THE SPLENDID SPUR.

fe a-took in, same as they poor folks up stairs? Teo-heel Lord, what a trick I —to como for Master Tingcomb; an' find—aw dear I aw, bless my old ribs, what a thing Is humor!" "Shut Up!" grunted the minister. Tho end »f the coffin was tilted up iuto tho hearse. "Push, old varmint I" "Ay—push! push] Where be my younjr, »ctive sinews? What a shriveled garment is ill my comeliness I 'The devil inside,' says Birnmy—haw, haw I" "Burn tho thing! 'twon't go in for tho tool box. Push, thou cackling old worms!" "Now so I be, but my natural strength is ibated. 'Yo-heavo ho!' like the salted sea tardingers up stairs. Push I push!" "Oh, my inwards!" groaiiß poor Matt, pnder his breath, Into whom tho chest was Iqueozing sorely. "Right at last!" says the minister. "Now, Bimmy, my lad, hand the reins an' jump up. There's room, an' you'll be wanted." The door was clapped to, the three rogues climbed upon the seat in front, and we itarted. I hope I may never be called to pass such mother half hour as that which followed. As soon as the wheels left turf for the hard road, 'twas jolt, jolt, all the way, and this tying mainly down hill, the chest and coffiu came grinding iuto our ribs, and pressing till we could scarcely breathe. And I dared not climb out over them, for fear the fellows ihould hear us; their chuckling voices com ing quite plain to us from the other side of the panel. I held out and comforted Matt, as tvelf as I could, feeling sure we should find Master Tingcomb at our journey's end. Soon ire climbed a hill, which eased us a little, but ihortly after were bumping down again, and luffenng worse than ever. "Save us," moaned Matt.; "where will this Wd?" The words were scarce out when we turned lharp to the right, with a jolt that shook our teeth together, rolled for a little while over miooth grass, and drew up. I heard the fellows climbing down, and got my pistols out. "Simmy," growled the minister, "where's Ihe lantern?" There was a minute or so of silence, and then the snapping of flint and steel and the tound of puffing. "Lit, Simmy?' "Ay, here 'tis." • 'Fetch it along then." The handle of the door was turned, and a light flashed into the hearse. "'Here, hold the lantern steady! Come hither, old Squeaks,and help wi' the end." "Surely I will. Well was I called Young Look-alive when a gay, fleeting boy. Simmy, my son, thou'rfc sadly drunken. O youtn, youth! Thou wine bibber, hold the light iteady, or I'll tell thy mammy!" "On, sir, I do mortally dread the devil an' til his works!" "Now, if ever! 'The devil,' says he—an' Blaster Tiugcomb still livin', an' iv his own house awaitin' us!" Be sure, his words were as good as a slap Jn the face to me. For I had counted the hearse to lead me straight to Master Ting comb himself. *'In his own house," too! A fright seized me for Delia. But first I must deal with these scoundrels, who were already dragging out the coffin, "Steady there!" calls the minister. The coffin was more than half way outside. I leveled my pistol over the edge of the tool chest aud fetched a yell fit to wake a g^host — at the same time letting fly straight tor the minister. Iv the flash of the discharge I saw him, half turned, his eyes staring aud mouth agape. He clapped his hand to hi 3 shoulder. On top of his wild shriek broke out a chorus of screams and oaths, in the middle of which the coffiu tilted up and went over with a crash. "Satan! Satan!" bawled Simmy, and, dropping the lantern, took to his heels for dear life. At the same moment the horses took fright, and before I could scramble out we were tearing madly away over the turf and into the darkness. I had made a sad mess of it. It must have been a full minute before the hedge turned them, aud gave me time to drop out at the back and run to their heads. Matt. Soanies was after me, quick as thought, and very soon, we mastered thorn, and gathering up the reins from between their legs, led them back. As luck would have it, the lan tern had not been quenched by the fall, but lay flaring, and so guided us. Also a curious bright radiance seemed growing on. the sky, for which I could not account. Tho three knaves were nowhere to be seea, but I heard their footsteps scampering in the distance, and Simmy still yelling "Satan 1" I knew my bullet had hit the minister; but he got away, and I never set eyes on any of the three again. Leaving Matt, to mind the horses, I caught up the lantern and looked about me. As well as could be seen, we were in a narrow meadow between two hills, whereof the black slopes rose high above us. Some paces to the right my ear caught the noise of a stream running. I turned the lantern on the coffiu, which lay. face downwards, and with a gasp took in the game those precious rogues had been playing. For, with tho fall of it, the boards (being but thin) were burst clean asunder; and on both sides had tumbled out silver cups, silver saltcellars, silver plates and dishes, that, in the lantern's rays, sparkled prettily on the turf. The coffin, in short, was stuffed with Delia's silverware. I had picked up a great flagon, and was turning it over to read the inscription when Matt. Soames called to me and pointed over the lull in front. Above it the whole sky was red and glowing. "Sure," said ho, " 'tis a fire out yonder!" "God help us, Matt.—'tis th© House of Gleys!" It took but two minutes to toss the silver back into tho hearse. I clapped to tho door, and, snatching the reins, sprang upon the driver's seat.

CHAPTER XX.

THE ADVBNTXJRE OF THE LEDGE. "We had some ado to find the gate; but no BOoner were through, mid upon the high road, than I lashed the horses up the hill at a gallop. To guide us between the dark hedges we had only one lantern and the glare ahead. The dishes and the cups clashed and rattled as the hearse bumped in the ruts, swaying wildly; a dozen times Matt, was near being pitched clean out of his seat. With my legs planted firm, I flogged away like a madman, and like mad creatures the horses tore up ward. On the summit a glance showed us all—the wild, crimsoned sky—the, sea running with lines of fire—and against it the inky head land whereon the House of Gleys flared like a beacon. Already from one wing—our wing— a leaping column of flame whirled up through the roof, and was swept seaward in smoke and sparks. I marked the coast line, the cliff tracks, the masts and hull of the Godsend standing out clear as day, and nearer, the yellow light flickering over the fields of young corn. We saw all this and then were plung ing down hill, with the blaze full ahead of us. The heavy reek of it was flung in nostrils as we galloped. At the bottom we caught up a group of men running. 'Twas a boatload come from the ship to help. As our horses swept past them one or two came to a terrified halt; but presently were running hard again after us. The great gate stood open. I drove straight into the bright lit yard, shouting, "Delia! —where is Delia?" "Here!" called a voice; and from a group that stood under the glare of the window came my dear mistress running. "All safe, Jack! But what"— She drew back from our strange equipage. "All in good time. First tell me—how came the fire?" "Why, foul work, as it seams. All I know is I was sleeping, and awoke to "hear the black •eaman hammering on my door. Jumping up, I found the room full of smoke, and es caped. The rooms beneath, they say, were stuffed with straw, and the yard outside heaped also with straw, and blazing. Ben Halliday found two oil jars lyiug there" ■ "Are tho horses out?"

"Oh, Jack—l do not know! Shame on z&q to forget them 1" 1 rati towards the stable. Already the roof nas ablaze, and the straw yard beyond, a rery furnace. Rushing in I found the two borses cowering in their stalls, bathed in iweat, and squealing. But 'twas all fright. Bo I fetched Molly's saddle and spoke to hor, md set it across her back, and the sweet Jhing was quiet in a moment, turning hor head to rub my sleeve gently with hor muz do, and followed me out like a lamb. The bay gave rnoro trouble, but I soothed him in the same mauner, and, patting his neck, led &im, too, into safety. I had f astonod the horses by the gate and ras ready to join In the work when a shout Ivas raised: "Billy 1 Where's Billy Pottery? Has any Ken the skipper?" "Sure," I called, "you don't say he was never alarmed 1" "Black Sampson was in his room—where's Black Sampson?" "Here I bet" cried a voice. "To be sure I uroke the skipper before any o' ye." "Then where's he hid? Did any see him como out?" •'Now, that we have not!" answered one or two. I stood by the house door shouting these questions to the men inside, when a hand was laid on my arm, and there in tho shadow waited Billy himself, with a mighty curioug twinkle iv his eye. He put a finger up and ligned that I should follow. We passed round tho outbuildings where, three hours before, Matt. Soaines and I had hid together. I was minded to stop and pull on my boots, that were hid hero; but (and this was afterwards the saving of me) on second thought let them Ho, and followed Billy, who now led me out the postern gate. Without speech we stepped across the turf, he a pace or two ahead. A night breeze was blowing here, delicious after the heat of i/he Ore. We were walking quickly towards the east side of the headland, and soon the blaze behind flung our shadows right to tho cliff's I edge, for which Billy made straight, as if to fling himself over. But when, at the very verge, he pulled up, [ became enlightened. At our feet was an iron bar driven into the soil, and to it a stout rope knotted, that ran over a block and dis appeared down the cliff. I knelt, and, pull- Ing at it softly, looked up. It came easy in the hand. Billy, with the glare in his face, nodded; imd, bending to my ear, for onco achieved a whisper. "Saw one stealing hither—an' followed. A man wi' a limp foot—went over the side like a cat." I must have appeared to doubt this good fortune, for he added: "Be a truth speakin' man I' the main, Jack —lay over 'pon my belly, and spied a ledge— fifty feet down or less—reckon there be a way thence to the foot. Dear, now! what a rampin', tearin' sweat is this!" For, as fast as I could tug, I was hauling up the rope. Nearly sixty feet came up before I reached the end—a thick twisted knot. I rove a long noose,.pulled it over my head and shoulders, and made Billy understand he was to lower me. "Sit i' the noose, lad, an' hold round the knot. For sign to hoist again, tug the rope hard. I can hold." He paid it out carefully while I stepped to the edge. With the noose around my loins I thrust myself gently over, and in a trice hung swaying. On three sides the sky compassed me—wild and red, save where to eastward tho dawn was paling; on the fourth the dark rocky face seemed gliding upward as Billy lowered. Far below I heard the wash of the sea, and could just spy the white spume of it glimmer ing. It stole some of the heart out of me, ; and I took my eyes off it. Some feet below the top, the cliff fetched a slant inward, so that I dangled a full three feet out from the face. As a boy I had ad ventured something of this sort on the north sides of Gable and the Pillar, and once (after a nest of eaglets) on the Mickledore cliffs; but then 'twas daylight. Now, though I saw the ledge under me, about a third of the way down, it looked, in the darkness, to be so ex tremely narrow that 'tis probable I should have called out to Billy to draw me up but for the certainty that he would never hear: so, instead, I held very tight and wished it over. Down I swayed {Billy letting out the rope very steady), and at last swung myself in ward to the ledge, gained a footing and took a glance round before slipping off the rope. I stood on a shelf of sandy rock that wound round the cliff some way to my left and then, as 1 thought, broke sharply away. 'Twas mainly about a yard in width, but in places no more than two feet. In the growing light j I noted the face of the headland ribbed with j several of these ledges, of varying length, but all hollowed away underneath (as I sup pose by the sea in former ages), so that the cliff's summit overhung the base by a great way, and peering over I saw the waves creep ing right beneath me. j Now all this while I had not let Master Tingcomb out of my mind. So I' slipped off the rope and left it dangle, while I crept for ward to explore, keeping well against the rock and planting my feet with great caution, I believe I was twenty minutes taking an many steps, when at the point where the ledge broke off I saw the ends of an iron lad der sticking up, and close beside it a great hole in the rock, which till now the curve of the cliff had hid. The latter no doubt stood on a second shelf below. I was pausing to consider thi3, when a bright ray streamed across the sea towards me, and the red rim of the sun rose out of the waters, outfacing the glow on the headland, and rending the film of smoke that hung like a curtain about the horizon. 'Twas as if by alchemy that the red ripples melted to gold; and I stood watching with a child's delight. I heard the sound of a footstep, and faced round. Before me, not six paces off, stood Hanni bal Tingcomb. He was issuing from the hole with a sack on his shoulder, and sneaking to descend the steps, when he threw a glance behind—and. saw mcl Neither spoke. With a face gray as ashes he turned very slowly, until in tho unnatural light we looked straight into each other's eyes. His never blinked, but stared—stared horribly, while the veins swelled black on his forehead and his lips worked, attempting speech. No words came—only a long drawn sob, deep down in his throat. And then, letting slip the sack, he flung his arms up, ran a pace or two towards me, and tumbled on his face in a fit. His left shoul der hung over the verge: his legs slipped. In a trice he was hanging by his arms, his old distorted face turned up, and a froth about hi.3 Hps. I made a step to save him, and then | jumped back, flattening myself against the rock. The ledge was breaking. I saw a seam gape at my feet. I saw it widen and spread to right and left. I heard a ripping, vending noise—a rush of stones and earth: and, clawing the air, with a wild 1 screech, Master Tingcomb pitched backward, j head over heels, into space. j Then folio wed silence; then a horrible splash as he struck the water, far below; then again a slipping and trickling, as more of the ledge broke away—at first a pebble or two sliding —a dribble of earth—next, a crash and a cloud of dust. A last stone ran loose and dropped. Then fell a silence so deep I could catch the roar of the flames on the hill ba hind. Standing there, my arms thrown back and fingers spread against the rock, I saw a wave run out, widen, and lose itself on the face of the sea. Under my feet but eight inches of

the cornice remained. My toes stuck forwmt over tho gulf. A score of startled gulls with their cries called mo to myself. I opened my eyes, that bad shut in sheer giddiness. Close on my left tho ledgo was broke back to the very base, cutting me off by twelve feet from that part where the ladder still rested. No man could jump it, standing. To the right there was no gap; but in one place only was the footing over ten inches wide, and at the end my rope tiling over the sea, a good yard away from tho edge. I shut my eyes and shouted. Thore was no answer. In the dead stillness I could hear the rafters falling in tho House of Gleys, and the shouts of the men at work. The Godsend lay around the point, out of sight. And BiJly, deaf as a stone, sat, no doubt, by his rope, placidly waiting my signal. I screamed again and again. Tho rock flung my voice seaward. Across the summit, vaulted "above, there drifted a puff of brown smoke. No one heard. A while of weakness followed. My brain reeled; my fingers dug into tho rock behind till they bled. I bent forward—forward over the heaving mist, through which the sea crawled like a snake. It beckoned mo down, that crawling water. I stiffened my knees, and the faintness passed. I must not look down again. It flashed on mo that Delia had called me weak, and I hardened my heart to fight it out. I would face round to the cliff and work to wards the rope. All the way I kept shouting, and so, for half an hour, inch by inch, shuffled forward until I stood under the rope. Then I had to turn again. The rock, though still overarching, here pressed out less than before, so that, working round on the ball of my foot, I managed pretty easily. But how to get the rope? As I said, it hung a good yard beyond tho ledge, the noose dangling some two feet below it. With my finger tips against the cliff, I leaned out and clutched at it. I missed it by a foot. "Shall I jump?" thought I, "or bide here till help comes?" 'Twas a giddy, awful leap. But the black horror was at my heels now. In a minute •more 'twould have me, and then my fall was certain. I called up Delia's face as she had taunted me. I bent my knees, and, leaving my hold of the rock, sprang forward—out, over the sea. I saw it twinkle, fathoms below. My right hand touched—grasped the rope: then my left, as I swung far out upon it. I slipped an inch—three inches—then held, swaying wild ly. My foot was in the noose. I heard a shout above, and, as I dropped to a sitting posture, the rope began to rise. "Quick I Oh. Billy, pull quick!" He could not hear, yet tugged like a Trojan. "Now, here's a time to keep a man sittin'l" he shouted, a* he caught my uand and pulled me full length on thd turf. Why, lad—hast seen a ghost?" . There was no answer. The black horror had overtaken me at last. They carried me to a shed in the great court of Gleys, and set me on straw; and there, till far into the afternoon, I lay be twixt swooning and trembling, while Delia bathed my head in water from the sea, for no other was to be had. And about 4 in the afternoon the horror left me, so that I sat up and told my story pretty steadily. "What of the house?" I asked, when the tale was done, and a company sent to search the east cliff from the beach. "All perished!" said Delia, and then, smil ing, "I am houseless as ever, Jack." "And have the same good friends." "That's true. But listen—for while you have lain here, Billy and I have put our heads together. He is bound for Brest, he says, and has agreed to take me and such poor chattels as are saved to Brittany, where I know my mother's kin will have a welcome for me, until these troubles be passed. Al ready the half of my goods is aboard the Godsend, and a letter writ to Sir Bevill, begging him to appoint an honest man as my steward. What think you of the plan?" "It seems a good plan," I answered slowly; "the England that now is, is no place for a woman. When do you sail?" "As soon as you are recovered, Jack," "Then that's now." I got on my feet and drew on my boots (that Matt. Soames had found in the laurel bushes and brought). My knees trembled a bit, but nothing to matter. "Art looking downcast, Jack." Said I, "How else should I look, that am to lose thee in an hour or more?" She made no reply to this, but turned away to give an order to the sailors. The last of Delia's furniture was hardly aboard, when we heard great shouts of joy, and saw the men returning that had gone to search the cliff. They bore between thorn three large oak coffers, wnich, being broke, we came on an immense deal of old plato and Jewels, besides over £300 in coined money. There were two more left behind, they said, besides several small bags of gold. Tho path up the cliff was hard to climb, and would have been impossible but for tho iron ladder they found ready fixed for Master Tingcomb's de scent. In tiv. hole (that could uot be seen from the beadi, the shelf hiding it) was tackle for lowering the chest; and below a boat moored, and now left high aud dry by tho tide. Doubtless, the arch rascal had waited for his comrades to return, whom Matt. Soanies aud I had scared out of all stomach to do so. His body was nowhere found. The sea had washed it off; but the sack they re covered, and found to hold the choicest of Delia's heir looms. Within an hour tho re maining coffers and the money bags were safe in the vessel's hold. The sun was setting as Delia and I stood on the beach beside tho boat that was to take her from mo. Aboard the Godsend I could hear the anchor lifting, and the men singing, as, holding Molly's bridle, I held out my hand to the dear maid who with mo had shared so many a peril. "Is there any more to come?" she asked. "No," said 1, and God knows my heart was heavy; "nothing to come but 'Farewelll' " She laid her small hand in my big palm, and, glauciug up, said very pretty and de mure: "And shall I leave my best? Wilt not come, too, dear Jack?" "Dolial" I stammered. "What is this? I thought you loved ma not." "Aud so did I, Jack; and, thinking so, I found I loved thee better than ever. Fie on thee, now 1 May not a maid change her mind without being forced to such unseemly, bra zen words?" And she hoaved a mock sigh. But as I stood and held that little hand, I seemed across the very mist of happiness to read a sentence written, and spoko it, per force and slow, as with another man's mouth: "Delia, you only have I loved, and will love! Blithe would Ibe to live with you, and to serve you would blithely die. In sorrow, then, call for me, or in trust abide me. But go with you now I may not." She lifted her eyes, and looking full into mine, repeated slowly the verse we had read at our first meeting: "In a wife's lap, as In a grave, Man's airy notions mix with earth. Thou hast found it, sweetheart—thou hast found the Splendid Spur!" She broke off, and clapped her hands to gether very merrily; and then, as a tear started: "But thou'lt come for me ere long, Jack? Else I am sure to blame some other woman. Stay" She drew off her ring, and slipped it on my little finger. "There's my token! Now give me one to weep and be glad over." Haying no trinkets I gave my glove, and she kissed it twice and put it in her bosom. I "I have no need of this ring," said I, "for look I" and I drew forth the lock I had vv t from her dear head that morning among U;o alders by Keunet side, and worn ever siw 1/? over my heart. "Wilt marry no man till I come?" •'Now, that's too hard a promise," said she, ; laughing and shaking her curls. | "Too hard!" i "Why, of course. Listen, sweetheart—a true woman will not change her mind; but, | oh! she dearly loves to be able to! 80, b«t ---( ing this, here s my hand upon it—now, tin, Jack! and before all these mariners!—well, then, if thou must" I watched her standing in the stern and 1 waving till she was under the Godsend's si-Sty then turned aud mounting Molly rode inlaud to the wars. i I THE END. !

TMJG AbHBURTON GUARDIAN i MDAI OCTOBEtt 20, 1898.

Printed and published by th» Ashbwtoa Publishing Company, *t their w>gist«w<i Printing Office, Burnett ttrwt, AsihWrtwi. i FRIDAY, OOTQBBR Bt\ IS^, '



[A CARDJ, >IIt» A. C."cLARIDGE TEACHER OF PIANOFORTE & ORGAN, COX STREET, aSHBURTON. •XKRMSJW APPLICATION. 0 t iv fit 1 ar « 3Hi«s» Venie Flower, LATE of the R->yal College of Manic, London, is prepared to give instructions in the above arfc. Terms upon application. Resident 0, Cox Street. At hrfme Monday's Thursday's and Saturday's, from 2 _UllJt IJ3.L KH\TIN(}'S I'OWUEB destroys Huffs, Fleas, Moths Beetle-; ami nil other insect?, whilst (juilu harmless to domestic animals. In oxterminatmg Beetles the success of this Powder is extraordinary. It is pertoutly clean in application. See the article you _purchnso is KKATIXGV, as imitatiops are noxious and mclreetual, &9I& v Tlus, 6(1, Is, ami 2s 6a eagh, by a,ll chemists.



ACLAND, DUDLEY & CO,, AUCTIONEERS, QHAREBR'JKERS, STOCK AND STATION AGENTS. IIOXKV TO liEIII ON APPROVED SECURITIES At LOWEST CURRENT RATES. Farms and Properties from 5O TO 5000 ACRES. X 43, BEREFORD STREET, Ohristcburoh.



«\ua iNotiees. \ rj,o STAND This Season at Owner's JL liable A&hbu'ton, the STANDARD-BRED TROITIiSG HO3SE, BLACKWOOD ABDALLAH, 'Ihs sire of tho fastest horses in &ew ZsJand, DUNCAN ABDALLAH, and YOUNG NEvV STYLE, wiil stand at the Owner's Stable, I yndhurst. For terms apply 10J3 __J^2£ ™t1 DLANDER. s4i'qZ^£- TO TRAVEL in the Ashburton, Long beach and Lagmhor districts, and to stand at owner's place, Melrcse Farm, Wakanui; also at the training stables, i Ashburton, from Saturday to Monday, THE THOROUGHBRED STALLION GORTON, (By Thunderbolt—Lyra, by Ihormanby- Clotilde by Touchstone.) GORTON'S Pedigree shows him to be descended, both on dam and sire's sides, from the most successful racing stock in England. Thunderbolt was probably the most brilliant horse in England of his day, having b( aten Buc caneer (who is credited with tho fastest mile on record —1*38) the only time they met; he is also the sire of some of the greatest racehorses in England. The podi^reo of Lyra speaks for itself, being by Thormanby (vsire of Albany), one of K"glarid'° most fashionable sires, out of Touchstone mare. Gorton is the sire of such well-known performers as Blizzard, St. Ives, St Malo, Pique, Conjurer, Emmason, Langley, Enlield, Mistral, Rothamsted, Warring ton, Errington, and others. TEKMB—One mare, £5 5a ; two or more mares, £4 4a each. Groom'a fee, ss. Owner at time ©f service held responsible for fee. Good paddocking free of charge till January 1, 1894. For further particulars apply to groom in charge or to SAMUEL BROWN, Proprietor, 10 10 Melrose Farm, Wakanui. TO STAND at Methven and travel the surrounding oistiicts, THE THOROUGHBRED STALLION YOUNG HUNNINGTON. YOUNG HUNNINGTON is syrs old and is a bay horse with black points, with plenty of bone of the right sort. He is by Hunnington, dam Minx, by Anteros— Leevma. Hunnington by Talisman dam Nancy by Diomedes, imp., Talisman by Traducer. Yourig Hunnington was bred by M. I. Brown, Esq., of Highbank, who has used him solely for stud purposes. Anyone wishing to inspect thia horse's stock should pay a visit to Highbank and have a look at th« young ones got by him on the station. Terms—Season 12, payable J nuary 2, 1894 ; Guarantee £3, payable July 1, 1894. Ail mares sold or changing hands to be paid for as season mares. Groomage fee ss, payable first service. For further particu lars app^ Groom in charge, or JOHN BLAKE, Proprietor. 10 SJ AND this Season, and travel the Wakanui, Rakaia, Lauriston, and Ashbur ton Forks Districts'^ ThkPUREBRED CLYDESDALE ENTIRE EMPEBOR. EMr-JSR 3i is a beautiful bright bay, stands Hi h an ds 3 inches high, on short, legs, wiih groat strength and bone, tine symmetry, and superior action, and was foaled Novem ber 23, 1887, and was only shown once (in 1890), when he tuok second prize at Ash burton A and I*. Association's Show. KMPi^ROR waa bred by James Byrnes, E?q., Doj'leston; his sire, that well-known horse General Gordon. General O'ordon has gained six first prizes, three seconds, and three special prizes, for 1 est draught entire in the show yard. General Gordon's dam is Marchioness 1., ihe noted prize-taking mare. Iv her show yard career s-he has taken no lees i han sixteen first prizes, seven second prizes, and eighteen special prizes, including champion gold medal, and has been first seven times in succession for best mare (and two of her progeny), and in this respect she has never been beaten. General Gordon, sire Victor. Victor has been very successful in his show yard career, gaining seven first prizes, four second prizes, and four special prizes, including champion gold medal twice : Victor's dam, Diamond, a noted prize-taker in always gaining first prizes when shown. Victor's sire, Conqueror, imported from Scotland ; hie grand-sire, Scottish Champion. Emperor's dam, Jess, by Glenroy, also a noted prize-taker ; grand-dam, by Old Major. Glenroy was bred in Victoria, his sire, Prince of Wales, dam Darling, by Redman. The above will tend to show that Emperor has the best strains of blood in him that it is possible to procure. TERMS —Season, £2 10s, payable January 1, 1894; guarantee, £3 10s; payable August 1, 1894. Groomage fee, ss; payable first service. Mares changing hands to be paid for as season mares. For other terms, appty to Groom n charge, or NICHOLAS FITZGERALD, 9 202 Proprietor, Seaview. TO STAND at Methven and TRAVEL in the Rakaia and Methven Districts, THE PUREBRED AND HIGH-CLASS CLYDESDALE ENTIRE AWAMOA. AWAMOA is by the champion horse Young Banker (1, N Z. Stud Book) imported from .Scotland by tho Hon Matthew Holmes. Dam, Lena, imported from Scot laud, by Luck's All; g.d. Jessie Brown, imported, by Old Times, dam by Loohfcrgu Champion, AWAMOA is therefore a boras of groat lineage ; in fact he is one of tho bent bred horses in the world On one ftido lio in sprung iroin Prince of Wales, and on tho other from Loohfisrgus ; and unyono wko pretends to knowledge in thr«o iimMoi'h understands that these two Hires went Iho most successful otuil horam that tho world has ever known. Awainoa lins boon a inonl successful breeder. Tho colt Regent vvum never beaten in tho ring, and lowered tho colors of the famous British Lion when only two yearn old, and wiih Hold at .'{so gunman The filly Nonpareil 11. ban nover been Ixvitom wherever shown. It would occupy too much space to enumerate and coin moot on all prizetakers that have sprung from Awuinoit Besides being a great breeder, Awainoa hud a good career in tho show ring. Ah a yearling lie took first prize at Oamaru, firn at Christchurcn, h't'Kt at Timaru, and lirHt at Dunedin ; as a two-year-old, firet at (JliriHl church and second at Oamaru j an a three year-old, first at Oamaru and champion of the yard ; following ycur sc ond at OamiU'U and second at Timaru ; and when soven years old was chainj-ion at Oamaru. It will thus be scon that Awamoa lias been suceo»flful in the ring; he has been very successful as a breeder; he lias proved himself a euro foal getter ; hence his value mo, sire, and breeders should not hush auiih a ohanco, an thoy have not had such a stallion in tho district before. Terms —Guarantees, four guineas. Season mates as per agreement. Groomugo fee ss, payable first service. All mares changing handu in any way, first owners will be held liablo. I'or particulars apply to SAMUEL TIERNEV, Proprietor, 1 9+184 Or Qroom in charge.



FTNION STEAMSHIP OOMPANI V j OF NEW ZEALAND. STEAMERS SAIL fiiom LYTTEL TON AS UNDER: For Wellington—Monday, Tuesday, Wed nesday, Thursday, %nd Saturday. Nelson—Tuesday and Saturday. Auckland—Thursday and Saturday. Sydney—Every Second Tuesday and. Thursday. Dunedin—Tuesday and Friday. Melbourne—At frequent intervals. For particu.ar? apply to MILES & (JO., LIMITED. AGENTS, ASHBURTON



Stud Notices. PEKKIN WAEBEOK 11., WILL STAND at Grove "Farm this Season. Good Paddocking at Is 6d per week. E. GATES, 9 196 Proprietor. TO STAND this season at Longbeach THE STANDARD-BRED AMERICAN TROTTING HORSE GENEBAL TRAOEY Services—s guineas. f'lpHE Standard-bred American Trotting I Stallion, GENERAL TRACEY, is full brother to the well-known performer, Kentucky, being by Berlin (imp.), dam, Jenny Tracey (imp.; Thia mare was im ported by Mr Robert Wilkin, but before leaving America, Hiram WoodrufF, a great authority on trotting, drovo Jenny Tracey a mile in 2min 18|secs. He also used to drivo Berlin's full brother, Mambrino Dudley ; and Mr Woodruff says in his book on trotting—"lf ever there was a horse which could trot a mile in 2 minutes Mambrino Dudley could boforo seeing so much stud duty. So it is plain that Ken tacky and General Tracey contain the very besc strains of American trotting blood. Mares grazed free. Every care taken bu o responsibility. Gr omage fee, 53; payable at first service. ) J. C N. GRTGG, Longbeach. TO STAND at Allenton and at Somerset Stables on Saturdays, and travel the Alford Forest, Methvep and Surround ing Districts, THE THOROUGHBRED HORSE YOUNG CHEVIOT. "\7~OUNG CHEVIOT was two years at X the Stud, and proved himself a sure foal getter, his stock being highly spoken of. Young Cheviot, by Cheviot—Fanny, by Caledon—Jennie, by The Peer—Moss Rose. For further pedigree see cards or New Zealand Stud Book. FOUNG CHEVIOT'S Record was highly creditable, for during the thirteen months after coming into his present owner's possession he won 13 races, 7 times second, 3 times third, and 6 times unplaced, one of those times he fell. In j 11891-92, be won the Maiden Plate at Oamaru, tr ith 9st 31b, beating Sincerity, Sst 91b, and several others, At the Tin wald meeting, he won the Flying Handi , cap with Bst lib, and in the Welder Handi ] cap with 9st ran second to Aquarius, 8?t 21b, At Hororala he carried 7st 121b in the $ix furlong race, and easily defeated Lady Zetland, 8 ; t 13ib, ar;d Kegina 9*t 3lb. At the Flumpton Park meeting he carried top weight (Bst 61b) to the Jront, and at the same meeting he carried 10^t and ran third to Cflj^lery, lOst 91b, arid | Bay King ICKt 121b. At the South Canterbury meeting ho won the District Plate with 8-t s!b up, beating Affection, (Ist 7'b, and KOferal ethers. The same day he won Ihe Welter, carrying 10st71b, giving away heaps of weight to eveiything. • <n the following day he carried 9,st 71b in front of Victim, 7-t 7lb, in the County Plate, »«d, on the same day, with lOst up Ihe ntn.second to Finetta Bst. At the j Geiaidjne meeting he ran second to Lady Zetland in the Autumn Handicap, j Last season Young Cheviot can ied list 1 51b at Plumpton Park in the Flying Hin -1 dicap and beat Samoa, lOat 2lb, and he won the Couuty Plate at the South Canter bury meeting, carrying 9dt 51b, beating Kate Grepnaway, 6st 111b, and on the second day he won the Gladstone Handi cap with 10-st 51b up, beating Lord Zet land, 7st 51b, and later on ran home %vith list 101b in front of Sir Kobeit 9st, and several others in the Members' Plate. At the C.J C. meeting Young Cheviot carried Bst 21b and won the Maiden Stake* —a mile in lmin 42^sec^ ; the same day he won the Riccarton Welter Handicap, six furlongs, with 10st81b up, in lmin 16Jsec. Both were very eauy wins ; and on the second day Young Cheviot gave that great ! performer Merganser 141bs in the Criterion Stakes, and was only just beaten by a bare half length, the mare carrying 7st 51b. and Young Cheviot. B^t 51b. j Young Cheviot won all his races very j easily, and each time be started he met good fields, so that his record on the turf stamps him as a good performer. His sire Cheviot, is one of the most sought after sires in America, where his stock are remarkable for their racing qualities and soundness. TERMS—£3 10-i, payable first week in January. Thoroughbred mares, £5. Three or more mares the property of one owner, as per agreement. Groomage fee, ss. Paddocking wtfl be found for mar6S at Allenton and Alford Forest at Is 6d per week. All care taken, but no responsi bility. For further particulars apply, S. ALEXANDER, 9 177 or Groom in Charge. TO STAND tl»i«» Season and travel tho Atthhurton, Wakanui, Longbeach, an MUrroumling districts, Til 10 CAR 111 AGE HORSE, BOOMERANG. UOOMRItANG is a dark bay, rising liight years old, standing 16 hands ,'t inohoH high, with good action, sound oonHlil.ulion, and even temper, Boomer iing in by Bundoora, by the Peer, out of Argony. His dam, the trotting mare Bomh, by Touchstone, standing 17 hands 2 inohon high, and was bred by Mr Sheenan at Little River. Touchstone is hlho tho wire of Keor's Gipsy and Jenny IVacoy It, and numerous other good per formers. Boomerang waa bred by Mr "William Topp, at Sefton, and as a foal secured Ih-Kt honours at Kaiapoi Foal Show, in 188(1, and second prize for the best cross country horse on same date.' First prize ut Itangiora in 1888, also secodd prize at Oourtonay in 1891, for the best carriage, horde travelling the district ; also first And special at Afthburton A. *nd P. Associa tion's fehow in 1892. Boomorang has proved himself a sure foal gotter, his stock having taken first prize wherever shown. He sired two first priae takers at last Northern fshow, T.BH.MM—£2 for the Season ; guarantee, £3 {groomage s, payable at first service. All mares changing hands in any way, first owners will bo held liable. J. R. BEGG, 9 173 Proprietor, Ashton



Grfty'a road, Amberley, * Sep ember 6, 1892. Mr Walker, Sir,—Your Bot Fly Remedy j r.;acb d me in due course. I gave ihetn to one (hat wag very bad, ond a3 I had lost a splendid poung hcree, I got very anxiouc, as the stomioh presented ona mass I of bota in all stages, wi h the coa:ing eaten ] away. I nm glad to tell you that the one 1 drenched according to your instructions got, qui'.e bctte.-, and is now at bis work again. I would highly recommend farmers io use tbe 5 me in time, a-^ 1 sm satufiedtbat they will save and greaily improvo the condition of the hor?e. Send me some of your Bot Fly Preventive for tho summer, end oblige,— Yours very respectfully, Edwaed Watson. Killinohy, September 14,1892. Mr Robprt Walker, Uhrialohurob, Dear Sit —YDur Box Fly Ricmkdikb have proved a oompicte success with my horae. Ho had boon very bad lor S'jmfe time ; the ooat dry, a light akin, got very low in condition, and Rot Himreo able to walk. I qui'e expected ho would dip, as ho had all tho symptoms o( one that my neighbor lost with tue bo B I give your rtmediea bb you directed, with tho following resule:—Tho horso, after gotiing the lalo bott'e, became very pained) lying down roiling and groaning with pain, in flu) paddock. Ho began to cough very hard, ouch cough bringing nway a thick humorouo matter from the nostrils, tho like of wbioh I nover huw before coming from a horeo. This continued nil next day, which I urn certain worn tho botfi burwting from the effootß of the ltcmedy, and corning up through tho nontrily by tho r J'footu of the cou^h. After tliin ceasad, the norm began to mend, and in six iJuya 1 had him at work upnin, heartily well, You should mnko thciw Itumcdias public, ho that farmers might know thorn in a remedy for thia deHtr untive pohtH. Bond ma sumo Puevkntivb for keeping off the ily in sum mon—And oblige, Bosket Mclomuw. Amberltiy, July 26, 1892. To Mr Robert Walker, Chriatohurob, Sir, —Having lost three good horse?, and on ex amination found the stomach of two com pletely eaten through, and tbe whole ofthe etomaoh thickly covered with bots in all /stages of transformation, I beoame much



WALKER'S BOT FLY REMEDIES. WARRANTED TO CURE AN? HOHSB AFFLICTED WITH BOTS, IF * ' GIVEN IN TIME, and to Improve the Condition of tho Horse, whether he has Bots or not, given in two drenches. LOCAL TESTIMONIALS.



farmed aboat the rest of my sock. lusedyour Bot Fly Remedies on one that was very bad, aid bad every symptom of dying, and in three days Ehe wa3 completely cared, Bnd is doinf: well. I believe it is a proper thing, and if givea at <he proper time we shall have no more deaths from the Bot Fiv. David BbjWN. Brockfide, December 12, 1892. Mr Walker,-Sr,—l wish to add my testimony <o the wonderful effects of your Bot Fly Remedies. I had a valuable horse which got very bad and gradually got worro. I quite believe be would have died. He kapt losing fleeb, got a dry coat, tight skin, care worn expression of the eje, a oough, running at the nostrils, and oould scarce work I got your remedies and g ye them aa directed, with the most beneficial results. The seoond day after getting the last drench he began to pass bote in handfuls, some of which I here with hand you. Immediately after passing the bote he began 'o mend, and is now as fat as butter, heaity end well, thanks to Walker's Bot-fly Remedies Any who doubt send them to mo, and I will convince them that your remedies are a boon to the community und tbo Buffering horse Every horse should have them in the season, as lam confident if used there will be no more deaths from the bot-fly Use tbia as you please. H. LoVBIiL. Greenwood Farm, Southbridge, August 2,1392 Mr Walker, Sir.—l an glad to bear testi mony to the wonderful effects of your Box Vwi Remedies. One of my best horses be came very b <J; the ekin tight, the eye life less and a bad color, and got low in condition. Angioua to finish ploughing a paddock I did not want to iay him up until he beoame un able to lilt his feet, or do any more. We had to help him into a stable I gave him your Ramedies, and, and the traatment you pre scribed, and in a few days he was quite better, and now at hie work, hearty and well. I quite believe, hod I not given him your Remedies, he would hava died, You can use this as you please. Robebi Thompson.



AGENTS FOB ASHBURTOK—W. Anderson &J. Heseltinb, Saddler. MANUFACTURER—ROBERT WALKER, Canal Reserve, Woolaton. ~ STEPHENS BROS., MABKET HOUSF, A SK THE PUBLIC and THEIR CUSTOMERS to TRY the Mandarin and Tiger Teas, Pronounced by all Competent Judges to be the Most Economical, Purest, & Best Teas Sold for the Price—2s, 2s 4d, 2a 61. SAMPLES GRATIS. SOLE AGENTS FOR ASHBURTON, Stephens Bros., market house. Agents for New Zealand— J. R ATT RAY & SON, DUNEDIN. -: SEASON 1893- :- AJNDEBW ORR TW ILL MAKE HIS FIRST SHOW OF SPRUNG INOVELTIES —ON— MONDAIY, SEPTEMBER 4- IN MILLINERY, CORSETS, &c. MANTLED, GLOBES, DRAPES COSTOMES, — THE FAVOR OF A VISIT ESTEEMED. - ANDREW ORB. Watches ! Wale lies !! Watches CLOCKS I CLOCKS!! J§^\ ROBERT MURRAY. <P RIWV# HOROLOGIST AND DIRECT IMPORTER ftijP^O N^^^^ WATGIIEsf CLOCKS, JEWELLERY, AND MATERIALS, A LARGE ASSORTMENT of BOYS' CHEAP WATCHES. Guaranteed, AN UNRIVALLED STOCK of WATOHES and CLOCKS of all descriptions, including latest and most approved forms of HOROLOGICAL Six ILL. NON MAGNETISABLE WATCHES. Not aftected by Electricity, Magnetism, or Swift Running Machinery. All ENGINEERS and ELECTRICIANS should wear them. THIS IS TEE WATCH OF THE FUTURE, and s kept in Hunting and Cryste Cases, both of JRlnglißh and Foreign Manufacture, LADIES' AND GENTLEMEN'S HIGH CLASS TAILORING. WILLIAM WILLIAMSON, EAST HTRKET (Next to Mb Hoult's), HAS Ifttoly returned from London t where ho t>pent eighteen months, studying tho wutthit* under the latesl. and uiobC improved soienbific principles ; »t the iirao timo jiaining mow ejqmtumee in the loading Ladies' and Gentlemen s Tatlcring EsUblidhmvHitia m (;h« West DhuU Ho to tliot'wfoi'o iv a lv> mmivo Ins Ovwtomero that o);ders iivtrusted to him will bo iluirtlUHl in w style not to be eurpasßod.



TO STAND and travel this Season in thfl Hinds, Mayfield, Mount Somere, WiUowby and surrounding districts. THE HIGH-CLASS THOROUGHBRED HORSE, LOKD HOPEIOUN. 6 years old. LORD HOPBTOUN ia a rich chestnul standing Dearly sixteen hands high, is well made and shows a lot of quality. He was at the Btud last season and pioved him self a sure foal gutter. Lord Hopetoun was raced twice. At his first attempt he ran third Bmonget a large fiold, Tha next time be started was at Ricoarton with Hit 101b top weight on hi 3 baok, and ran creditably. Lord Hopetoun was go 1; by Mataku, by Traducer out of Speargrase, she being the dam of Tussock engaged in the neit New Zealand Cup. Lord Hopetoun'a dam, Chriae mer, is by Montrosa, dam by Blood Royal. Terms: Guarantees £3 10a for one mare, two or more mares as per agreement. Sea son £2 5s payable January 1,1894; groomage fee ss, payable first Bervioe, All marea changing bands first owners held liable, and to be paid for as season mares. THOMAS ANNETT, 10 56 Proprietor, Hinds. mili Carriage stallion SILCHESTER Will travel the Ashburton, Methven, Rakaia, and surrounding districts this season. SILCHESTER, a rich chestnut, three years old by Rouser, dam by Admiral, grand dam by Camden. Admiral by Malton—Spray by Donizette—Lady Ann. Roueer by Messenger—Kate O'Shane, by Caledon—Laura, by Young Emigrant- Maggie. Messenger by Battler—Ludia. Terms for season, payable January 1, 1894, £2 ; guarantee £3 10s. Groomage fee ss. ALSO,— THE ENTIRE PONY ALA BABA (late the property of Mrs Scott}, will stand this season at Owners' faim, Educational Reserve, South Rakaia. Terms for season, £110 a ; guarantee, £2 2s. Groomage fee ss. Mares for both horses Brazed at 2s per week. Every care taken but no responsi bility. J. & W. A. STRACHAN, South RaTcaia. NOTICE. TDLANS, Specifications, and Estimates I for any kind of Buildings can be had from GEORor W> Andrews, East Belt. Agent foi Ar W. A, P. Clarkson, Architect, A.R.1.8.A., Christchurch. Specimen plan 3on hand. Charges moderate. Agent for Watters' Celebrated Ranges and Austin anil Son's Chimney Pots and Glazed Drain Pipes. Orders taken for Brick, Concrete, and Asphalt work ' 9 51 LONGBEACH COACH. ON and after MONDAY, October 2 for the summer months, the Longbeach Coach will start from Ash* burton at 5 p.m. R, R. BROWNE, Ooachmani LANDELLS ASD PBESTOK, ktfCINEERS and CYCLE EXPERTS, GUN AND LOCKSMITHS. PLATES, Stencils, Engrav _l_\ ing and Die Sinking. Sewing Machines, Lawn Mowers, &c.| repaired. LANDELLS AND PRESTON will commence business in Ashburton on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, I in the Premises in Burnett street, next 9t 9 Ashburton Club



A CARD] MR H. C. ORBELL, SOLICITOR, ASHBURTON. Office: Montgomery's Buildings, Corner East and Burnett Streets. |8t127 A NEW AND POWERFUL INVENTION. " The Crystal Soap' HAS ALREADY been tried and proved to be the Best Household Cleanser In the Market. The following are a few of the numerous testimonials already received: — Messrs Craighead Bros. Sirs, —I have used your Soap and find it excellent for all cleansing purposes.— Mbs Williamson, Ashburton, Seaview, September 16, 1893. To Craighead Bros. I tried your Soap and found ife answered very well for washing and scrubbing.— Mrs P. Stewart. Tinwald, September 19. Craighead Bros. Sirs,—l have used your Crystal Soap and find it a great labor-saviug soap foe scrubbing and washing. 'Ie is also ex cellent for cleaning glass and tinware.— Mrs M. A. Woods. Wakanui Road, Ashburtoa, September 16,1885. Messrs Craighead Bros, Dear Sirs,—Your Crystal Soap foff washing and cleansing purposes gires perfect satisfaction, I can highly recom mend it—P. Anderson. To be obtained from J. Orr & Oo«, H, Zatsder, B. MeOaltam, G. Light, Working Men's Co-operative, Ashburton, and from J. Gudsell and J. Robinson, Trawsld. MANUFACTURED ONLY BY CRAIGHEAD BROS., ASHBURTON. -myTONEY TO LEND on approved securities, in sums to suit borrowers, at LOWEST CURRENT RATES. H. C. ORBELL, Solicitor, Ashburton. pianoforteTsinging and HARMONY. ARCADE CHAMBERS. (Dances not attended.) 4 3