The Ashburton Guardian.

Vo?, xxi. no. 4844

Ashburton : Tuesliv Jn^y 1L 1809

price : One Penny

The Lone Inn.

di: uiuuuiced with the aid of Felix, and we eutered the house. All was as I had left it. The blinds y ere down, the room mildewed and deß olate, the fireplace filled with heaps of gray ashes. Olivia drew her riding skirts closely round her and shuddered. I led up stairs to the room of Franois, Here the door had fallen down, and we walked on it into the room. To my sur prise, the bed was empty, "Well, Denham," said Felix after a pause, ' 'where is the dead body to whom you have given my name?". "Someone has been here and taken it away." "I don't think so. The absence of the body only proves the truth of what I said from the first. You dreamed your adventure." Before I could reply Olivia burst into hysterical team The strain on her nerves was very great, and now that the olimax was reached she broke down ut terly. Felix took her in his arms and soothed her as he best could, while I, utterly bewildered by the turn events had taken, carefully searohed the room. All was in vain. I could find neither body not clothes nor aught pertaining to Francis Briarfield. I began to think to myself that I must be dreaming. But that was out of the question. The only conclusion I could come to was that Strent had watched me leave the house and then returned to make away with the body. Without doubt it was Strent who had slain my unfortunate friend and now had hidden the corpse in some quaking bog. When Olivia broke down, Felix led her from the room, and I went to the front door, there to find them mounted on their horses. "We are going back to Marshmin ster,'' said Felix, gathering up his reins. "Thanks to this wild goose chase, Miss Bellin is quite ill. I trust now, sir, that you are convinced," "I am not convinced that you axe Francis," I answered doggedly. "You still think I am Felix?" he asked, with a sneer. "I do, notwithstanding the disappear ance of the body, which has been made away with by Strent. I firmly believe that Francis is dead and that yon are Felix Briarfield." "As we have seen nothing, Mr. Den ham," said Miss Bellin coldly, "I must decline to' believe your statement. This gentleman is Francis, and Felix is in Paris." "Very good," said I quietly. "Then I leave for Paris tomorrow." "For what reason?" "I go to seek Felix. You say he is in Paris. I say he is now before me on that horse. You came, to the Fen inn and found nobody, Miss Bellin. I go to Paris—to the Hotel dcs Btrangers—and I'll wager that I shall find no Felix." They looked at one another in silence for a few moments. My remark evi dently scared them. ' 'Are you going to put this matter in the hands of the police?'' asked Felix. "It is useless to do so now, as the body of your brother has disappeared. I shall go to Paris, and if I do not find Felix there" "Well?" she said, seeing I hesitated. "I will tell the police all and have this neighborhood searched," I said, concluding my sentence. Olivia laughed scornfully and rode away, while Felix, preparing to follow, uttered a last word: "Consult a doctor, Denham, at onca You are mad or subject to hallucina tions." And with that he set off at a smart trot, and I was left alone at the door of the inn. After the extraordinary experiences I had undergone I began to think there might be something in what he said. Nevertheless I determined for my own satisfaction to go. to Paris and see if Fe lix Briarfield was at the Hotel dcs Bt rangers. If he were not, then my sus picions might prove to be correct, but if he were then I might believe that my adventure at the inn was a dream.

CHAPTER VI.

Having made up my mind what course

to pursue, I returned to Marshminster, took leave of my relatives and left that evening for London. There I remained two days reviewing the strange events in which I had lately been an actor. At

one moment it was in my mind to aban don what certainly seemed to be a hopeless search, for I could but see it was a matter of great difficulty to lay my hand on the assassin of Francis. It would be better, I thofight, to place the matter in the hands of the police and let them thrash, it out for themselves. Two reasons prevented my taking this ignoble course. One was that Francis Brairfleld had been a college Mend, and I was unwill ing that his death should go unaveng ed. The story of his love for Olivia, which he had told me at the inn, con-

tamed the elements of a strange ro-

mance fitly capped by his tragic end. I felt certain that Felix, through his hired bravo—for I could call Strent by no other name—had encompassed the death of his brother. Felix was passionately in love with Olivia, and the unexpected return of Francis not only threatened to take her away from him, but also to re veal the scoundrelly fashion in which he had behaved. At one blow Felix would lose her love and respect. There fore his motive for averting such a ca tastrophe was a strong one. That he should determine on fratricide was a terrible thought, but there was no other course left to him by whioh to secure the woman he loved and the respect he valued. It was the mad action of a weak, passionate man, such as I knew Felix to be. Too cowardly himself to strike the fatal blow, he had hired Strent to carry out his plans, and the doath had been duly accomplished, though in what way I was quite unable to say. It was sufficient for me to know that Francis was dead, and I felt myself called upon to avenge his death. The other motive was perhaps the stronger one of detective fever. I was a bachelor. I had a good inoome and nothing to do. Therefore this quest wai [To be oontinued.]



Shipping, SHAW, BWILL AND ALBION COMPANY. LIMITED. FOR LONDON. *A X "ROY AT, MAIL STEA- aoflommod^tlon for all okssea Monte Video or Rio, T*snosritTo and Ply. monbh Vessel Ton lOommander Prom Date. Qothio ... Wel't'n July 20 loaic — 4748 Kempson Wel't'n Oct. 12 " OARGO STEAMERS. *Delphio.«jß273 Snowden Lyb'l'ton June 29 *Aotea ... 15364 Evana — August Pftkeha .„ 4331 Prosser — August *M»ori ...J5517 Moffatt — Sept *Oarries Third-class Paaaengera. E. W. HANMSR. Agent. ___ he — _^W_B^ NEW ZEALAND jBB^^^pB;HIPPING o'.).':', LINK ROYAL MAIL STEAMERS, FOR LONDON, Via Moufcs Video, Tenorlffe & Plymeath.



Beet Aooommodation for all classes of PRBSongera at Lowest Ratios. Port of Steamers. Tdeb. Departure. Date. Bakaia 6688 — August 3 Pftpumi 7000 — August 31 Ruahlna 6127 — Sept. 28 Wakanui "000 — Oot* 25 Paparoa 7000 — jtfov 23 CARGO STEAMERS. Nalrnshra 8000 Lyfctelton June 27 ffekoa .» 4050 Wellington July Waikato ... 4767 Lyttelton July Far further particulars apply tc FBIEDLANDBR BROS., Ltd. Agents, Ashburtan,



UNION STEAMSHIP COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. Limited STEAMERS? 411 FRCMLITTELTON AS UNUER: For Wenbport and Grey mouth—Weekly. Wellington— Monday, Tuesday, Thurs day and Saturdays NOTE—For extra sailings see advertise ment in Chriatchurch papers Danedin — Mondays, Fridays and alternate Tuesdays and Saturdays Nelson and Picton, via Wellington- Tuesday and Saturday Sydney, via Auckland — Alternate Thursdays The above are enbject to alteration ; , eference should therefore be made to Obristchurch daily papers for dates and hoar of sailing For farther particulars apply to F. FERRIMAN, Agent, Ashbnrton HENRY STEPHENSON, {successor fco 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 Furnl» are, etc., as per arrangement, in any part the county. Advanoes made en Gooda placed In my bands for Sale* Eegular Consignments of Colonial Grown and Island Fruit sold privately through the week, and at Auction on SATURDAYS. Agent: Norwich Onion Fire Insurance Company & Dreßden Pianoforte Manufacturing and Agenoy Company. PIANOS and ORGANS on time pay meats from JiOs per month. HENRY STEPHENSON,



AUCTIONEER A OABD MRS A C\ C\ LA RIDGE J*L* \Jm ULARIDQE TEAOHER Of PIANOFORTE, ORGAN, and SINGING COX STREET. ASHBURTON. Terms on Application. *"~ THE ART OF SINGING. ~~ ! MRS HERBERT STEEL IS prepared to take Pupils for SINGING and VOICE PRODUCTION ab her jcetiideace, Havelock Street West. Terms, &0,,0n application. 5 175 MISS CARSON^ " mEAOHER, of Pianoforte and Organ. JL For terms, etc., apply at Residence, Corner of Wills and William Streets, near Wftkanui Road East). 1 136 THE DAINTIEST LITTLE WHEEL THAT EVER WAS " ! " The Bambler." HAVING sold oat of my old stock of these superior Bicycles, I have jaso oponed up a fresh consignment of the LATEST PATTERN " RAMBLER " SPECIAL LIGHT RACERS, ROAD KAOERS, & ROADSTERS In all sJaea'and all fitted with the ever lasting G & J detachable Tyre. •' THE RAMBLER.' GALL AISD INSPEOI THE STOCK. Price Easy, Riding Easy. Machines the Strongest on Earth. ACCESSORIES IN STOCK. OTHER MAKES FITTED WITH G & J TYRES* D. THOMAS. fTIAIERI Factory Butter, guaranteed JL fresh, (in £lb pats) la Id per lb, is the Finest Flavoured Butter in New Zealand. Only procurable at Fletcheb Bbos., Cash Supply Stores. Try a pound and you will Sjftva no other.



■ DAVID THOMAS. Auctioneer, Land, Insurance & Estate Aeent, Valuator, Wool and Grain Broker, ABHBUBTON Loans Weekly Sales of Live Stock—Tinwald and A3hbarfeoc Aleerna Af Fortnightly Sales of Sheep Skins, Fata, Hides, etc., on Mondays Salßß of Wool Throughout the Season Grain Bought and Sold on Qoranjission Olearf ;ia Sales as per arrangements Arcade Horse and Furniture Sales beld*on Saturday 1?. Horse Fairs held Monthly. ABI N T F0 R— Matson and 00, Ohrisfecharch Booth, McDonald and 00, Ohristicharcb White's Sheep Dip Walter A. Wood Oo Lightband's Belting London and Lancashire Insurance Company Graham's Foot Rot Composition Wright, Stevenson and 00, Dunedin Planet Junior Garden and Field Tool* Belfast Manure* EAK AI A DISTRICT SALES.) JHAVE made arrangements with MESSRS HARDY & CO., Merchants, Rakaia, to aob as my AGENT for all Auctioneering Work in that. District, and in conjunction with them it will be my endeavour to make the RAKAIA SALE A SUCCESS, DAVID THOMAS, Ashbarfcon GREAT REDUCTION IN PRIO® OF PLANET JR. TOOLS DAVID THOMAS, ASH BURTON



SEE OUR^ WINDOWS. SPECIAL DISPLAY OF The Choicest Assortment SPlffimJ^MHlSß^ *S^ Per the m. Waimale, ever opened up ie j^^^^^^^gH^ Manufacturer's Set of bo choose from at prices V^*^ s^^^^^K^w^^m Choice Designs &Colourß to suit) everybody. ■f The ye lateat^iu Don't forget it. f j v*MSI fi^rn^ Don't forget to ome Skat-' T. H.UNDRILL & CO., Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, Undertakers, tic.



TO MY CLIENTS. T AM PREPARED TO DISPOSE OF ANY SHEEP AND LAMB SKINS SENT TO FAIRFIELD FREEZING WORKS, TO BEST POSSIBLE ADVANTAGE. It would^be'well to give me'particulars prior to sheep being forwarded. DAVID THOMAS, j* ASHBUBTON



HOW TO EVADE A FINE. T\O Nob Drive without a Light, but buy a pair of out CHOICE CARRIAGE LAMPS, which are marked at WHOLESALE PRICES TO GJL»E2A.It2 Oar Valuable Stock of GENERAL LAMPWARE maafc be Cleared; We MUST make room for Summer Goods. J^AIEIGmH VALUE I SMAJUL* J?JES,IQI2 I MARKING DOWN OF EVERYTHING. LAMPS AT HALF PKICE As usual we are to the front ia CARPENTERS' TOOLS -AND GENERAL HARDWARE. INSPECTION INVITED AT W. :H. COLLINS & CO., • EAST STHBET, ASHBURTON. (" Shag Point Goal Company AGENCIES FOR ] Weatport Coal Company (, Roy&£lusuranoejj,Oompany Telephone-14 &^ls. P.0.,80x—35.



SHEARMAN BROS. TITE OANI SUPPLY AT VERY LOW PRICES HOENSBY & RANSOME PLOUGH SHARES, PLOUGH CHAINS, NEAT'S FOOT & CABTOR OILS GUNS & AMMUNITION. Single and Doable Barrel Breech Loading Guns, Eley's and Clnb Cartridges and Ammunition of all kinds. Sportsmen requiring Good and Reliable Ammunition at the lowest price, wonld benefit by giving us a call. LAMPS, LAMPS, AND LAMPWARE. Hanging Parlonr Lamps, Hallj Limps, Table Lamps, Hand Lamps, Bracke Lamps and Sfconeley's Patent Safety Lamps in endless variety. Limp Chimneys, Globes, Shades, Wicks, and Burners of every description. Static Lanberne, Stable Lanterns in all shapes and dzes. ENAMELWARE, ENAMELWARE. WE have just received from the Manufac'urera a Large and Assorted Stock of the above including— Kettles, Saucepans, Jags, Stewpans, Cups and Sauce-s, Mugs. Piates, Dishes, Pie Disbea, Cullenders.; Basins, Dippers, ets , etc, wlbh wo are^disposing of at wholesale prices, KEROSENE. KEROSENE. KAA OASES LIGHT OK' THR AGiJ OIL, PAA OUU 150 TEST. OUU The Finest Oil in the Market. TEAS. TEAS. TEAS. Panyong Bud* Tea, Pekoe Ceylon Tea, China apd Blen'ed Tern. Substantia. reduction In tak ng a quantity. We make a specialty of Teas.



WINES & SPIRITS. i Ferguson's Old Scotch Oreain (specially rratnred), Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky, Baza's English and Manning's Bottled Al?s and Stoats, and all other Wines and Spirits always on hand. BEST HOUSE in Ashburton for Crockery, Glassware, and Brush ware, Groceries at Wholesale Prices. Orders by Post despatched with Punctuality. Goods delivered Daily SHEARMAN BROS., WHOLESALE & RETAIL GROCERS, IBONMONGKFM, WINE AND SPIRIT MfePOffANTS, MAMET HOUSE, BUJKKETT STBEET, ASfc-.BUBTON Telephone No 53 WHEAT. WHEAT. YttE ABE PROMPT CASH BUYERS CF PRIME MILLING WHEAT. AT HIGHEST jMARKET RATES* WE are also Prepared to STORE GitAlN on Faru.6-» Account in our New GRAIN SHEDS, West Street, Ashburton, on very favorable Terms. FULL-SJZEDaCORNSACKS AND TWINE SUPPLIED AT CURRENT RATES. ROLLfrF~& Co., CANTEBBUKY FLOUR MILLS. OFFICES AND STORES — WEST STREET, ASHBURTON 1 230



M ELL O R'B ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE ALWAYS TO THE FRONT. Tj^Oß GOOD CHEAP BOOTS AND SHOES WE SI AND ALONE We do the Leading Trade, and we mean to keep it, NOTE OUR PRICES—Men's Good Shooters, 9s 6d; Children's Anklr Straps, Ist Ladies' Pretty Shoes, 4b lid and 5s 6d ; Men's Good Bluchers, 4a lid. Thousands of other pairs at the same Cutting Prices, t . |«s» . r |M n f| v IF You want » GOOD EASY BOOT, one that will stand the wear- be sate you go to MELLOR'S ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE, ODANCRED STREET, ASHBUFTD*"



TAILOR-MADE COSTUMES. /AUR Success with these GOWNS last Season gives us Confidence in Requeo ing the Patronage of those Ladies to whom it SMART COSTUME is a necessity. We hold a Comprehensive Stock of COATINGS, suitable for this purpose and would SOLICIT AN EARLY INSPECTION. ■—NOW ON SALE — g BALES CARPET SAMPLES £) d\ BALES GOAF SKIN RUGS sr> MITCHELL & TURNER.



ffANTi!'. j LOUU Roiiitt's, Btowii'b, or Kvaus':— 200!bs, 14s ; lOOlbs, 7a 6^l; 50lba Zi lOd; 25«bs, 2s.—John Obr & Co 2__ WANTED —A dozen smart Ladies to j try our new kangaroo oalf Shoe.— Mbilob'b Zealandia Boot Store. j FOR SALK.— Cheap, Sfveral Purebred] Cocks, suitable for farmers and others for cross-breeding purposes Making room for young stock.—Apply Pblham Yakds, or ' Mail Office. _ WANTED Known—Good vajue for littl money at Mellor's, Zealandia Boot Store. FOR Sale, Cheap—sooo pairs of Ladie and Men's Boota and Shoes. —Apply to MeMjOR, Tanored Street ___„ "OTldß—We defy competition; you get wonderful value at Mellor's, Tanored Street. fTIENDERS wanted for the sale of 500 .L pairs of boots.—Apply to Mbllor Zealandia Boot -tore. FOUND— In Tancred Street, the cheapest and most reliable Boot Shop.— Mblloh'b ZeaUndia Boot Store. —__—____ i WANTED—Six?y strong men to try ' the new Kronio (Blucher).—Mkllor's Zen-landia Boot Store. ORsE for Saic.—For Sale, a light i.arnesß Horse ; wi 1 pass trains, etc. Apply Mail Officp. C"~3OKBIirCOCKKRBLB.— Those r quir ing pure bred Cocks and Cockerels for breeding purposes can get cheap Wyandofctes, Orpiogtons, and Cochins at the Pelham Yarcia, Ash burton. FOR Bale, Chfi<p~Six Dozeu /airs of Children's ankle straps.—Mblloe's Zealandia Boob Store



WANTED Known—That J. MoiSON hag received a la>ge supply of Winter B«jots and Shoes. They &; c all of the hest brands and makers, and never equalled in Ashburton. J.M. being the only practical and experienced B otraiker in the town, thus gives him superiority and facility to know best what to get. There* foe the public have no need to wonder where to go for reliable Boots and Shoes. Discount for cash as usual. Pepaira done at once. Best Sole Leather used and work manship, at The Hall, East Btreet, Ash urton.



FOR Sale, Cheap—A lob of Mca'6 Bluchers only 4s lid*—Meiaob's Zeakndis Boot Btora.



WANTED Known—That we have re ceived f-x Maori a heavy shipment of Dress Goods, Choice Colorings in Coating Viennas, and Cretonnes ; one case Fancy Blacks in elegant designs.—MlTOHßLL & Turner,



FOR HALK, at Grtmt ttHduct.ion«—She Whole of Mrs A morn's Stock New ar.d Fashionable Cuprs and Jackets including Kaiapoi-—over 100—Drees Good?, Flannel* ettec, Skirtings, Embroideries, Laces, Veil ings Millinery, Children 'a and Ladies' Uoderc'olhing, &c.



AT MR-: AJiCORN'S Stock-taking Pale- Pinafores and Aprons from 9<i, Chil dren's I'flieaes an i Jackets from 3a 6:i, Ladies' Jecki't'i an<'2 Cap«ss from 8a; Dress Goodf, double virith, all wool, from 9J ; Winter Tweeds and Heavy Serges from Is, Trimmed Millinery half price.Stamped Mount Mellick work reduced 10 per cent, and Crewel Silks 9J per dcz n during sale only.



V¥7 ANTED Known—That wo have been * ? fortunate in securing a job line of Cheap Tweede, just the thing for cheap suits for boys'clothiDg ; new colorings and choice patterns.—Mitchell & Turnev



WANTED Known—That we are now offering a special line of Goat Rugs large size, choice skins, at 12s 6d ; Oilcloths, Linoleums, and Carpet Squares in confusing variety.—Mitchell & Tubner.



rpENDERS wanted to wear out 1000 JL pairs of Mellob's Indestructible Boots. Wear like brass.



I AM now opening a lob of Blanket Flannels, and other Woollen Goods, bought before the rise in the Price of Wool, which I am offering at former prices. A nice lot of Men'B, Youths', and Boys 1 Suits made to special order. Orders for Suits taken -Fit and Workmanship guaranteed. Covert Coats from 30i; at R» Alcobn's. 6 6



NOTICE. IV/TRS PERRIN (late of Wanganui, North Island), Monthly Nurse, is prepared to a commodate Lady Patients, Terms moderate. Address—Tinwald, near Railway Station. 141 mHE WEALTS OF A VANDERBILT Wot Id be unavailing to secure a better Tea 1 I PIAMOWD JUB6LEE 1 s. Give results n the cup equal ed by none. Packets, 5 and 101b boxes, packed and sealed in Ceylon. UNMIXED, UNBLENDED, UN- i ADULTERATED. X, Is lOd ; XX, 2*; XXX, 2a 2d ; XXXX, 2s 6d. "M'KENZIE'S" HONDAI LANKA. (Regd. Brand Tea.) MESSRS SHEARMAN BROS., Aehburton, and GUDSELL, Tinwald.



WANTED— Wise Mothers to try ou Indeßtructible School Boot. — Mee/lob's Zealandia Boob Store,



C 0 ORE RELS.—Some Fireb Claes Cockerels, Orpingtons, Wyandottea, Etc, for. sale cheap at Pslham Yaiws,



3d. W. HA>MiSB. NOTICE OF REMOVAL TO NEW' PREMISES. TTAVING exchanged premiiei with tfcg n Farmers' 00-operaoive Association, •ny« muoh pleasure in stating that io future I shall carry on my businesiffcfc the offieei and store lately occupied by the above At relation at the corner of Wesb Street and Havelock street (the Loan and Meromatilt aid premises.) STORAGE AT LOWEST RATES. CORNSACKS AT CURRENT PRICES. I 132 E. W. HANMER. .SHAG POINT COAL. THE PREMIER OTAGO COAL. UNfQUALI ED FOB HOUSEHOLD AND STEAM PURPOSES. THE SHAG POINT COAL COMPANY hreby notify that MESSRS W. H. 00 L INS & CO. are their €)JXL*Y A pen 18 in Auihurton for THE GENUINE SHAG POINT COAL. - Alt orders entrusted to them will reoeiri I prompt attention. - -.-Ji Colliery: Shag Point. Head Office: Yogei Street, Dnnedin. GEO. R. CHEESEMAN, "18 General Manager. SMITH'S Premier Wheat Dressing OUR New Season's Supply of this Dressing has now arrived, and ill ever increasing sale each year proves it* popularity. IT IS A THOROUGH SMUT PRE TENTATIVE. It is easy to use, dissolving in cold water. Ie hastens instead of retarding germination, and is very much cheaper than any other dressing—l» per packe*. Sufficient for 20 bushels of seed. AshburtonDrug Go, Ltd, WHOLESALE & RETAIL AGENTS. Llewellyn Owen, PIANOFORTE, singing, harmony, and mandoline.



- THINGS - WORTH KNOWING rpHAT You can SAVE MONEY if yon Buy your Boots from KiCHOLAS & PICKFOED, MANUFACTURERS & IMPORTERS OB* BOOTS AND SHOES, East Street, Ashhurtom BOOTS & SHOES Of Every Description Made to Measure. Ease and Comfort Studied. Skill and Judgment being exercised as to Formation of the Feet, [ Workmanship and Materials Guaranteed* CHARGES MODERATE. BrjDgjYourißepairs to — NICHOLAS & PICKFO U, Late McDonald & McDiakmid,



SPECIAL BARGAINS AT New Zealand OLOTHi^G FACTORY AS our Half-Yearly Stocktaking takes place on July 15, we shall bring for* ward a number of SPECIAL LINES that) we are determined to clear before that date. Below are a few : — 50 Men'a Black and Drab Hard Hats la eaih 22 dcz Ties, ail shades, clear at .. Is n 15 „ Boys' Tweed Caps ..< .« 6d „ 5 „ Men's and Boys' Polo Caps 3d „ 12  Boys' Paper Collars ... Id per box 6  Ladies' and Children's Slippers, li per pair 3  Men's Felt Slippers ... Is6d „ „ 7  Boys' all-wool Jerseys from 2s lid each I ALSO-J3S PACKING OASES, Some Zinc Lined. HALLENSTEIN BROS., At G. BARTON, Uiuwgw.