The Lone Inn.

"if ho sits near the open window, Sophia, " was tho firm reply, whereupon, this little comedy having been gone through, as usual, 1 produced my pipe and tcoli. my appointed station. Thus settled, I made inquiries about Beliin Hall and its inmates.

"I sco you have the London beauty down here, aunt."

"Olivia Bellin," said they both in a breath aud then sighed.

"Is there anything to mourn about, Aunt Jane?" I asked, pricking up my ears for useful information which I knew these gossips could supply. "Ah," sighed Aunt Jane, folding her withered hands, "who knows the wick edness of the heart?" "Olivia's heart."

"Dear me, no, Lionel," said Aunt Sophia scandalized. "She is a good girl —as good as she is lovely—and not so silly as her mother," concluded the old lady, with feminine spite. "Then to whose heart do you allude?" This qnestion started a duet between the two old ladies.

"Francie Briarfield! You remember, Jane?"

"Yes, Sophia. That hussy with tho feather boa"

"Was seen speaking to him in tho cathedral by Bishop Jevon's tomb." "And he seemed very intimate with

her."

"Still, Jane, he was glad when she left Marehminster."

"Rathe? relieved, I think, Sophia."

"And poor Olivia Bellin knew noth ing about his wickedness," they con cluded together

My heart beat rapidly. In this idle talk I saw a link which would bind Fe lix Briarfield to the girl at the Fen inn.

"Was she a pretty girl?" I asked with well simulated carelessness. '*

"Handsome is as handsome does," snorted Aunt Jane, Who was remarka bly plain herself

"Sure, sister, she was not ill look ing," said the gentler Sophia, who had been a toast in her youth, "She had a good figure and dark hair and eyes. I admired her complexion, Jana It was like cream and a dimple here," finished Sophia, touching her chin. ''A pretty, pretty dimple."

"Sophia!"

"Well, it was a pretty dimple, Jane. No one can deny that"

In this description I espied Rose Strent, especially as regards the dimple. I had noticed it myself. Evidently there was an understanding between this wo man and Felix which had led her to taking up her. quarters in the Fen inn with her lather, if indeed the landlord was her father—a fact I was beginning to doubt. I set the garrulous ladies off on another tack.

"Do you know anything about the Fen inn, Aunt Jane?"

"The lone inn, child? Never name it I In my youth it was the scene of a terrible murder, and since that time no one has lived in it save one man."

"It is now in ruins," said Sophia, with bated breath, "and is said to be haunted."

"Does any one go near it?" "No one. I don't think there is a man in the country who would venture near the lone inn after dark. Two years ago a stranger refurnished and repaired it, but he did not stay longer than a week."

"What became of him?"

"He disappeared," said Aunt Sophia, nodding her head solemnly, "vanished altogether. It was supposed that he was drowned in the marshes. The house is still furnished, I believe, but no one goes near it ''

"What about the landlord?" "It's in chancery," said Aunt Jane wisely. "It has no landlord." After this discussion I went to bed with plenty to think about. I saw well enough that Strent and his daughter had taken up their abode in the ruined house for a certain purpose. That pur pose was, I verily believed, to encompass the death of Francis Briarfleld, and now that it was accomplished they disap peared. As.Aunt Sophia said, the fur niture of the former proprietor was still there, so a touch or two had rendered the house habitable. This accounted for their unwillingness to receive me as a guest and for the mildewed aspect of the rooms which had struck me bo forci bly. A second tragedy had accentuated the evil reputation of the house. But, while the first tragedy was known to all, the second was known only to my self and to —Felix Briarfield.

I felt certain that he was connected in some way with the unexpected death of his brother. Francis had been lured to that lonely inn for the purpose of be ing murdered, and the crime had been accomplished by Strent and his daugh ter. So far as I knew, Felix had not been near the house on the night in question, yet he was without doubt morally guilty of the crime. Olivia, believing him to be her lover Francis, 4id not place much faith in my story, but surely, when she was convinced by the eight of the dead body and I had torn the mask from the face of Felix, she would let mo deal with him as he deserved.

Next morning I was up betimes, and telling my aunts I would not be back till late went round to the sole livery sta bles possessed by Marshminster. These were kept by Bob Fundy, a bow legged little man, who had be«n a jockey in his youthful days and who waa a great friend of mine. He expressed great joy at my reappearance in Marshminster and mounted me on the best of his steeds. I was in too great a hurry to ex change more than a few words with the genial old fellow and set out at once for Bellln Hall. Later on I regretted my haste, as a few words of explanation from Fundy would have saved me much money and a long journey. At 10 o'clock I was at the park gates, but Felix and Olivia had not yet put in an appearance. I intended to denounce Felix as a murderer in the presence of his brother's dead body and to tell Miss Bellin of his friendship with Eose Strent. Jealousy, if nothing else, might make her guess the truth and prevent Felix carrying on the shameless impos ture in which he now indulged so inso-

Ifo be Continue!

THE^ASHBOBTON GUAKBIAN, FRID\I?, JULI 7, I6JS

Printed and published by Hinry Willis, o Peter Street, ABhburton, for the Propri* tors, ab their Printing Office, Burnob Street, Aahbarton, FRIDAY, July |, 1899



A GIFT. THE SHELDON BOO' 4. *'In His Seeps, or What Would Jesus Do.' 11 The Crucifixion of Philip Sfcjong." " His Brother's Keener." *« Miilcom Kirk." ••Richard Hardy's Seven D .ya." | "THE VITADATIO" series of the-e » tnagnifk'eut aud eu'runciug works is about ready for distribution, aud will be sent to any address in the colonies on receipt of postage to cover—One book, 2 i stamps, the five book a, 6d stamps. All letters must be marked "Sheldon," care of "Vitadatio,' Melbourne. LADIES, THE FOLLOWING SHOULD INTEREST YOU. Never £e!c better in her lite. Had no idea Vitadatio oould do for her what it has done. " 10th April, 1899. " For a number of years I was troubled With indigestion, and what those of our sex know as general weakness in various forms and ways, accompanied by the usual gloomy forebodiuga and, of course, as I find now, Unoeoeaiary o&res of mind, producing all kinds of disoouragiDg anticipations, in which the oommoa impression would constantly intrude itself that life was not the flowery bed of ease that one used to read and sing about) in one's childhood's hours, My food did not nourish the body, and I carried abonfc with me, much to my discomfort, an emaciated form» and the common remark of my frienda was, ' How ill you always look.' Although I would not admit the truth of their opinion, y«t my own conscious feeling \ assured me pf the truth pf their observation. There were many other ailments which kept in check my former vitality and buoyancy of spirits, which need only be hinted at in ft note such as this. In this state of general debility I was advised to take a course of Webber's Vitadatio; I took it regularly for about six weeks, aad took, in all, the contents of six large bottles. These were from the first a great source of help and relief, and I began to put on fbsh at the rate of I^lb per week, and I now enjoy the very beet of health. To any of my own sex, eapßcially those who are troublad with en nni, from whatever cause arising, I verily belters a onurse of Vitadatio will give them b»ok the blessing of good health, such a- I enjoy, and for which I desire to be tiuly thankful Vitadatio ehal! always have my strong recommendation.— Yours gratefully, U. Berokant, Kedfern, Sydney, jNewSomh Wales Price 5s 6d and 3a 6d psr bottle. \ E. W. H&LL Herbalist, Agent for Ashburton and District. 8 6 10



»/ BALLANTYNE & Co., OF 0 ASH EL STREET, OBKISTCHUTtOB, TTAVE FITTED A MOST COMPLETE FACTORY, aad Manufacturi 'FROM START TO FINISH High-Class Furniture at very MODERATE RATES, A Visit to BAiiLANTyNB's Showroom and f'aolory, by any of our Country Client when in Chrißtcharch.i will be MUCH APPRECIATED BY THE FIRM. G. MEDDINS, The People's Practical Ironmonger, ' BURNMT STREET, OPPOSITE AKCADE. TtfTC CHEAP and .UP-TO-DATE SHOP for LAMPS! LAMPS!! REGISTER GRATES With Tiles or Pain. OOA.L V^SES. CO4L VASES. FIRE IROHS & BRASSES. TENDERS. FENDERS. BROOMS & BRUSHWARE. TIN & ENAMEILED WARS. GORSE KNIVES A GRUBBER*. SPADES & FORKS. BUILDERS''& FURNISHING IRON * MONGt RY. BAMES ! RANGES ! ! gent for SCOTT'S CELEBRATED " ATLAS " and Birningham*a •■ ZBALANDIA." As usual I am to the front in CAR PENTER'S TOOL-S with the largest and belt selected stock in Aahburton. One trial will convince you that you will B&ve money by patronising me.



■TREES FOR SALE, ]4o,oqoj™T N)s Son nno^ cIiOOARPA 100,000 LAROH 1 C f\f\f\ FRUIT TREES ID,UVU (all kiads; 1 f\ AAA ORNAMENTAL JLU,UUU TREKS & SHURBB ff AAA cHoir!J3 Roses 3 AAA WALNUTS AND • v/v/W Spanish Chestnuts* AND THE MANY OTHER PL&NTS, ROOTS, ETC.. FOUND IN A LARGE NURSERY STOCK. SPECIAL OFFER, All Fruib Trees and Roses that die in Planting WILL BE REPLACED by hav ing new trees supplied to the Purchaser *b the Nurtery free of cost. Order early and co secure best selection. thomaTsealy, NURSERYMAN, ETC., RIVER BANK, ASHBUhaON Telephone No 50. P. O. Box 33,



Established 1880. Telephone 69 BAKER 8R05.7 rnURNISHING TTNDERTAKERB C URNISHING U NDERTAKERS DIRECT Importera of Best and Lates Designs in FUNERAL FURNISHINGS FUNERALS condaoted with the greatest care and satisfaction, ab moat reasonable charges. Corner of Wakanut Road and Case Streets, and Baker^and Brown's Coach Factory,



-GEEAT ANNUAL SALE OF Drapery, Cloihiiig, and Bo^is, A N DREW OER WILL HOLD AN IMMENSE CLEARING SALE OF QURPLUS STOCK OF HIGH-CLASS DRAPERY, CLOTHING, AND BOOTS, C.O.M 64 E N CIN G FIIDAT, JUNE 30, FOE ONE MONTH ONLY All Gcodßßs-marked at a TREMENDOUS REDUCTION, «o as to effect a Complete Clearance. SEE HAND BILLS FOB PRICB3. LADIES' AND> GENTLEMEN'S BOOTS GREATLY REDUCED. REMEMBER SALE — FRIDAY, JUNE 30. ANDJI EW OR R.



EAST HTRBJEST H. M. JONES, FREE INSURANCE Against Accident or Death. POLICIES CURRENT from "7 1 I3ayw to IS Month**, according to Value Purchaned. =£51 per Week for Total Disablement up to Ten Weeks. £5O for Death from Accident. Special Concessions to Purchasers of Pianos, Organs, and Cycles. Ca=h purchasers from 10s will receive a Policy good for Seven Days. CHEAP vSTATIONERY AND ACCOUNT BOOKS. Boxed Stationery, 6d and Is lines, top value; specially put up in London or my own trade. Fancy and Tinted Note Paper and Envelopes. AGENTS FOR MILNER AND THOMPSON S — PIANOS— By Brinsmead' and Sons, Hopkuuon, Goes and "Y)T A IVT/^Q Kallman, Wagner, Coilard and Colbrd, Broad- Jl JLxjlxN V./O wood, Euake, Spaethe, Channell and Son, Lipp — PIAN OK — and Sohn. -ORGANS- By Bell and Co. Smith, and the Nf-edham Company, CW^C^ A IV Willcox and White, Mason and Hamlin, the Chicago Com* V/JL\VjTxjl 1.1 iO pany, Palace Organ Company, and other makers. — OJttOAINS— Fbom lOs to <#3SO. OBtGLAJNS From ... „ .. 1O» per month piainoh „ .„ « ... ... aos „ „ LALL INSTRUMENTS GUARANTEED. — Best Cash Valuh Obtainable, Latest Books by every Mail, at Published Prices for Cash. Magazines and Periodicals, at LOWEST CASH PRICES in all Departments. Equal to Cfarintcburch and Dune din Houses. Do your Business here and keep the Trade in the District INSPECTION INVITED. h. .m."Tones. aaßßlß^Maaillia g KniaiaaiainHaiaaa i HaaaßaHlHaaßaaßßM * EASILY THE &tSV__ N ;-; - __^_



TANKS. TANKS. TANKS. QPECIAL Inducements offer to those in want of FIRST-CLASS TANKS* HARDLEY BROS. ARE SELLING LARGE SIZE TANKS AT 27s 6d, 355, 425, SOS eacL No House is complete without one. PUMPS PUMPS. PUMPS. Splendid Assortment now to hand—direct from the makers—ab prices to Buib everyone. SPOUTING & RIDGING Manufactured on the Premises. Spouting fixed from 4d per foot. Competent Workmen sent to any part of the County at shortest notice. Fiank Curtis, WE the leading WANT FARMERS'TO KNOW Watehiwi aker, Je-weller, m HAT WE HAVE IN STOCK and Optician, X RAN SOMES & HORNSBY JUST LANDED : PLOUGH SHARES, all sizes. ALSO— LARGE STOCK of NICKEL and other n . urrnD-nn Watches, being imported direot and OAb . UK^Uliv, manufactured to my own design. These CYLINDRINE OIL, WATCHES will be found to give every ROOT PULPJBRS, aatisfaction. QQm CRUSHERS, A special value line ab £1 is well worth HORSE HOES, inspection. EXCELSIOR GARDEN TOOLS, KOTHERHAM^WATERBURVS, '"S.^SSmOOILAM T „ , . . LITTLE WONDERS, In all grades^and prices. EAby cimR g FOR LAIWN aND KEEPERS k WEDDING RINGS VERANDAH, of the famous daisy oarts. designs, AS UfcUAL-MY BROOCHES, GEM WE ARE ALSO AGENTS FOR RINGS, AND STOCK OF JEWELLERY McOormicb is the Largest and Best Assorted in Ash burtoD . REiVIMSI* &z BIINIXISI* „_ AND Presentation Clocks and Alarms in all STEKJL.IIN& J3IOYCJJEJE3® prices and designs. REPAIRS effected with my usual prompt. ne ß s and exactitude^ MOmW) BaSSett (X U0. f OLD JEWELLERY Re-made into up-to-date fashions, at moderate ASHBURTON, f!i!!: ' M. PRIEST, Manager. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. _____ > " MISS CARSON. mEACHER of Pianoforte and Organ. OSBOBN COOMBE, 1 For terms, etc., apply at Residence, ~~ . T-.^™™m Corner of Wills and William Streets, near PIANO TUNER & EXPERT, Wakanui Road East. 1 136 (Late of London), ™___ - . A CAKD WILL Visit Ashburton for business on m/r^g A /~*l /^ LA RIDGE MONDAY NEXC and ensuing M."* 1 A. (J. (J LARISS E WORnRRB mar be left with MR TEACHER CF LLEWELLYN ™WEN at his Musio PIANOFORTE, ORGAN, and SINGING Studio, Arcade Ohambere, Ashburton, or at OOX STREET, ASHBURTON. Commercial Hotel. t> 252 Terms on Application, 1



Hew Zealand taraacg Goipanj. BSTABLIBHBP* «. _ 1859 CAPITAL^ONEMILLION. THBFBEMIBB AND WEALTHIEST COLONIAL COMPANY, NOTBD FOR PROMPTNESS AND LIBERALITY PAID-UP CAPITAL AND RESERVES— ££00,000. FIRM AND MARINE RISKS. ALSJ f - RISKS ON GROWING CROPS, fHBKSHING MACHINES, Ac, ACCEPTED AT LOWEST TORRENT RATSfc K. W. FIANMSR AttBNT,



— 22,000 — IN USE IN THIS COLONY HEY BURN LIGNITE, TRUE COAL OR WOOD UP TO 24in , no settingTrequired. With' Stove Pipe can be worked out in the open. SPLENDID BREAD BAKERS. With Cast Iron or Copper Boilers. The Copper Boilers are large and Tin. >» jginai&e. REPAIRS ARE A MINIMUM. Made in all sizes, single or double ovens. High or low pressure boilers Sold by all Ironmongers, from whom Catalogues can be obtained, or from the maker, H. E. SHACKLOCK. SOUTH END FOUNDRY, DUNEDIN. 31 «



INCANDESCENT GAS-LIGHT, (WELSBAOH PATENTS). (x)- GREAT REDUCTION IN PRICES. (x)— HAYING made Special and more Advantageous Terms with the Aus tralasian Incandescent Gas Light Company, Limited., and being ap pointed Sole Agent for.Aahburton, I am now able to offer you these burners at the following reduced prices:— ~~ ' 0 Burners, Plain, Com- -*" " jTS. • \ plete, 12* Each. /€f C| \ i\f T T \ / ' 0 Burners, "Avon," a JA I l with Bye-paps, 15s Each. \f I I Mantles for above are v j\ «*" / N^ now Reduced to 2s Each, - £&^ No Householder can afford to be any longer without the Incandescent Light. The 0 Burner gives FIVE TIMES the light of an ordinary gas burner . with consumption of less than TWO-THIRDS of the gas. W. J. "ADAMS, PLUMBER AND GASFITTER, BEMOYED TO NEW PBEMISB9, NEXT ORANGE HALL, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON. SOLE AGENT FOR ABHBURTON.



BELFAST FREEZING WORKS MANURES, ARE THE BEST T7IOR TURNIP, RAPE WHEAT, AND ANY OTHER CROP. SPECIAL MANURE; can be made for any kind of Soil, or description of crop. SATISFACTION GIVEN EVERYWHERE LAST SEASON. Orders received by BBOK, Limited., DAVID THOMAS, THIS W.Z.. FARMERS CO-OPERATIVE A BSOCIATION OW CANTERBURY, Limited., oa AA^BJERT ROBERTS. AGUNT, GAKTEEBUBY FBOZEN MEAT AND DAIRY PKODUOE EXPORT COMPANY, LIMITED. 8 80 F- WAYMOUTH Secretary.



Smoke Dunlop's «Bii % DERBY , ! r§—I ? TOBACCO. --JJ, *.'■ II All Tobacconists. - II I .ii—



GOOD NEWS FOE ALL. FCI /^LAVTON, formerly of • JJ • Kj East Street, complying with the wishes of former patrons, begs to inform them and the pubic generally, that he has recommenced business in the Arcade, opposite Mr T. Bullock's office IF YOU WANT STYLE, FIT, A; SOUND WORKMANSHIP, GO TO JB\ JP. CLAYTON. His selection of Tweeds, Fancy Coatings, etc., are the best in the Colony. A grand me of Heavy Saddle and Chipping Norton West of England Tweeds, at prices to suit everybody f. F. CLAYTON, PHAGIIGAL TAILOR, BULLOCK'S ARCADE' 5 220



3HBURTON PEIiMAKENT BUILDING AND INVESTMENT SOCIETY, THE SOCIETY is now taking MONEY OK DEPO S I T Fixed Twelve Months 4$ per cent. oH partioularß on application. EDWARD STEPHENS, run m Mnoagflr, Office: Tancred Street i Bicycle Harvest LANDELLS & SON, ENGINEERS & BIOYOLE MAKERS BORKETT STREET, Next the Club. TO the Farmers and General PobHo Ashburton,—We beg to state that we have reaped a harvest in Bicycles, havir just landed a big consignment of fint-ofai jiggers at £14 10*. We are the oldest bwycle firm in Ashburtoa and intend to uphold oar reputation. Agents for White Flyers, Rudge-Whlt-. worth, Waverieys, Cyolopa, The Parrot, eto Repairs by experts. All work guarau t«ad T. H. UNDRIU..J [g, UKDBILL



JaXHSTs^dibM bi-chlqride gf gold cube. DRINK HAD NEARLY DESTROYED IT I SUFFERED from an Insatiable Appe tite for Liquor. The Bi-Ohlorids of Gold Treatment cured me permanently. It Eradicates ALL Desire for Intoxicants. The desire will never return unless you re cultivate it. No care—no pay. Address : BICHLORIDE OF GOLD INBTITUTE Ashly House, Rattray Street, Dunedin, OHEAP MONEY! CHEAP MONfiY OHBAP MONET IN SUMS JF £100 ™ £10,000, OH COUNTRY, CITY, JAND .SUBURBAN FREEHOLD, At'exceptionally low rates of interest. FOR FORMS OF APPLICATION AN FULL INFORMATION, Apply to the DISTRICT MANAGER, Christcburch. J. H. RICHARDSON, Government Insurance Commissioner.



ABSOLUTE ASSURANCE IS ONE OF THE PERFECT OrffEBED BY THE MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA. TJIXAMPLE of Nonforfeiture Conditions. XLi At Age 30 next Birthday, under Table C 20, Aaeurance of £1000 will ooßt £31 10s per annum for 20 years. In event of discontinuance of payments the Policy becomes Paid up for £150 AFTER 3 YEARS. £250 AFTER 5 tfKARS. £500 AFTER 10 YEARS. And so on. When the 20 years' Premiums have been paid, the Assurance is not only Paid up for £1000, but is increased by the Accumulated Bonuses. WALTER SCALES, Superintendent of New Busineßß< HUGO FRIEDLANDER. ; District Agent, Ashburton ABT CLASSES. ETHEL _& JONES, /CERTIFICATEDart teaoher, Canterbury V^ College School of Art; Free Student Technical School of Design, Wellington; Pupil of James M. Kairn, Wellington. Instructions given in all branches of Art, Painting from Life, and Sketching from Nature, in Oil or Water Colour. For particulars apply to Mb John Wilson Burnett street.



PO18OMED! " A report comes from the district of Wagnnyah N.S.W., of b eetfcler and his family exhibiting very serious symptoms of poisoning after partaking o their evening meal. In searching for the cause, sus pioion fell on the tea they hod used. A sample taken from a one pound tin in use was analysed and found to contain strong traces of muriatic act A, the presence of which is caused by the use of spirits of salts in welding the parts of tin together. The analyst warns consumers that tea packed in small tins, owing to its very absorbent nature, is very liable to become impregnated with 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. This sty c of packet is quite impervious to the air, and tea so packed has been known to retain al its aroma and strength for a period of five years.' BTOTTU.—KOZIB ISA is packed in lead with an naida lining of Vegetable Parchment. DRINK DELICIOUS PERFECT IN IQUAUTY, FLAVOR AND BLEND, Packed in Tins, the delicate Aroma Absolutely Preserved. OBTAINABLE FROM ALL GROCERS



T H UNDBILL AhD CO., TTIURNISHING UNDERTAKERS. JO URNIBHING UNDERTAKERS. TANORED STREET, ASH BURTON EVERY REQUISITE ON HAND. Polished Coffins a Speolalty. Private Address, Peter Street, directly behind Oddfellows' Hall; also cart of Mr T. Andrew!, feast Belb. 2 NOTICE OF EEMOVAL. ASHBURTON No 2 INDUSTRIAL BUILDING SQOIETY. fTIHE Pooiety has REMOVED its Office X from The Post Office Buildings, Cameron Street) To ARCADE CHAMBERS, Burnett Street, in the Old Bank Building. Office Hours: From 9.30 to 12, and 2 to 4 p.m., and 7 to 8.30 every pay night. FRED. MAKEIG, 5 100 Secretary*



LOOK CHEAP WINTER FIRING. NEW MOUNT SOMEBS COAL. OUTPUT has Trebled during the la twelve months. IT IS USED EVERYWHERE. This Coal is the Besb and Cheapest Steam \nd Household Coal in the market. Used in the Woollen Factory and Cant** bury Flour Mills. GIVES SPLENDID RESULTS WRITE FOR PRICES G. T.'VaBK, • MOUNT 3OUBRS, I ' ' ——— Removal Notice. LIVERY "STABLES. McConnell (£ Compton WISH to thank the Public for past support, and beg to "announce tfaafe they have REMOVED from Burnett Street into the New and Commodious Stables in- Tancred Street, where every accommodation for Horses will be found. The firm trust that by civility and atten tion they will still continue to receive a fair •hare of support. Horses, Cabs, Drags, and other Vehicles always on hire—day and night. Don't forget the address: McOONNELL & COMPTON, Tancred Street. 6 40



Gi JESSON P LADIES' »»no? I ' KEEPERS And I KNOT RINOS. Gold Watches > ,» Stiver Watches QOLD /Us SIIVEJ* CHAINS Brooches, &c. I