor gardening is cer- tainly claiming more attention than formerly, and ill who possess a garden are seeking to improve it, by planting better class things. There is plenty of icope for new ideas in planting, especially as regards grouping. In some instances single specimens are more effective than a group of anything in others a roup of one variety, in one species, is attractive, but in all cases proportions should be studied, and there should be proper balancing of parts. On the whole, jardening may become irksome from incongruity. All the best planted gardens have been the work of years influenced by many minds. This occurred to me very forcibly last summer, when looking over a large garden which I have visited occasionally for the past fifty years. If any planting of spring flowers remains to be done see to it at once, as the time for frost is coming near. FRUIT GARDEN. Those who are planting Apples with a view to profit must not neglect the late-keeping sorts. An acre or more of Lane's Prince Albert will be a paying crop in the future, as good late Apples are never a drug in the market, and the cost of a fruiroom with a thatched roof will not be an expensive affair. Bismarck is a free-bearing kind and might be planted freely, and wherever I have seen Alfriston planted it has done well. There are other kinds which are very desirable, but the above three sorts may be planted largely as being good keepers and of good size and appearance and quality. Normanton or Wellington is also a good Apple, one of the best cooking sorts. I have seen splendid crops of it in some districts, but in other places it has not done so well, and before anything is planted largely one wants to know how it is likely t(J do in that particular district. In a general way, a good deal of knowledge may be gleaned by looking round and comparing notes with local men. especially the local nurseryman who has devoted himself to fruit culture. Get on with the pruning and training of wall trees, as this is work which can- not be done with comfort in wet or frosty weather. Young gardeners in the past have often been half frozen at this work, perhaps when there was no par- ticular necessity for it. Do not wait for the birds to thin the buds before pruning the Gooseberries. Dressings of lime and soot will keep off the birds.

MRS. TALKALOT Why are you so anxious to visit the Echo Hall?" Mr. Talkalot (spitefully): I want to find one place where you can't get in the last word." AN ardent teetotaller. re centl v broke off a match because the young lady had an amazing How of spirits.

I FOILED AT THE FERRY. Ferry ahoy shouted a young fellow in a pilot coat, as he paced to and iro on the landing-stage that faced Islewold village. It was a dark and gusty night in autumn and the rain was sweeping down upon him in drenching showers. A cosy little inn, known as the Waterman's Arms," stood at the river's edge, barely a stone's throw away; the bay- window of its bar parlour bulging a foot or twoover the stream, and between the red curtains there came reflections of a bright fire that danced invitingly acroiis the water. They'll not be long a-coming. Won't ye step in and wait ?" The sailor looked round. A woman with a dark cloak wrapped round her wrinkled face was standing behind him. She pointed towards a feeble glimmer that came from an open door at the top of a short ladder hard by. Who's ferryman here now, old lady?" A girl." What?" said the man incredulously, A girl. Cassie Woodrick." Not Matt Woodrick's daughter ?" Ay. Matt Woodrick what's dead. Won't you step in and-" "No, I thank you. Don't you trouble. Rough weather ar'n't nothing to me." The woman muttered a good-night" and went hsdoors. The place into which she stepped was a circular, weather-boarded room. It was scantily furnished, and only lighted by a dull fire in an open stove. Against the wall was a straight stairway leading to a trap-door in the ceiling. The woman leant over the Etove and shivered. Then she drew her cloak closer about her, and lighted a short clay pipe. She was nodding over her pipe when the latch was presently lifted, and a tall, strongly-built girl came in. A waterproof boating-coat, many sizes too large, was flung over her shoulders. The collar was turned up, enclosing her face in a rough setting. Her eyes were dark, bright eyes, and her cheeks as brown as a gipsy's. Why, Cassie, you're dripping There-take off your poor father's old overall and sit down. I'll get the supper." Cassie threw off the overall and sank into the armchair which the other had vacated. The woman began to busy herself about the room. Granny," said the girl after a thoughtful pause and with a sudden wild loos in her eyes, I'm going to marry him I I'va given my word to him at last." To Renshaw ? Well, you've done a wise thing, Cassie! 'Twas a sin to think so long o' that Steevie Cal vert. Weren't that his name ? Well, it don't matter a'ter all. Who's that ?" The woman turned sharply, for the door bad at this moment shut with a startling rattle of the latch. Cassie sprang instantly to her feet and went to the entrance. She looked fearlessly out. A gust of wind and rain was lashed across her face. There was no one to be seen. The bar-parlour at the Waterman's Arms fully justified the expectations of cosiness suggested by the firelight cast across the river upon Greetwell Ferry when one came to seat one's side beside its ample hearth. So at least thought the young sailor upon this gusty night, as he sat sipping his hot grog and throwing glances at the oaken beams across its low- pitched ceiling and at the riverside pictures on its smoke-stained walls. He had dropped into a drowsy reverie, with his eyes half closed-for he had to-day completed a long and wearisome journey—when he became conscious of being observed by a dark, thick-set man, standing it the bar-parlour door. The sailor [flashed a look at him of instinctive resentment. When and where had be seen that watchful face? Before he had time to collect his thoughts the man had turned upon his heels and walked out. He rose with the impulse to follow him but the man had vanished. Who might that be ?" he asked the landlcrd who was standing at the bar. "That young chap? Farmer Renshaw they call him. He's a regular customer here." That night the sailor slept at the inn, and slept with all the soundness of a tired traveller. And yet, during the small hours, he had a strange and rambling ilream of which he could make nothing, except that someone bearing a fiendish resemblance to Renshaw ilutohed him by the throat. When he awoke it was broad daylight. He dressed aastily. He was going to the door when a shout ;hat came from the river arrested his step. He went ;o the window. There was no one in sight; but another shout and still another came with their choes along the river banks. He turned to go out. As he reached the landing he saw a man stamping up and down in the hall below. It was Renshaw. He was drenched with muddy water from head to foot. Calvert I" said he, giving the sailor a half-dazed, shamefaced look. You remember me, do you, Renshaw ? I had for- gotten you 1 But what's amiss ?" Haven't you heard? We took a spin down stream—in my boat-down stream. And-and she's drowned I" Who ?" "It all happened suddenly. The thing capsized." Cut all that! Who's drowned ?" "Don't I tell you? Cissie Woodrick-the girl She—Cassie Woodrick—drowned ?" Calvert hurried out. He made no effort to learn more from Renshaw in his bewildered, mud-stained condition nor could he gain any clear idea of what had actually happened from the confused utterances of the hustling crowd at the inn door. There had been a boat accident on the river, and the ferrygirl had gone down over against the weir. That was all he could gather. The ferry boat was lying alongside the steps below the inn, and" without loss of time he started across the river to join in the search. Once landed at Greet- well Ferry, he walked over to the old mill where Cassie lived, and where he thought it might be possible to gain trustworthy tidings as to what had taken place. But the mill-door was padlocked and chained. He looked hopelessly up and down the stream. There were a number of men hurrying to and fro in the neighbourhood of Greetwell weir; and he turned his steps in this direction. There seemed to be no organised search yet formed. Calvert instantly set to work to recruit a search- rarty; and his readiness and natural tendency to ead in moments of peril and emergency at sea were quickly recognised. Before many hours had gone by the river bad been dragged for a considerable distance below the weir, and every creek and mud-hole marked out and ex- amined. Some with drags and nets, others with barge-hook, hatchet, or rope had volunteered to aid in the search for the lost girl. When the night had almost closed in—when the river had become specked with lanterns that were brightening amid the shadows, when knots of rough- coated men had taken their stand at given points to neer down into the stream for any burden that the current might bring to light-Calvert was startled by a touch upon his arm. It was the old woman-Cassie's grandmother—a perplexing look on her face. She regarded him narrowly. His dank and torn clothes were covered with blotches of river mud and silt. So you are Steevie Calvert, are ye ?" Yes I am that wretched man." Thinking her half demented, for she was eyeing him up and down in a manner hard to endure, Calvert was turning away when she again placed her hand upon his arm. Stay! There's a deal I could tell ye," said she, but I can't speak here. Take this." What is it ?" said Calvert, glancing down. My door-key. Go to the mill and wait there for me. I've a thing or two to tell you about Cassie, Go, and rest there till I come." She thrust the key into his hand, and vanished. Calvert had resolved not to give in until the pre- cious burden for which he sought should be borne to the mill in his arms. But he began to seriously ex- perience the need of a short spell of rest. He would presently return, and with renewed strength superin- tend the riverside watchers throughout the night. He quickly reached the mill. The padlock and chain were rusty, like everything that belonged to this home; but the key presently turned, and the chain fell with a clink. Calvert raised the latch and stepped into the room. Here the dusk of the twilight bad almost deep ned into night. He could barely distinguish one object from another. There was a dull log-fire burning in the stove, and he bent down to stir it into a blaze. He presently raised a flame. And now he became conscious that somebody—somebody wrapped up warmly in a dark cloak--was lying asleep in the old woman's chair. The poker dropped from his hand, for a pair of bright dark eyes opened upon him, and looked dreamily down at him kneeling there. Some moments passed before Calvert could recover from the surprise which this unexpected meeting had awakened. It was Cassie Woodriok; and she was the first, to speak. Steevie 1 can it be?' she said. Cass! I have tome thousands of miles to keep my promise. W»s I not wrongfully suspected of having had a hand in the taking of your father's life ? I was tried and acquitted-thgt is true enough but it did not. satisfy me. The culprit hadn't been found, and I swore that I'd never return to you until I could lay my finger upon him." Cassie made no effort to interrupt, but looked thoughtfully into Calvert's face. "At last, in a hospital at Hong Kong," he resumed, "I found him. He was on his death- bed and he gave me a written confession, exonerat- ing me, Cass. Have I come back to claim you when it's too late?" No-iio I For Heaven's sake don't deceive me I You have given your promise to Renshaw-can you deny it ? I stood at this very door last night and-" Oh, Steevie, don't misjudge me I I-" Misjudge you ? Ah, well!" And he took a quick step towards the door. My good name is useless to me now. I'll fling that document into the fire and return to the China seas. Good-bye!" Hif hand was already on the latch, when Cassie sprang towards him, and caught his wrist. Stay I can't bear this Renshaw is nothing to me." What I" I hate him I" And she hastened to relate how, while out on the river that morning-having just heard of Calvert's return-she had earnestly begged Renshaw to release her from the promise she had given him on the previous day. The man had per- sistently refused; and growing madly enraged at her reiterated pleadings, he had deliberately capsized the boat, and the current bad carried her swiftly out of sight, behind a clump of willows some distance down stream. He thinks I'm drowned," concluded Cassie. Calvert bent his head in deep contrition. Forgive me, Cass," said he holding out both his hands. It's all clear now. You never loved that man you were forced into the promise against your will, with the hope to give your grandmother a better home than this rat-ridden mill. Poor girl! I haven't come to you a day too soon." He sank down beside the fire with his hand before his eyes. Presently he looked up with a brightening look. Well-here's the confession-the man's name was Patrick Flint-and-" While speaking he fumbled about in the capacious pockets of his pilot coat. Suddenly he stopped and stared at Cassie in blank dismay. It's gone I"-I,. e began to pace to and fro-" I've been robbed. Everything's agin me! I can't—no, no I can't ask you to be mine after all! Bid me good- bye, and-and-" Suddenly they both looked round. The old woman was standing at the open door, an apparition in the dusky twilight. "Was't anything like this?" said she, drawing from under her cloak a small oblong packet, satu- rated as it seemed to Calvert, with river mud. "Why, Mrs. Woodrick," said he, stepping eagerly forward, it's the very thing. But how in Heaven's name did you come by it ?" I picked it up out o' the river a while ago. It must ha' dropped out o' Renshaw's pocket. I suspect you'll find," said she with a shrewd nod, that he crept into your room at the Waterman's,' and stole it from you in the dead o' night." The woman's surmise proved correct. Nor did Renshaw venture to show his face in the neighbour- hood of Greetwell Ferry again for many a day. A few weeks later Steevie Calvert made Cassie his wife and presently he returned with her to Hong Kong, and hastened to resume his duties as a pilot in the China seas.

BRITISH TO THE SOUTH POLE. Considerable progress is being made by those in charge of the British Antarctic expedition, which is to sail, in company with a Serman one, in August next. In conversation with the organisers of it, s Daily Mail representative was the other day informed that the Dundee Shipbuilding Company, to whom the contract for building the British vessel, the Dis- covery, was given some months ago, have got the work well advanced, and she will be launched in March next. In many respects this vessel will be a wonder. For one thing, she will be the first vessel ever built in this country solely for scientific work. Though a steamer, she will be made of wood, so that magnetic observa- tions may be properly conducted. She will be protected by six water-tight bulkheads. Between those in the middle, in the centre of the lower deck, will be the principal oiffcers' quarters. Captain Scott, R.N., who will be in command, has a day cabin and a sleeping cabin here reserved for him- self. In the middle of the compartment will be the ward room, with a couple of stoves, in opposite corners will be the navigating officer's quarters and a pantry, and the remainder of the space round the sides will be occupied by seven cabins. As for her officers, several appointments have already been made. The captain, a brisk young enthusiast, has been at work some months now. Lieutenant Charles Royd, R.N., has been appointed to assist, and Mr. R. Skelton, R.N., will be engineer. Dr. Koettlitz, who went with the Jackson-Harms- worth expedition to the North Polar regions, will sail with the Discovery as doctor. The expedition has secured the services of Pro- fessor Gragorv, of Melbourne, as chief of the civilian scientific staff, and of Mr. Hodgson as biologist. Four other principal appointments remain to be made. The officers and crew will number 45 all told, as compared with 30 who will comprise the German expedition.

THE NEWEST WORDS. The English language is growing at a rather alarming pace, says Literature. A little batch of now terms has come over from South Africa, and the dis- criminating process is sifting them for common use. Many words have become familiar to all which were before known only to the few. Natural features of the land are already overloaded with synonyms, as anyone will agree who thinks of a copse" or a beck." Spruit" and kopje may pass into occa- sional use as synonyms. We have no true veldt in England, and the word is hardly likely to forego its original signification. Synonyms, unless they ex- press a shade of meaning hitherto difficult of expres- sion, are unlikely to take firm root in the language. The older synonyms as beck, brooks, &c., have come down from the days when there was no free commu- nication between county and county. Com- mandeer belongs to a class of words which take their place by right of convenience; we have no word at hand which gives just the same idea. The life of slim depends on the question whether it is differentiated-to signity, that is, the particular sort of wiliness characteristic of the Boer-or not. At present it hovers upon the borders of slang—bill then the slang of to-day is apt to become the classic phrase of to-morrow. To trek has always had a limited vogue, and it does not seem to be increasing it. The pom-pom—a soldier's onomatopoeic name for the quick-firing Vickers-Maxim gun—will last, no doubt, as long as the weapon is so adequately described; it very soon gained the honour of being mentioned in despatches. So, too, did the Long Tom, but that was merely the fancy of a moment. We do not hear much of Long Toms nowadays. Indirectly, the Boer war may claim to the paternity of the verb to "mattick," though, unless some poet chances to want a rhyme to "traffic," we doubt whether it will pass into English literature. There is something about its appearance to say nothing of its etymology, which prevents us from taking it ieriously.

HERR LIEBLING is enthusiastic about the kindness of the Queen when he played to her at Osborne. He sent her three programmer, romantic, classical, and modern, and the Queen selected items from each, so that she might hear him in different styles. Just before he was beginning to play, says the Daily Chronicle, the Queen turned to Mme. Liebling, and asked her where she would like to sit, whether with her husband or with the Court ladies. Mme. Lieb. ling said she would prefer to sit near her husband, and her Majesty gave her a gracious smile, saying, "I should have made the same answer myself in the circumstances."