The Lone Inn.

"But this letter?" "Bnh! That was written hereby Bri arfield and forwarded to a friend in Paris, to bo posted back to you.'' "Liar!" cried Felix, dashing forward with clinched fists. "If you don't re tract that statement, I'll" "For pity's sake, be quiet," entreated Olivia, throwing herself between us. "Do not bring my mother here. Fran cis, you do not know the harm you are doing. Mr. Denham," she added, turn ing to mo as ho suddenly stepped back, "do you say this gentleman is Folix?" "I do most decidedly." "I tell you, sir, it is not so. This is my affianced lover, Francis. Great heav ens, coxxld v woman make a mistake in so serious a matter?'' "I believe the resemblance between tho brothers would deceivo any one.'' , "Lot us settle the question by going to the Fen inn," said Felix sharply. "I'll wager that there we find neither landlord nor any one." "You don't believe me?" said I quickly. "I do not, sir. I believe you have dreamed all this rubbish. I am here —I, Francis JBriarfield. Felix, my brother, is in Paris, and as to your cock and bull story of a murder at the Fen inn I don't believe a word of it." "Very well, Briarfield," I said, pick ing up my hat "You have chosen your course. I will now choose mine. Hither to I have kept the affair quiet for your sake and for that of Miss Bellin. Now I will place the matter in the hands of the authorities and wash my hands of the whole affair." "Do what you think fit," retorted Briarfield fiercely and turned his back on me. Stung by his contemptuous man ner, I walked smartly toward the door, but was stopped on the threshold by Miss Bellin. "It is no use, your going to see the police, Mr. Denham," she said anxious ly. "I assure it will only get you into troubla Your story is too wild to be lieva They will say you are mad." "I'll take the risk of that. lam not yet so mad as not to believe the evi dence of my own eyes. Let me pass, Miss Bellin." "Stay!" she said in a peremptory tone. ' 'Let mo speak a moment with Francis." I bowed my head in token of acquies cence, and sho glided back to where Fe lix was looking out of the window. For a few minutes they spoke together in low, hurried voices. She seemed to bo

entreating and he refusing. At length he evidently yielded to her prayers, for he sank into a chair with a gesture of despair, and she returned to my Bide. "I don't wish yon to get into trouble, Mr. Denham," she said coldly, "nor do I wish you to use my name, as you as suredly will do in making your report to the police. I believe this story of yours to be a hallucination, and in or der to convince yon of it am willing to ride out to the Fen inn tomorrow with you and Francis. When we arrive there, I assure you we shall Pee nothing," "I am certain you'll see more than you bargain for," said I dryly. "I would rather you went there tonight." ''I cannot. My mother would not al low me to go. Be a little considerate, Mr. Denham,"

I saw the justice of this reasoning and forbore to press the point. After all, so long as they went the time did not much matter.

"Then let it be tomorrow morning," I said coldly, "at 10 o'clock. I will be at your park gates. If yon and Briar fleld are not there, I go at once to tho police office and give information con cerning the murder of Francis."

CHAPTER V.

After that momentous interview I

presented myself to my astonished rela tives. These were two lovable old maids, Bisters of my mother, who had passed tho best part of their existence in tho Cathedral Bquars of Marshminster. They ! knew everybody and all about everybody j and pottered through life with the as-

sistance of a comfortable income which they shared in common, a trifle of gos sip and a series of afternoon teas. At tho dally services of the cathedral they were always to bo seen, nud were inti mately acquainted with tho dean and chapter. Even tiao bishop condescended to take tea with them on occasions, and they held their heads high in conse quence. Moreover, they loved mo great ly, though I was but a graceless nephew to the good souls.

When I made my appearance, tha Misses Durrant received me with open arms. They had not expected me till much later in the month, but had al-

ready prepared fen- my recoption. My portmanteau, which I had ordered to be sent down from London, had arrived, t ■ tho bedding of my room was thoroughly:; well aired, and Rachel, thoir hand- : maiden, spread for me a sumptuous ! meal. When I washed and clothed my-: self anew, I made an excellent meal,' for tho long tramp from the Fen inn! made me hungry. I then sat down for a| chat and a smoko. ' "I think ho may, Jane," hinted So- ( phia gently.

To be Coutinued,

j For a few minutes they spoite together in low, hurried voices.

THE ABHBUBTON GUABDUN, THUBSDAI, JOLY 6, 1899

Printed and publiehed by Henry Willis, o Peter Street, Ashburton, for the Proprie tors, at) their Printing Office, Burneb Street, Ashburton, THURSDAY, July 6, WgPgJj





A GIFT. ' THE SHELDON BOOVf. ••In His Steps, or What Would Jesus ;Do.' •' The Crucifixion of Philip Btiong." "Hia Brother's Keeper." ••' Malcom Kirk." "Riohard Hardy'a Seven D-.ya." I "THR VITA DAI 10" weries of thet-e ' magnificent and entrancing works is about ready for distribution, and Will be sent to any address in the colonies on rcoeipt of postage to cover —Our. book, 2>i stamp', the five books, 6ii stamps. All letters must be marked "Sheldon," cue of "Vitadatio,' Melbourne. LADIES, THE tOLLOWTNG SHOULD INTEREST YOU. Never felfc bettor in her life. Had no idea Viladatio could do for her what it has done. 1110 th April, 1899. *' For a number of years I was troubled With indigestion, and what those of our aex know an general weakness in various forme and ways, accompanied by the usual gloomy forebodings &nd, of course, us I find now, Unnecessary oires of mind, producing all kinds of discouraging anticipations, in which the common impression would constantly intrude itself that life was not the fl >wery bed of ease that one used to read and sing about in one's childhood's hours. My food did not nourieh the body, and I carried about with me, much to my discomfort, an emaoiafced form, and the common remark of my frienda was, ' How ill you aiwaya look.' Although I would nob admit the truth of ■ their opinion, y«t my own conscious feeling assured me of the truth of their observation. There were many other ailments which kept Id chack my former vitality and buoyancy of Bpiiits, which need only be hinted at in a note each as this. Id this state of general debility I was adviaed to take a course of Webber's Vitadatio; I took it regularly for about six weeks, and took, in all, the contents of six large bottles. These were from the firsc a great source of help and relief, and I began to put on flesh at the rate of l£!b per week, and I now enjoy the very best of health. To any of my own i-ex, especially those who are troubled with en nui, from whatever cause arising, I verily bol^ve a curse of Vifeadatio will give them i back i.he blessing of good health, such as I enjoy, and for which I desire to be truly thankful. Vitadatio shall aiwaya have my strong recommendation.—Yours gratefully, M. Sergeant, Kedfern, Sydney, f>ew South Wales Price 5b 6d and 3a 6d per bottle. X W. HALL Herbalist, Aaent for Aahburton and District, 6 10



,/. BALLANTYNE & Co., OF CASH EL STREET, OORISTCHUKOrr, TTAVE FITTED A MOST COMPLETE FACTORY, and Mauuf actor FROM START TO FINISH High-Class Furniture »t *cry MODERATE RATES. A jVisit to Ballantynk's Showroom and factory, by any of our Country Client when in Christcharcb, will be MUCH APPRECIATED BY THE FIRM.



G. MEDDINS, The People's Practical Ironmonger, BURNETT STREET, OPPOSITE ARCADB. THF CRRVP and TTP-TO -DA.TE SHOP foe • LAMP.--! LVMPS!! R fi'ixl STER GRATES With Tiles or Pain. OCAL VASES. COAL VASES. FIRE I ROWS & BRASSES. FENDERS. FENDERS. BBOOMS & BRUSHWARE. TIN & ENAMELLED W.-vRS. GORBE KSIVKS & GRUBBERS. SPADES & FORKS. BUILDSRS'' & FURNISHING IRON "MONGtRy. BANOES! RANGES I 1 gent for SCOTT'S CELEBRATED " ATLAS " und Birningham's "ZEALANDIA."' As ueaal I nm to Uib front iv CAR PENTEE'3 TOO IS with the largest and best selected stock in Aehhurton. One trial will convince you that you will Bave money by patronising me.



TREES FOR SALE, 140 000 PINUSINSIGNIS 90 00^ MAOROr;iARpA ioo',ooo Ml!0H 15,000 '^HSJ 18 1 A AAA ORNAMENTAL XU^UUU TREES & SHUKBS p* AAA 0R<;I0E ROSES 3AAA WALNUTS AND ,\JUu Spanith Chestnuts. AND THE MANY OTHER PLANTS, ROOTS, BTOi. FOUND IN A LARGE NURSERY STOUK. SPECIAL OFFER, All Fruit; Trees and Roses that die in Planing WILL BE REPbACKI) by hav ing new trees supplied to the Purchaser 'it the Nursery free of coat. Order early and go sronre best selection. thomaYsealy, NURSKRYMAN, ETC., RIVISR BANK, ASHBUKTON, Telephone No 50, P. 0. Box 35,



Established 1880. Telephone 69 f'v ■" ' l-v« 0 ■ \ \J J / / f » >\' i ff> f AKEK BROS., f7\: ■\l N fSH fNO TTNPERTAKftKS i- 1 OLIKISaiNG NDERTAKERS DIRECT Importers of Best and Lates Designs In FUNERAL PURMSHINGS FUNERALS conducted with the greatest care and satisfaction, at moat rem>oi;ahl(s charges. Corner of Wakanui Road aud Oass Streeta, and liakor^and Brown's Coach Factory.



-GREAT ANNUAL SALE OF Drajnvfy, Clothing and Bo'iis, ANL) RE W ORR WILL .HOLD AN IMMENSE CLEARING BALE OF QURPLUS STOCK OF HIGHUCLASS DRAPERY, CLOTHING, AND BOOTS, COMMENCING FIJDAY, JUNE 30, FOR ONE MONTH ONLY All Gooc'b Re-marked at a TREMENDOUS REDUCTION, go as to effecb a Complete Clearance. SEE HAND BILLS FOB PRICES. LADIES' AND.S GENTLEMEN'S BOOTS GREATLY REDUCED. RuMfiMßEfi SALE — FEIDAY, JUNE 30. (x\ i 11 ■■■■'< ANDREW ORR.



H. -M. JONES. FREE INSURANCE A^-ainst Accident or Death. I)OLICIEiS CURRENT from •y Dayw to 13 Months, Recording fco X Value Purchased. per Week for Total Disablement up to Ten Weeks. for Death from Accident. Special Concessions to Purchaiiers of Pianos, Organs, and Cycles, Ca^h purchasers from 10a will receive a Policy good for Seven Days. CHEAP STATIONERY AND ACCOUNT BOOKS. Boxed Stationery, 6d and Is lines, top value ; specially pufc up in London or my own trade. Fancy and Tinted Note Paper and Envelopes. AGENTS FOR MILNER AND THOMPSONS - PIANOS — By Brinsmead; and Sona, Hopkinson, Goes and T>f A "VTAG Kallman, Wagner, Collard and Collard, Broad- X XxjLi_N Uu wood, Haake, Spaethe, Channel! and Son, Lipp -PIANOS- and Bohn. — ORGrATNS— By Bell and Co, S:nith, and the Needham Company, (~\Y-£(~^ A ISJQ. Willcox and White, Mason and Hamlin, the Chicago Com- KJ .lIVvXxjL JL i O paQy» Palace Organ Company, and other makers. — UiiGAWS- From a*SS lOs to JSSO. ORGANS From ... ... .„ .„ .„ .« 10s per month PIAWOB , „ ... .„ 430s „ „ LALL INSTRUMENTS GUARANTEED. — Best Cash Value Obtainable. Latest Books by every Mail, at Published Prices for Cash. Magazines and Periodicals, at LOWEST CASH PRICES in all Departments. Kqual to Cbriatchuroh and Dune din Bousea. Do your Business here and keep the Trade in the District INSPECTION INVITED. c. m."Tones.



CrONTINUATI!OK BF GIGANTIC CLEARING SALE. -GREAT SUCCESS.= READ THE, FOLLOWING PKICES :— MEN'S WHITE SHIRTS New Goods) 2s Xld Each MEN'S COLORED MOLE TROUSERS ... ... 3s lid per pair MEN'S STRONG LEATHER SHIRTS 2s 3d Each LARGE SIZE BUSH RUGS 3g 6& Each LARGE SIZE GRKY BLANKETS 6s 3d per pair FRINGE DOOR SLIPS ... Is 3d Each STRONG FLANNELETTE 2|d per yard JKUIVXIRfiJDS OF OTHER GKEAT BARGAINS SALE CONTINUED DAILY. A. P. WILLIAMSON, TANCRED STREET. "'• EASILY THE tttSA. ,/^»



TANKS. TANK!?: TANKS. QPEUIAL luducementß offer to those in want of FIRST-CLASS TANKS* HARDLEY BROS. ARE SELLING LARGE STZE TANKS AT 27s 6d, 355, 425, 60s QftCL No House ia complete without one. PUMPS PUMPS. PUMPS. Splendid Assortment- now to hand—direct from the makers—at prices to suit 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. ""'MISS CARSON. " rpEACHER o, S»™,o rte Md ow. OSBORN COOMBB, X For terms, etc., apply at Residence, PIANO TUNER & EXPERT, Corner of Willa and William Streets, near (Late of London), Wakanui Road East. 1 136 , TTTILL Visit Aehburton for business on MR<* A n ntAßTnfliP ** MONDAY NEXC and ensuing X3L •\J • Vl-A R IDG E ORDERS may be left with MR i TEACHER W LLEWELLYN OWEN at his Music I VIANOFORTE, ORGAN, and SINGING Studio, Arcade Chambers, Ashburton, or ah ' 00X STREET, ASHBURTON. Commercial Hotel. 6 252 j Terms on Application, I J



Sew Zealand Insnraace Coippani. ESTABLISHED* «. - 188 9; CAPITA J^ONB'MILLION, THEPBEMIBB AND"¥iALTHIEST COLONIAL COMPANY, NOTED FOB PROMPTNESS AND LIB1BALITT? PAID-UP CAPITAL AND 'RESERVES— £4:00,000. FIRE AND "MARINE RISKS, ALSO,™ RISKS ON GROWING CROP 6, THRESHING MACHINES, Ac, AOO3BSTED AT LOWEST TORRENT RATES E. W. HANMJSR Af?ENT



- 22,000 - IN USE IN THIS COLONY t: i rf ,/v.v Iji I! «HACI,IOC«J[ I B US*~*'^ HEY BURN LIGNITE, TRUE GOAL OR WOOD UP TO 24ir NO SETTING~REQUIRED. With^Stove Fipe can be worked oat in the open. SPLENDID BREAD BAKERS. With Cast Iron or Copper Boilers. The Copper Boilers are large and Tio^j^linside. REPAIRS ARE A MINIMUM. Made in alKaizes, single or doable ovens. High or low pressure boilers; Sold^by all Ironmongers, from whom Catalogues can be obtained, or from the maker,^ H. E. SHACKLOCK. SOUTHEND FOUNDRY, DUNEDIN. 31 '>



INCANDESCENT GAS-LIGHT. (WELSBAOH PATENTS). GREAT REDUO;nON"IN PRICES. (X) HAVING made Special and more Advantageous Terms with the Aus tralasian Incandescent Gas Light Company, Limited., and being ap pointed Sole Agent for Ashburton, I am now able to offer you these burners at the following reduced prices:— fO Burners, Plain, Oom- v* -_~lr^s. 0 Burners, " Avon," Ih _ Al^ ~m\ with Bye-paes, 15s Each. \W? J^^^l-^^M now Reduced to 2s Each. \^ _ -^^F^or No Householder can afford to be any longer without the Incandescent Light. The^O Burner gives TTIVE TIMES the light of an ordinary gas burner with consumption of less than TWO-THIRDS of the gas. W. J. "ADAMS, PLUMBER AND GASFITIEB, REMOVED TO NEW PREMISES, NEXT ORANGE HALL, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON. SOLE AGENT FOR ASHBURTON.



BELFAST FREEZING WORKS MANURES, ARE THE BEST T7IOR TURNIP, RAPE WHEAT, AND ANY OTHER CROP. SPECIAL MANUBE can be made for any kind of Soil, or description of crop. SATISFACTION GIVEN EVERYWHERE LAST SEASON. Orders received by .FRIEDLAIVI^ER BROS., Limited., DAVID THOMAS, THE N.Z.. FARMERS CO-OPERATIVE A BSOCIATION OJF 1 CAJNTERBURY, limited., oa ALBERT ROBERTS, AGV.NT, CAKTERBUBY FROZEN-MEAT AND DAIKY PKODUOE EXPORT COMPANY, LIMITED. i 8 80 F. WAYMOUTH Secretary.



/^\IWERS SHOULD ALWAYS SiAOKE It is a <3oW /Asn® of geo^f^l satisfaction to all w!?o «t?4erstai74 v/Ji it a good pipe of tobacco is



GOOD KEWS FOX ALL. I? fa 1 /^ILA\TON, formerly of V m Jj • V^ Eaot Street, complying ( with the wishes of former patrons, bega to inform them and the public generally, that he has reootnmenced business in the Arcade, opposite Mr T. Bullock's office IF YOU WANT STYLE, FIT, & SOUND WORKMANSHIP, GO TO j F l. JB\ CLAYTON, ! His selection of Tweeds, Fancy Coatings, etc., are the best in the Colony. A grand j me of Heavy Sadd'.e and Chipping Norton West of England Tweeds, at prioes to suit everybody F. F. CLAYTON, PBACIICAL TAILOR, BULLOCK'S ARCADE* 5 220



.■'.SJ;IJUKTON PERMANENT BUJLDIfcG INVESTMENT SOCIETY. mHE SOCIETY is now taking MONEY JL ON DEPOSIT Fixed Twelve Months 4J"per cent, ull particulars on application. EDWARD STEPHENS, Manager* Office: Tanored Street Bicycle Harvest. LANDELLS & SON, ENGINEERS & BIOYOLE MAKERS BORKKTT STREET. Next thk Club. TO the Farmers and General Pablio Ashburton,—We beg to state that we have reaped a harvest in Bicycles, havir just landed a big consignment of fir»t-olM« jiggers at £14 10s. We are the oldest bicycle firm in Ashburton and intend to uphold our reputation. Agentß for White Flyers, Radge-Whit-. worth, Waverleys, Cyclops, The Parrot, eto Repairs by exjerts. All work guaran teed T. U. UNDBIU..J (k. OIfDBILL



81-GHLGRIDE CF GOLD CURE. DRINK HAD NEARLY DESTROYED IT I SUFFERED from an Insatiable Appe tite for Liquor, The Bi-Ohloridh of Gold Treatment cured me permanently. It Eradicates ALL Desire for Intoxicants. The deaire will never return unless you re cultivate it. No cure—no pay. Address : 81-CHLORIDE OF GOLD INSTITUTE Ashly Houße, Rattray Street, Dunedin, CHEAP MONEY 1 CHEAP MON^Y \ OHEAP MONEY [ _____ IN SUMS JF £100 ™ £10,000, ON COUNTRY, CITY, [and dUBURBAN FREEHOLD, At'exceptionally low rates of interest. FOR FORMS OF APPLICATION AN FULL INFORMATION, Apply to the DISTRICT MANAGER, Christcfaurch. J. H. RICHARDSON, Government Insurance Commissioner.



ABSOLUTE ASSURANCE IS ONE OF THE PERFECT OFFERED BYJTIIE MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OP AUSTRALASIA. TT^XAMPLE of Nonforfeiture Conditions. XL At Age 30 next Birthday, undei Table C 20, Assurance of J6IOOO 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 STKARS. £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 Business* HUGO FRIEDLANDER. District Agent, Ashburton



AET CLASSES. ETHEL j^ JONES, /"CERTIFICATED art teacher, Canterbury V; College School of Art; Free Student Technical School of Design, Wellington; Pupil of James M. Nairn, Wellington. Instructions given in all branches of Art, Painting from Life, and Sketching from Nature, in Oil or Water Colour. For particulars apply to Mr John Wilson Burnett street. POISOWED! " A report conies from the district of Wagunyah K.S.W., of a pettier and hia family exhibiting very seriovs symptoms of poisoning after partaking o their evening meal. In searching for the cause, sus picion fell on the tea they had used. A sample taken from a one pound tin in use was analysed and found to contar'n strong traces of muriatic acid, the presence of which is caused by the use of spirits of ea>» 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 tsooaae 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, aod tea so packed has been known to retain al its aroma and strength for & period of five yesrr' HTOTB.— KOZTB iEA is packed in lead with ao nside lining of Vegetable Parchment



DRINK DELICIOUS Wmm *muWr W&B WA in ™ PERFECT IN QUAUTY, FLAVOR AND BLEND. Packed .n Tins, the delicate Aroma Abeolutely Preeerved. OBTAINABLE FROM ALL GROGERS



T H UNDBILL AiNi) CO., "171 URNISHING UNDERTAKERS JD URNISHING UNDERTAKERS TANORED STREET, ASHBURTON EVERY REQUISITE ON HAND. Polished Coffins a Specialty. Private Address, Peter Street, directly behind Oddfellow*' Hall; also care of Mr T. Andrews, East Belfe. 2 NOTICE OF REMOVAL. ASHBURTON NO 2 INDUSTRIAL BUILDING SOCIETY. mHE Society has REMOVED its Office X from The Post Offioe Buildings, Cameron Street) To ARCADE CHAMBERS, Burnett Street, in the Old Bank Building. Offioe Hours: From 9.30 to 12, and Z to 4 p.m., and 7 to 8,30 every pay night. FRED. MAKEIG, 5 100 Secretary. LOOK ~~ CHEAP WINTER FIRING. NEW MOUNT JSOMERS COAL. OUTPUT has Trebled during the la twelve months. EC IS USED EVERYWHERE. This Coal is the Best and Cheapest Steam %nd Household Coal in the market. Used in the Woollen Factory and Cantet bury Flour Mills. GIVES SPLENDID RESULTS WRITE FOR PRICES so G. T. PARE* MOUNCD SOMSKa



Removal Notice. LIVERY ""STABLES. McDonnell & Compfon WISH to thank the Publfo for patt support, and beg to announce that they have REMOVED from Burnett Street into the New and Commodious Stables ia Tancred Street, where every accommodation fot Horses will be found* The firm trust that by oirilifcy and atten tion they will still continue to receive a fair share of support. Horses, Cabs, Drags, and other Vehicle* always on hire—day and night. Don't forget the address t McOONNELL k COMPTON, Tangeed Stebet. 640 I ft ICOOriM 1m» b. JhooUN p LA DIES' RINGS *" w I KEEPERS And I '' KNOT RINOS.F lOotd Watches i M Silver Watches QOLD /W SlLVtf CHAINS i Brooches, &c« -