The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With Which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1880.

Cheating a Disturbance.— At the R.M. Court this morning, before Mr. Guinness, Harry Hicks and Frank Brothers were charged with creating a dis turbance at the dwelling known as the “ lean-to.” Both culprits were sentenced to one month’s imprisonment with hard labor.

Slaughter Yards. —At the ; County Council meeting Sergeant Felton report ing on the slaughter yards of the district, said in his report submitted, that during the quarter the yard of Mr. M‘Rae, Alford Forest, which had been reported ■ dirty, last quarter, had been replaced by " a new yard, and was now of course clean. Mr. Arthur Ede’s yard at Tinwald had been thoroughly cleaned, and was in pro per order, and great improvements had been made on Mr. Lancaster’s yards, situate in the river bed, near the town, which were now in good condition. Entertainment. —The Amateur Dra matic Club have been very hard at work to make the introduction of the ‘ ‘ Child of the Regiment ” a great success, the piece having been very carefully re hearsed. The -mounting, etc., will, we are told, he one of the best features in the piece, and sparkling as it does with martial songs and music, should meet with warm approval. We are given to under stand there is a great demand for tickets, more especially for the front seats. The orchestra has been largely added to, both in members and efficiency, and will un doubtedly surprise the audience on the occasion, and the public are promised a treat of no mean order. As previously stated, the proceeds will go to swell the bazaar fund of St. Stephen’s Church. An “ Irish Combine.”— One is always learning something, and we have learned a new name_for a.js.ery - old instrument— —so oldTndeed, that in these days of pro gress and high class agricultural imple ments, there are few of the younger mem bers of the community who even know the name of the relic of the past which we refer. The new name was given to it in the evidence of Mr. J. B. Wright, manager for Mr. Passmore, while in the ; witness box yesterday, in the case of Monaghan v. Passmore, a suit for wages. Monaghan was accused of having severely beaten a mare belonging to his master, with a swingletree. Mr. Wright, how ever, explained that the weapon was not a swingletree, but the long end of “an Irish combine. ” Cross-examination elicited the, information that this new instrument had a long end, a short end, and a hinge— was in fact, a flail! Wedding. —A marriage which created some interest in Ashburton, especially amongst the fair sex, was celebrated at the Wesleyan Church this afternoon, Miss A. F. Hodder, third daughter of our re spected townsman, Mr. T. R. Hodder, being the bride, and Mr. F. S. Malcolm, of Christchurch, the bridegroom. There were about 200 persons present to witness 'the interesting event, the Rev. W. Keall being the officiating minister. As the party entered the church, Mendelsshon’s “ St. Paul ” was played by the organist, and the ‘'Wedding March” on leaving. The church was neatly decorated, and around the communion rail and pulpit were a number of flowers and shrubs. Miss Hodder has been for a considerable time both a member of the Wesleyan choir, and also a teacher in the Sunday school, and hence the unusual interest excited on the occasion of her wedding. ; •;7 r Horticultural Society. — A meeting of the Horticultural Society was held at the offices of Messrs. Jacobson and Eyton last night, when there was a good atten dance. Mr, Simmonds read a very ex haustive paper on “ Onions,” and went minutely into the details of different sorts, their adaptability to soils and climate, the various modes of growing the same, and the proper method for doing so. He also treated on the matter of manures in relation to the growth of onions, advo cating the use of wood ashes as being •specially beneficial on sandy soils. A long discussion ensued, some members dissenting from the use of ashes, as they ; tended to dry up and perish the plants. After the usual vote of thanks had been accorded, Mr. Smith exhibited some very fine blooms of ranunculas, anemones, and /.wall flowers, one spike of the latter being •specially fine. It was decided that mem bers be requested to bring to each monthly meeting any exhibits they might possess, either large or small, with a view to com parison, &c. The next meeting will be held on November 3rd, when Mr. G. T. Smith will read a paper. Several special prizes for the show in February were offered, notably one of 15s. by Mr. Bullock, for the best grape plant grown in pits or boxes. Missionary Meeting. —Last night a missionary meeting was held in the Primi tive Methodist Church, which was fairly attended. Mr. I. Scott presided, with his usual ability. The report which was read by the Rev. A. J. Smith was of a very •ricouraging character, showing that up < wards of L 39,368 17s. lid. missionary money had been collected by the Ocn

nexion-during'the past year, and, notwith standing the hard times, the missionary debt had been reduced neai’ly L 3,000. In the United Kingdom twenty-three of the mission stations had become self support ing circuits, sixteen new Sunday schools had been formed, and thirteen additional churches built. The African missions were prospering, and the fund for their support had largely increased last year. Mr.' Scott Expressed , his; pleasure in hear ing of the work being done and the pro gress made. He referred to the moral degradation of many English cities and towns, and spoke of the thousands who gained their living by thieving. More laborers were wanted at home, and there fore many discojuntenced supporting foreign ; Mr. Scott, however, distinctly showed that it was our duty to send the Gospel across the -water, and while it was quite correct to say that charity begins at home, he thought it ought not to end there. He paid a high tribute of respect to the intellectual powers of many of the colored race. Mr. Stokes followed with a capital impromptu,speech, which was well received, on' the power of Christianity. A hymn was then sung, after which the Rev. A. J. Smith gave a lengthy address. He commenced by making a few brief references to the work done by the society at Home and in the colonies, and claimed that this society deserved the support of all who wished to have their money economically and wisely used for the carrying on of the work of God. He went on to say that the foreign stations were at the present but few in number, but very important in position and pro spects of success. They might be divided into two classes, part to the English speaking civilised colored people of the African colonies, and part to the pagan heathen. Amongst the former class, the success that had attended the efforts of the missionaries had been evidenced by the numbers admitted into church member ship. These African converts had shown the genuineness of their religion by their steadfastness in times of persecution, and by their liberality in supporting the various . church efforts,' liberality so abundant that had the expenses of the mission been only the same as of those at Home these two stations would have been self supporting three years after their for .mation. • • Amongst the aboriginal heathen .it could not be expected that there should be such numerical increase so soon after the beginning of the work. A great pre liminary work had to be done. Mr. Smith gave a short description of the social, political, and religious condition of .the people, showing that polygamy, tyrannical and cruel slavery, and devil worship prevailed, degrading the people and preventing all intellectual or moral advancement. He described the methods adopted in their efforts to raise the people ; the free dispensing of medicines which had been successful in curing grea*- num bers of the natives, and by- which their faith in their foolish charms and power of the devil priests was very rudely shaken. Schools also had been established. The missionaries, at the cost of great hardship and exposure, had gone about the country, mixing with the people in their homes, and by this means had gradually acquired their language, and had formed dictionary translations, etc, as well as composed a number of hymns, which were a great attraction to the services. A number of young men had been converted, who were promising to become very useful as teachers to their own countrymen. The rev. gentleman gave a number of interest ing incidents in connection with the mission, and sang a hyinn in the Fernandian tongue. In conclusion, he urged the great importance of Africa as a field for missionary enterprise, foretelling for that long-neglected country a bright and happy future. A collection was then made, which, with the Sunday’s collection, amounted to L 5. The usual votes of thanks terminated this deeply interesting meeting.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

Per Reute? ’s Agency. The Banquet to the Cricketers. London, Oct. 5.

The banquet given in honor of the Aus tralian cricketers was presided over by the Lord Mayor. The Agents-General and many leading cricketers were present. Mr. Murdoch responded to the toast of the match played on the Oval, and thanked Lord Harris for having effaced past grievances. “ Lord' Harris spoke in most eulogistic terms of the cricketers, and considered that the Australians were pre-eminent at cricket. . 'Sir Bartle Frere. Sir Bartle Frere, late Governor at the Cape, has arrived in London. An Immediate Attack. Ministers have been busy discussing the Porte’s scheme, but nothing has yet tran spired. It is understood that Prince Nikito urges an immediate attack being made by the Montenegrins. Decisive. Berlin, Oct. 5. The German Government threatens to lay seige to. Hamburg and Altona unless those two places comply with the new tariff.

Afghan. Calcutta, Oct. 5.

Latest advices from Afghanistan state that General Phayrc’s division winters at Candahar.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Reuter’s Agency.) The Liberty of the Press.

Sydney, Oct; 6. A crowded meeting was held last night, to consider the.best means for showing sympathy with the Evening News in con nection with the contempt of Court case. It was resolved that the Judge’s action was calculated to endanger the liberty of subjects, and the meeting further decided to make an appeal for subscriptions to pay the fine of L 250 imposed on the paper. The Governor’s Ball.*

Melbourne, Oct. 6. His Excellency the Governor gave a grand hall at Government House last night, at which 2,500 guests were present. It was a brilliant success. Victorian Revenue.

The revenue of Victoria during the last quarter amounted to 11,092,0.00, being a decrease- of 14,100 compared with the corresponding quarter of last year. The Montenegrin Difficulty. London, Oct. 5. The details of the scheme- proposed by the Porte for the settlement of the Mon tenegrin and other questions is now being

published. ' The Sultan agrees to sur render Dulcigna on condition that the naval display is henceforth abandoned, and proposes afterwards to deal with the Greek and Armenian questions. It Is generally considered probable that the Powers will reject the Porte’s proposals.

Resident Magistrate’s Court.

Tuesday, October 5. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) CIVIL cases.

Taylor v. Friedlander.—Claim L 21145. Mr. Wilding for plaintiff; Mr. Purnell for defendant. This was a claim for wages which the plaintiff alleged was due to him for acting as bailiff, by defendant’s instruc tions, on the property of one Gardiner, a bankrupt. After evidence had been taken, his Worship gave judgment for L2 23. 6d. Monaghan v. Passmore. —Action to recover L 62 Os. 6d., amount of wages and -harvest bonus alleged by plaintiff to be due and payable to him from defendant. Mr. Longhnan for plaintiff, Mr. Branson for defendant. The original contract between the parties was that the plaintiff should serve the defendant as ploughman and should receive LI per week as wages, together with L 6 bonus for the harvest ; and that if he stayed the whole year with the defendant he was to receive a further sum of ss. per week. This both parties assented to as being the original agreement.. Plaintiff swore that this contract had never been rescinded; that he had. never consented to do any ploughing as contract work; and that Mr. Passmore had unjustly dismissed him for alleged impertinence, of which he had not been guilty. On cross-examination, plaintiff swore that he had been sent by the manager (Wright) to defendant’s private house to obtain some plough-reins, and denied having sent in any impertinent message to the defendant, or that ho had knocked at defendant’s front door ; but admitted that he had remained on defendant’s front verandah for ten minutes,or more before going round to the back door. Mr. Wright, formerly manager for the defendant, being called for the plaintiff, gave evidence that Mr. Passmore had complained of the way in which the men were ploughing, and had told him to see the men and inform them that the rest of the ploughing was to be done on contract at 2s. per acre, the men to find themselves in food, and that he had delivered this message in the presence of the men, in cluding plaintiff, who made no remark either of assent or of dissent; that he subsequently saw plaintiff ploughing and that plaintiff complained he could not go on under the contract with a two-furrow plough, and that accordingly he (witness) gave plaintiff a three-furrow plough ; that plaintiff had unnecessarily beaten one of defendant’s horses with, what witness called, an “Irish combine;” and that plaintiff had threatened to strike him (the witness), and that he (witness) had com plained to the defendant. Defendant’s evidence as to the contract ploughing was similar to that of the witness Wright. As to plaintiff’s conduct on the day of his dismissal, defendant swore that plaintiff came to his (defen dant’s) private house early in the morning, knocked at the front door, and remained some time on the verandah ; that he then went round to the back door, and sent a message to defendant by a little girl that he (plaintiff) wanted soma reins, and that when he was told to go to the manager for the reins lie sent back an impertinent message to defendant that he (plaintiff) would drive the horses without reins if defendant liked ; and that for this imper tinence he dismissed the plaintiff. Mr. Branson contended that the weight of evidence went to show that there had been a substitution of a new contract for the original one ; and that the plaintiff’s impertinence towards the defendant, coupled with his past misconduct in un neccessarily severely beating the defen dant’s horse and threatening the de fendant’s manager, justified defendant in dismissing the plaintiff, and that, there fore, plaintiff could only claim wages at the rate of LI per week, if he had a right to anything at all. Mr. Laughnari having addressed the Court for plaintiff, His Worship said that there was not, in his opinion, sufficient evidence to show that there had been a substitution of contract with plaintiff’s consent, but that in his opinion the plaintiff had by his conduct evidently intended to show marked disrespect to defendant; and that therefore, having regard to his previous misconduct, defendant was justi fied in dismissing him. He would, there fore, allow plaintiff IT per week for thirty-six weeks and four days, and L 6 for harvest, in all L 42 13s. 4d., less L 8 19s. od., admitted set-off. Judgment would therefore be for L 33 14s. 4d. and LI 12s. Od. costs. As defendant had paid L 35 113. 4d. (more than the judg ment and costs) into Court, no professional fee would be allowed.

Inquest.

An inquest was held on Tuesday after noon, at Quill’s Commercial Hotel, on the body of Catherine Sullivan, who died sud denly yesterday afternoon. Dr. Trevor, ocroner, presided, and the following gentle men composed the jury : —Messrs. W. H. Gundry (foreman), A. Roberts, S. Poyntz, W. Sparrow, W. Marsh, A. H. Shury, J. Baker, Alfred Harrison, C. Branson, W. Davison, B. Hughes, G. Kidd, and Geo. Willcocks.

Patrick Sullivan, sworn, said —I am a labouring man, residing in Ashburton. The body just viewed by the jury is that of my wife. Last saw her alive at about nine o’clock on Monday morning, before going to work. At breakfast, she re marked that she had not felt well during the night, and complained of her heart. She fainted last Saturday. She said she felt bad. She has been unwell for some time past, and last June was attended by a doctor. My wife was a delicate woman. Was at work on Monday when I was told of my wife’s death. My wife’s father died suddenly. lam not aware that my wife had received any injuries, nor do I know from what she died. Don’t know that she has received any blow. Remember being locked up for being drunk ten days ago. I did not on that occasion assault my wife. Do not remember my wife screaming out for help before the police came up. When I was let out on bail I do not remember Sergeant Felton saying that my wife would not prosecute me for assaulting her, and my saying, “ It was not much of [a beating I gave her. ” I did tell Sergeant Felton.that I never .beat my wife except when I was in liquor. I don t think at the time I knew what I was saying.

By the Foreman—l have not been in toxicated since that occasion.

- Sergeant Felton, sworn, said—On the 12th September, at 9 a.m., deceased came to the police station to get her husband out on bail. Told her that the police charged last witness with being drunk and disorderly, and asked deceased if she wished to prosecute her husband for assaulting her, as I should not prosecute him unless she wished it. She said, no. In reply to a question,'deceased said her husband had knocked her down, and kicked her on the chest, but she did not feel it much then. Asked her why she screamed “Murder.” She replied, because she was frightened. Then asked her if her husband often ill - used her.' She said, no, except when he was in liquor. Then released Sul livan from bail, remarking that he would only have to appear on one charge, as his wife did not wish to prosecute him for assaulting her. He then said lie did not hurt her much ; he only beat her when he was in liquor. On Monday, when Sullivan came to tell me of .the death of his wife, I asked him if he thought lie hurt his wife, or ill-used her in any way from which death might result. He. replied he had always been a good husband, and he only beat her when he was in liquor, adding that deceased was always delicate. At the time deceased came to bail her husband out of the lock-up she appeared to be suffering from a pain in her ehest. Have not known the accused to be drunk since the last time.lie was locked-up. Last saw deceased alive on Saturday night, when Sullivan was scolding her going home. Cannot say whether Sullivan wa3 sober at the time.

Timothy Clark, laborer, sworn —I live on the Alford Forest road. Recognise the body outside as being that of the wife of Patrick Sullivan. She was living in my house on the Alford Forest road. She came to live there on Saturday last. On that day deceased fainted several times in the course of about an hour. Advised her not to go out again, hut she persisted in going. On Sunday deceased appeared well. About two o’clock on Monday, the 4th, had dinner with deceased, when she ate a hearty meal. Shortly after dinner, she prepared, to go to town. About half an hour afterwards deceased was brought into the house in a sort of faint. She was laid on the sofa, and commenced retching. She said her heart was broken, and that she was dying. Deceased appeared to rally, and walked into the bedroom. Shortly afterwards she again said her heart was breaking, and 1 then went for her husband and the doctor. Could not find a medical man. - When I returned she was dead. Came out in the. same ship as accused in 1875, when she was very delicate. Have only seen her twice in the interval. About ten days ago she complained of her heart breaking, and asked Sullivan to take the child she was carrying. She came to live on the Alford Forest road so as to get more fresh air. Prior to Saturday week have not seen deceased for two ■ years. While the deceased and her husband have been living in my house have not observed any ill treatment by Sullivan. Sullivan was sober on Sunday. David Smart, sworn—l am a constable, stationed at Ashburton. . Remember ar resting Sullivan on/the- 11th September. Complaint was niade that he' was ill-treat ing his wife, and I -weiit to the house. Sullivan was drunk, “and deceased told me he had kicked her on the breast. Asked her if I arrested him, would she give evi dence against him ; but this she refused to do. Cautioned Sullivan, and left. Re turned in about ten minutes and saw Sullivan with an axe in one hand, and a child about two years of age in the other. Arrested Sullivan on -a charge of being drunk and disorderly. This was about five o’clock iu the evening. Deceased told me that when Sullivan came in she was washing the floor, when he kicked her on the breast. She was unconscious for some time. Don’t know much about Sullivan.

Dr. Macßean Stewart deponed to mak ing a post mortem examination, and gave professional evidence, the purport of which was that, both deceased’s liver and heart were diseased, and one of the lungs con gested. Cross-examined by Sergeant Felton, witness stated that the deceased was of slight physique and delicate. There were evidences of disease of long-standing. Cannot say whether a kick received three weeks ago would accelerate death. Matthew Morshead, : sworn—l am a farm manager for Messrs. Matson, Cox, & Co. 011 Saturday, the 11th, saw Sulli van kick deceased in the bowels. Re monstrated with Sullivan, and he said he did not care. The deceased said he had nearly killed her. At; the time, deceased was picking up something from the floor. The kick was on the left side of deceased. Sullivan head on very large heavy boots with nails. Gave information to the police. Deceased appeared to be very faint after the kick. She said if she did not feel better by evening she would go for a doctor. I consider the blow a very serious one.

By Sullivan—You were not the least excited at first, but got excited afterwards when the constable wanted to take you away. You kicked deceased in the pit of the stomach, and on the left side. Dr. Stewart, recalled—l consider that death resulted from failure of the heart’s action, caused by a general diseased state of the system. Have no reason to suppose that death was caused by the blows of which evidence has been given. It would not have been surprising if the woman had died at the time the assault was com mitted, but do not think death resulted from it. By Mr. Shury—Believe that death re sulted from natural causes. Mr. Shury—From the post mortem ex amination you have made, do you think that you would have been able to give a certificate as to death by natural causes? Witness—Certainly. Mr. Shury—Then what is the use of this inquest ? Witness—But for this inquest, no post mortem examination would have been made, which took place by direction of the coroner. Mr. Shury thought from the evidence of Dr. Stewart there would be no necessity to leave the loom to consider a verdict. The Coroner remarked that the inquest had been called by his instructions, and he would always do the same whenever anything bordering on suspicion as to the death of the subject arose. The jury then retired, and after a brief absence, returned with the verdict that deceased’s death resulted from natural causes ; but added_ a rider to the effect

that the Coroner be requested to strongly reprimand Sullivan for his brutal treat ment of his wife as disclosed by the evi dence.

Addressing Sullivan, the Coroner said that any man with a spark of manly feeling could only characterise the treatment by Sullivan of his wife as most brutal, and it was a great mercy that the deceased had not died at the time of the assault which the evidence showed,had been made. Dr. Trevor, cautioned Sullivan, remarking that if he did not give up his drinking habits, itwas possiblesome day he would be brought up as a murderer.

Desperate Affair.

The Panama Star and Herald of July 22nd has a story of the loss of the Chilean transport Loa in Callao Bay. A Peruvian ■officer constructed a launch, put a torpedo into it and over this put a false bottom resting on springs, leapt down -by the weight of the cargo ; then he loaded it with a very choice assortment of fruits, and towing it out towards the blockading squadron before daylight, set it adrift. Ml day it floated about, but towards evening, fearing it would fall into neutral hands, a boat was sent out to bring it back. The Loa, seeing a boat from shore making forwards a neutral vessel, caught sight of the launch and turned towards it. The Loa lowered two boats, brought the launch alongside, and the discharging commenced. As the weight in the launch diminished the machinery in connection With the torpedo was set on fire, and in a moment three hundred pounds of dynamite were exploded. The Loa was almost lifted out of the water, and appeared en veloped in a mass of flame, which resolved itself into dense clouds of smoke." When this cleared away the vessel ap peared not to have suffered, but suddenly she went down by the stern and disap peared. Ships of war and non-combat ants quickly lowered boats and picked up about forty men struggling in the water, of whom, it is probable, many will die. At least one hundred and fifty men perished. The only officers saved are the second commander (wounded), the doctor, and one engineer. Every house in Callao was shaken to the foundation «by the ex plosion, and every ship in the bay shivered, as if by a fearful earthquake. A Lima correspondent says :—There is an ugly rumor going about that some men entered Moquegua, where the Chileans had left their sick in the care of the na tives, and murdered every Chilean they could find. It is also rumored that the Chileans have sent a force to wreak ter rible revenge. - _

Revenue.

During the quarter that closed with September there was a very satisfactory increase in the revenue of the colony, and one that betokens a steadily, if not rapidly, returning prosperity. It is quite possible that the Colonial Treasurer put his estimate of the pro bable income for the year, at a lower figure than even the depressed times war ranted, and took altogether too gloomy a view of the future, not being far sighted enough to see that an improve ment was near at hand. At all events his estimate appears to have been con siderably under what has already heen realised, and it is satisfactory to learn that the revenue is showing a very healthy upward inclination. The Wel lington Evening Post , with the actual figures before it, goes into calculations'on the subject, and finds that on Customs alone there is a clear surplus over the estimated income for the part of the financial year already gone It is also well satisfied that the improve ment is not a spurt but a permanent advance. Stamps fell off last quarter, but this quarter have made up arrears and left a surplus, while a proportionate increase is manifest in all the colony’s other departments of revenue, with the single exception of railways. At the beginning of the quarter there was a deficit looked for on railways of some £ 200,000, but this department has picked up so healthily that not more leeway is expected for the whole year than ,£35,000. This again will be made good by savings and re ductions, rumors of which, and of a sweeping character, are heard on every side, and we are told that numerous officers at present drawing high salaries have received notice, such notice to take effect from the Ist proximo. Amongst these are the two Commis sioners, whose places will be filled by Mr. W. N. Blair, while other officers of high position will have to take their retiring allowance. It is not pleasant, of course, to have to part with men who have done good work for the colony in their time, but it is just as unpleasant to have to pay salaries that cannot be afforded, and the public are assured that the cutting down of expense now being practised is imperative. It is a course that is at present being followed in every department of the Civil Service, from the sweeper of the Court-house, whose monthly ss. has been reduced to 4s. 6d., to the Railway Commissioner, whose magnificent salary has been re duced to nil. While these reductions are being made to bring expenditure down to the level with income, it is satisfactory to learn that a general im provement is taking place in the whole revenues of the colony, and that there is every probability that Major Atkinson will meet the House with a nice nest egg over his calculations.

Holloway’s Ointment and Pills.— Diseases of the skin, ringworm, scurvy, jaundice, scrofula or king’s evil,sore heads, and the most inveterate skin disease to which the human frame is subject, cannot be treated with a more safe and certain remedy than Holloway’s Ointment and Pills, which act so perculiarly on the constitution and so purify the blood, that these diseases are at once eradicated from the system, and a lasting cure obtained. They are equally" efficacious in the cure of tumors, burns scalds, glandular swellings, ulcerous wounds* rheumatism, contracted and stiff joints. These medicines operate mildly and surely. The cures effected by them are not temporary or apparent only, but complete and permanent.

THE STORY-TELLER.

THE DISRUPTION A TALK 03? TRYING TIMES.

CHAPTER XXVIII— continued.

“ Deed,” replied the lady, “ I jalouse it’s neither siller nor the Kirk o’ Scot land that’s fashing him. If I’m no mis ta’en, he’s vexing himsel’ a hantle mair aboot Miss Migummerie; but he need na be sic a fule—there’s as gude fish in the sea as ever cam oot o’t—that’s a’ that I’ll say. But come awa’ we .maun be takin’ the road or we’ll nei ther be at Stiffrigg Mains nor Whinny side wi’ daylight. Fare ye weel, Jimes. see and mind your lair, and never heed the young leddies. Ye’ll get your pick and wale o’ them if ever ye get a kirk. Ye may tak’ my word, my man, for that.” So saying she took Stiffriggs and his sister by the arm, and marched them off without further ceremony.

Sorely was Mr. Duncanson’s spirit chafed by all this tutoring:—

Dearly boughl the hidden treasure, Finer feelings can bestow ; Cords that vibrate sweetest pleasure, Thrill the deepest notes of woe. He imagined, with more sensitiveness than reason, that his aunt and Stiffriggs presumed on the obligations he was under, to dictate to him in a manner which fettered his freedom. This notion impressed him so strongly that he certainly would have returned the money had it been in his power, for his mind at the time was morbidly sensitive and unapt to entertain the calm considerations of prudence. Robin A fleck had not yet restored to him the pilfered cash nor informed him that it was in safe custody, for he felt displeased at the secresy which the student had thought proper to observe towards him on the subject, and was determined to act a little on the prin ciple of retaliation. But Robin soon experienced the inconvenience of fol lowing such a course. He escorted Jean Brown, on her way home as far southward as Habbie’s howe, and spent the early part of the day with her, in never-to-be-forgotten felicity, among the quiet recesses of that charming scene. She had re ceived permission from her mistress to walk part of the way, and had thus found an opportunity of visiting the Arcadia of Scotland with her admirer, Robin, after seeing her safely into the Whinnyside spring-cart, returned to the city about sunset, walking so lightly that he scarcely touched the ground, for he had got her for the first time to confess, in so many words, that he had nothing to . fear from John Rumplebane or any other rival. As he passed the smithy door to enter his humble lodgings, he was way-laid by his trusty friend Saunders Drouthy thrapple, the smith, who mysteriously hinted that some danger awaited him should he proceed, and that it would be well to repair with him to an obscure public-house in the neighbor hood, instead of venturing into his own quarters. Robin demanded an explan ation, but Saunders only renewed his ominous hint, and urged the necessity of beating a retreat immediately out of the way of observation. Robin accord ingly accompanied him, wondering as he went what all this could mean. The two were soon seated together in a dingy little apartment, lighted only by a glimmering peep of gas. The black browed hammer-man would not enter on business till a stoup of liquor had been brought in and he had moistened his throat with a dram. He then, as a preliminary precaution, examined every corner of the room to see that there was no chink at which a listener could hear. Having satisfied himself that there was none, and filled up the key hole with a half-chewed quid of to bacco, he looked Robin hard in the face, and commenced rather to put questions than communicate anything. “ Weel, neighbor,” said he, in as low a tone as he could contrive to speak in, “what the sorrow is this ye’ve been aboot ? Ha’e ye been rubbin’, or mur derin’, or baith ? ” “ Gudesake, Saunders, ye’re de mentit, shurely,” replied Robin, “ When ye speer sic gruesome questions at a body. Tell me.at ance what ye mean, and what is wrang.” “Wrang! Ye ha’e the beagles after ye, and surely that canna be for nae thing. They’ve been twice seeking ye the dayr. One o’ them cam’ in the fore noon, I understand, wi’ a bit writer body they ca’ M‘Cheatrie ; and after speerin’ a heap o’ questions at your landlady, Mrs. Jamphrey, aboot whan ye cam’ and wha’ lodges along wi’ ye, they wrote doun a’ her answers, and took awa a pocket-book and your auld tacketty shoon.” “ Preserve us! that’ll be Doctor Snapperdudgeon’s business after a’.” “Ay, did'ye settle somebody o’ that name?” “ Settle him ? No, he can pruve naething against me ; I’m shure eneuch o’ that” “ Weel, aweel, if it’s only a case o’ assault and battery, it’s neither here nor there. I’ve been in mair than ane o’ them myseP. But I doot, freen, there’s something waur than that against you. Ye micht be provokit to gi’e a man twa or three hard knocks, and no be what’s to ca’ on ill-doer after a’; but ye ken. there can be nae excuse for thievin’.” “ Theivin’ ! let me see the man or woman either that’ll even theivin’ to me.”

“ Ou; dinna be in a passion ! I charge ye wi’ naething o’ the kind, only I maun tell you that twa o’ the thief-catcher chaps are waiting for you this very moment at Mrs. Jamphrey’s.

They’ve been there mair than an hour, and rummaging every neuk o’ the house for some stown siller. Puir; body! she slippit in to the smiddy when they were searching at the thrangest, to get me to warn-yoa ia_the by-ganging, for she canna bide the thocht o’ ony ludger o’ hers coming to the wuddie; and, I daur say, hangin’ ’ll be the least o’t if ye’ve been takin’ baith life arid siller.” . “Do ye mean to drive me mad, Saunders ? I tell ye, man, I’ve ta’en neither life nor siller. I never killed ony creature better than a sow, nor took the value o’ a bawbee frae a leevin’ sowl. But for a’ that I daur say ' I’m lang eneuch here, sae let us see what’s to pay and I’ll be awa’.” “ Aha ! that disna look sae weel, A though. If ye be innocent, what for. ; nead ye be in sic a fell hurry? ” ' “ Just for vera particular reasons, that I canna wait to explain. But I’ll tell ye a’ the oots and ins o’ the story some time after this. Let us be aff, " man ; let us be aff.” “ Hoots ! rest rest ye a blink, and let us ha’e anither fu’ o’ the stoup. Even if ye should be as bad as Deacon Brodie, I’ll stand up for you against - the beagles, for acquaintance’ sake. If they find us oot here, ye may sh’urely manage to gi’e ane o’ them the breadth o’ his back, and I’ll tak’ care o’ tither. But as shure’s death I’m vext for you, be ye guilty, for the disappearance o’ your bed-fallow looks sair against ye. Here, mistress, anither dram—bring us anither dram.”

“The disappearance o’ my bed-fal- - low ! Is’t Mr. Duncanson ye mean ? ” said Robin, half laughing at the im plied suspicion in spite of his anxiety. “ Ay, just Mr. Dunkison ; wha else could I mean.”

“ Ou, then ye may keep yoursel* per fectly easy aboot him. He got him sel’ hurt wi’ the accident on Saturday, but he’s gettin’ better, and snug and cosy in gude ludgings up the toun.” “ Weel, that’s what Mrs. Jamphrey tells me ; but hoo did him baith get himsel’ hurt and rubbit if there was nae foul play gaun? Can ye tell me that?”

“ Brawly can I tell ye that if I had time, but positeevely I maun be awa’; sae ye maun just excuse me till anither day.” Saying this, Robin moved to the door, and would not remain a. moment longer. The smith shook his head with an air of confirmed suspicion, and after telling him to take good care where he went and not let himself be seen in daylight, bade him good night and allowed him to depart. Robin’s uneasiness arose from the conviction which flashed suddenly .on his mind, as soon as he heard he. was sought after on account of the missing money, that by retaining it for several days secretly in his possession, he-'fcad^

exposed himself on.the suspicion of dis honesty ; for it appeared plainly that it had been traced into his custody by means of the empty pocket-book. He had the entire sum on his person, and saw the propriety of ' immediately restoring it to its rightful owner. For’ this purpose, as soon as he could shake himself clear of Saunders Drouthy thrapple, he ran with the speed of des peration to Pitt Street. When he got into Mr. Duncanson’s room, out of breath and perspiring profusely, he abruptly crammed the notes into his hand before he could say. a word to explain his errand. Mr. Duncanson looked at him in astonishment, and ex claimed—“ What is the meaning of this, Robert ? What notes are these ? ”

“ They’re yours, Jimes. Mind,' I’ve gi’en you them o’ my ain accord—ye maun bear witness to that —and coont them to see ye ha’e them a’ there.” “ But if the notes are mine, where and how have you got them?” ' “ Ay, ye may speer that, and I’ll tell you when I get time to come to mysel’ awee. But mind, ye’ve gotten them frae me freely and fairly. Man, Jimes, ye ha’e putten yersel’ and me intil a pretty scrape wi’ your confoonded close-mindedness.”

“ How ? what are you driving at ? What scrape ? what close-mindedness ? But first of all, how did you find , the money ? ”

“ That’s the bit, man, that’s just the bit; and if I hadna been in danger of getting mysel’ ta’en for a thief, by Jet ting ye steep awee in brime o’ yer ain sautin’, I wadna been in a hurry telling you, to learn you for your closeness.” “ I wish you would drop the figura tive style of speech, and tell me plainly what you mean.” (To be continued—commenced on July 26.)

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1880.



.Wanted. TTTANTED, a YOUNG GIRL, to VV assist in housework. Apply at once to the Herald office. 975 c ‘ANTED, a good GENERAL SER VANT. Apply to Mrs. S. Saun ders. 9f6c TT7ANTED —A good GENERAL SER- W YANT. M ust be thoroughly com petent person with best References. None other need apply. Mbs Alfred Harri son, Tancred street. Apply between 10 and 11 o’clock any morning. 970 c TO TAILORESSES AND OTHERS. 'ANTED a few Good PLAIN SEWERS for the Tailoring Busi ness. Good women will find constant employment, and good wages. Apply at-once, Herald office. 967 c WANTED KNOWN. SOMERSET LIVERY AND STABLES. BAIT T W. M‘RAE bogs to inform the , public that he has taken the above Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive 'repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. * 908c—286g



Public Notices. POISON.— I hereby give notice that POISON for FOWLS has been laid on my Section (772) Wakanui Road. 973 c A. YOUNG. PIANOFORTE TTJNER. MR. SYMONS wishes to inform the inhabitants of Ashburton and districts, that he is prepared to TUNE PIANOS and ORGANS. My stay in Ashburton is limited to THIS WEEK ONLY. Orders can be left with Mr. We'eks, at this office. 974 c BRANSON & PURNELL, BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS, 1 EAST STREET, WANTED Known, the “Ashburton Herald ” circulates throughout the Provincial District of Canterbury. IT is only a Penny, is to be got every where in Town, along the Railway line, and of th a Country Agents. .