The Pembroke County Guardian and Cardigan Reporter

All correspondence and other commu- nica/hki intonded for this depart- ment should be addressed :— Agricultural Editor, Guardian Office, Old Bridgg, Haverfordwest.

Correspondents should please observe the fol- lowing rules:— Write on one side of the paper only. Bend their communications to reach the office on Friday or Saturday morning if possible- Monday at latest. Jn the case of replies to other correspondents, these should be sent in on Mondays and Tuesdays. The name and address of the writer should always accompany the communication, anu the Editor informed whether the author's identity is to be kept secret or not.

PLOUGHING. Instead of having finished ploughing stubble, as my mend Mr. James Price sug- gests, farmers in this neighbourhood have hardly commenced. But then, perhaps, we are altogether behind the times. We should be glad to know what farmers in other parts of Pembrokeshire are doing. Is it. not possible to get farmers from differ- ent parts of the county to send occasional notes' Mr. Price says that the plough he would like has yet to be made! As he is a mechanic why does he not make one" For my part, i think the diggerj with skim- mer on, does splendid work. Before we had the digger we had a great deal of work with couch; now the couch is all smoth- ered under the furrow and tucked in nicely with the skimmer. \Y. J. OWEN.

FAIRS AND MARKETS. Whitland, Friday, Dec. 28.—There was a fair attendance and supply for this sea- son of the year, and considering the heavy fall of snow on the ground. Butter in casks realised from Is Old to Is Id per 2 lb, whilst butter in poupd rolls varied from Is Id to Is l^d; egg^ Is per dozen; rab- bits, 7d each; live poultry, 3s 6d to 4s fid per couple; dressed ditto, 8td to 9d per lb; beef, 7d to 9d; mutton, 7d to 9d; and veal and pork, 6d to 7d per lb. Llandilo, Saturday, Dec. 29.—The mar- ket to-day was a small one. Quotations Fresh butter, Is 3d per lb; tub do., Is 2d to Is 2-td (very scarce); eggs, 9 and 10 for Is; cheese—Welsh 4|d to 5|d, cream ditto whole 8d, d'itto to cut 8|d per lb; poultry—turkeys 14s and 17s per couple -(very scarce), trussed ditto Is per lb; ducks -alive 5s each, trussed Is per lb; fowls fis per couple, trussed Is per lb.

FARMERS' PROSPERITY » *9* ASSURED by using MOLASSINE MEAL. Robert Williame, Caerleon Val'ey. I atn very pleaded with the Nlolassiiie Meal you fleot me. ] gave it to my prize sheep, and they ate doing well on it. I am going to give it fcj my lambs this season." Bdld by all Corn Merchants, and Tho MOLASSI lq F, CO., Ltd., 36, Mirk Laie, London, E.G.

RURAL LTFE. BY A SON OF TUB SOIL. SAY: AX IXJTTVFD T HE. That excellent journal, Scienec Siftings, gives particular, in a recent issue, of a method of saving a tree which is in danger of being lost because of insects. Sometimes, of course, nothing can save such a tree, but where a valu- able one is attacked, it is certainly worth whil« giving th-? metnod a trial. When, in the spring, the tiee :s found girdled drive a small chieel iiiio the ba.rk above and below "he part which is attacked, as shewn by the dotted lines in A. men cut ome large healthy twigs of the pre- ceding year's growth fro.n the top of the tree each a little longer than the distance between the opposite cuts in the tree. Sharpen both ends of the twigs and bend them until the ends can be placed in the cuts, as shewn in B. Press the twigs, in until they are as near straight as pos- sible, so that there is a perfect union between lAVING AN INJURED TREE. the inner bark of both twig and tree. Four or more twigs, according to the size of the tree, should be placed around it. Then cover the whole with a grafting wax. If the work is skil- fully done the tree will be completely cured in time. WINTER CUCUMBERS. Those who have been growing these during the late autumn have had a fairly mild time to deal with. From now to about the third week in January says a writer in the Market Gardener, will be the time to test the skill of the grower. Many court failure by trying to get too many fruits from the plants. The sunless days are not conducive to fruitful growth, and no growth that is not absolutely needed should be left. I he shoots must be disposed thinner on the wires than during the summer, and if any diffi- cully is experienced in rotting fruits to come down, the bloom should be lightly fertilised. Over watering should be carefully avoided, and in no case must cold water be. used either for syringing or for root watering. If the tempera- ture of the house stands at 70deg., the water used must be 5deg. or 6deg. hotter. As roots shew through top dressings must be given, but not thick one,. fin. is ample at this season of the year. Steamed bone meal and sometimes a little rape dust will be advisable for mixing with the soil. Where woodlice abound they should be poisoned or fed, and rape dust will answer the latter purpose to some extent. Occasionally dust round the stems with air-slaked lime, as this will do much to ward off canker, and a sprinkling down of the houses with a solution of perman- ganate of potash will help to keep the whole sweet. One pound to 100 gallons of water will do well. The plants may be watered with this once a fortnight. ON WILD DUCK. When in Norfolk quite lately I was greatly interested in hearing from a man who had been successful how very easy it is to encourage the breeding of wild Duck with a view of selling to the London markets or adding to the shooting value of an estate. At both Orwell, in Suffolk, ani Netherby. on the borders of Scotland, an enormous head of wild Duck is reared, but, generally speaking, the reclamation of land for agricultural purposes has driven away both Duck and other wild water fowl which at one time were quite common on reedy pools and quiet sheets of water. There is no prettier sight in wild life than a flight coming in to some reed- WILD DUCK. I fringed mere with outstretched wing and ex- tended feet. They plough the water for some distance, but they settle down very quickly although they are shy and wary, and one must be cautious and quiet when approaching them. The haunts of the wild Duck are varied. They may be found in many localities-upon the marshes bordering the seas, or upon the bank* of some tidal river. They visit private waters in parks, and the reedy meres upon the heather-clad moors. They sometimes wander for miles up the streams, especially during frost, when the open waters are frozen hard, and food is consequently scarce. Curiously enough, this shy bird is easily domesticated. If a sheet of private water has a certain amount of seclusion, it is generally visited by a pair or two of birds during the winter months, and if undisturbed they will most likely stay and nest. thus forming the nucleus of a colony. A NOVEL TWO-PART HOOK. The ordinary hook, nsed by lumbermen for attaching a cable to i log, is quite liable to be- come unhooked h. '1 the C"i>V is slackened, but to prevent that.inori.,all has invented a two-part hook so designed that it cannot be un- hooked accidentally. As shewn in the engrav- ing, the improved device consists of two over- lapping hooks mount"d to swing upon a bolt, to which the usual shackle is fastened. Contrary to the common practice the hooks swing laterally towards ea: h other, that if, the axis is parallel to the general pianos of the hootas instead of be- ing at right angles. The overlapping portions of the hook members are flattened at their adja- cent sides, so that when they are swung to closed position the ends will offer no projecting obstruction to the free movement of a cable within the dosed hook. In this po-ition the members form a practically co:it..iUOU6 closed A TWO-PART HOOK. ring. In order to keep the members in closed position they are attached to a spring, which is coiled on the bolt in a recess between the mem- bers. The extent to which the hooks may be opened is limited by a pin Oil one member, which etigages a slot io the other. One of the principal advantages of the invention is that the hook is free from any projecting parts, which are liable to catch on brush, or the like. in logging operations. Arother important feature of the invention is that the ends of the shackle are on the outside of the hook, and thus do not interfere with the cable. MANURES TO SOW NOW. Market growers, whether of fruit or vege- tables, who have never given their land potash in the form of kainit may do so at the present time. Continual applications of this form of potash are not to be encouraged, as the sulphate of magnesia and common salt contained in the bulk will prove harmful if this form is always used. Once in three years will, however, do no harm, but much good. The present is a good time to get this on the land, and from 2cwt. to 4cwt. may be broadcasted per acre. All soils that are low in lime contents may be dressed with basic slag. this being a good way to supply the necessary pho--n'-oric acid to 6uch soils, cherry orchards being c>f)C" ially benefited by its application. For ordinary fruit plantations and land that is to be used for various crops 6cwt. to the acre will be a fair dressing; lOcwt. to the acre will, however, not be too murh for cherry orchards. This also, should be applied at once, so that it may have time to work. Plum and damson trees will also be greatly helped by a heavy dressing of these two manures, basic slag being especially useful in helping the stone production in the fruit. Both manures may be sown on the surface; the rains will wash them into the soil. Strawberries will also benefit im- mensely by dressings now, and where weevils are present, either in this crop or raspberries, the 4cwt. and lOcwt. quantities should be given respectively. They will make it very uncom- fortable for the grubs and destroy many.

VETERINARY QUERIES. [Questions upon veterinary subjects are in- vited, and will be answered in this col- iltan.-Ag. Ed.]

"ôII:o.. h -8 S. and F. GREEN, Haverfordwest. IRONMONGERS, IMPLEMENT & CYCLE AGENTS. Oil Engines, Thrashers, Corn Mills, Chaffcutters, Pulpers; Cake Breakers, Single & double Furrow Ploughs, Separa- tors, Sewing Machines, Washers, Wringers, Mangles, Bed- steads, Lamps: 3 to 300 Candle Power, Carriage and Cart Lamps, Cartridges, Kitchen Ranges and Grates. LARGEST STOEK IN THE EOUNTV,

All correspondence affecting this column should be addressed to "A Son of the Soil," care of the Editor of this journal. ♦

IMPORTANT. BRYANT & MAY'S RUNAWAY MATCHES Are absolutely Non-poisonous. Are all made of finest Canadian Pine Wood. Are economical because every Match is a sure light, and burns quickly and brightly. Are noiseless in striking. Of all Grocers, Oilmen, &o. SOLE MANUFACTURERS: BRYANT & MAY, LTD. I j| LONDON ANO LIVERPOOL. a JEWELLERY, CLOCKS, MMMM4 WATCHES, &C. Jjj THE'NOTED HOUSE FOR ( mm we™ing f AND J ENGAGEMENT RINGS. Repairs Executed at Moderate Charges. 1 1J||S« c. SIDNEY DA VIES, i JEWELLER, f J

CURRANTS FOR PROFIT. I have had a number of years experience in growing currants, says the American Cultivator. In regard to soil, a rich, moist, cool soil gives the best results. Where the F-il is very fertile, satis- factory returns c.->n be ::d among orchard' trees, j-jia „e is affo-ued in this way, which is often beneficial, as there is a less liability to sun scald than wnen the bushes are planted in the open. Inis !S especially true of red varieties. The best results are ob'smcd from nlanting. the dis- tance apart depending on flc variety. As a rille, reds may be planted d^scr thru blacks. For the average plantation six by six or six by seven is advisable. It is safer to plant in the spring than tn t-hn. t'11 -h_J_.J1 iai. umess tne sou is naturally* well drained If the land is low and wet, and the plants heave, and arc found lying on the surface in tne spring because they have not had time to become established before winter caused growth to cease. I prefer planting early in the spring, and when the soil i.s reasonably dry. I never plant trees or bushes of any kuid in the mud. In regard to pruning, my prncHco is to prune in the spring. although I do not object to fall pruning if there is time. March is the best month. If red currants I thin out the old wond, and cut back the strong, young shoots, leaving sufficient cane to give a good crop. All wood over three years old should be removed, and. if the bushes are making v'gorous growth the three-year-old wood may go too. Red currants bear on two-year-old wood, but the blacks do not. They are more inclined to bear on wood of the previous year's growth. For this reason they aro not cut back so closely. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. INTEUESTED.-The subject is too big to deal With in a paragraph. I should advise vou to buy Successful Poultry Keeping" (Verrey), which is published by Watmough, the Fanciers' Press J6' Bradfo™- Yorks. It is a shilling book) •od the entire subject is covered.

THE 'PRENTICE HIGHWAYMAN. A CHRISTMAS STORY WITH A LOCAL SETTING. By Wyncliffe Dewsland, Author of Her Christmas Salvage," Etc. We have much pleasure in giving the readers of the County Guardian" the third part of a local Christmas story. It is from the pen of a well known Pembroke- shire man, and contains, of course, plenty of "local colour," as the scene is laid on the road between Haverfordwest and Fish- guard. T" lAno fit, a flue l.iltfoyad 01-10. eimen of humanity remained in a quiescent state, bt as the Christmas dawn broke slowly in, struggling with the dim two- candle light of the room, he seemed to revive, and presently attempted to ques- tion Ruth in a thick, halting speech. He was informed that he had fallen from his horse, at which explanation a sickly smile passed over his face. "Fall-hll-my-;nrse, horse ? Yes; now, please, don't talk and I will tell you how you came here. You were found in Venn House plantation, hav- ing been caught by a branch and un- horsed." Yes yes lel-fellow-.st-st- struck-horse. The landlady bringing in some hot coffee, there was no further conversation. Ruth, anxious to know how her house- keeper was, had askel that the farm hand should ride over to make enquiries. With- in m hour a sat'st-ictory answer wa forth- coming, and Ruth, accepting the much- 'n 1 e, pressed invitation, decided to remain the greater part of the day. It must be ad- mitted also that Ruth had become -ieejy interested in this stranger—l.ighw,^ m-ju-, or whatever he may be, and was desirr\,j of "leaning further information re^r-nag his past Th.. adventurer ha»-:ng a constitu- tion, rallied steadily, for after partaking of light nourishment and indulging in several rums •immg the morning lu; 3.) im- prove*' :■ it by the earlv afternoon :-1.10 droned ;.nd was --estlng himself in h arm-chair. As he day wore on his speech too. improved in its fluency, and it was 0 )C,d that he spoke with a decided Ameii :i nasal drawl, dropping into the shng phrases of the States when the con- versation became animated. I guess you're the daughter of these o-ood folk? was his question, put to Ruth n as she brought him a wee slice of plum pudding, Just to taste," as she said. No," quietly returned Ruth, handing him the small plate. My parents have been dead for some years, I'm real sorry, Miss," was the sym- pathetic answer, and a moment after asked, A relative then, I suppose? Ruth shook her head and busied herself with the fire. A neighbour then? persisted the con- valescent man. "Yes," said Ruth, blushing slightly, I am a neighbour, and know these ex- celient people from childhood and accepted their invitation to spend the day with them." You are down right good, I guess, to assist the landlady in waiting upon me. I wish I could repay you. I cal- culate when I return to Liverpool I'll think of you anyway. 'Twill be a New Year's gift by the time I get away back there, eh? So you are a neighbour. 'men you know all the folks hereabouts? We know ours out West some ten miles round. Yes, I know a large number of far- 4 mers." Do you know Richard Vowles, of Ford-Venn; or Venn Douse? Yes, very well." here is he hanging out this week, I'd like to know ? He is at a relative's below Haverford- west, spending Christmas. In fact he ic with an uncle of mine." I guess I'll get to know more b~~ a 11' bye," observed the questioner. Then la, gli ingly continued, Why, let me see. I don't even know your name! liok closes! Not even my nurse's name' Mv namfe is Grant Venn Yickers, and I'm anxious to know yours. Will you please L pon hearing his name and its seeming connection with the initials that claimed her affection, Ruth became lost in thought for a moment. W on t you tell me, for I certainly hope to remember you after my return." Alv name is Ruth—Ruth Phelps." "What! Good heavens! oiurted out the man, springing to his feet and letung the plate fall from his weakened hand. Then staggering backwards, pale and I trembling, he would have fallen over the chair had not Ruth steadied him into the seat again. You must not excite yourself," said Ruth. You will get ill again. You 1, talked too much." Vickers passed his trembling hands over his brow several times. Ruth obtained some brandy and persuaded him to take a htile stimulant. You must take a long rest, Mr. Yic- kers," insisted Ruth. The man stared at her and made her feel very uneasy. I shall have to call the doctor if-" No, please, don't call the doctor; don't call anyone. I must see you alone. Please close the door and come and sit near." Ruth obeyed. And you are Miss Ruth Phelps, of Dairy Bank? Great I mean- I beg pardon, Miss. I've heard your name several times lately! Where ? By whom? Why round our camp fires in British Columbia by my own chum, your cousin George Venn Vowles—as triio- j powers! 1 beg pardon, but I want to see his brother—Richard, is'nt it? Yes. I must see him. I'll give him-by the I beg pardon, Miss Phelps." You must not excite yourself or I will not listen to you." Oh, but you must listen to me. I've come this bitter weather to this dead-alive Sunday-Monday county for the sake of my comrade. Yes, for George's sake, for Venn Vowles' sake—that's the name we called him at Caribou. We chummed through thick and thin together from East to West, and out of love for his horre and for the little help I tried to do he took the name of Venn in addition." Where is my cousin George?" asked the equally excited Ruth, but with splen- did fortitude hiding her agitation. Ignoring the direct question, he pro- ceeded Oh, George is all right for the re- mainder of his days. So am I as far as that goes. But why do you ask, Miss Phelps Do you really mind where he is? For answer Ruth stood before him, and looking at him steadily said, You must not talk so much. You win get upset again." "I fear I've offended you, but my liv- ing among rough miners has made me for- get the fine word meanings and variations of expressions I was brought up to in the Eastern States, but, please, put it down also to the fact that I feel for my chum that he has been wronged." How has he been wionged, Mr. Yic- kers? He has bsen wronged by his brother, and George's quarrel is mine." I don't understand you at all." Excuse a rough man, Miss, but I fear you won't understand it as long as Richard Vowles is to blame." But what has Richard done? Done? Why almost ruined his brother." How could he have done this? One letter only have we had from George, and that was about six years ago." Yes, that's right, and someone wrote him one too many from hereabouts. We weredn Winnipeg mouching around a farm as hired men when that-that-letter reached him. It told him that his brother Richard had intentions in your directions. Nowr, Miss, you got it all, and although he never told me until three months ago I knew that something fearful bad had up- set him, for he took to drink, and as a last resource to save him I persuaded him to accompany me to the Columbian gold- fields. But," said Ruth, what you say is all wrong. There is not a word of truth in it What do you mean, Miss ? Do you mean to say that the story of Richard and your good self is all wrong." Ruth nodded. Vickers painfully attempted to stand, but Ruth, placing her hand on his shoul-

LADIES Requiring an absolutely Safe Sure and Rapid Cure for All Ailments, Write, NURSE F. St. CLAIR, 75, BRADGATE ROAD, CATFORD, KENT, 72de5'06 LONDON, W.C. Advertise in the 11 Guardian." Report OF County Analyst OF A SAMPLE OF "SODA WATER" taken by the Inspector under the Adulteration of Foods and Drugs I Act Manufactured by I t T. Lewis & Co., Fishguard EXCELLENT. THOMAS Ca BIRCH, MILITARY TAILOR, HATTER, &c., LONDON HOUSE, HAVERFORDWEST. IMPORTANT TO CASH BUYERS. Following the ex- ample of many of the leading London Houses, and in order to keep my large staff of workmen fully employed during the "quiet season," I have decided to make a considerable reduc- tion in price of gar- ments made during the current month, which forms a real concession to those ordering Spring clothing now. WORD TO LADIES. Send two stamps for our new and original Illustrated Booklet, containing plain and prac* tical advice how Irregulartities, Suppressions, etc., may be prevented or removed by simple means in a few hours. Recommended by eminent Physicians, and thousands of Ladies, as being the only Genuine Remedy. This is not a quack medicine. Established 30 years.—LESLIE MARTYN, Ltd., Chemists, 34, Dalston Lane, London. HENRY HILLS AND N S' I CHEMICAL I MAN URES AMLWCH, ANGLESEY. M R. W. REES CAllVER, Auctioneer, of I Fishguard, has been appointed Agent for the Sale of our Manures at FISHCUARD, COODWICK AND ABERCASTLE. A good stock of Manures will be stored at the various depots, and all orders promptly atten- ded to. We solicit the continued kindly pat- [ ronage of the surrounding Agriculturists, and j assure them all of our best services in the [ future. de LEWIS HUGHES, Manager* TiTLr- REGISTERF-D. IN .17 A'R lYt "E Rs'Y U N E MOST IMPORTANT TO FARMERS A preparation for the prevention of Black Leg or Murrian (CHWARREN) in young Cattle. For CALVES of from six to eighteen months old. Give in August or September, or even later, one drench to each calf in about a pint of warm gruel, keeping the calves without food for after: In firms where the disease is veij^iw vant the drench should be given twice a year, as directed above, about the end of May and September, as well as bleeding a quart from each calf from six months to one year old. Bleeding is not absolutely necessary. PRICE 9d. PER DRENCH, OR 9s. PER DOZEN, CARRIACE PAID. Not only is the drench useful to prevent the Murrain, but is of the greatest importance to preserve calves from the Husk, Hose, or Worm in the Windpipe. This preparation has proved a success for over thirty years among Farmers. Prepared by the P G n k- ns Sole Proprietor, P. G.Jenk-ins, WHITLAND, S. WALES. MR. J. T. BUSHELL, Posty Farm, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, wrrites August 12th, 1903 Please send me three dozen drenches for my claves as usual. I have proved them so good that I have not lost a single calf since I commenced giving them twenty years ago." THE SLADE TIMBER YARD, FISHGUARD. J. M. GUILD, (Late W. Williams & Son.) Timber Merchant, HAS a large and varied stock of Good Build. ing Timber (in Red Pitch-pine, White and Spruce), Flooring Boards and Match- boards, Yellow Pine, Spruce, Archangel White, American White Wood, Carolina Pine and Oak- sawn Boards, Prepared Mouldings, comprising Architraves, Sashes,Sills, Skirting Boards, &c^ also Split and Sawn Roof and Ceiling Laths, Wire-cut and other Nails. Speciality-Welsh Oak, Ash, and Elm, Shafts, Spokes, aud Felloes, Shovel and Mattock Sticks, Ladders; Cart Material cut to size. Wheelblocks turned and Gates and Barrows made to order. Estimates given to supply Buildings. OFFICES-SLADE, FISHGUARD. TOOGOOD & SONS, ROYAL SEEDSMEN. ALL KINDS OF FARM AND GARDEN SEEDS. SPECIALLY SELECTED SEED CORN TOOGOOD'S SCOTCH BLACK TARTAR OATS. TOCGOOD'S BLACK TARTAR OATP, TOOGOOD'S NURSERY WHEAT, a most productive variety. OBDEB EABLY FBOM— R. E. THOMAS, CARTLETT MILL, HAVERFORDWEST. Maverlordwest and St. David's. THE City Hotel Omnibus or Brake will, JL until further notice, run on Saturdays I between St. Davids and Haverfordwest, leav- ing St. David's at 7 a.m., returning from Haverfordwest on the arrival of the 2.40 train. Fares 2s. 6d. Extra charge for luggage. G. MARTIN, Proprietor. E?] HARDY'S n |"J BROMPTON CONSUMPTION & COUCH SPECIFIC. EJJJJL A certain cure for Coughs, Colds, Con- EG|3 sumption. Asthma, Hooping Cough, Bro" 1^1 |—1 chitis and toss of Voice, Bleeding of the >»—A Lungs, Influenza, &c. Highly recom- mended by the Medical Profession. Pre- pared only by Geo. Hardy. Price Is. lid, and 25. 9d. of ALL Chemists, or post free. HE LLJ HARDY'S E3 E~1 BROMPTON COUGH LOZENGES. ? IPF THE Genuine and Original in boxes only. Never sold loose. Price Is. L$d. See that every box Is wrapped in Government Stamp and bears Hardy's Label; Depot, 42, Water- K1—J K>O TTD., S.E. Insist on having Hardy's. Established ue&rJva century at Bromptou. George Palmer & Son CORN, SEED ANDj MANURE MERCHANTS, MjLLSTERS AND HOP FACTORS 11 Haverfordwest.

der, begged him to keep calm. The face of the patient underwent seve- ral changes; then from a broad smile he broke out into a long pleasant laugh. In S Ruth standing by with question- together, saying Excue me, Miss Ruth. The fact is the whole durned circus has gone wrong, but I guess 'twill soon be going on again right merrily. Just over three months ago George met a Haverfordwest man out in Columbia and gleaned that there was a rumour in this neighbourhood that Rich- ard Vowles was likely to take you to wife in the New Year. Home sickness, and I calculate, the old fever broke out badly with George, and around our fire that night George confided in me his fears and hopes. I persuaded him to visit his native county and see how the *land lay. I promised to accompany him. \Ye landed at Liverpool just- ten days ago, and leaving him there, I persuaded him to allow me to go ahead and do a little reconnoitring around the Venn camp, promising to re- port the latest phase of the situation." Well, Mr. Vickers, I fail to see why you should put on a mask, gallop along the roads fully armed, take farmers' horses and rob country folk. What has that-" Now what are you saying my gentle nurse? laughingly asked Vickers. I certainly put on a little crape veil, and the horse question can be easily settled in the dollars of my little hospital account here, but as to robbing-never has Grant Venn Vickers been guilty of that, and since leaving 'Frisco never a shooter have I handled. Why should you even wear that veil and ride about a night?" demanded the Z!1 perplexed Ruth. You see, as to that, it was just like this: I thought I would be able to meet your cousin Richard in that here planta- tion—ju^t question him as to his intentions and warn him that George's American friends would not see him done wrong by and so on." And your highwayman ideas have been a failure," smiled Ruth. Failure! Never a small bit! Why the whole show is getting right every mo- ment. George would not have visited this country again but for me, and I have found out more than I expected by hanker- ing in that wood and getting treated shab- bily by your circus-master. How he lashed! I hear the swishing now But George never sent you to frighten his brother." "Bless the little angel! No He knew nothing of my intentions. In fact I only thought of this after arriving here, and plans of this kind are carried out West. We have a rough and read form of just- ice there, and I guess they're pretty effective often. No! George knows no- thing of this. I have not even come as his messenger. I volunteered only to see how the claim was likely to pan out, and by all that's good he'll be proud of the a-;say! I must write him at once with the good news. Wedding bells followed the New Year morning peal at St. Lawrence's Church, Stonehall, and George's best man was his ardent friend, End companion gold-hunter, who had often aided him in prospecting for gold, but had latterly assisted in pro- specting for love as a 'Prentice Highway- man.