THE CHIMNEY CORNER.

THE THREE NUMBERS. “ I say again, Edmund, I will not read it. Keep it, and gloat over it as the evi dence of your ingratitude and my misery, if you will ; but put it out of my sight, or I will not be answerable for my actions ! ” Still he held the letter towards me, silently, with the same strange smile lighting up his boyish face. “ Why do you torture me 1 ” I cried, restraining myself with an'effort. “You have robbed me of ray one treasure. You have destroyed the sole aim of my life. Let that content you.” “You are mad!” he said, with irri tating calmness. “If you read the letter, yon might better understand the full extent of the wrong I have done you. ” I tore tho letter from his hand, and flung it upon the glowing grate. It sprang into flame, and rolled off upon the floor in three little heaps cf ashes. Then I turned and confronted him. The quiet, half-pitying disdain in his face acted upon me as the fire had acted upon the paper. Every foul and dangerous impulse of my nature burst into fierce flames. But I controlled all outward signs, and

stood looking at him in breathless silence. He was leaning against the door of the roomy steel safe which was built into the wall. Whether something in his attitude, or some whisper from my evil heart, suggested it, I know not, but a cold, terrible thought crept upon me as I gazed at him. The safe was empty ; for I had removed its contents earlier in the after noon, and I saw with a shudder that it would contain his body. In the delirium of my rage and jealousy, the temptation of an awful revenge took a firm hold of me. For a moment, however, I resisted it.

“ Edmund,” I said, calmly, “leave me! As you hope to live another hour, get out of my sight. ” “Ho, I will not,” he said firmly, ’’unless you know the contents of the letter you so foolishly destroyed. ” I struggled no longer against the temp tation ; but I waited to have one doubt confirmed. “ Do you love her, Edmund ? ” I asked, in a smothered tone. “ Yes dearly,” he replied, with the old strange smile crossing his lips. “ And does ” the words stuck in my throat—“ does she love you 2 ” “Even as I do her,” he answered as before. “ Then love each other in the next world, for you shall never meet again in this ! ” I cried, seizing him in my arms and forcing him towards the safe. For a moment he struggled wildly, but in vain. His boyish frame was like an infant’s beside my maturer strength. Then he desisted and looked up at me appealingly. “ Would you murder me, Arthur 2 ” he said hoarsely. ‘•' Madman you know not what you are doing ! In heaven’s name, let me explain ! ” “ Too late ! ” I muttered, as I savagely forced him into the safe and crushed the giant door upon him. With scarce a look at the dial plate, which regulated the lock, I whirled the combination round, and the bolt slid into its socket with a dull thud. He was buried alive in a tomb more impenetrable than the deepest grave ever dug.

Insanely exulting oyer my detestable crime, I sat down to reflect. Surely, I said, I have done no more than justice. I have administered a well-merited punishment with my own hands. He who betrays his friend and benefactor deserves no better fate. For did not Edmund owe his very life to me 1 Did I not take him in, a homeless nameless orphan, and make him as a younger bro ther to me ? Had I not, when young in the world and struggling with every ad versity, divided my poor pittance with him, and made every sacrifice that he might profit thereby. And how had he re warded me ? Late in life I. met the woman who I believed might secure to me the content ment I had always longed for but never known. I had trusted her when she told me that my love for her was returned. At my age love is no floating waif, but a rock whose foundations lie deep in the heart, and I had tied my soul to it. I had made Edmund my confidant, and her friend. I had seen them together day after day, only too happy that they seemed to appreciate each other. Only of late the demon of suspicion had entered my mind. Then I frankly acknowledged my fears, and asked that they should see each other no more. And both had refused, not gently or consider ately, but with a cool insolence that mad dened me. I saw that there was a secret between them. I saw that there was a secret between them, and I knew it meant that I had lost the woman I loved, and the man I had so befriended had robbed me of her. The thought had rankled in my bosom like the sting of a scorpion I had become moody and ill, separating myself from both of them, that I might not witness the happiness I had lost. This day Edmund had come to me, and, with affected pity, offered me a letter from her, which lie said would explain all. Ay, explain with cool insolence the utter falseness of them both. I had done well. My act was justice not revenge ! I had been sitting with my eyes bent upon the floor. As I raised them they rested full upon the portrait of Edmund, which hung upon the wall before me. My gaze fastened upon it with a kind of fascination. The frank, boyish eyes looked down upon me with what seemed to be a mute

appeal for the man slowly dying in the safe. I tried to turn away my head, for I felt my evil resolution melting away beneath its influence ; but I could not.

With the swiftness of thought, a sense of horror for my meditated crime, and pity for my victim, rushed oyer me. Deeply as he had wronged me I felt I must forgive him. I arose and went to the safe intending, to release him ; hut first called his name. There was no answer. The iron walls were thick, but still his voice, had he spoken, would have penetrated them. Was he dead already'? With fingers weak as a child’s, I turned the index plate controlling the bolt, and pulled at the knob. The door remained immovable. I had lost the combination by which I had fastened it. My insane fury had banished every number of it from my mind. Overcome by the horror of my position, I staggered to a chair and sat down. My repentance had come too late. I must be a murderer in spite of myself. I was aware that having once lost the arrangement by which I had locked the door, it might be the task of days, perhaps weeks, to recover it again. Meanwhile •Edmund must die of suffocation.

By the closest calculation the air in the safe would be exhausted in a little over an hour, and there was not the smallest crevice by which it could be renewed.

Once again I ran to the door and tried every combination I fancied might be the true one; but the great metal panel re mained as firmly closed as before. Half an hour had already gone ; but thirty minutes of life was left to the poor creature I had so madly sacrificed to my jealousy. To the latest day of my life I shall re member the awful experience of those few, short moments. All my love for the poor boy came back with redoubled in tensity.

I forgot his baseness to me ; I forgot all but the years we had lived together as brothers. Vague thoughts of hastening for

aid and tools to blow the safe apart came to me, but I knew that Edmund must be dead many hours before even that could be accomplished. Back I went to the combination, and whirled it round and round until the figures seemed to glare like sparks of fire before my dizzy eyes. Still the safe re fused to render up its victim. But fifteen minuses more of life re mained for him.

I arose once more, uttering a wild prayer to Heaven for pardon and help, and gazed vacantly around the room. My roving eyes fell upon the three heaps of ashes from the burnt letter lying upon the floor. Whether it was from some vague recollection, or whether they really existed as I saw them, I know not, but the three heaps seemed to have as sumed the shape of three distinct figures. They were the numerals, one, five, and nine.

For a moment I stared at them blankly, then the blessed hope that they might re present the one out of many thousand combinations that would open the safe, aroused me.

Without pausing to find a reason for the fancy, I set the number above the other on the dial, and with a thickiy beating heart pulled desperately at the knob. Who can imagine the passion of joy and relief that swept upon me, as the massive door swung slowly back, exposing the in terior of the safe.

Edmund lay partly upon the floor, pal lid as death itself, and utterly insensible ; but, thank Heaven, the heart still flut tered feebly ; he was not dead.

It was the effort of an instant to lift him out of the safe into purer air, but the ivork of an hour to call back the life I had so nearly depraved him of. At length, with a deep sigh, he opened his eyes and looked up at me inquiringly. “ Forgive me, Edmund,” I cried in an agony of shame and remorse ; “I was mad. I knew not what I was doing. Take her ; I am too sinful, too selfish, to be worthy ot her love.” “I forgive you,” he answered, with his kind smile, “ all but your self-condemna tion ; but I cannet take her in the sense you mean. I told you we loved each other, but it was only as relatives may love. For, Arthur, she is that sister whom, as you know, I lost in childhood. We learned that from each other long ago, and meant to keep the secret until your wedding day ; but we saw you were un happy in your doubt of us, and that letter which you burned would have told you all.”

I could make no reply. The tears that filled my eyes were those of unutterable thankfulness for my narrow escape from an awful crime ; and they sealed a firm resolve to be more worthy of the happiness I had so nearly flung away.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SAUTEDAY, MAY 8, 1880.

Printed and published by Horace John Weeks and Charles Dixon, at their Printing Office, East Street, Ashburton, Saturday, May 8, 1880.



Business Notices, HALLO! HILLO! QUILL AGAIN. REDUCTION IN PRICES. BOTTLED WINES & SPIRITS. T. Q IT I LL, SEEING the necessity of a Wholesale Bottling, Wine, and Spirit Store in Ashburton, has determined to supply that want, and therefore begs to submit the following list of Prices, every article guaranteed to be of the best and purest description. PRICE LIST. Brandy Flasks, 2s. and 4s. per flask. Fine Old Port, per Bottle, ss. and 6s. Superior old Dry Montelado, (old Sherry) o’s. & 6s. Very old Scotch Whisky, per Bcttle sa. Fine old Irish Whisky, per Bottle, ss. Superior old Jamaca Rum, per Bottle, ss. Fine old Martelle’s Dark Brandy, per Bottle, ss. Hennessey’s Brandy, per Bottle, Gs. Superior Square Gin (J.D.K.Z.), per Bottle, 6s. Superior Old Tom (Swain Booth’s), per Bottle, ss. All other brands equally Reduced. QUILL’S Assorted Dozen of Best Wines and Spirits for £3 10s, containing— -3 bottles Brandy 2 „ Port 2 ~ Rum 2 bottles W 7 hisky 2 ~ Sherry 1 ~ Old Tom (Ready packed, and forwarded to any part of the County on the shortest notice.) One trial will prove to Quill’s customers the quality of his taps. COMMENCING MONDAY, 26th APRIL. Open from 7 a.m to G p.m. during winter months. Note Address— T. QUILL’S, WHOLESALE BOTTLING STORES, Commercial Hotel, (Near Railway Station), Ashburton. 7510 PATRONISED BY ALL CLASSES. THE GREATEST DISCOVERY; OF THE AGE. miner’s TRADE N MARK.



Business Notices. NEW SHOP. JUST OPENED, TO MEET REQUIRE MENTS. O. 0 AUSTENS & Fancy Goods and Stationery c°- Depot, PROSPECT BUILDINGS, East street, Shop formerly occupied by Weston. Good Stock of Cigars, Tobacco, and Pipes of every description. HAIR - CUTTING, SHAVING, AND SHAMPOOING on the promise;. Licensed to sell Postage Stamps. 7GCg-366c



BEST NEWCASTLE ’COALS ‘ LA.MBTON COLLIERY. 50s. PER TON. PER CENT. DISCOUNT for CASH. SPRINGFIELD COALS 40s. PER TON. 10 Per Cent. Discount for Cash. To be delivered in my yard. Accounts to be paid monthly. 359C-773G C. PERCY COX.



FINE ARTS. ART UNION. A SPLENDID Collection of OIL PAINTINGS and Water Color DRAWINGS, by Mr. Clarke, of Rakaia, are to be disposed of by Art Union. The pictures are on view at the shop next to Mr. Street’s, Saddler, Rakaia. Tickets, 10s each, can be obtained at Mr. Street’s Saddler, Rakaia, and of THOS. A. GATES, Picture Frame Maker. 48c-770c; Ashburton.



PURE EXTRACT of KEROSINE WILL NOTJIGNITE IF ’LAMP IS UPSET. Burns in any Kerosine Lamp ; gives a brighter light, lasts longer, is free from smell and free from danger. Sold by all respectable grocers and storekeepers throughout the colony. The next time you want Oil for your Lamp try a tin of “ Niner’a Extract.” Sold in pints, quarts, half-gallon and one-gallon tins. Wholesale and Retail Agents for the Ashburton District — ORE. AND CO., Ashburton and Rakaia. 316c-735& THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN. gUBSORIBERS in the Country are ! Particularly requested to communicate [ with the Publishers if their papers are not | properly addressed. The number of Sub- j scribers has increased so rapidly that un- g less great care is taken in giving orders as t to address and how to be sent, the papers i: £ may be left at the wrong place. All order e c will receive our prompt attention. WEEKS AND DIXON, | u



TO FARMERS. mHE UNDERSIGNED are CASH 1 PURCHASERS of WHEAT, OATS, and BARLEY, and are prepared to SHIP WHEAT to the English markets on fanners’ account at the lowest possible cost. P. CUNNINGHAM &CO., 561 g Ashburton and Christchurch. THE ROYAL ASSOCIATION FOB THE PROMOTION OF THE FINE ARTS IN SCOTLAND. Founded in 1833. Incorporated by Royal Charter, 1847. THE object of this Association— the first established in the United King dom for similar purposes is to advance the cause of Art in Scotland, by afford ing encouragement to its professors : I. The Association is composed of Annual Subscribers of One Guinea and upwards. 11. The Funds of the Association are appropriated to the purchase of Modern Works of Art, in Painting, Drawing, or Statuary, and to the execution or purchase of Engravings, Etchings, Bronzes, Bas reliefs, Models, or other productions of Art, for distribution among Subscribers. A portion of the Funds is also devoted to the acquisition of Modern Works of Art towards the formation of a National Gal lery. 111. A General Meeting of the sub scribers is annually held in July, when a Committee of Management is appointed for the ensuing year, and when the different Works purchased for the Associa tion become, by lots publicly drawn, the property of individual Members—Sub scribers being entitled to one chance fcx every Guinea subscribed. IY. Each Subscriber of One Guinea entitled to receive one plain impression of the Engraving or Engravings issued for the year of his Subscription—a Subscriber of Two Guineas, one proof impression or impressions after letters—of Five Guineas, one proof impression before letters. Y. Members may select one of the Association’s Statuettes for each £l, Is. subscribed, in lieu of the Engraving for the year, by payment at the time of sub scribing of such additional sum as may from time to time be fixed by the Com mittee, the expense and risk of carriage to be undertaken by the subscriber, and no Member to be allowed to chose more than ne copy of each Statuette in any one year. Note.— The following are the prices fixed by the Committee for the Statuettes already issued by the Association, viz,, Sir Walter Scott, £2, 10s.; Professor Wilson, £2, 10s.; Corrinna, £5 ; Pene lophon ;£5 ; Ruth, £5. These prices give no additional chances in the drawing for the prize Works of Art, and are in addition to the Annual Sub scription. ELAN FOR THE CURRENT YEAR, 188 °. The Presentation Work will consist of in important Etching by the well-known ind successful Etcher, M. Rajon of Paris, if ter the Painting by the late G. Paul lhalmers, R.S.A., ‘The Legend,’ pur ihased by the Association for the Scottish National Gallery. Every Subscriber of One Guinea to the i of the Association for the ensuing • rear will be entitled to One Print Im mession of the Etching, besides one fiance in the Distribution of Paintings n July 1880 ; every Subscriber of Two Guineas will be entitled to One Lettered > roof Impression besides two chances in n the distribution ; and every Subscriber ■ f Five Guineas will he entitled to One ’roof before letters, signed by M. Rajon, esides five chances at the distribution, j >f these last there will be only one hun red impressions, so that early application * >r them should be made, as they will be I iven off according to priority of subscrip ,on. There will also be Ten First Proofs iken before all others. These will be I l exceedingly choice condition, and each p übscriber of Twenty Guineas will be ititled to one of them, and to twenty lances in the distribution of Paintings. Circulars, Forms of Application, and 'ther particulars at this office.



Railway Time "Table. REVISED RAILWAY FJYRAIN ARRANGEMENTS. ASHBURTON SECTION. SOUTH. NORTH. + Stop to allow passengers to alight only. ASHBURTON AND TIMARU SECTION. SOUTH. NORTH. RAKAIA AND ASHBURTON FORKS RAILWAY. TIMARU AND DUNEDIN SECTION. SOUTH. NORTH.



Business Notices. FARMERS ! FARMERS ! FARMERS ! R. McKERROW AND CO., RE Cash Purchasers of Wool, Grain, and all kinds of Farm Produce, and are Iso prepared to make Liberal CASH ADVANCES on the above placed in their hands either for sale or shipment to the English or Colonial Markets. A Large Stock of Cornsacks, Wool packs, &c., for sale at lowest current prices. R. McKERROW & CO., GRAIN MERCHANTS, RAKA3A. C 3



Business Notice. A. J. WHITE’S STEAM CABINETMAKING AMD FURNITURE ESTABLISHMENT, CHRISTCHURCH, Will be found one of the most convenient in New Zealand. THE Stock being so varied, that, pur chasers may at once select any Article they can possibly require, suitable for any class of House. This will be found an IMMENSE ADVANTAGE TO COUN TRY CUSTOMERS Thus saving time, trouble and expense. 580 a



Business Notices. Dissolution OF Partnership. ORE AND CO., JgEG to announce that they intend to DISSOLVE PARTNERSHIP on Ist SEPTEMBER. They will therefore, on Saturday, May Ist, offer the whole of their superior stock, amounting to over £20,000 worth of DRAPERY, IRONMONGERY, AND GROCERIES, AT COST PRICE. The reductions in price extends to every Department in our Business, And we trust our Customers will pay PROMPT CASH DURING SALE. All Goods will be marked in plain figures with Red Ink. |f $ $ All outstanding accounts must be paid at once so that partnership accounts may be adjusted. I ORR & CO., ASHBURTON & RAKAIA April 24th, 1880. P.S. —A Large Shipment of Drapery Goods just opened up ex Pallala. Guns! Guns! Guns!



Public Notices. TO FARMERS. rgIHE undersigned are CASH BUYERS Of Wheat and other Grain, or will make LIBERAL ADVANCES On shipments to London on grower’s account. DEERING’S TWINE BINDER. NOTICE TO FARMERS.



'E have this day APPOINTED MESSRS. FRIEDLANDER BROS. SOLE AGENTS for the PEERING TWINE BINDER for the county of Ashburton. MASON STROTHERS & CO. Christchurch 10th. February, 1880. The Deering Twine Binder AWARDED GOLD MEDAL At Ashburton, six machines competing. THE DEERING TWINE BINDER took the SPECIAL PRIZE at the Oamaru Jtrial etc.



Jj-AYING been appointed sole agents for the above machines, we are now prepared to TAKE ORDERS for the coming season. As only a LIMITED NUMBER can be supplied, all who wish to make certain of securing those favorite machines fo next season should order before the depar ture of next San Francisco Mail. FRIEDLANDER B R ° AGENTS FOB THE COLONIAL FIRE AND MARINE ; INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW I 1 ZEALAND i 1 ( s t SOLE AGENTS I FOB TP THE CELEBRATED ALTHOUSE SELF - REGULATING WINDMILLS. -



POWDER. SHOT. CAPS. ORE AND CO. JJAVE now on hand a very fine assortment of BREEOHLO ADING DOUBLE AND SINGLE-BARREL GUNS, And as these have been imported direct from the manufacturers, we are prepared to Sell at the most Reasonable Prices— From £2 10s to'£2s.



Medical. jpOR COUGHS, BRONCHITIS, IN FLUENZA, COLDS. &c. jpOWELL’S BALSAM of ANISEED. jpOWELL’S BALSAM of ANISEED. J 30 WELL’S BALSAM of AJSBEED. THE Oldest and Most Effectual GOUGH REMEDY. Extraordinary testimo nials. HER MAJESTY S GUN BOAT NETLEY. Wick, Scotland. Dear Sir, — Having had a most distressing and severe cough, which caused me many sleepless nights and restless days, I was recommended by his LORDSHIP the EARL of CAITHNESS to try your most invaluable Balsam of Aniseed, and I can assure you, with the first dose, I found immediate relief, even without having to suspend my various duties; and the first small bottle com pletely cured me, therefore I have the greatest confidence in fully recommend ing it to the million. Signed, W. LINZELL, H.M.G.B. NETLEY. POWELL’S BALSAM of ANISEED. A Due DB Montabob writes “ Chateau de Montabor, Aveyron. Sir,— Having suffered for some time from an obstinate cough, accompanied with fever, continuous head-aches, and sleepless nights, I resolved after having vainly tried several other medicines, to have recourse to your BALSAM of ANISEED. I cannot resist, sir, the desire of making you acquainted with the really marvelous results which I derived from it. From the first dose I felt great relief, the bad symptoms grew feebler, the irritation of the throat was calming down, and I recovered the sleep which had nearly left me. The third dose delivered me completely, and I am now completely restored to health. Receive, sir, with the expression of my gratitude the assurance of my distinguished sentiments. POWELL’S BALSAM of ANISEED. I “Sir,—ll have for a long time suffered from a severe cough and tried all manner of remedies. Dr. Liberecht advised POWELL’S BALSAM of ANISEED ; it cured me after a few days. You are at liberty to use this l letter in hopes that others may benefit by it.— I am. Sir, Yours. &a, ALBERT COUNT POTOCKL” pOWELL’S BALSAM OF ANISEED WILL LOOSEN the PHLEGM imme diately.—The Dean of Westminster’s Verger writes: “I was advised to try the Balsam of Aniseed; I did, and have found great relief. It is most comforting in allaying irritation and giving strength to the voice.” Lionel Brough, Esq., the eminent actor, writes : I think it an invaluable medicine for members of my profession, and have always recommended it to my brother and sister artistes.”



Truly an extraordinary ex pectorant.— Mr. Ullett, of Bury, Hunts., writes to Messrs. Palmer & Son, Ramsay : —“ Having been in the habit o using Powell’s Balsam of Aniseed for a great number of years, I have great pleasure in bear ing testimony to its incomparable effects as an expectorant. I always find a single dost: gives immediate relief, and a small bottle effects a perfect cure.” OWELL’S BALSAM of ANISEED.— The effects of one teaspoonful taken in a little water before going to bed is extraordinary. No family should be without it in the winter. Sold by Chemists and Medicine Vendors throughout the World, is and 2s 3d per ,per bottle; a great saving in taking family bottles, ns each. Established over 50 years. Prepared only by THOMAS POWELL, Blackfriars Road, London. for POWELL’S BALSAM of ANISEED SOLD by all CHEMISTS and STORE KEEPERS. Observe the Trade Mark; “Lion, Net, and Mouse.” Wholesale Agents in the Australian and New Zealand Colonies -Elliot Brothers; Eyers & Solomon ; Felton, Grimwalde, & Co. ; P. and S. Falk, Faulding & Co., Rocke, Tompsit, & Co.; Rosenthall & Co.; Kempthorne, Prosser, & Co.; S. Hoffenung & Co.; Hemmons, Laws, & Co. ; Berkley, Taylor, & Co.; and all other wholesale houses. Proprietor—Thomas Powell, Blackfriars Road London. KEATINGS COUGH LOZENGES, COUGHS, ASTHMA, BRONCHITIS, ACCUMULATION OF PHLEGM, Composed of the purest articles. These Lozenges contain no opium nor any deleterious dru£, therefore the most delicate can take them with perfect confidence. Their beneficial effect is speedy and certain. This old un failing family remedy is daily recommended by the most eminent Physicians. (In use nearly 60 years). MEDICAL TESTIMONY. July 25th, 1877. 22, Cold Harbour Lane, London. Sir, —Your Lozenges are excellent, and their beneficial effect most reliable. I strongly recommend them in cases of cough and asthma. You are at liberty to state this as my opinion, formed from many years experience. J. Bringloe, M.R.C.S.L., L.S.A., L.M. Mr, T. Keating, Indian Medical Service. Dear Sir, —Having tried your Lozenges in India, I have much pleasure in testifying to their beneficial effects in cases of incipient consumption, asthma and bronchial affections. I have prescribed them largely, with the bes results. W. B. G, , Apothecaiy. H.M.S. KEATINGS COUGH LOZENGES are sold by all Chemists, in tins of various sizes, each having the words, “Keatings’s Cough Lozenges ” engrrven on the government stamp. KEATING’S WORM TABLETS, A PURELY VEGETABLE SWEETMEAT, noth in appearance and taste, furnishing a most agreeable method of administering the only certain remedy for INTESTINAL or THREADWORMS. It is a perfectly safe and mild preparation, and is especially adapted for children. Sold in tins by all Chemists. Proprietor, THOS. KEATING, London, Export Chemist and Druggist. TO PRINTERS. MACHINE FOR SALE. FO R S A L B. —•: One Second-hand Double Demy Tape Printing MACHINE, in thorough working order, with rollers, moulds, &c., complete. This machine has been replaced by a Double Royal Wharfedale, which necessitates removal of the Double Demy Machine formerly used for printing the “ Herald ” and “ Guardian,” for hand or steampower. Can be seen and all par ticulars obtained at our office. For a Country Office this suits admirably, as it can easily by hand, for which we have fitted a fly wheel and handle. Price £7O WEEKS & DIXON