THE CHIMNEY CORNER.

THE DISRUPTION A TALE 03? TRYING TIMES.

CHAPTER XXX I1 —con tin tied.

Meantime there was a civil war at Auchterbardie. Mr. Bacon, by keep ing Robin Afleck beside him, contrary to the will and pleasure of Kis factor, Mr. Roderick M'Corkie, had ventured for the first time in his life to rebel against the usurped authority of that high and mighty personage; and the effort had tasked his fortitude td the utmost. Indeed, had he not been seconded by Robin’s superior firmess and sagacity, he would have found it impossible to resist the unceasing en deavors of Mr. M'Corkie to carry his point, which was nothing short of the summary dismissal of the new favourite. And little wonder that Mr. M'Corkie was bent on this; for he had discovered Robin’s design to supplant him, and in truth was jealous of him at first sight as a dangerous rival. The minister of the parish, the Rev. Mr. Smuggerly, conspired with his crony, the factor, to accomplish the expulsion of Robin ' Afleck from Auchterbardie; for the worthy pair felt an interest in the object. They had been so long habituated to treat Mr. Bacon as a cypher, and had taken such advantage of his imbecility, that they benevolently resolved that he should never be his own master, or fall into any other hands than theirs. Al -most inseparable at any rate, they were now continually together, and on the i day we have to refer to they have a ■ special appointment. It must be ex ' plained that Mr. M'Corkie did not dis • dain to resort to a means of govern v' ment-.which some late disclosures have shown to be practised by still greater men than he, and in wider spheres of influence than Auchterbardie namely, the violation of private correspondence. The imperfect arrangements of the post office in that remote part of the king dom enabled him, through his local importance and unquestioned authority in all things connected with Auchter bardie, to obtain possession easily of every letter despatched hence or bear ing that address. In this way, Robin Afleck’s last epistle to Jean Brown had fallen into his hands, and afforded him a view of his own picture drawn by no flattering hand, while it disclosed the friendly design of the writer to “ hole him oot.” He had nevertheless sent it forward to its destination, in order that it might call forth a reply; for he was sufficiently versed in the history of ' breaking seals —and re-sealing to im pose on simple though not quite so perfect an artist in the line as might be found in a higher place. The minister and factor were comfortably seated in the snug parlor of the latter after dinner, when Mr. M'Corkie, after making sure that neither his servant or any third party was within hearing, produced a letter addressed to Mr. Robin Afleck, which had just come to hand. ‘This,’ said he, with a knowing wink, ' I suppose will be an answer to the letter I showed you last week.’ < Oh, the letter dated anno Domini “ten thousand eight hundred and forty-two ? ” ’ replied his friend. ' Exactly; it’s the key to the plot that has been hatching against me, and something to make a handle of against this moon-calf Afleck.’ ‘ Aha ! you’re sore, M'Corkie,’ said Mr. Smuggerly. ‘You have _ not stomached being called a—what is it ? —a red nosed wild cat, or an ettercap, wasn’t it.’

« D’ye think I care for the sumph’s names ? No, no ; just as little as ye do for being ca’d the twin brither o’ some monster in the south country they ca’ Dr. Snapperdudgeon.’ ‘ That was a compliment, Mr. M'Corckle; a compliment, I assure you. Dr. Snapperdudgeon is _no monster, but a monster of ability. Not a lawyer in the country is a match for him, and as for these gabbling Non intrusionists, he’s the man to snub them. I’m very proud of being com pared to him.’ t Well, well, that’s neither here nor there. For my part I don’t care what this clodpole ‘ fleck says about me, but I’m determined to make Auchter bardie too hot for him.’

‘Right, Mr. M'Corkie, right; but push about the bottle, and let us hear what’s in this letter you’ve got hold of.’ 'That’s easier said than done, Mr. Smuggerly. It’ll be from this Jean Brown, I daresay—some drab no doubt. But be she what she may, she is more purpose-like in her way of fold ing up and sealing than the impudent idiot her correspondent. I have no doubt the jade has been suspicious it might be peeped into, for here she has first one wafer between, the folds and another above, stamped as firmly with the top of her thimble or something of the sort, as if she had known it was to pass through my hands. But hand me the hot water, and I’ll try what a little steaming will do.’ - “Take care, Mr. M'Corkie; be cautious. • Take care not to tear the paper at the edges. Remember we have characters to lose.’ ‘ Have we, faith ? Aweel Mr. Smuggerly, I didna ken that. But at ony rate we have places to keep, and that is reason enough _ for being cau tious in a particular kind o’ job like this. Here it comes, though, all safe and sound.”

The factor, in a low stealthy voice, then read as follows :

“ Whynnyside September oath 8100402

‘ deer robin,—yuur letter from auch terbardie maid me both vext and glad i cannot understand how you needed to rin awa frae embro like a ill doer And it Vexes me to think On you needin To hyde yourself for ony Reason i ken It’s unpossible ye Could either cheet Or steal or use the Strong hand rangfoolly soe X canna See what for ye should need to flee Shurely the tup business Canna be brocht against you. yet i am glad to hear of your pros pecks of Being maid mr bacons factor But taik care of the fiery Wee man that is Already in the plaice for Hee may do you A ill turn and ye maun Learn to speak genteel and Keep your sel snodd at whinnyside hear We have had sum droll Wark since I saw you the mistress Has changed Her plan althegither with Stiftrigs she has grown As keen as him of N on e-intrusion and pretends to be As set on kirk matters now as ere she was on’siller Shes as sair on doctor Snapperdudgeon as ever Stiffriggs was or you robin or the Tup

Shes constantly at kirk Meetings and comes hame Raving about some Bill they kali lord Aberdeens bill a wild Brute it maim be if it Hawf as ill as she cawst but what ado it can have with the kirk is Mair than i can Tell then her tongue never Devawls about minis ters they ca kandlish and kinikame and chawmers and this is for Stiffriggs But am just feared shell mak the Dose ower strong What all this is to End In i dont know butt if she is Not mistress stimperton before lang itll be a wunder Stiffriggs is Stiff stiff but may be he may be Led though he’ll no be Driven the mistress at ony rate is taiking the Way to manadge him if ony way will do Wan thing is plane Enyough she thinks Herselff shure to wun and that is twa partr Of the geme i Never kent sitch A change as has Been maid on Her by mother Merediths and it is a pleesant Change till everybody about the hous shes just as fou of good Natur now as an egg is fou of meat and for kindness to bairns and Beggars shes no like the saim woman Robin i doot not you and me Kens naething about luve for it has made nae sic difference on us as for The nip ye got from me at habbies how the less ye say About it the Better for ye ken ye deservt Mair than i hav nails to gie you if ye grow a factor yell Shurely learn Sense till behave yourself and if ye dinna ye need Never xpect me to be the factors Wife am gled Mr, Jimes is to jine you at Auchterbardie. for i think he will be mutch the better of the cuntry air if the house be ony way comfortable But I canna See hoo he can be comfortable With mr bacons way of Leaving as for you Robin i suppose ye can bed and Board as rouchly as mr bacon himselff & No be a bit the waur but ye maun Keep mind its Different with jimes Hes no sae strong As you ' at the Best & this illness Maun have maid Him less fit to thole Ony mis timing either of Meet or Sleep i wad maybe Never have Thought of all this if Miss miggummerie had Not been very oneasy About it she heard from me & for oucht i Ken from jimes Him selff that Was to gang to auchterbardie . & byde there till the Colledge opens & since then She has been offen Here unkent by her faither Or ony of the family Speaking and greeting baith about mr jimes now Robin this is Shurely The right kind of luve but theres No a grain of it between you & Mee i often lauch When i think on you But greeting is the Last thing in ray Head miss miggummerie is in a terror in Case jimes should Have a hard Bed . or sleep in a damp room Or forget His mails or No get them right maid ready or catch Cauld or be mislippened in a 1000 Ways & so she may for he just 1 Adores her but what need i concern ; myselff About you When i ken brawly ye have a crap for aw Corns & have Sleepit oftener in The haylaft than Ony ither place and When i ken forbye its no Aright kind o luve ye Have tor Me ava but just a haveral Notion but i Reckon robin i maun be Content till 1 ye gather Mair gumption & in the Meantime i am As Mutch as ye de serve. Vour ain 1 Jean Brown. “S P if ye be Like to get the Manadgeraent of mr backons property ■ & want Me to taik the Manadgement of you ony time shoon ye had Better give me as mutch Warning as ye can to prepair i have Sum plenishing ready ■ already but naething like enyeuch ‘Bn saft shusie is Deeing on her * feet for Luve of mr backon That’s just 1 as shure as yere leaving J-B.” While Mr. M'Corkie read the fore ’ going letter, his friend, the minister, ; crowed and laughed at every pause, but the factor was less tickled than en raged. The allusions to Robin’s ex pectations and chances of superseding him, and the prospective calculations : on that event, irritated him exceedingly, and made him forget for the moment his self-confidence and contempt for his upstart rival. ‘ Come, come, Mr. Smuggerly,’ said he, ‘ this is not a laughing matter. It’s funny enough, but provoking too. Confound the wench ! I see she has something in her that will make her ignoramus sweet heart more troublesome than he could be by himself. It is plain enough the chap is a runagate. He has done something he canna stand on the head of, and he’s come here to push me off my stool. Faith, there’ll be pushing gaun before he manage that.’ ‘Are you really afraid of him, M‘Corkle ? Well, that’s a joke.’ ‘ Afraid of him ? .No ; I’m no a man, I think, to be terrified for the face o’ clay, far less for a docas like this. I’ll let him ken that if I’m no master at Auchterbardie, I maybe mair. Yes, I’m the factor, and everybody knows that without me Mr. Bacon is nothing. What does he know about ony farm on the estate ? —what does he know about the quarries, the fishings, and the wood ings? Nothing. He knows nothing and can do nothing without me.’ ‘ You take pretty good care of that, M'Corkie. Aha ! that you do.’ (To be continued—commenced on Yuly 26. )

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1880.

Printed and published daily, at the .Guardian . Office, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, . Ashburton; by James MucLeaN iDunn, residing at Tancred street, Ashburton, Saturday, October 16, iSSb."



Business Notices M E D I C A L HALL, ASHBURTON. Established 1874. J. M. CAMBRIDGE, CHEMIST. PARTICULAR ATTENTION PAID TO THE PURITY OF DRUGS. TEETH CAREFULLY EXTRACTED. PRESCRIPTIONS ACCURATELY PREPARED. Open on Sundays, 10 to 11 a.m., 2 to 3 and 7 to 8 p.m. 319 Marsh & Groves. "T7JANCY BREAD AND BAKERS, PASTRYCOOKS AND TIONERS. BISCUIT CONFEC FAMILIES WAITED ON DAILY. Wedding and School Cakes always on hand. Tancred Street, Ashburton. 312 Horse Bazaar Stables, Burnett Street. H. MUIR, PROPRIETOR, HAS much pleasure in informing the public generally that every atten tion and civility will be paid to custo mers. Saddle Horses and Buggies on hire at Lowest Rates. Commodious Loose Boxes for Entires Oats, Chaff, and Hay on Sale. N.B. —Parcels and telegrams received here will command immediate attention. 3io HUGH MUIR. TEN PER CENT. DISCOUNT AT EVERETI BROS. & CO. HAVELOCK STREET, E. B. and Co. will give 10 per cent. Dis count, or, in other words, will take off TWO SHILLINGS for every Pound’s worth of goods purchased. TERMS—CASH. From this day, October [sth, until further notice. EVERETT BROS. & CO. BOOTS! BOOTS! BOOTS ? To Meet the Times. C HAWKINS, the Cheap Boot and . Shoemaker, TINWALD (opposite the Post Office), has determined to CLEAR OUT his large and well-selected Stock at sweeping prices. Only one trial will convince the public of the genuine cheapness of his Stock. His own make equally reduced. Come and see for your selves. Note the address— 0. HAWKINS, PRACTICAL BOOT & SIIOEMAKER Opposite the Post Office, Tinwald. Note—No connection with any other shop. 815 c CHANGE OF PROPRIETARY. nn,HE UNDERSIGNED has much pleasure in announcing to the in habitants of Ashburton and district that he has TAKEN OVER the BUSINESS of Mr. J. S. SAVAGE, East street, Ash burton, and respectfully solicits a con tinuance of the patronage so liberally bestowed on his predecessor, trusting by keeping a choice assortment of all classes of FRUIT, CONFECTIONERY, &c., to merit a fair share of the public support. T. BENNETTO, FRUITERER AND CONFECTIONER, East street, Ashburton. 814 c Removal. CABINETMAKING & UPHOLSTERING ESTABLISHMENT, REMOVED TO BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Cheapest House in Town for New and Secondhand Furniture. JOHN MEECH, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER PAPERHANGER, &c. Drawers from 30s. and upwards, Dressing tables and Washstands 10s. and upwards. AT.T, KINDS OS’ REPAIRS. Furniture Renovated and Repolished, or Exchanged, GOOD PRICE GIVEN FOR SECONDHAND FURNITURE. 248 c



Business Notices. IMMENSE ARRIVALS OF NEW GOODS AT ORE & CO.’S. We are now showing THE LARGEST STOCK NEW SPRING GOODS EVER OFFERED IN ASHBURTON. Ex HALCIONE, AT LYTTELTON, AND NEW LONDON, AT MELBOURNE. ALSO, PJIHB Stock in the Assigned Estate of Messrs. Edmiston, Gundbt, and Co. valued at £2,000, Which will be SOLD at about HALF-PRICE. CONSISTING OF CARPETS, MATTING BLANKETS, GROCERIES, IRONMONGERY, r ! CHAIRS, MATTRESSES &o ORE AND CO. September IsfJ 18801 841c-1820



Flax fob. Paper Manufacture.— Green flax, for purposes in connection with the manufacture of paper, is now being largely exported from Wellington to Mel bourne. The Majesty op the Law. —An odd scene occurred at the Auckland Police Court a few days ago. A stone-cutter outside disturbed the proceedings by the noise of his work, and after two messages had in vain been sent to him to desist he was, much to his astonishment, brought before the Court by a policeman. He pleaded that he had to work for his living, and said he was making the stones light in order that they might be conveyed to the new Court House. Mi’. Barstow, R.M.—The few pounds you take off them will not make much difference. The Stonemason—l am taking a good many pounds off them. His Worship—lf you continue to interrupt the Court I shall take a good many pounds off you ! Mr. Burns—l have not many pounds to take. Will your Worship send me word when I may begin 1 His Worship promised that he would, and Mr. Burns left the Court. Holloway’s Ointment and Pills,— Rheumatic Pains, Tic-Doloreaux. —These dis eases are unfortunately very prevalent in this country, and are frequently most distressing, sometimes for years baffling all medical skill to alleviate the sufferings of the victim. Inno case have Holloway’s Ointment and Pills lailed to produce a cure. The Ointment produces a peculiar and soothing influence over the nerves and muscles, relaxing spasms and subduing pain. The attack soon becomes milder and the intervals between the paroxysms longer; until they cease altogether. The Pills restore the body from a weak and debilitated condition to a state of health and strength. Persons bedridden for months with rheumatic pains and dwellings, after using the Ointment have been cured in an incredible short period.— Advt.



Business Notices- Hfim Ilf ©Mlllllll IS FIRST PRIZE SEWING MACHINES At the Sydney International Exhibition of 1879-80, after a contest extending over Six Months, and the severest tests yet applied to Sewing Machines in the World The Judges have Endorsed the Verdict of the People AND AWARDED THE ONLY FIRST P3RIZE : FOR SEWING MACHINES TO TH E NE W D AWI S VERTICAL FEED MACHINE ON EVERY POINT, AND OVER ALL OTHER MACHINES. Stow Rooms, EAST STREET, NEXT UNION BANK OF AUSTRALIA. READ THE AWARD. “ The New Davis Sowing Machine, being a complete departure from the ordinary stylo of Sewing Machines, pos sessing all the advantages of such ordinary Sewing Machines, and in ad dition an increased range of work, with the greatest simplicity of construction, and reduction in number of working parts, we consider it entitled to first place in awards. ” PRICE, WITH TREADLE, £7 10s. Volumes could express no more than this award, won by SHEER MERIT in competition OPEN TO THE WORLD, he opportunity being fully availed of. Samples of Work and Illustrated Catalogues forwarded post free to any part of the Colony of New Zealand. Full instructions gratis, and a liberal time payment system. Every Machine guaranteed. We will show the Machine in operation, making up samples of the following list of work, which the “ Davis ” WITHOUT BASTING. GOME AND. GET SAMPLES. The Machines Will be Shown with Great Pleasure. .UJ-L..MM.I —ju-i..i«h •■HlT— tmmmrn c. - Plain and Scallop binding. Bind dress goods with the same material, either scallops, points, squares, or straight. Bind folds without showing the stitches. Bind folds without showing the stitches, and sew on at the same time time. It will put on skirt braid and sew on facing at one operation, without showing the stitches. Make French folds. Make French folds and sew on at the same time. Make Milliners’ folds with different colors and pieces of goods at one operation, and sew on at same time. It will gather between two pieces and sow on at the same time. It will cover the cord and sew it in between edges at the same time. It will do felling, bias or straight, either on cotton or woollen goods. It sews from lace to leather without changing stitch or tension. For tucking, cording, braiding, quilting, ruffling, fringing, embroidering, shoe fitting, tailoring, dressmaking* and family use, it has no eqnal. It will make wide and narrow hems, hems -all manner of bias wollen goods, as soft merino, crape, or goods difficult to hem on other machines. It will fold hems with cords enclosed, and stitch them down at one operation. It will cover the cord and sew the sleeve in at one operation. It makes a more elastic stitch than any other machine. It will sew over uneven surfaces as well as plain. It will gather without sewing on. It will gather and sew on at the same time. It will gather between two bands, showing the stitches on the right side at-one operation;;;: ] ; It will fell across seams on any goods. It does not change length of stitch, on scroll .work,. It will make plaited trimming. It will make plaited trimming and sew on at the same time. It will make plaited trimming, either scalloped or straight. It will turn a hem and stitch on trimming at one operation. PURCHASERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED 'iO DO ALL THE ABOVE WORK.



Business Notices. GRATEFUL COMFORTING. EPPS’S COCOA. BREAKFAST. BY a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, •and by a .careful application of the fine properties of well selected cocoa, Mr. Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured beverage which may save as many heavy doctor’s bills. It is by the judicious use of such articles of diet : that a constitution may be gradually built up until strong enough to resist every -ten pency to disease. Hundreds of subtle maladies are floating around us ready to attack wherever there is a weak point. We may escape many a fatal shaft' by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a properly nourished frame, — See article in the Civil Service Gazette. • Made simply with boiling water or milk Sold only in packets or tins, labelled JAMES EPPS AND CO,, HOSKEOPATHIC CHEMIST, LONDON, 91°« Medical. Keating’s Powder. Keating’s Powder. Keating’s Powder. Keating’s Powder. Kills Bags, Pleas, Moths, Beetles- This Powder is quite, harmless; to ANIMAL LIFE, but is unrivalled in destroy ing fleas, bugs, cockroaches, beetles, moths in furs, and every other species of insect. Sports men will find this invaluable for destroying fleas in their dogs, as also ladies lor their, pet dogs. THIS ARTICLE has found so GREAT a SALE that it has tempted others to vend a so called article in imitation. The PUBLIC are CAUTIONED that the tins of'the genuine powder bear the autograph of I HOMAS KEATING. Keating’s Worm Tablets. . Keating’s Worm -Tablets. } - Keating’s Worm Tablets, A PURELY VEGETABLE SWEETMEAT, both in appearance and taste, furnishing a most agreeable method of administering the only certain remedy for INTESTIN AL or THREAD WORMS. It is a perfectly safe and mild preparation, and is especially adapted for children. Sold in tins by ail Chemists and Druggists. Proprietor, THOS. KEATING, London. 95<>c ENO’S FRUIT SALT. THE PHYSICAL BASIS 5 OF LIFEO GOOD FOOD. . .. How to enjoy good food that, would . other wise cause Bilious headache, disordered Stomach, Poisoned Blood, &c.—use . /; r ENO’S FRUIT SALT. - A NATURAL APERIENT. ENO’S FRUIT’ SALT, when taken with water, acts as a natural aperient, its simple but natural action removes all impurities, thus preserving and restoring health. If its great value in keep ing the body in health were universally known, no fam should be without it. Fagged, . weary, and -worn OUT!! ! Anyone whose duties require them to under go mental or unnatural excitement or strain— ENO’S FRUIT SALT is the • best known remedy. It acts like a charm. ’lt allays ner vous excitement, depression, aud the injurious effects of stimulants and too rich food. Its power in aiding the digestion is most striking. It also restores the nervous system to its proper condition (by natural means). Use ENO’S FRUIT SALT. You cannot overstate its great value in keeping the blood pure and free from disease. ENO versus STIMULANTS, An' in sufficient amount of exercise frequently deranges the liver. ENO’S FRUIT SALT is peculiarly adapted for any constitutional weak ness of the liver. A world of woes is avoided by those who keep and use ENO’S - FRUIT SALT.—“AII our customers for End’s Salt would not be without it upon any consideration, they having received so much benefit from it.— Wood Brothers, Chemists, Jersey, 1878.” Every travelling trunk and HOUSEHOLD in the world ought; to contain a Bottle of ENO’S .FRUIT’ SALT, prepared from Sound, Ripe Fruit, as a Health giving/ Cooling, Sparkling, and Invigorating Beverage for any Season. It is the best Pre ventive and Cure for Biliousness, Sick Head ache. Skin Eruptions, Impure Blood, Fevers, Pimples on the Face,. Giddiness, Feverishness, Mental Depression, Want of. Appetite, Sour ness of Stomach, Constipation, Vomiting; Thirst, &c., and to remove the effects of errors in Eating and Drinking. ENO’S FRUIT SALT.—From the Rev. Dr Hurst, Vicar of Collorly : —'■“! have used your Fruit Salt for many years, and have verified’your statements. . The thanks of the public are due to you for your unceasing efforts to relieve suffering humanity. Long may you live to be a blessing to the world.” ENO’S FRUIT SALT.—“After suffering for nearly two and a half years . from severe headache and disordered stomach) and' after trying almost everything and spending much money without finding any benefit, I was recommended by a friend to try ENO’S FRUIT SALT, and before I had finish d one bottle I found it doing me a great dealofgood, and now I am restored to my usual health; and others I know that have tried it havehot enjoyed such good health for yearn.—Yours most truly, Robert Humphreys,. Post Office, Barrasford.” ■ Agents for New .Zealand, MESSRS. KEMPTHORNE, PROSSER, AND CO. " STEEDMAN’S SOOTHING POWDERS FOR ' CHILDREN CUTTING TEETH. CAUTION TO PURCHASERJs. The value of this well-known Family Medi cine has been largely tested in all parts"of'the world, and by all grades of society, for upwards of FIFTY YEARS. Its well-earned exten sive sale has induced SPURIOUS IMITA TIONS, some of which in OUTWARD APPEARANCE so closely resemble the ori ginal as to have deceived many purchasers. The proprietor therefore feels it due to. the public to give a special caution against the use of SUCH IMITATIONS. ' ‘ Purchasers are therefore requested carefully’ to observe the four*.-following distinctive characteristics, without which, none, -are genuine:— ‘ ' J ist—ln every, case the. words ’JOHN STEEDMAN, CHEMIST, WALWORTH, SURREY, are engraved on the Government Stamp affixed to each packet; • ' : 2nd—Each Single Powder has directions for the dose, and the words, John Chemist, Walworth, Surrey,- printed thereon. 3rd—The name, Steedman, is always spelt with two EE’s; t ..... 4th—The manufacture is carried on solely at Walworth, Surrey, ■ . ‘ Sold iii Packets by all Chemists -and Medi cine Vendors. . Sold by Kempthorne, Prosser, and Co., Auckland. • - " v . .63