CORRESPONDENCE.

I (We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondent?)

THE SALFYARDS REFRESHMENT ROOMS.

TO THE EDITOE. Sir, —Would you kindly grant me a little space in your valuable paper to say a few words in reference to the Keller family—the lessees of the refreshment rooms at the County Saleyards. We who dobu-iness at these yards felt regret yesterday when it b cams known that it would be the last time we would have the genial Mrs Keller, with her pleasant son and doughtera, to attend to our wants at the Tinwald refreshment rooms. Yira Keller, in her own good hearted and jolly style, introduced to a number of her cus-' iomer3 her successor, Mrs Cusoek, who will, no doubt, in her turn become a favorite with the bucmlic fraternity. And as this fra ternity are nnyihiug but a bad lot, they wi'l, 1 am sure, treat the si-ranger in a kiudly and maniy manner. The Keller's have been our friends in the rooms during a period of twelve years and, as I heard a good nnny people say yesterday, it was all the same whether one had ready money in his pocket or not, his wants were attended to in the filth th«t it would be all right afterwards. [ bopp, now thafc Mrs Keller is gain 3 out of tiko business she will not find, w ien she comes to tie up ihe ends, that her confidence has been misplaced. lv conclusion, I beg to unite with hundreds of the settlers in the county in wishing the Kellers good luck and prosperity wherever they go»—I am, etc, D. Olives. Fjblnyra, February 1, 1899

MAYFIELD.

j From Onr Own Correspondent - •

FLOOD IN THE RAKGITATA For tha past week the RangitaU river has been in flood, rising every day until Thurs day, when it reached the highest point any of the oldeßb settlers have ever witnessed. Grave fears were entertained about the traffic bridge at Arundel, and 00 Friday morning it was seen that one of the atone piers had been washed away from the cenbre of tb.B bridge, and that the structure was in a dangerous condition. Traffic has been de barred until the authorities are able to re pair it enough to allow the use of the bridge for traffic, i have heard of no other damage being done along the river banks inita upper reaches. THE WEATHER. The weather has been very unsettled lately, and has hindered harvesting opera tions very much in this district Threshing ! out of the stook is very much delayed^ and I am afraid will have to be discontinued if the weather does not take up a bit. Mr S. i Miller threahed a nioe paddock of oats which went about, forty bushels per acre, and bis others will do better.

ILLICIT DISTILLATION.

About a fortnight ago, at Greymoutb, a man named Jennings was fined £100 for being in possession of an illicit still. Almost immediately after this the Inangahua Times expressed the opinion that he had been vic timised. Our contemporary said:—"We are credibly informed that Jennings is a respectable old man who recently swagged it in search of wotk from Westporb to Oron adun. He was there engaged by someone who gave hia name as Frank Lambert—we have the beat reason to believe this to have been a false name—to work in a claim at 30a a week. Only a few days before the arrest he was put to work at the still by two men, botb of whom left him in charge soon after wards, intimating their intention of return ing in a few days. Shortly after their de parture the police pounced on Jennings, who was with ail possible despatch hurried off to Greymouth and fined £100, or failing j payment, sentenced to eight months' hard labor in gaol. A poor, friendless awagger is not likely to pay suoh a fine, and hence for the greater part of this year Jennings will be locked up with the criminals in Hokitika. . . . We feel bound to publish the fact that there is a. widespread belief here that Jennings has been made the viotim of a rascally conspiracy. A telegram bearing Thursday's date, from Reefton, haa the following :—in connection with the recent illicit still caßes here there is a strong feeling against the persons who gave information to the authorities, and that Jennings, who is a respectable man, a native of Nelson, was entrapped. The evidence elicited at the trial of Jackson on Monday showed that the latter engaged him while he (Jennings) was under the influence of drink under a false name. Public opinion is so excited that a petition to the Minister for Justice to release Jennings is being numerously signed, not one person refusing.

FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS.

Be*;feon, Februarys John Mitchell was arrested last night on two charges of having an interest in an illicit still in Milky Gully, on October last, and in the still found recently, in connection with which the man JenniDgs was convicted, Accused was remanded.

MIDRDAy, llßStru; 4, MM

THE ASHBUETON GUABDIAN; SATOKDAT, FIBBUARS 4, i 899



STKATHMOKE PRIVATE HOSPITAL. EXTENSIVE ADDITIONS JUST COMPLETED UNEQUALLED IN THE COLONIES FOR MEDICAL AND SURGICAL OASES. /LAN Accommodate upward* of FORT! 10) MALE «nd FEMALE PATIENTS TERMS . From 2 Guineas p«t week PATIENTB CAN BE ATTENDED BY TBM*. OWN MEDICAL ADVISER Apply to— . THE MATRON, Stbathmobb Private Hospital, Ferry Road (jnst over Eaife Belt), OhrUt 135 church. DEINK DELICIOUS PERFECT IN QUAtITY, FLAVOR AND BLEND. Packed in Tins, the delicate Aroma Absolutely Preserved. OBTAINABLE FROM ALL GROCERS CHEAP MONEY 1 CHEAP MONEY OHEAP MONET IN SUMS JF £100 *> £10,000, ON COUNTRY, CITY, AND SUBURBAN FREEHOLD, At exceptionally low ratea of interest. FOR FORMS OF APPLICATION AND FULL INFORMATION, Apply to the DISTRICT MANAGER, Christchuroh. J. H. RICHARDSON, Government Insurance Commissioner. TANCRED STREET PAPERHANGING WAREHOUSE^ (Established 1876.) C CHAPMAN* HOUSE DECORATOR, SIGN WRITER, FAPERHA.NGER, GRAINER, ! . GLAZIER, Eot. TUST ARRIVED, EX RUAPEttU, BEST SELECHON^OF PA PEEHANGINGS Ever shown in Ashbarton. . Direct from the Manufacturers. LATEST ENGLISH DESIGNSv Please call and inspect. Established 1830. Telephone No 63 BAKER BROS., CIURNISHING T^fNDERTAKERS C URNISHING yj NDERTAKER» DIRECT Importers of Beet and Latest Designs In FUNERAL FURNISHINGS FUNERALS conducted with the greatest care and eatDsfaotion, ab most reasonable charges. Corner of Wakaoui Road and Qaw Streets, and Baker and Brown's Coach Faotory. LAWES' Dips & Manures. THE Public Dips at the Athbarbon and Tinwald Sale Yardi are now open for the SEASON. 'For terms and particulars apply to Care taker. Lawea' Saperphosphate —• Beet Turnip Manure in the world. Also poisonous and non-poiaonoua Sheep Dip in stock. EDWARD SAUNDERS, LOCAL AGENT. v 116 [A OAED. HENRY^FORD, QASH BUYER OF FAD LAMBS AND SHEEP FOR EXPORT. Address s Tinwald, 12 20



I EASILY THE BEST. WHAT NOW? _____ fa\ ______ GREAT HALF-YEABLY CLEARING SALE OF Drapery, Clothing*, AND Boots* i FOR ONE MONTH. ALL GOODS REDUCED 33| PER CENT. INSPECTION INVITED. ANDREW ORR.



= PURE SEEDS. = T HAVE lately erected, regardless of cost, the most COMPLETE SEED-CLEANING PLANT south of the Line, and I now ask intelligent Farmers to inspect the same at work. I am now prepared TO OLE AN for Farmera any description of SEEDS AND GRAIN. and will guarantee to give them satisfaction. I can supply best RYEGRASS, weighing from 261bs to 44Ibi to the bashel j and COCKSFOOT, locally grown, H£lbs to 16ilbs to the bushel also, beat CLOVERS, dressed by my own machines, the parity of which must be seen to be appreciated. ALSO—HURST AND SONS BEST ENGLISt GLOVERS TURNIPS RAPE, LUCERNE, TRfclGin, Etc. FENCING WIKE, B&KB WIEB, & STAPLES. The best quality on Sale. WANTED~SHEEP FEED. WANTEDjip till March, 1399, good young grass foi 300 sheep.—Apply DAVID THOMAS, ASHBURTON ALL CUSTOMERS OWING ACCOUNTS TO W. H. COLLIER, I DRAPER AND CLOTHIER, "THE COKNEK" Ashburton and Rakaia, A RE RESPECTFULLY REQUESTED TO SETTLE SAME BEFORE JAISCJAirr 31st, 1899. G. D. R. HEFFOBD, Manager, ABHBUBTOU FURKITURE WAREHOUSE. Great Casli Sale of T7URNITUKE LINOLEUMS OARPETS BEDSTEADS BEDDING CHAIRS RUGS TOltiluX WAEE In threat Variety. TEA AND DINNER SERVICES AT ALL PRICES. FANCY GOODS AT COST PRICE. LARGEST STOCKS. LOWEST PRICES AT T. H. UNDRILL & CO, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, PICTURE-FRAMERS, & UNDERTAKERS TANCRED STREET, opposite Arcade, and next Building Society's Office



Henry McElrea' ' CASH BUYER OF WOOL, SKINS, HIDES, FAT, fito. WANTED at once—lo,ooo Crossbred or Merino Pelts, Top Price for Fresh and well-saved Pelts ; also 20 ton Clean Dry Caul or Kidney Fab, l£d per lb BAG WOOL A SPECIALTY. I have on Sale— TEA SOAP OANELES POTATOES FLOUR SHARPS BRAN OATS Chickwheafc, Straw and Oat-sheaf Chaff. Best Brands and First Quality, at up-to date prices, for prompt cash. Come up to " Mao" and get quotations. All Goods delivered in Town and Suburbs. Note the Address— HJSCNKY MeELRBAs BARING SQUARE, ASHBDBTON. T. H. UndrHiL.., [c. ondrill T H. UNDRILL AND CO., T7IURNISHING UNDERTAKERS, JL 1 (JRNIBHING UNDERTAKERS. TANORED STREET, ASHBURTON EVERY REQUISITE QN HAND. Poliahed Coffins a Specialty. Private Address, Peter Street, directly behind Oddfellows' Hall j also care of Mr T. Andrews, East Belt. 2 ABHBUBTOIt " No. 2 INDUSTRIAL BDILDING SOCIETY To be incorporated under the Provisions of the Building Societies Act, 1880. PROVISIONAL DIRECTORS: Charles Reid, W. D. V. Preston, Edward Gates, Francis Scrint, J. H. Pauling, G. R, Anderson, H. Stephenson. SECRETARY : SOLICITOR: Fbedk. Makeig. E. G. Crisp, BANKERS v, The Bank of Australasia, Ashburton. OFFICE OF THE SOCIETY: Post Office Buildings, Cameron Street), ABhburton. Office now open to takt Entries. OFFICE HOURS: 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2.30 to 5 p.m., and from 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturday Trust and Agency COMPANY OF AUSTRAL* ASIA, Ltd. incorporated 1860. AUTHORISED OaPITAT, £2,000,000 SUBSCRIBED ... ... £1,750,000 RESERV.fi FCTJSDS (British Consols, etc.) £200,000 SOLICITORS AND AGENTS; Messrs Wynn-Williams and Brown, Chrisfcchuroh. Messrs Chapman and Tripp, Wellington. Messrs Sainsbury and Logan, Napier* Head Office in New Zealand— 211, HEREFORD STREET, CHRIST CHURCH. £30 5 000~~to Lend at 5 per cent. ON FREEHOLD FARM LANDS. Advances can be repaid at six months' notice, and even sums up to three-fifths o amount borrowed can be paid off at any time by giving three months' written notice. JAS. NATHL. HAMEE, Manager and Inspector for New Zealand; ASHBURTON PERMANENT BUILDING AND INVESTMENT SOCIETY. A DVANCEB of £25 and upwards'made j on Freehold Properties, repayable by Monthly, Quarterly, or Half Yearly ineta? meats. 1 Loans are also granted for Fixed Period i at lowest current rates. Deposits received at highest current rates All information on application to EDWARD STEPHENS, Manager LOOK " CHEAP WINTER FIRING. NEW MOUNT SOMEES COAL. OUTPUT has Trebled during the bib twelve months. IT IS USED EVERYWHERE. This Coal is the Best and Cheapest Steam , md Household Coal in the market. Used ia the Woollen Factory and Canter bury Flour Milk. , GIVES SPLENDID RESULTS WRITE FOR PRICES so 0. T, PARK, MOUNQD SOMERS. warranted to cure Gravel, Paine in the back and all kindred complaints. Free from Mercury. Established upwards of 30 yeari In boxes 4s 6d each, ol all Ohemistß and Patent Medicine Venders throughout th world, Proprietor*, The Lincoln »nd Mid ! fe od i SS^ 91 Pfu * <3»mp»By, LfQQDIn i



I 1_- ~n :-_, . . DUNLGP'S . . I (>es not aiteinp-to compete with inferior ) I) ratio a sold at cheoner prices. I ; . -J .; I , * :~ ___ :_.: - 'i"j«c f:;c t that it lias a larger I I ga^A |W«^^ fcssfsgf \*r S^'le tjT& '5 ans' other Tobacco 1 j I , I \ I 1 1 iiiiportcd into Australasia is _„„„---.;----.-—. _ .■ &v.\i,'<.i-ixti evuiestce that its i I superb snicking qualities have > . . TOBACCO • . | hit the public taste *. . 10 IJ^3S!-z-^ssssasiSß^aifs^aißßHaaaam^



ART CLASSi S. ! MR. A. W. Mo»IIJLXJL]N, ARTIST, Fro South Kensington School of Art, London, England. STUDIO IN SAUNDERS' BUILDINGS, CENTRAL ENTRANCE. TNSTRUOTIONS given in all Branches of JL ART. Paiu ting from nature a Specialty, For Particulars address the Art Studio, Saunders' Buildings. ~~~~™ A (Jabd MISS WILLIAMS BEGS to notify the general Publio that she has started business as DRFSS AND MANTLE MAKER I In Saunders' Buildings. Entrance by Cooper's Studi". E, W, HAMMER. NOTICE OF REMOVAL TO NEW PREMISES. HAVING exchanged premises with the Farmers' Co-operacive Association, I bave much pleasure in stating that in future I shall carry on my business at the offioes and store lately occupied by the above Ab roolation at the corner of West Street and Havelock street (the Loan and Mercantile I old premises.) STORAGE AT LOWEST RATES. OORNSACKS AT CURRENT PRICES. 1 132 E. W. HANMER. Bazaar Livery Stables. T HAVE PLEASURE in Dotifying the Publio of Aahburton that I have taken over THE BAZAAR STABLES, Burnett Street, from Mr 8. Tbevubza, and trust that I may receive a fair share of patronage of the j general public. j CABS MEET ALL TRAINS Saddle Horses, Traps, and Buggies on hire at all hours, and at reasonable charges, GOOD S ABLING* JAMES McCORMICK. j POI8OMED! " 4 report comes from the district of Wagunyah, N.P.W., of a settler and his family exhibiting very serious symptoms of poisouing after partaking of their evoring meal. In searching for the eausej sus picion fell on the tea they had used. A sample taken from a one pound tin in use was analysed and found to contain strong traces of nniri«>f i«; ar.iil, tho presence of which is caused by the use of spirits o£ sa ta in welding the parts of tin together. The analyst warns consumers that tea packed in small tins, owing to its very absorbent naturo, is very liable to become impregnated wita this acid, and therefore dangerous for human consumption and advises that the very safest package to purchase is that packed in lead with an inside lining of vegetable parchment. Thisstjle of pa ktt is quite impervious to the air, and tea so packed has been known to retain all its aroma and strength for a period of five years.' SOTE,-ICOZIE TEA is packed in lead witb|au nside liiiinK of Vegetable Parchment. F. CURTIS, WATCHMAKER, JEWELLER & OPTICIAN. (Late Watchmaker for A, Gunderaon, Christchuroh.) SUCCESSOR TO R. MURRAY, BEGS to intimate that be haa not opened up his new Stock o WATCHES, JEWELLERY, and CHRIST. MAS NOVELTIES. Watches and Clocks Promptly Repaired. Jewellery made up to order and repaired at shortest notice. LARGE STOCK OF ELECTRO-PLATED GOODS. BALLAITYNE'S SALE IS NOW IN FULL OPERATION. ITS FEATURKB,- UP-TS-DATE GOODS. Exceptional Prices. BALLANTYNE'S VALUES. Careful Attention, to Letter Orders. DISCOUNT AS USUAL. J. Ballantyne & Co. OASH3SL STKEET, CHRISTOHURCH TO CYCLISTS. LANDELLS & SON, .ARIEL Express Cycle Works, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON Agents for the Leading Machines, viz. WHITE FLYER, (black or white frames) RUDGE-WHITWORML, RALEIGHS, ARIEL EXPRESS, WAVJSRLEY'S, Etc. Stampings and Eorgings made on the premises. Trade supplied. All Repaira by Experts. No slop work. Guns, Lawn Mowers, Pumps, Windmills, Sewing Machines, etc., a speciality. Steam Gauges repaired, tested, and regulated,



BOOTH, MAODONALD AND 00. ANDREWS AND BEAVAN. T BEG TO NOTIFY to the Farmers, and all who are interested in Agricultural k or other Machinery, that) I have been appointed AGENT in Ashburfcon tor the above Manufacturers, whose celebrated Implements and Machinery are giving satisfaction throughout the Australasian Colonies. I have on hand a large quantity o EXTRAS; also Sample Machinery and Innplementa. H. CHILDS, WAKANUI ROAD, 195 ( Smoke Mew ?§nua, i



NOTICE— We defy competition j you gefc wondejtfal vain© at Mkw-oh's, Tftßsred



SATVIXE** Sc Womlssj Euca lypti JEas:tr*iot. Under the distinguished patronage of His Majesty the King of Italy, as per communica tion made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs through the Consul-Gener&l for Italy, at Melbourne, March 14, 1878. Awarded diploma at the Amsterdam Exhibition, 1883. Acknowledged by Medical Clinics and Universities all over the G'obe. There are imitations of Eucalypti Extract In the market, products of simple distillation forming crude resinous oils. In order that, these crude oils may not bj taken, OUR PURE VOLATILE EUCALYPTI EXTRACT, which is recognised by the medical division of the Prussian Government to be of perfectly pure origin, as per ioformation forwarded to us through the Consul afc Melbourne, March 2, 1878, wp a feate:—■ It is proved by tests by the Medical Clinics of the Universities at Bonn and Greifswald, Prussia, and reported by Dr. Sehulz, Professor of Parmacology, at Bon, and Professor Dr. Moßsier, Director of the Medical Clinics at Greifswald, that only products that are Bafcurated with oxygen and freed of acid?; resinous and other substances, adherent to primary distillation, will develop© the sanative qualities proper to the plant All crude oils, or bo called Eucalypti Extract^ are to be classed according to the named .authorities, among the turpencinee, whish are abandoned long since as an internal medicament. These crude oils, or so called Eucalypti Extracts, are discernible :— 1 By their deficiency in pungent) odour— which our product, the only genuine .Eucalypti Extract develops most freely through its surplus oxygen. 2 By their a'coholic thin and mobile appear ance being reduced in specific density through the presence of acids, 3 By their taste, the result of the contracting tendency of resins and tennates. If these crude oils, so-called eucalypti extracts, are applied by mistake ie caeca of Group, bronchitis, diphtheria, internal infiamations, dysentery, etc., the con sequences are most appalling. For safety sake ask always for SANDER & RON'S EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. — Sandhurst, Victoria, Australia. SANDER & SONS. . "TEgY STEPHENSONT" """" (feuccessor to Alfred Harrison.) Established 20 years. AUCTIONEER, LAND ESTATE AND COMMISSION AGENT AND VALUER WEEKLY SALES of Live Stock Produce, Furniture, etc., EVERY SATURDAY, at 12 o'clock. Clearing Sales of Stock, Household Furni ture, etc., as per arrangement, in any part o the county. Advances made on Goods placed in my Uandß for Sale* OHAFF, OATS, WHEAT, FLOUR, SHARPS, BRAN, ONIONS, POTATOEB SEEDS, etc., Sold Dally in Large or Small Quantities. Agent: Norwich Union Fire Insurance Company & Dreaders Pianoforte Manufacturing and Agency Company. PIANOS and ORGANS oh time pay ments from &3Os per month. HENRY STEPHENSON, AUCTIONEER Leitch and Richards, (Successors to W. F. Hannafosd), {TINSMITHS,PLUMBERS, GABFITTERB, BELL-HANGERB, Etc. HOT and Cold Water Services laid on most approved plans. Estimates given for all kinds of work. N.B.—Competent workmen sent to any part on shortest notice. LEITCH jTScHARDS, BURNETT STREET. 1 220 Bi-CHLORIDE OF GOLD CUBE. DRINK HAD NEARLY DESTROYED IT I SUFFERED from an Insatiable Appe tite for Liquor, The Bi-Ohlobidb of Gold Treatment cured me permanently. It Eradicates ALL Desire for Intoxicants, (The desire will never return unless you re oultivate it. No cure—no pay. Address : 81-OHLORIDE OF GOLD INBTITUTE, Ashly House, R&ttray Street, Du.ued.in,



Completely Broken Down Unableto Sleep, No Appetite,, Loss_of Flegh, Physicians Could dive no Relief. .WasCurgdby WF "Sometime ago I was taken very ill, losing my appetite, could not sleep, and was unable toTdo my work. I was attended by two doctors, but to no effect. I becTme very thin and weak. Sometimes when I was out I ™^**™™J? ill thatl would have to go into a neighbor's house until I was fit to walk again I cannot describe my sufferings, only to say that this state of things lasted for m ( °£ tJ ls" x remetnbere a your advertisements in the papers, so determined to try a bottle of Ayer's Sarsaparilla. Finding the first so beneficial, I took a?otherfand Sill another, anl the three bottles completely put me to nghts^ "I am now perfectly healthy and strong, and can eat and sleep and work likeThl rls Uie strong and clear testimonial of Mrs Jane Messiter (whose «nt+rait is here eiven), of Foy St., Balmain, New South Wales. . P Sis becauslS the multitude of such cures that Ayer's Sarsaparilla is called "The World's Greatest Family ietlgcigte." "Ayer's" is unlike other sarsaparillas. It contains different medicines, m<&£^'&>?Z*^Z&%^^ of the ordinary kind. HlfPil 1© Q Thesti®ilia 9% ¥,Jipri W TSiat^Cisres. It Enriches the Blood. Aver's Pills aid the Action of Ayer's Sarsaparilla,



between two friendly buildings, which seemed strongly inclined to lean on ono j another's shoulders; crossed the rough \ cobblestones oi the little market place | and, gaining the farther side of the ; bridge, found ourselves on a broad, ; level walk, which skirted the southern side of the'small valley wherein the vil lage lies. On our right hand was a series of stuccoed villas, built against the steep sMs of the hill; on our left a strip of meadow, with a brook brawling through it; and beyond this again the straggling array of the village and the hill on the other side. Overhead the spreading branches of low trees kept oif the glare of the sun. Had Kate and I been there alone, methought the charm of the place would have been complete, i "What delightful little villas these arel" I exclaimed. "Aren't they better than any hotel—even the Badehaus?" "If you think of spending any great time here—l believe they don't let for less than a week. But probably these are all full at this season. Higher up the valley, two or three miles beyond the hotel, you will find detached farm houses, whose owners would no doubt be glad of a lodger. If you are not broken into a traveler's hardships, though, you'll prefer the Badehaus." "I think I shall prefer it as long as you are there." "Well, I'm sorry to say that won't be long—we shall move tomorrow morn ing. If I had expected you, I—l should have been happy to have arranged mat ters otherwise. But the fact is, I have engaged rooms at one of the farmhouses I spoke of, and tomorrow they will ex pect us." My spirits fell at this news like a feather in a vacuum, and I dare say my face showed it. There could be no doubt now tha^ Mr. Birchmore was re solved to get rid of me. That he would go tomorrow to some distant farmhouse I did not question, but as to his having intended any such thing before he saw me alight from the train I confess I didn't believe it. It was an unpremedi tated expedient, and his inviting me up to the Badehaus was only a polite miti gation of the shock. "I am very sorry 1" was all I could say. Kate turned her face a little toward ] me at the words and her eyes met mine j sidelong. Only that look—she did not speak—but-I saw, or thought I saw, enough in it to make our parting at such brief notice a sentimental impossibility. At whatever -sacrifice of the laws of ceremony and civilized reserve, I deter- j mined that my acquaintance with her, i so well begun, should not thus be nipped in the bud. I would sooner win her as a barbarian than lose her as a man of the world. How to execute my deter mination was a problem to be solved at my leisure. We sauntered on to the hotel, chat ting discursively; my mind was too: much preoccupied to be thoroughly aware what we were talking about. Arrived at our destination, I followed my trunk to my room, having arranged to take an early dinner with my friends. It was nearly two hours before we met again. The dinner jessed w ith the same sort of desultory conversation that we had affected during our walk. Mr. Birchsnore's manner was serious and rather cold. Kate, too, was subdued and grave; not the brilliant, laughing Kate of the railway carriage. We were waited upon at table by the saturnine valet, whom his master called Slurk—a name that seemed to me to suit him ex cellently well. He waited on us in per fect silence from the beginning of the meal to the end, though several times peremptorily addressed by his master. There was to me something disagreea bly impressive in the fellow's very taci turnity—it seemed to indicate reserved power. Kate, I noticed, was careful never to speak to him, but I saw his glance several times directed fixedly upon her. After dinner Mr. Birchmore produced a cigar and said: "I must take a drosky over to our farmhouse. Do you young people care to come, or would you rather stay here?" "I think I'll stay, papa, please," an swered Kate. "And I, to see that nobody runs away with her," I added, with an easy smile. "Slurk, get me a carriage," said Mr. Birchmore, and nodding a goodby to us he went out. "How far is it from here —this farm house, Miss Birchmore?" I asked when we were alone. "I believe about two miles," "I should like to know its exact situa tion." "Why didn't you go with papa, then?" "Can't you imagine?" She had been absently puckering her handkerchief into folds in her lap. Now she looked up. "Why do you wish to know where we are going?" "Because I've taken a great fancy to— to Mr. Slurk, and I can't bear to think of losing sight of him!" I had expected her to laugh and per haps blush; instead of that an expres sion of something like terror swept over her face, and she laid lier finger oa her lip. "Don't talk of him!" she whispered. Her emotion had so astonished me that I could only stare in silence. Here was another mystery—or stay! could it be that Sluik was at the bottom of all those strange signs and enigmas that I had been puzzling myself over from the first? I was prepared to believe whatever amount of evil concerning the fellow might be required. But what could he have done, or have in his power to do, that could so affect Miss Birchmore? Had he held her life or fortune at the mercy of a word, she could hardly have betrayed more dismay at my jesting satire. "It's nothing," she said, recovering herself after a moment. "Only I don't i like him much, and you—and I wasn't j expecting to hear his name just then." j "Heaven knows it is a very different name I should have spoken!" "No, no, no! You have amused your self with me today, and tomorrow you must find some one else to amuse you, that's all!" (To be continued.)