THE STORY-TELLER.

THE THREE NUMBERS ( Concluded) The frank, boyish eyes looked clown upon me with what seemed to be a mute appeal for the man slowly dying in the safe. I tried to turn away my head, for I felt my evil resolution melting away beneath its influence ; but I could not.

With the swiftness of thought, a sense of horror for my meditated crime, and pity for my victim, rushed over me. Deeply as he had wronged me I felt I must forgive him. I arose and went to the safe intending, to release him ; but first called his name. There was no answer. The iron walls were thick, but still his voice, had he spoken, •would have penetrated them. Was he dead already ? With fingers weak as a child’s, I turned the index plate controlling the bolt, and pulled at the knob. The door remained immovable. I had lost the combination by which I had fastened it. My insane fury had banished every number of it from my mind. Overcome by the horror of my position, I staggered to a chair and sat down. My repentance had come too late. I must be a murderer in spite of myself. I was aware that having once lost the arrangement by which I had locked the door, it might be the task of days, perhaps weeks, to recover it again. Meanwhile Edmund must die of suftbcation.

By the closest calculation the air in the safe would be exhausted in a little over an hour, and there was not the smallest crevice by which it could be renewed. Once again I ran to the door and tried every combination I fancied might be the true one ; but the great metal panel re mained as firmly closed as before. Half an hour had already gone; but thirty minutes of life was left to the poor creature I had so madly sacrificed to my jealousy. To the latest day of my life I shall re member the awful experience of those few, short moments. All my love for the poor boy came back with redoubled in tensity. I forgot his baseness to me ; I forgot all but the years we had lived together as brothers. Vague thoughts of hastening for aid and tools to blow the Safe apart came to me, but I knew that Edmund must be dead many hours before even that could be accomplished. Back I went to the combination, and whirled it round and round until the figures seemed to glare like sparks of fire before my dizzy eyes. Still the safe re fused to render up its victim. But fifteen minuses more of life re mained for him.

I arose once more, uttering a wild prayer to Heaven for pardon and help, and gazed vacantly around the room. My roving eyes fell upon the three heaps of ashes from the burnt letter lying upon the floor. Whether it was from some vague recollection, or whether they really existed as I saw them, I know not, but the three heaps seemed to have as sumed the shape of three distinct figures. They were the numerals, one, five, and nine.

For a moment I stared at them blankly, then the blessed hope that they might re present the one out of many thousand combinations that would open the safe, aroused me.

Without pausing to find a reason for the fancy, I set the number above the other on the dial, and with a thickiy beating heart pulled desperately at the knob. Who can imagine the passion of joy and relief that swept upon me, as the massive door swung slowly back, exposing the in terior of the safe.

Edmund lay partly upon the floor, pal lid as death itself, and utterly insensible ; but, thank Heaven, the heart still flut tered feebly ; he was not dead. It was the effort of an instant to lift him out of the safe into purer air, but the work of an hour to call back the life I had so nearly deprived him of. At length, with a deep sigh, he opened his eyes and looked up at me inquiringly. <e Forgive me, Edmund,” I cried in an agony of shame and remorse ; “ I 'was mad. I knew not what I was doing. Take her ; I am too sinful, too selfish, to be worthy ot her love. ” “I forgive you,” he answered, with his kind smile, “ all but your self-condemna tion ; but I cannet take her in the sense you mean. I told you we loved each other, but it was only as relatives may love. For, Arthur, she is that sister whom, as you know, I lost in childhood. We learned that from each other long ago, and meant to keep the secret until your wedding day ; but we saw you were un happy in your doubt of us, and that letter ■which you burned would have told you all.”

I could make no reply. The tears that filled my eyes were those of unutterable thankfulness for my narrow escape from an awful crime ; and they sealed a firm resolve to be more worthy of the happiness I had so nearly flung away. [CONLLUDEI). ]

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.

[Saturday, May 8, ISBO.



Business Notices. LATEST STYLES FROM LONDON & PARIS. CRAIGHEAD & CO., Merchant Tailors, TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr & Co.) PERFECT FIT GUARANTEED. 394c-803g HORSE BREAKING. THE undersigned is now prepared to Undertake the BREAKING of HORSES to double and single harness, also to saddle. Mr. Willcocks has had a very consider able experience in Australia, and his success there as a Trainer is sufficient guarantee as to his ability. All orders to be left at the Coach Office, Commercial Hotel, Ashburton, or the Wheatsheaf Hotel, Wheatstone. 403c-816g GEO. WILLCOCKS. TTTASTE PAPER for Sale, 3d. per lb VV at the Herald Office. Apply early. 59a



Alfred Harrison. IMPORTANT SALE. BY ORDER OF THE MORTGAGEE. WITHOUT RESERVE. WEDNESDAY, i2 t h MAY, 12 o’clock sharp. ALFRED HARRISON has received instructions from the Mortgagee to SELL BY PUBLIC AUCTION, On the premises of the late MR. J.AMES CAIRNS, 'W aterton The Compact Little FARM, of 100 ACRES 100 The whole is laid down in English grass, fenced, and sub-divided into pad docks. There is also a good House, Stable, and other improvements. g DRAUGHT HORSES g BAY FILLY, 2 Yrs. J rj DAIRY COWS rj REAPER AND BINDER, By Osborne, 1 D. F. PLOUGH -| By Reid and Gray. I DK A Y 1 HARROWS, HARNESS, Etc., Etc. Absolutely Without Reserve. Terms at Sale. 795 c ALFRED HARRISON Auctioneer. Public Notices. NEW ZE^^^^^ILWAYS. (Christchurch Section.) 1 NOTICE TO FARMERS AND OTHERS. OWING to the scarcity of shipping, a large proportion of the Grain now coming forward is being stored at Lyttel ton and charged for. Farmers are recom mended to make arrangements for ship ping before sending their grain forward. FREDK. BACK, General Manager. General Manager’s Office, Christchurch, May 6th, ISBO. 827 g Business Notices. T. R. HODDER & CO. HAVE much pleasure in announc ing to their friends and the public generally, that their stock of WINTER DRAPERY, MILLINERY, MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING, HATS AND HOSIERY, BOOTS AND SHOES, IS NOT TO BE SURPASSED FOR QUALITY AND ASSORTMENT, Each Department being replete with everything suitable for the season. JUST TO HAND— A Very' Large Assortment of Melbourne Clothing, MADE ESPECIALLY TO ORDER. T. R. HODDER & CO. having been encouraged by their greatly increased trade in the Clothing Department, have ENLARGED THEIR PREMISES. Enabling them to keep a Larger and More Varied Assortment. Tailoring In all branches by most experienced hands. SUITS, RIDING TROUSERS, HABITS, &c., made on the most im proved principle, at the shortest notice, and as cheap, or cheaper, than any house in Canterbury. T. R. HODDER and CO., seeking to Encourage Local Industries keep a well assorted stock of Kaiapoi, Roslyn, and Mosgiel Manufactured Goods. Boots and Shoes, Imported and Colonial make, from the best Christchurch and Dunedin Manufacturers. T. R. HODDER & CO., while not pro fessing to sell everything at COST PRICE, are prepared to meet EXISTING COM PETITION and to encourage all Cash Purchasers. An experience of twenty six years Colonial storekeeping has taught our Firm the value of a Cash Grocery Business, which they have found succeed so well in Ashburton since bringing down the prices of many leading commodities, which course they are still prepared to continue and show their preferring PROMPT CASH, rather than risk long credit with large profits. Ironmongery AND Crockeryware AT LOWEST PAYING RATES. Sole Agents for Singer’s Sewing Machines Sole Agents for Wanzer Sewing Machine. Agents for Norwich Union Fire Insurance Company. T. R. HODDER & CO. 407 c CASH RECEIPTS, in Books of 100 each, on SALE at the “Herald and Guardian ” office. 368 c TALE. — The Herald publishes a por tion of a readable story ever Even ing. Read it



Robert Willdn and Co. FRIDAY MAY 21st. IMPORTANT SALE OF FARM PROPERTIES In the Ashburton District. BY ORDER OF THE MORTGAGEES. 120 ACRES, 20 ACRES, AND 53 ACRES. • Messrs. Robert wilkin & CO., under instructions from the Mortagees, will offer for sale, by Public Auction, at the NEW ZEALAND WOOL STORES, FRIDAY, 21st INSTANT, At 2 o’clock, All that valuable freehold farm con taining ACRES, being R.S. 20033 as now in the occupation of Mr. James Johnston. Also, All that capital Farm near Ashburton containing pg ACRES, being R.S. 17247, as now occupied by Mrs. Maktha Gibson. Also, All that valuable parcel of Land com prising R.S. 20078, and contain ing ACRES gg as now in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Magee ROBERT WILKIN & CO., 431 c Auctioneers. Business Notices. PRACTICAL WATCH & CLOCK MAKER, JEWELLER, &c. % % \ BOBT. MURRAY, MOORE STREET, BEACH ROAD, ASHBURTON, HAYING had over thirty years’ ex perience in some of the leading establishments in England and Scotland, trusts by good workmanship and atten tion to business to merit a share of the patronage of the inhabitants of Ashburton and County. A well-assorted stock of Watches, Clocks, Jewellery, Spectacles, &c. Watch Glasses and Keys, of best quality, fitted. All Watch and Clock Work and Jewel lery repairs executed on the Premises. Specimens of Workmanship by R.M. shown in the window, AT MOORE STREET (Next Door to the Road Board Office), BEACH ROAD, ASHBURTON. 824g-429c BEST NEWCASTLE LAMBTON COLLIERY. 50s. *BaTOT -1 A PER CENT. DISCOUNT J-V for CASH. SPRINGFIELD COALS 40s. PER TON. 10 Per Cent. Discount for Cash. To be delivered in my yard. Acconnts to be paid monthly. 359C-773G C. PERCY COX. Boarding Houses. CENTRAL TEMPERANCE HOTEL, Baking Square (Near Town Hall). T) E-OPENING of the above commo i\i dious and centrally situated Pri vate and Commercial Hotel. T. BROADBELT, PROPRIETOR, Is prepared to give Superior Accommoda tion to Boarders and the Travelling Public on REASONABLE TERMS. Weekly Board and Lodging ... £1 Weekly Board ... ... ... I4s. MEALS AT ALL HOURS. Dinner on Saturday from 11.30. Beds (single), Is. 6d. Private Room for Ladies. 153—624 a



Edm.ston, Gundry, & Co. FOR SALE, BY PRIVATE TREATY. fjnHE undersigned have for sale by 1 Private Treaty, the following Pro perties : R.S. 28216, 7,8, 9, containing 68G acres, which will be sold in farms of 100 acres and upwards. This property is within 4 miles of Ashburton township, is very good land, and will be sold on very reasonable terms, viz, 10s. per acre cash and the balance at a low rate of interest on a term of years. 210 ACRES on Gould and Cameron’s run. This property is partly fenced with gorse fences. 128 ACRES at Cliertsey, all securely fenced, and is at present sown with turnips. This property will be sold at a low price on easy terms. 125 ACRES at Greenstrcet, securely fenced with live fences, and sub divided, and a permanent stream of water. 285 ACRES at Greenstreet, to be sold or let on a purchasing clause in one or more blocks. This is excellent land, and laid down in English grass, and well watered with creeks. This would make a capital farm, and will be sold on very liberal terms. 210 ACRES close to the township of Ashburton, with good dwell ing-house, stable, granary, &c. This property will be let for a term of years at a lo w rent. 500 ACRES at Orari, in one or more blocks. 150 ACRES at Tinv aid. A capital farm, being all fenced and ready for cropping. There are three creeks running through this pro perty. 150 ACRES at Ashton. A well com pact farm, together with house, stables, &c. Price very low. 800 ACRES at Mount Possession. 1500 ACRES near the spread Eagle Hotel. T.S. No 879, Ashburton. T.S. 301, 302, Burnett-street, Ash burton. T.S. 247, Kermode Street, Ashbur ton. T.S. 182, 183, opposite Church, Tinwald, a bargain, &c. EDMISTON, GUNDRY, & CO., Auctioneers and Estate Agents. Agents for the OUTH BRITISH FIRE & MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY. Capital £1,000,000. Risks taken on all kinds of Property, Growing Crops, Grain in Stack, Thresh ing Machines, &e. EDMISTON, GUNDRY, & CO., East Street. Business Notices. PATRONISED BY ALL CLASSES. THE GREATEST DISCOVERY* OF THE AGE. hinek’s TRADE MARK. PURE EXTRACT of KEROSINE WILL NOILUGNITE IF !LAMP IS UPSET. Burns in any Kerosine Lamp ; gives a brighter light, lasts longer, is free from smell and free from danger. Sold by all respectable grocers and storekeepers throughout the colony. The next time you want Oil for your Lamp try a tin of “ Niner’s Extract.” Sold in pints, quarts, half-gallon and one-gallon tins. Wholesale and Retail Agents for the Ashburton District— O R R AND CO., Ashburton and Rakaia. 31Gc-735g FINE ARTS. ART UNION. A SPLENDID Collection of OIL PAINTINGS and Water Color DRAWINGS, by Mr. Clarke, of Rakaia, are to be disposed of by Art Union. The pictures are on view at the shop next to Mr. Street’s, Saddler, Rakaia. Tickets, 10s each, can be obtained at Mr. Street’s Saddler, Rakaia, and of THOS. A. GATES, Picture Frame Maker. 48c-770g Ashburton. JUST ARRIVED Young Ladies’ Journals for APRIL, and other Magazines. H. M. JONES, Stationer, 360 c East Street and Baring Square. WANTED KNOWN—That Money can be saved by purchasing your St.a ionery and Account Books, for cash, at the “Herald” and “Guardian” Whole sale Stationery Depot, Saunders’ Build ings, near Station. ,



Business Notices. NOTICE. WESTERFIELD MILL. TO FARMERS, BAKERS, & OTHERS. rjIHE Wes ter field Mill is now in full work, and the public can be supplied with FIRST-CLASS FLOUR on most reason able terms. Every attention will be"given to Public Gristing, and farmers from a distance can have grist done immediately after de livery. Apply to the Miller, HENRY BOWERS. Grain stored on liberal terms. 389c-79Gg Ashburton steeplechase MEETING. SATURDAY, MAY 29th, 1880. List of Officers : President : E. G. Wright, Esq., M.H.R. Vice President : W. C. Walker, Esq. Stewards : Mr. Hay T. Smith Mr. John Carter Mr. L.. E. Corsbie Mr. R. Friedlander Mr. Neil M ‘Lean Mr. J. Hunt Mr. E. Saunders Mr. A. McLean Mr. E. S. Coster Dr. Ross Judge : Mr. M. Stitt. Starter : Mr. John Carter. Clerk of the Course : Mr. E. Saunders. Clerk of the Scales : Mr. E. F. Wright. llon. Secretary : Mr. J. Wilkie. Hon. Treasurer : Mr. C. C. Fooks. Handicapper : Mr. 11. P. Lance. FIRST RACE TO START AT 12.30 P.M. 1. Ashburton Handicap Steeplechase, of 40 sovs., added to a sweepstakes of 2 sovs. each for acceptors ; over about 3 miles of fair hunting country ; nomination 2 sovs. 2. District Handicap of 20 sovs., added to a sweep of 2 sovs. for acceptors ; 2 miles ; nomination 1 sov., for district horses only. 3. The Wakanui Stakes, of 20 sovs.; weight for age ; open to all horses ; 2 miles ; entrance 1 sov. 4. Farmers’ Steepechase, of 15 sovs.; about H miles ; weight for age ; en trance 1 sov.; for district horses only. 5. Hack Steeplechase, of 5 sovs.; 1 mile ; catch weights ; entrance 1 sov.; for district horses only. Rules and Regulations : The N.Z. Grand National Rules strictly adhered to, except where specified. A district horse shall mean a horse commonly resident in the County since March Ist, 1880, and the bona fide pro perty of the owner; and “ owner” shall mean a person or persons commonly resi dent in the County of Ashburton not less than six months previous to this meeting. The decision of the Stewards on all dis puted points shall be final. No protest will be received unless 2 sovs. be deposited, which shall be forfeited if the protest be considered frivolous. Nominations for the Handicaps to be sent to the Secretary at Quill’s Hotel not later than 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 20th. Weights will be declared on Tuesday, May 25th. Acceptances on night of general entry, Wednesday, May 26th, at 8 p.m. All entries to state age, color, and name of the horse, and the colors of the rider. JAMES WILKIE, Hon. Sec. 791 g Ashburton Steeplechases. T. Bullock. THE undersigned has the following PROPERTIES to LET with a pur chasing clause, or FOR SALE on liberal terms of payment — -| ACRES good WHEAT LAND, vr a l] ploughed and ready for cross ploughing for wheat ; situated about three miles from the township. ACRES, near the above ; also good A' » WHEAT LAND, ploughed once and ready for cross-ploughing. ACRES, partly improved, a/ low. This will be sold and on very liberal terms. near Wins very cheap, TOWN PROPERTIES. i 7 ALU ABLE BUSINESS SITE in Bur v nett Street, being T.S. 177, next the Mail” office. 3ART of T.S. 139, Peter Street. _ This will be sold cheap, and on liberal ;rms. TO Railway Employes, Mechanics, and Others.—FOß SALE, cheap, Lot 78, situated on East Town Belt. Terms, £5 cash ; balance by monthly or quarterly payments. T. BULLOCK. FOR SALE, Cheap, Dwelling-house of 7 rooms, situated on the East Belt, near the Parsonage —Eor particulars apply to T. Bullock. 206 c mHE “ Herald ” is on every Tea Table I in Ashburton DO you Want the News of the Day ? Read the Ashburton Herald IT is only a Penny, is to be got every where in Town, along the Railway ne, and of tba Country Agents.



Business Notices, Dissolution OF o- ORE AND CO., ~|p)EG to announce that they intend to DISSOLVE PAETNERSHIP on Ist SEPTEMBER. They will therefore, on Saturday, May Ist, offer the whole of their superior stock, amounting to over £20,000 worth of DRAPERY, IRONMONGERY, AND GROCERIES, AT COST PRICE. The reductions in price extends to every Department in our Business, And we trust our Customers will pay PROMPT CASH DURING SALE.!? All Goods will be marked in plain figures with Red Ink. All outstanding accounts must be paid at once so that partnership accounts may be adjusted. I ffi) 1 ORE & CO., ASHBURTON & RAKAIA April 24th, 1880. P.S.—A Large Shipment of Drapery Goods just opened up ex Pallala. Guns! Guns! Guns! POWDER. SHOT. CAPS. ORE AND CO. J"|~AVE now on hand a vei’y fine assortment of BREECHLOADING DOUBLE AND SINGLE-BARREL GUNS, And as these have been imported direct from the manufacturers, we are prepared to Sell at the most Reasonable Prices— From £2 10s to§£2s. ORR AND CO;



Business Notices. C FURNITURE ! FURNITURE ! ! Made to Order by II ARL E S T> RADER, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, FURNITURE DEALER, &G. Chests of Drawers, 3ft. Gin. x 3ft. Gin., with live drawers, Price 70s. _ _ | Scotch Chest of Drawers, with six drawers, Price £5 10s. Kitchen Cupboard, from 30s. Do. with Dresser, from 40s. Venetian and other Blinds, Curtain Poles, Oxford and other Picture Frames made to order. Furniture repaired and renovated. GREAT SOUTH ROAD, TINWALD, Beyond Clark’s Grain Stores. For Sale, a Light Waggon, nearly new, in good order, Price £22. A good chance for anyone requiring a useful conveyance cheap. 346c-7470 HALLO! HALLO! QUILL AGAIN. REDUCTION IN PRICES. BOTTLED WINES & SPIRITS. T. QUILL, SEEING the necessity of a Wholesale Bottling, Wine, and Spirit Store in Ashburton, has determined to supply that want, and therefore begs to submit the following list of Prices, every article guaranteed to be of the best and purest description. PRICE LIST. Brandy Flasks, 2s. and 4s. per flask. Fine Old Port, per Bottle, ss. and 6s. Superior old Dry Montelado, (old Sherry) Ok & 6s. Very old Scotch Whisky, per Bottle ss. Fine old Irish Whisky, per Bottle, ss. Superior old Jamaca Rum, per Bottle, ss. Fine old Martelle’s Dark Brandy, per Bottle, ss. Hennessey’s Brandy, per Bottle, 6s. Superior Square Gin (J.D.K.Z.), per Bottle, 6s. Superior Old Tom (Swain Booth’s), per Bottle, 53. All other brands equally Reduced. QUILL’S Assorted Dozen of Best Wines and Spirits for £3 10s, containing— -3 bottles Brandy 2 „ Port 2 ~ Rum 2 bottles Whisky 2 ~ Sherry 1 „ Old Tom (Ready packed, and forwarded to any part of the County on the shortest notice.) One trial will prove to Quill’s customers the quality of his taps. COMMENCING MONDAY, 26th APRIL. Open from 7 a.m to 6 p.m. during whiter months. Note Address — T. QUILL’S, WHOLESALE BOTTLING STORES, Commercial Hotel, (Near Railway Station), Ashburton. 751 a DON’T! PLEASE! DON’T! STOP ! DO STOP ! TOP before you give your next order for a Suit of Clothes. 1 350 F you want Style, Fit, and Quality, try the Undersigned. READ the following, then call and in spect the Goods. (YARDS READY) tra ) T 0 CUT. JUST ARRIVED—The best Stock of Winter Cloths to be got for money. SUPERIOR in quality to anything ever yet shown in Ashburton. I SAMPLES TO .SELECT FROM , Comprising the following : German Cloths, plain and fancy, the most fashionable Beaver Cloths, suitable for Winter Scotch Tweeds, assorted Mosgiel ~ „ Kaiapoi ~ ~ West of England Cloths Bedford Cords Irish Frieze, &c., &c., &c. 70 CALL and inspect this Splendid Assort ment before you order. "OTTO: Small Profits and Quick Returns. Terms—Cash. S' TYLE and Finish second to nbrie. (£1 Is. Cash for a Pair ECONOMY) of Trousers } £3 15s. Cash for a Tweed f Suit. The Address is— G. J. F. LUBLOW, THE TAILORING DEPOT, Triangle, Ashburton, Between Post Office and Baldwin’s Central Hotel. 782g-380c Balt, PROGRAMME CARDS in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Herald Office, East street, near Railway Station. THE PENNY made the postal system of England a success. So has it mad the Herald. Everybody buys the Herald