Cheshire Observer

[COPMGHT.] THE TURNPIKE HOUSE. By FERGUS HUME, Author of The Mystery of a Hansom Cab," "The Crimson Cryptogram," "The Golden Idol," Aladdin in London," The Dwarf's Chamber," etc. CHAPTER XXIX. THE END OF THE TURNPIKE HOUSE. Perhaps had Heron attacked Jerry less suddenly, and had he not shewn by a few chosen remarks that he knew a good deal, the half-witted creature might not have confessed. But his weak nature gave way altogether. And during the next half- hour Geoffrey turned him inside out like a glove. The story which Heron extracted from the whim- pering creature was this Roper had always sus- pected, and rightly, that Jenner had hidden the forged bill before he went to prison. When the man came Qut, he got to know the date of his dis- charge, and set Jerry to follow him in order that he might see where he went to get the document. Jerry was on the track for many days, and saw that he procured it from an old friend, who, ignor- ant of its value, had taken charge of it. The docu- ment was in a sealed envelope, and Jerry had seen Jenner place it in a red pocket-book. All this he reported to Roper, and he was then or- dered to follow Jenner, and get it from him at all costs. Jerry got again on the track of the released prisoner, and followed him down to Westham. tn one way or another the spy kept himself out of sight, for Jenner, having been Roper's clerk, knew the lad-as he then was. The rest may be told in Jerry's own words, which were many and ramb- ling: "He got down here on a misty, rainy night, air," he said, fiddling with his clumsy fingers, "and I kept at his hecls. At a wayside pub he took victuals and drink; I watched the door from the other side of the road, and ate what I had with me. I daren't go inside lest he should see me." "Didn't you lose him in the mist?" asked Geoffrey, who was listening eagerly. "I never lose anything, sir," returned Jerry. "I can see anywhere, and feller like a dog. You don't slip me! I've had enough follering to do for the master. Well, Jenner he goes to a large pool of water." "The Waggoner's Pond. Go on." "Oh, that's it, is it? I never know'd. Well, there he meets with Mr. Marshall. Oh, I know'd his voice. I was hiding near them behind a hedge, I was; and a ghost came past me, sir—a ghost ) with a long black dress." ) Heron saw that the man was ignorant that Mrs. ) Marshall also had been listening; and this was all the better. It was as well that Jerry had taken her for a ghost. "I hate him so, you see, explained Jerry. "H(' killed Miss Elsa, and I was cruel fond of her, I was. Well, them two was ta'king about the bill, and Jenner he shewed it to Marshall, but he wouldn't give it up till he got money for it. Mar- shall said he'd give him money when he was mar- j ried and after that they parted. I tried tofoller Jenner. but I thought the other—Marshall—'ud spot me. I didn't mind, though, as I know'd Jenner was going to the Turnpike House to see his wife." "But you were a stranger 1 How did you know where that was;" "I had passed it in the afternoon, and from what Marshall said to Jenner, I know'd it was the Turnpike House. Well, sir, I scrambled a! lot, and got mixed- I don't know where I got. Then I heard a seuille and a cry, and saw in the mist two men fighting." "Marshall and Job," thought Heron; then aloud, "Go on "I thought as someone oJse might be after the I red book, so I was going to run forward when one cove he slipped away, and after groaning awfui the other he went too. He was shaken a lot by the fight. I stayed where I was for a time, then I creeps forward and lights a match." { "What did you do that for?" I "I wanted to see if in the right the red book had been dropped. How was I to know that one of them wasn't Jenner in spite of his going on to the Turnpike: When I casts a light," he resumed. "I saw something glittering on the ground. It was a broken link, and I examined it by another match. There was two links. One piece was a champagne bottle, just as you said, sir, and the other was my pin with the girl; I thought they were pretty and saw they were gold, so I puts them into my coat pocket" "How did you lose them, then?" Geoffrey asked, thinking this explanation perfectly feasible. "I only lostone--the champagne bottle," said Jerry quite gravely, 'cause there was a hole in my pocket I know'd nothing of. The other I took home and got made into a pin. I never know'd till you spoke where I lost the one! Was it under the Turnpike window?" he inquired. "It was found there," assented Heron. Jerry scratched his head. "I must have shook it out when I was looking in at the window," he muttered. "Oh, you did look in at the window, then?" "Of course I did, sir. Wasn't I follering Jenner? After I picked up the links I went straight to the Turnpike but didn't get there for a long time through having mistook the way. I see a light in the window, and I sneaks up to it through the bushes. The window was open and Jenner he was leaning against it. On a table, under the window, I saw a knife, aad the red j pocket-book with the bill. Jenner was talking to himself and cursing some child——" "Poor Neil," muttered Heron. "I waited a bit to steal the book, when I heard Jenner give a yell, and saw a kid come into the room looking frightful; he ran at Jenner who gave a skip and dodged him. The child's eyes was like -diamonds, and fixed; I never seed anything like the looks of him in my born days. Jenner he screeched again and pitched himself at the child to fall on top of him—leastways it looked like it. But I didn't wait; I saw my chance, and grabbing the pocket-book I ran like a deer, I did. Just as I got a little way off a cove jumped out on me and oollared my throat singing out for the red book. I wouldn't give it up, and shoved it deeper into my pocket; but he held me.down with one hand and dug it out with the other. My heart!" sighed Jerry nibbing his hand, "didn't the master give me beans for not having that pocket-book!" "Didn't you know who robbed you?" "No; I wished I had known. I'd hL?": :t the book next week when the talk of the murder was I past. But the master got a scare from that, though I told him, as I tell you, that it wasn't me. He said 'Lie low,' so I did lie low, and after a time he gave up the idea of getting the bill, till you came the other day, and he thought you might have it. So I've oome to buy it if you will sell. "We'll talk about that later, Jerry. Are you sure Jenner was alive when you left the window?" "I swear it' He was just making for the kid." "Had he the knife in his hand?" "Not as I knows, sir. I think it was on the table. Jenner just ran at the kid with his mouth open; he was in a cruel fright. But I cut and didn't wa.it to see anything." "Then, do you think the child killed Jenner?" "Lor' no, sir!" cried Jerry, amazed. "A weak little thing like that! 'Sides, the kid hadn't the knife. 'Twas on the table, I'm sure." "Can you guess, then, who killed him?" "No, sir, I can't. All I know is that I didn't. But now you know, just say if I'm to have the bill "I'll tell you to-morrow morning." "I must know to-night; the matter wants me back to-night." "He can't have you, then," said Heron, drily. "You stay here to-night, I want you to repeat your story to someone else." "I won't then! I was a fool to tell; but I don't know nothing." "You must stay here." "1 never killed him!" wept Jerry; then he turned sullen and made a grab at his hat. "I'll j go," he said, and made for the door. "Stephen," called Geoffrey; and Jerry found himself face to face with a big footman who seized him with iron hands. "H re. here he shouted, struggling and roar- ing. "Let me go; I never did nothing to Jenner. Let me :¡o. "Lock -him up in some empty room, Stephen, cried Mr. Heron, "and give him iood and wine; he must be kept here all night. I will take the responsibility. Confound this foot! If I were only able to walk! Oh, I'll keep you. Mr. Hutt; we haven't done with each other vet." Jerry's cunning came suddenly to his aid, and he ceased struggling. "If you give me grub and wine I'll stop," he said. "r aint done nothing to Jenner; and I aim afraid." "Take him away, Stephen, and do what I tell you," said Geoffrey, sharply; and Jerry Hutt sooti found himself locked in an out-shed with a tray of food and a bottle of beer for his supper. At intervals Stephen, the footman, came in to see that he waa safe; the creature noticed this, and made his plans accordingly. Immediately a f ter Ste o nunediately after Stephen had departed after one of these peeps, he scrambled up the rough wood-work and managed to get to the window, which was closed merely by a hasp, no one having the least idea that the man would attempt to escape. Jerry broke open the catch, and soon forced his un- gainly body through the opening. Not paying sufficient attention to his footing, he fell, and alighted on a manure heap some distance below. "Spoiling my nice new suit," he grumbled, as he groped round to get out of the yard in which he now found himself. There was some little difficulty about this; but he at last discovered a gate, which ed into a by-lane, and was soon out of Mr. Heron s grounds, running across country for all he was worth, chuckling at the way in which he had outwitted his host. For quite two hours he-wandered on; for he had completely lost his bearings. The night was fine with a high wind; the moon was at the zenith, and across her silver face passed cloud after cloud. At intervals the whole landscape became light as day, and he could see plainly. But he was a com- parative stranger, though he had several times been down looking for the bill by his master's order. Suddenly he emerged on to a common over- grown with gorse. and found himself on a spot I where four roads met. Some distance away a .white house looked spectral in the moonlight. "The Turnpike, he said aloud. "My gum! And there's the window I looked through; the light's in it now, too—just as it was when Jenner was killed. I wonder who's in there!" His curiosity got the better of his fear of Mr. Heron, and with a surprisingly light step-for the man was heavy—he crept through the jungle of I bushes and sneaked alonz the wall of the house. "Just like old times," he said, chuckling. "I hope there aint Etc m9f mt¡r{, though." I ".r. l! 0" ">oo¿ Someone was singing a wild song in a drunken voice; and when the clerk peered through the window—for there was no blind-he saw a man dancing in the middle of the room. A cheap oil iaup was on the table, and by its light the dancer executed his fandango, waving a bottle as he did :;0. Iiie apartment was bare, and a horrible smell of petroleum was wafted to Jerry's nostrils. In his curiosity he forgot to keep himself concealed, and Job—tor he was the dancer-saw him. He dung himself across the room, and before Jerry had realised his danger the gypsy had seized him; by the collar of his coat and was dragging him through the window. "Come in, come in, Satan veiled the drunken man. "We'll have another niurdt-r! Ho!" "Let me go—let me go!" screeched Jerry; but he was like a rabbit caught in a snare, and shortly found himself in a heap on a petroleum-soaked tloor, wiiiie Job closed the window, Hutt was terrified; but ho could see no means of escape. "Have a drink," shouted Job, thrusting the bottle under Mr. Hutt's nose. "You let me go," he whispered, clinging to a chair. "If you don't, my master will set the police on to you see if he don't." "The police!' cried Job. "What do I care for them: They can't do anything to me; she'll keep them ou-she will. I can shew up her husband it she don't. Drink, drink, or I'll kick you Partly to avert the carrying-out of this threat, and partly because he was extremely dry with his race across country, Jerry accepted the offer, and as the ardent spirits went down his throat, he felt his courage revive. I'm oerry Hutt," he exclaimed, "and I work for Mr. Roper. I want the bill—the bill!" He made a grab at the gypsy. "It will lay him by the heels," he hissed. "Lay who by the heels, hang you?" cried Job, pushing him back. "v\hy. Marshall—I won't call him 'Mister' Mar- shall—who killed my poor dear Miss Elsa." job, half stupid with drink, had yet the sense to gather the meaning of the words. "Blest if I won't know of the red pocket-book, too," he mut- tered. And even as he spoke, Jerry caught the words, and repeated them. "The red pocket-book," he shouted. "Do you know where it is? The bill is in it. and I'll buy it off you; oh, yes, I will. Fifty pounds." Job banged his fist so heavily on the table that tho iarnp tottered. "I wish I had it now!" he cried. ".Fifty pounds-by gum "Have you the bill there?" asked Jerry, taking another drink. No I haven't anything," said Job. "She got it out of me.' "Got what out of you?" Why, the red pocket-book—but the bill wasn't in it," he added. For a moment Jerry stared at the man, then dropped the bottle with a crash on the floor; it broke, and the liquor forming a pool, added its fumes to the smell of the petroleum. "Y ou had that red book!" stuttered Jerry, trying hard to clear his brain. "And it was taken from me! Yeu live here-you were-you, oh, oh!" He sprang from his seat with a roar. You took it f-o i; me!" Well," said Job, with a growl, "was you the cove as I fought on that night, and knocked about so?" You robber-you thief!" cried Jerry, crouch- ing for a spring. Give me back my property- the book, the bill!" and he flung himself on the gypsy, who gave a cry of rage. I'll crush you like a fly, as I did before!" Job -aid. and grappled with his visitor. But Job was not the man he had been twelve years before; he could not hold his own as he had once done. Shouting and cursing, the two men swayed round the apartment. Finally, they crashed against the table, and upset the lamp it fell and burst on the floor. Immediatelv the woodwork, soaked as it was in petroleum, broke into flame, and hi almost less time than it takes to tell. the whole room was in a blaze. With a yell of terror, Jerry tried to shake him- self re, and leap through the girdle of fire but Job held him fast. No, you don't!" he shouted. "You die with me. whoever you are! I've made arrangements for this; I never intended to live: but I thought I'd die alone. Now I've got you!" and he made a clutch at Jerry's throat. After that the struggle proceeded in silence, for Job held his peace, and Jerry could not cry out by reason of those two strong hands fa.st on his throat. By this time the room was blazing like a furnace, and the clothes of the two men wore in flames. A frightened wayfarer saw the fire streaming towards the sky—saw two men vaguely struggling in the flames. CHAPTER XXX. THE TRUTH AT LAST. j It is not impossible," said Geoffrey, thunder- struck. NIRR. Marshall shook her head. "So possible that I always thought so myself," she said. "Mv own idea was the same," remarked Mr. Cass, who was the third person of the party now assembled in Mr. Heron's library. I have told you several times, Geoffrey, that I believed Mrs. Jenner to be guilty." The young man drew a long breath. Even now h<" could scarcely credrt the news. "So she really did kill her husband?" There can be no doubt about it," said Mr. I pointing to an envelope lying on the table. | There is a copy of her confession! She signed it in the presence of the chaplain and the governor of the gaol." It was the morning after the burning down of the Turnpike House that this conversation took i place. Information that two charred badies had been found among the ruins had led Geoffrey to believe that Jerry had perished along with Job. Stephen had informed him on the previous nicrht that the creature had made his escape, and no pursuit had been attempted. There was no doubt in Geoffrey's mind that Jerr' v had gone to see Job at the Turnpike House; but why he should have done so, and why it had come about that he and the gypsy should have met their deaths together, he could not think. Nor was the mystery ever cleared up. But if the death of Jerry remained a mystery that of Jenner did not. Towards noon Mr. Cass made his appearance together with his sister to see Mr. Heron. After some little talk about the 6r?. Geoffrey detailed what had been confessed to "im on the previous night. How did it all come about?" he asked now. That's what I want to know," said Inez. Sebastian has told me nothing beyond the bare fact as yet." Because I want to tell the story once and for all. and then put it out of my mind," said her brother, solemnly. "You see, Heron, my sister and you both know all about this case. What you have told us about Jerry Hutt's visit supplies the last link which brings the crime home to Mrs. Jenner. I am not going to tell anyone else how th, murder took place. I have asked the governor and the chaplain not to tell Neil the truth when he goes up for the funeral. He has had enough trouble, poor boy; I. for one, do not want him to have any more. He believes now that his mother is innocpnt- "Oh. indeed!" interrupted Mrs. Marshall, with a haughty curl of her lip. And who does he believe guilty?" "Job. the gypsy. He thinks that the man set fire to the Turnpike House and destroyed him- self. so as to escape the penalty of his crime. I think it only merciful that he should be allowed to rpmain under that impression." 11 r quite agree with you," said Heron, heartily. "And you, Mrs. Marshall?" She bowed her head. "I have no ill-will towards the yoiinz man, although I hated his mother. But she has gone to her account, so I will say no more about her. As to Neil Webster, I as he calls himself-" "And will continue to call himself," interposed Mr. Cass, sternlv. "I will say nothing to him," continued Mrs. Marshall, taking no notice of this interruption. I do not wish to visit the sins of the parents upon the children; but with one parent mur- dered and the other parent a murderess, I don't see how the young man can turn out well. And I sincerely hope that he will not marry that un- fortunate Jenny Brawn." "If he asks her to marry him, she will not accept him blindly," said Mr. Cass, "for I in- tended to tell her the whole story—suppressing the fact that Mrs. Jenner was guilty." "That is well," put in Geoffrey. "But I should like to hear the story of Mrs. Jenner's crime. "I can tell it to you in a few words," said Mr. Cass. "The clerk's tale has brought the story up to the time when Jenner flung himself on the child. Well, Mrs. Jenner heard his cry, and rushed down mto the room. Jenner was mad with rage at the uncanny hatred shewn to him by his own son. and had him by the hair of the head, shaking him as a terrier does a rat. Mrs. Jenner rushed at him-she thought he would kill the child-they struggled, and he struck her. While this was going on she found herself near the table, and seeing the knife, brindly snatched it up, throwing her husband to one side. Then, clutching the child to her breast and holding out the knife to keep off the infuriated man, she tried to make her escape from the hoase. But Jenner was blind with fury, both against the child and against his wife who had instilled such hatred into the mind of the boy. He rushed at her; she cried out that she I was holding the knife, but he took no notice of her, and ran up against the blade, which buried itself in his heart. He fell, and his wife fainted with the insensible child in her arms. It was when she came to herself some time afterwards that she recalled what she had done. But it was by accident that she had killed him-and this she swore most solemnly; she denied that she had ever intended murder. Then she fled from the house into the darkness until she fell in- sensible under a hedge. The rest you know." Mrs. Marshall laughed again at this account. "I believe she killed him on purpose," she said. "She had every reason to do it," Mr. Cass 9<1Ï, coldly, but all the same, I believe she has spoken the truifc. Jenner died by accident." If this is so," said Geoffrey, slowly, and I see no reason to disbelieve it. why did Mrs. Jenner tell Neil that he had killed his father?" "I asked her that. and her answer was that she was afraid, if Neil re-opened the case, some evidence might be brought forward to prove that she had really committed the murder. She had told her son that she was innocent, and she did not wish him to learn the truth. It was only on my giving a promise not to tell him that she oonsented to make the confession. She wants l him to think of her only as a mother who loved him-not as a murderess." Humph!" remarked Geoffrey, doubtfully. A queer way of shewing her love, to put it into the head of an imaginative neurotic creature like Neil that he himself was guilty!" It will not do him any harm," said Mr. Cass. "I don't pretend to say that I approve af her clearing her own name at the expense of Neil's peace of mind: but it is not for us to judge, and before she died she repented of having made that statement." Did she know how the red pocket-book was stolen?" asked Geoffrey, abruptly. No; she had been so busy struggling with Jenner for possession of the child, she said, that she took no notice of anyone at the window. Th&t was why Jerry, as you say, was able to put his hand in and take the book. It was lucky for the clearing-up of the case that Jenner had sewn the bill inside the toy horse. If Roper had got hold of it, he would have made it hot for Marshall. He hates him like poison on account of I have heard enough of that story," inter- rupted Mrs. Marshall, "and you seem to forget, Sebastian, that if the bill had really been in the pocket-book I should have got it through Job. I am tired of it all. I hope it is all ended for ever." Yes, Inez. You will hear no more about it. In a few days Mrs. Jenner and her story will be buried, and we will all try and forget the past. Neil must never know." "I shall not tell him. Nor I," said Mrs. Marshall, with, for her, remarkable generosity. No one knows the truth but ourselves, and we will keep silence. What about those poor wretches who have been burnt ?" "Well, Geoffrey must tell how Jerry Hutt came to see him, and in some way we must prove the remains to be his. After all, the corpse— what is left of it-mav not be Jerry!" I think it is," said Heren. Indeed, I am certain of it. I expect he and Job got quarrelling about the bill, and Job set fire to the house in order to burn them both. Jerry did not burn willingly, I am sure of that. Job no doubt detained him in the burning house until it was too late." Mrs. Marshall shuddered. Job. indeed, was wicked, as well she knew. But now she was relieved from his blackmailing, and had only her husband to deal with. And she resolved—now that she was in possession of the bill-to make short work of him. Her thoughts still seemed inclined to separation and the Romish Church. "Well, good-bye, Geoffrey," Mr. Cass said, shaking hands. I hope your ankle will soon be right. Ruth is coming over to see you. But, remember, not a word to her." Not a word," said the young man. "But I say, Cass, if i were you I should burn that copy of the confession. The original, in the possession of the authorities, will be sufficient to prove Mrs. Jenner's guilt should anyone else be accused, which is not likely after all. Burn it." I intend to do so." And Mr. Cass dropped the document into the fire. "I only brought it back so that you might be sure she was guilty. Ah, it is in ashes already! I wish we could get rid of all our painful memories so easily! But to the end of my life I shall never forget this case. And these were the last words they spoke on the subject, for both Mr. Cass and Geoffrey ever afterwards carefully avoided all mention of it. Nor was there even the Turnpike House to remind them of the tragedy, for it had been burnt to the ground. And Mr. Heron had the site ploughed and enclosed in the field adjoin- ing; so that the next year corn waved where the blood-stained habitation had stood. Mrs. Marshall carried out her intention of separating from her husband; she gave him a portion of her money, and made him a present of the forged bill, and he betook himself and his money to Paris. Neil buried his mother and mourned her for many months. Then he made his reappearance in public, and was more successful than ever. Now that time was healing his wounds, he be,-an to think about his future, and the first thing he did was to ask Jennie Brawn to share it with him. She, poor girl, accepted him with joy; and at once sent the good news to Ruth. Mr. Cass thereupon went up to London, and called upon the girl at his daughter s house, for she was still teaching Mrs. Chisel's children. He told her the whole story. not thinking it fair that she should marry Neil in ignorance of the truth. And at first she was horrified; but declared that nothing could alter her determination to marry him. I love him," she said, and that was all. The strange story of the burning of the two men, and that of the murder which had taken place in the same house twelve years before is even now often told by winter firesides. But few know the truth, that the mother of Neil Webster, the famous violinist, was the guilty person in the tragedy of the Turnpike House. The truth was disclosed to Mr. Cass, to Geoffrey Heron. to Mrs. Marshall, and to the Governor of Gaol, and the chaplain. But as for this story it is told w'th other names; and the scene is "laid fifty miles from the real locality. [THE END.]

Following the story "The Turnpike House. we shall next week commence our new serial tale" The Trials of Mad-e Molierlev hy Florence Hope. Our new tale will be found to be full of stirring incident in conjunction with a strong domestic element.

OLD-AGE PENSIONS. FRIENDLY SOCIETY SCHEME. Mr. John Stephen, "Orange Blossom" Lodge of the British Order of Ancient Free Gardeners' Friendly Society, Aberdeen, sends us the follow- ing scheme, which he has prepared: Super- annuated at 60 years of age; premium, 20 years of age. Scale of tables: Halfpenny for every 10s. or part thereof of weekly wages; the State to pay an equal amount to the sum contributed by the people. Tabes.-Weekl'y wages (male or female), 10s. 20s., 60s., 40s., 50s., 60s., 70s., 80s.; weekly contri- butions by the people, id., Id., lid., 2d., 2id„ 3d., 3d., 4d. Example.—Say the average per head of weekly contributions by the people id., or 6s. 6d. yearly. The population of tile United Kingdam, 40,000,000. Say the half of the population contributes 20,000,000, the yearly contributions by the. people are £ 6,500,000, and tile yearly contributions by the State £ 6,500,000 This would make the total contributions for one year £ 13,000,000, or for five years, £65,000,000, without interest. The benefits would 00 as follow:—20 years con- tributing rcceivM a pension at the age of 60 years of 5s weekly; 25, 6s. 3d. 7s. 6d.; 35, 8s. 9d.; 40s, 10s. Age of joining, 40 *ears of age or under. Contributors whose ages are ?yer 40 vears must contribute within one year fro? the commence- ment of this fund. If, after 10 years' contributing, any person is totally disabled for any work, to receive a pension of 5s. per week, irrespective of age. Regarding the present, contributors whose ages are 55 years or over at the commencement of this fund must contribute five years, and there- after they wiil receive a pension of 5s. per week. The contributions to be paid at the Post-o^ce every quarter or half-year. Each contributor to have a receipt-book in the same way as a bank- book. The pensions to be paid at the Post-office every month or quarter. Application forms to be filled up every five years, and any alteration in contributions can only take place every five years from the commencement of this fund. Reserve clause.—Persons joining at the age of 40 years or under, if, after contributing 10 or 15 years, and then cease, through unavoidable causes, will receive a pension at the age of 60 years equal to the time contributed.

A WOMAN'S GRATITUDE. .*■ — BILE BEANS CURE HER OF INDIGESTION AND BILIOUSNESS. AFTER NINE YEARS OF SUFFERING. Cheshire housewives will be interested in the story of a cure effected by Charles Forde's Bile Beans in the case of Mrs. Hannah Whitehurst, of Plant- street, Cheadle, Staffordshire. When a "Cheadle Herald" representative called upon her, he found her in perfect health, and out of gratitude for her cure she very kindly detailed to him the fol- lowing faots: Somewhere about nine years ago, I began to suffer from severe attacks of biliousness and indigestion. I had to be exceed- ingly careful as to what I took, but notwith- standing all the care I exercised, after each meal I experienced great pain in the chest and back, and still more severely between the shoulders. I hardly ever got up in the morning without the headache, which would continue throughout the aa-y- Naturally I obtained medical advice, and for a long time was constantly under the care of j th doctor. His medicine, however, did no more  anord me a temporary relief, and I spent pounds without obtaining any material benefit. Th I S rm, u,state of affairs continued until last ptember. In that month a pamphlet was put unde!" my door, and, as much out of curiosity as any mg else. I read it. To my surprise, I found it stated how a number of cases similar ?J? fn? )'? oured by Charles Forde's Bile B^s for Biliousness; and I was so impressed with Lsomml e of the cases that I decided to try the Beans. I procured a box from London, and IX'gan tG take tho Beans regulady. To my dSeligl ht before the first box was finished my bead- ache disappeared. By degrees the biliousness also ceased to trouble me, and as I continued with the Beans, my appetite improved, and once more 1 began to feel well. Of course, finding that to be the case, I obtained more Beans, and as a result I am now well and strong as ever I was i. my life. I no longer feel weary and iaggea in the morning, as I used to do, and I take a pleasure in performing my household duties. Bile Beans alone have brought about this cure, and I have so much faith in them that T shall always keep them in my house." Charles Forde's Bile Beans for Biliousness are without doubt superior to all known medicines for indigestion, liver and kidney disorders, constipation, head- ache, debility, nervousness, anaemia, female ail- ments. pimple, skin eruptions, and as a preventive of influenza. Purely vegetable in composition, their use is fallowed—not by merely temporary improvement, but by permanent cure. All chemists stock them, or you may obtain direct from the Bile Bean Manufacturing Co.. 119, London Wall, E.C., by sending prices Is. ld. or 2s. 9d., 2s. 9d. box contains 3 times Is. lkd.

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CRICKET PROSPECTS. With the advent of the warm weather, all true sportsmen are turning their thoughts to cricket. Already many have donned their flannels and have taken a turn at the wickets, and everywhere the advent of the king of summer pastimes is hailed with joy. Locally the prospect was never brighter. The Boughton Hall committee have secured an excellent list of fixtures, and with most of their last season's players, are looking forward to a successful season. Their fixtures are with many clubs whose names have figured on the card in previous years. They open their season to-day (Saturday), when they are visitors at Rock Ferry. The second eleven will play their initial match on the 14th of May with the Banks, on their own ground. The Chester Cricket Club, which has been resuscitated after a lapse of four years, will com- mence practice on Monday. The ground is being attended to by a competent groundsman, and the members have every prospect of an enjoyable season. A number of local players have signified their intention of joining the teams, including Messrs. Mountford, Hales, Miller, R. Lloyd, J. Jones, W. Fletcher, J. Dodd, etc., and fixtures have been arranged with the following clubs:- Boughton Hall. Eaton Park, Tattenhall, Helsby, Mold, Pontblyddyn, Birkenhead St. Mary's, W In- nington Park, etc. The club will also compete for the Yerburgh Challenge Cup. The com- mittee will be pleased to enroll additional members. Eaton Park also look forward to a good season. The ground is in excellent condition, and the players are eager for the fray. A first-class fixture list has been arranged by their indefatigable secretary (Mr. H. E. Crane), including engage- ments with their old friends, Sefton Park Extra XI., Dawpoo!, Chester St. Mary's, Willington Hall. They will also see what the new Chester club can do. Tho prospects of the Chester St. Mary's Club for the coming season are excellent. The ground is in first-class order, and a good number of players will be available. The club will be exceptionally strong in the bowling department. Fixtures have been arranged with Tarporley, Eaton Park, Tattenhall, Tilston Lodge, Hartford, Rhos, Bar- row, Aehton Hayes, etc. Bunbury opened their season on Saturday, when a trial game was played. A good fixture list has been prepared, and a good season is anticipated. Mr. J. V. Brookes will captin the eleven, whilo Mr. W. Cross is vice-captain. The duties of secretary and treasurer have again been under- taken by Mr. G. F. Dutton. The Hawardcn Cricket Club will probably open the season on May 3rd, in Hawarden Park, as before. The fixtures are almost complete, and there is every prospect of a successful season. The ifnancial condition of the club is satisfactory. Dr. Roberts again holds the post of captain, and Mr. T. Gibson is vice-captain. Mr. C. B. Toller is once more president of the club, and Messrs. R. Green and J. Provis hort. secretaries. Tarporley commenced the season with a friendly game with Whitehall, at Whitehall, on Saturday, when Tarporley were the victors. The club are in a flourishing condition, and a splendid season is looked forward to, there being eighteen matches arranged for the season, two being with the Cheshire Gentlemen, to be played at Arderne and Chelford, besides with Mrs. Gordon Houghton's XI. The captaincy has been taken up bv Ca'ptain the Hon. Baillie Hamilton, and Mr. Harry Dods will be a capable sub. Mean- while a "pro." from Old Trafford is busy getting into form the "old brigade" and initiating new members into the intricacies of cricket. The Tilstone Lodge cricketers are hoping for as successful a season as fell to their lot last year, when they did not lose a single match, while only two were drawn. The captain of last season (Mr. Tatman) is leaving the neighbour- hood, and Joe Brookes, who as sub-captain piloted the team during several closely-contested games, has joined Bunbury C.C., of which he has been made captain, and Frank Cross, who ran up the winner of the bowling averages, has gone with him. Fortunately the club still have as bowlers "Old" Lyons and Loddington, while Harry Wright, who is now captain, will have an opportunity of shewing his prowess with the ball as well as the bat. Mr. R. Willett, an old member, has promised to handle the willow again, so that perhaps the team is equal in strength to what it waa last year. The members of the Neston and District C.C. will have a busy season, the first eleven having arranged no fewer than 34 matches, 20 at home and 14 away, while the second eleven are down for 16 matches. The annual athletic sports will again take place on Whit Monday. The club have sustained a serious loss to their batting strength, as they will be without Dr. Speeciily, but there are a number of lew members on the list, and they may be expected to play up to the traditions of the club. The services of Newman as groundsman have again been secured, and the ground is in first-rate order. Practice was com- menced on Saturday and the first match will be played to-day. Among the new fixtures are en- gagements with Birkenhead Park, Birkenhead Victoria, Southport, and Birkdale, while the fix- tures with Bromborough Pool have been revived. As the Helsby athletio field is occupied by the footballers to-day (Saturday), the cricket season proper will not commence until next Saturday. On that day Northern extra eleven will oppose the local premier eleven on the athletic field. An excellent list of fixtures has been arranged for both elevens, including home and home matches with Liverpool 2nd. Chester, Eaton Park, Mold, Frodsham 1st and 2nd elevens, and Tattenhall. The first eleven have again entered the Chester and District Cricket Cup competi- tion, and intend to make a bold bid to retain the cup which they won last year. The 1st eleven will feel the loss of the Rev. C. R. McKee, who was a tower of strength in the batting, and who has now left the district, but, with the probable addition of one or two new members, they should be able to hold their own both in cup ties and friendly matches. The 2nd eleven will be about the same as last year, with several additional promising players, and should do quite as well as last season. Mr. James Taylor again captains the 1st eleven, with Mr. F. Cole as vice-oaptain, while Mr. T. Harding has charge of the 2nd eleven, with Mr. J. Fcdden as vice-captain. A further portion of tho ground has been re-laid, and it should be in excellent condition when the season starts. The forthcoming season's prospect of the Frodsham Athletio Club's cricket section, from a cricket, if not perhaps from a financial point of view—the rent of the field having unfor- tunately again been raised—may be said to be a promising and rosy one. The ground, on which a considerable amount of money has been spent during the past five or six years, is now first class. NLoholls, of ftuncorn, has been engaged as groundsman, and will also act as professional for the team when required. A popular captain has been elected in Mr. Charies E. Liriaker, iiiii. Dr. Selby will act as sub-captain of the premier eleven. The second team have a fine lot of fixtures. including four night matches, and will be piloted by Evelym Sutton, with R. Wright as his deputy, while the popular Wednesday team is in the hands of Tom Booth. The arrangements of the fixture list have again been taken up by Albert Ashworth. In addition to the regular list of matches, the following tit-bits are promised:—Shropshire, at Shrewsbury, on June 4, v. Frodsham and District, Aigburth, Bolton, Eccles, Manchester Wednes- day (champions of the Manchester and District League), and Wavertree. Regarding the pltyers, the whole of last season's men are available, in addition to several good new ones. The Rev. T. V. Gamier, curate, who has played with the London Zingari, is an acquisition to the team, as also will be the Rev. R. Colston, who has again been persuaded to don the flannels. The team will bo strong in bowling and batting. Great improvements have during the past year been made in the accommo- dation for the players and visitors, the pavilion and dressing-rooms now being both adequate and an ornament to the ground. It is to be hoped t.hat the two days set aside for the annual festival and annual sports—Whit Monday and August Bank Holiday respectively—may be fine and sunny. Blessed with a list. of fixtures of more than average attractiveness, the Mold Cricket Club enter upon the threshold of the season of 1902 with such a degree of uncertainty as lends a piquant sauce to anticipation. At least two prominent members of last season's team are doubtful starters, while rumours are in the air anent certain "dark horses" to come to the post. The old stagers are of course sanguine of a triumphal season, and equally of course the club are entrants for the Chester and District Cup, which, be it known to all men, was wrested from their grasp last. year by a series of disasters sad to contemplate. In this connection a certain Sir Willyum Gones is hereby conjured to with- draw for inspection, and with fear and trembling. from his arohives at Tattenhall, a certain weighty document handed to him in a certain arena at Anfield on the 22nd tilt. The opening irarne with which Mold are con- cerned is a match on Saturday against a Flint- shire team raised by Mr. J. B. Marston. For the following week the opponents are Pont- blyddyn, a rural team whose name is surrounded by a halo of recollections almost sacred to the sere and yellow sportsman. In conclusion might be added the fact that the ground will be found to be in irreproachable condition, also that the tennis courts will be well and duly swept and garnished according to the form of the statute. also that those of the silken muscle who during the past winter have been engrossed in the fearful and wonderful game of "ping-pong" may to their advantage disport themselves in a game which by courtesy has been compared to rhn t modern craze of the winter season. The members of the Tattenhall Cricket Club are looking forward to a successful season. MOM of the old players will be available, and there will I be a. considerable infusion of new blood. Thirty matches have been arranged with most of the leading olubs of the district. Through the kind- ness of Mr. G. W. Crum, another wing will be added to the pavilion, and Dr. Brierley has kindly offered to make other improvements. The ground played none too well last season, but great efforts have been put forward during the winter to remedy this, and, as a groundsman has been engaged for the season, it is expected there will be no fault to find with the pitch. The Club have entered the Chester and District League, and, while mindful of the uncertainty of cricket, mean to make a bold effort to bring the cup to Tattenhall for the third time. FIXTURES. The following ifxtures will be played on the ground of the first-named olub to-day (Saturday):- Neston and District v. Waterloo Park Tattenhall (club match) Frodsham v. Liverpool Caledonians Nantwioh 2nd v. Bunbury TO SECRETARIES OF CRICKET CLUBS. Necretaries who itish to have their club fixtitres for the coming season inserted in our weekly list are requested to forward match cardil. The results of mutches should be sent in early, if possible by Tuesday evening's post, otherwise we cannot guarantee their itisertion. A few notes on the game should accompany the scores.

| ?nythin? that -??- tn. d I th )3 fiiadea lathei^ l i ?).? ? .?.?c?:????)<?????J?????]??????!?}? \?men stood? (br hours,(?r??????? over the steaming odours cA ? oisonous matenals &< ?????\\????' ? nhafed bad health. ??' ?t ?? ??. ?? ??m  ;¡/Y ? ?? 'ý- <s2:??[???????????????f??lt? '? o?<.  ?" Sunlight ??l??!lJ?h/????ht???)???fttj? ?? i?!?at?"????€ '? at?red all M! It raised the tone of Soapmakim It did away with the tollajhicn shattered thehfe or the houseurife. It offers a reward of 1000 ,*4 forany impurity in its SuntigMjociti composition i TO DAY is, as it always has been. The best soap n Ife use entails-NO SCRUBBING, NO TOILING; NO BOILING; LITTLE ON THE UNEri, j f LET IT SOAK FOR. AWHll £ > PINSP- IN C N WATF-R ø. JHATS '))1 II I \1 ni l!iit!!J- ALLI, ..i\ 1\ ;'jTfi |i\e t&unligKt" Way. J-EVER Brothers. Ltd. PORT Sunlight, Cheshire..

CHESTER GOLF CLUB. The second monthly competition of the season was held on Saturday in somewhat unfavourable weather. Under the circumstances Mr. Okell's score was very satisfactory. Scores :— Gross. H'cap. Nett. *O.Okell. 82 4 78 **G. S. Lloyd Davies 90 9 81 fF.W.Haye, 80 i" 2 8g1 4t.-L.R? owIey. 85 2 &3 U. B. Corbett 98 15 83 T. S. Comber 95 11 84 Rev. J. R. Timperley 95 10 85 F. 0. Evans 92 3 89 H. Toler 96 6 .i! 90 T. G. Frost 99 8 91 .T.C.Heasman. Ion 14 93 Dr. Eyton jonea. 108 } 12 <? R.WiIkirisoa 108 11 97 Win in final and first sweep. Second sweep. f Divide third sweep.

CHESTER FOOTBALL CLUB DINNER. On Monday evening the committee of the Chester Football Club entertained the players and a few friends at dinner at the Holborn Restaurant, Fore- gate-street. Mr. E. T. Hallmark presided, and there were also present, the Sheriff (Mr. R. Cecil Davies), Messrs J. Williamson, W. Leah (deputy chief constable of Cheshire), H. Preston, W. H. Hallmark, W. Clarke, J J Willienis, F. Flanagan, J. Blaylock, G. H. Richards, B. Johnson, J. Norton, R. Atherton (late secretary of the club), W. Fletcher (hon. sec.), and W. Coventry (hon. treasurer), &c. Apologies for absence wero received from the Mayor of Chester, and Messrs D. L. Hewitt, Myles Williams, L. Hales, and G. S. -N. Hull. After the toast of "The King" had been riven from the chair, Mr. J. J Williams proposed "The Town and Trade of Chaster," and coupled with the toast the names of the Sheriff and Mr. Williamson. He said that when they came to look back some few years and saw what had been done with regard to enhancing the reputation of Chester they found great strides had been made. He criticised the Corporation's action in purchasing the trams, and turning to atliletic subjects he said they should strive to bring Chester up to date in itltletic niattei-s. v-H-Giir, lletr). The city was far behind the times as regarded athletic sports and other things, which would attract and give amusement and pastime to a large number of citizens There was a natural piece of ground specially cut out for anything like good football matches or cycle races, or anything tending to the promotion of athletics, and it did seem a pity that the Town Council could not allow a portion of the ground to be enclosed for that pur- pose. If it were done, there was no doubt it would be a great advantage. They were indebted to the I executive of the Chester Football Club for the efforts they had made to raise a football team worthv of the city. Turning to other matters, he said their representatives had not been quite open with them as regarded the administration of town affairs They had an increase in the rates that would not enhance the reputation of the town. A verv larn-e burden was proposed to be placed upon the citizens of Chester when they could least bear it. He thought that for this financial year they might have been left alone, at least as regarded the 2Ad. rate not that he wished to say anything against the Coronation festivities. The Sheriff thanked them, on behalf of the Mayor and Corporation. So far as the Council were con- cerned, their one aim and object was to do the best they could for the inhabitants who resided in the city of Chester. They did consider the best they could for the ratepayers. Mr. Williams had referred to the trams. He was sorry he could not agree with him. It was a disgrace to any town where one had to pay 3d. if only to go 100 yards. (Hear, hear). They had only had the trams a very few months, and the passengers had practicallv trebled themselves in that short time. The number had increased from (5,000 to 18.000. He Jiad not the slightest doubt that when they had elv-tric fraction and got a better service, with penny fares from one end to the other, the number of passengers would increase four or fivefold. and that in a few years they would be a source of profit to the city of Chester. (Hear, hear). The electric lighting had been taken up with caution, and had been a success from its commencement. (Hear, hear). He only hoped that the trams would follow in the steps of the electric light, and they would have something to add to the rates from "that concern He could not see that it would be possible to have an enclosed ground on the Roodee. It had been open from time immemorial to everybody. They must go a little further afield. He was sorry, him- self, that the company promote d some time ago for the purchase of the Leadwork's field for an athletic ground had not been able to carry its scheme through. The field would have made a most admir- able place, and he believed that if the scheme was revived and put on a smaller scale, and if they rould get the land at the same price, that it would be a paying concern. It had the advantage 0 f L,Oillg close to the Station and the suburb of Ho?' *j to the trams, which would brinsf passengerS 18n:lid Saltney and elsewhere. It would make ? ,SP f]|d place, for such a ground. It would not do to e^1, the, Roodee. None deplored the incr?aae 1 .t;;e- rates more than he did. A certain numbed \'?. ?? Council had been let into spending more ,,??y than they would have done had they noll?til true financial state of the Council. (HeB? ht'.?- They had overspent the income by soniethi .& £ 3,800. He would rather not say whose  Let them grin and bear it, pay their back de • .?' d promise to be better boys in the future. | he Mr. Williamson, who also responded. wished to endorse %Il the Sheriff had d wished to endorse all the Sheriff had eol regard to overspending their income. {LItOI. assure them that anything he could do in the jj\e^xf towards pushing forward a scheme for an a ground he would do. Mr. H. F?efton proposed the ?<t??j ? ? evening, "The Chester Football Club."j not say the Chester Football Club had CÜ\-ere themselves with glory, but, they aometin?ss .?f? themselves with mud-(Itughter)-an lie,  that anything that could be done by the COWTlll to render the ground less liable to get IUto Dlilci,ly state would be done. When they came W COII,'L f that this team was started as a scratchdI hiia' opposition to other clubs of long s?'?""? t!? thought there wa something to be s?° be, other side of the question. They had reft90„ t? ? proud of the team and when next af?" (?-e? round they would have far better  w.t.f ,11 round they would have far l>etter results. (jv#1 credit was due to the committee for t,le Thä which they had carried on that enterpr?e. ? ?? had lessened the debt with which thev "t rtec,tlie. season. He coupled the names of Mr. and Mr. W. Coventry with the toast. 11 Mr. Coventry, in responding, said th^' club, were fairly sound nnancially to'd?? ? thanked all those who had so kindly  club. He had for years advocated ,,tI'n ?4Pq"t bletie ground on the racecourse. It was aPP 1.0,eli, ,I)le from all parts of the city. The more he!5a %v t110 racecourse, the more he was convince(i ti-,at tbcv must have an athletic ground there. Fe1" oJl!>. Sheriff would seme day admit that he W"%Sw'op e;i- Mr. Fletcher also responded. He e4atil ly ell' dorsed what Mr. Coventry had said. 9 r 9,' the players, no team could hhaad ve had S?, better,t. There had not been the slightest trouble ".? ?v of them. tV Mr, E. T. Hallmark gave "The P?? tb< believed the players had endeavoure-d (jo dotile; duty, and if they had had the man fr°'^ v jjd ?'.? at the commencement of the season, bedl believe, they would have done so 1)?tdly'celt'qi they were not at the top of the Combina-t?, b? did not blame the players for that. He ii- every player had done his best They v_ the slightest friction with any of the Pb—?r? ?' ?'\ he expressed his thanks to those, who 1"  played for them, when they had ^eensjjoi'tt players, and had dropped out again hen turned up to take their place. He V iti| say that though he had travelled with?'?t." d '? their away matches, he had never heard a, w0rd could raise objection to. He would ?,,?. )'. !'1 ?e that to say than that they were at tb?? '?ft'' Combination table. It wou ld not be ?? ?J g,,)i. Combination table. It would not be i witl!¡Jrr. out any player from the rest. He co"]P led -11" .i,fl t Ije, toast t ile names of Mr. Wakoneld an d t??'c .t ?l')i Mr. W. Wakeneld (captain) replied, -.j? f .?t'" Mr. 'W. 'Wakefield (captain) rep ¡e top of  they had tried very hard to be at theD 0f OombmatlOn table, and he was sure tb, ""?' (I endeavour to do their best next season. rfe?hP.?? had a little hard luck, and of course they ? ? t:'? into consideration the weather. He hope^ be the same committee next season.  .h'f Sergt. Miller endorsed what the chai, r^ said. There was unity in the team and nf* friction. If he waa only stationed at OneSj r v- season his services would be at the disp?" tl!C- committee. e Artist"> Other toasts were The visitors," "Th0 and The Press." v' At intervals during the even i ng son ? rec) Iti,l)" At i.ntervals during the vening son1£¡ fIJ3.IlHI¡! ff &c., given by Messrs. Loui Parry, W. ?  Myatt, Williams, R. Atherton, H. P1V'" Flanagan, and Sergt. Miller.

¡;: rt11} To MOTHrRS.-MrS. thj(l"'S ot 0- has been used over fifty years by lo'-1110ri -t,b mothers for their chiDren while teot l,ll!z perfect success. It will relieve the poor r' L, ,e- immediately. It is p?a?ut to taste; 1 j natural qj?ot fleep. by relieving ? ? br'?? a i>ril?k k pain, and the HtHa cherub wakes up  tIe a button." Of aH Chemists. Is. 1?. Pe bot?** If foll C:t.!1 CO;!OXAT:OX O THE L\ y QL'EN.- ? ?tuT?' attend the Kind's Coronation in Lolldoll .C)UI?,111 see the coronation of the Queen of th% j?- ?? will tab. place at Knutsford 011 Thurscw.g  The queen will make a tour through j V accompanied by her court?merry r ,?-fl  dancers, &c. Cheap trains from L? ??nch???, port, Chester, Warrin.?ton. Stockp«r\te* ^r'vric^ &n d a.H pnnr;Ip?I Motions. See bill_ s lue(i Lmesmre lnnes Hallway Company. ?p;tt. ? L.\c. d () THH ROL\L ALBERT ASYIXM, LA  ?;. Armngemcnts have been made for th? flo ? i dill?l' ,,i ;? Public meeting at Bolton in coniiecf? llvvl it" I,' election of sixty patients from. the1101-t j I "el'-il counties on the 28th instant. The inlt't" t opl- one of its kind in the liortli ot FIll-Iii dei-oted to the care -nd edu c,tlo",)f)I classes of the feeble-minded, and t.?n'ZB ,e is ?. c!ati.ses of the feeble-minded, ?d .nn" need for additional donations a"cl nital s 'I)- need for addIÜonal donations ?, WId! 8criptions, for which the Centra Co?"?f' earnestly appeal. The Royal Aibert y. \jti1 earnestly appeal. TI?e Royal Albert ?.n ,?,.it!?, its Ashton Wing, Storey Houae and IB3 rul't branches, now has accommodation fo? 1i 40tie and at the present time there are 5? 'te. of this number 55 belong to Cheshire.???.?

CRICKET- 1 T. & H. FOR RELIABLE CMCKKT REQ ?s. At Lowest Prices. All GuiLrillteed. JUNIOR CLUB OUTFITS A SPECIAL BATS RE-BLADED 58., 6S. ??' & 8.< o:S TYLDESLET & IIOLI'F to 01; TYLDESLEY &. HO?..? -? LancMhire and All 114 years MaJlWø.tSO,J' England Elevens. Buver for A. 1'1'B:7 PRACTICAL SPORTS OU1'FI for 1902 Illustrated List now ready. g^d'0'. one it will repay YOU' RUNNING, CYCLE RACING, & ??1???  COSTUMES. TYLDESLEY & HOLBBOOateJ 58, BRIDGE-STREET (Five doors fro Del10 MANCHESTER.