A WOMAN'S FAITH: OR, THE Mystery of a Bunch of Pansies.

. By CHARLES T. MANNERS, AUTHOR OF " Tho Lord of Lylo," " Octavia'a Pride," " The Blonkarno Emeralds," "The Flaw in tho .' Diamond," "Dragging Him Down," "A Silver Brand," &c, &c.

CHAPTER XX.— (Continued.) SILAS lay back upon tho pillow with a placid smile on his honost face. "It will work out beautifully, after all. I ain't a bit, afeard but it will," he murmured. "And I reckon it's all tho good Lord'sanswor to littlo Franky's prayers for poor old Si." It was a long three hours boforo his solitudo was again relieved, but Silas bore it without tho slightest impatience. He rested quietly, picturing Franky's transport and his own delight in claiming the much coveted roward, and that was entertain ment enough. The young man himself showed far less patience under the suspense when he at length presented himself, bringing with him some food of invalids' fare. "Now," he whispered in a quick, eager voice, " while they are both up at the lookout tell me all—what you mean by saying you have looked everywhere for me, and how you came to know Miss Yer rington." "But first you must answer my qnes tion," declared Silas, stretching out his hard brown hand yearningly. "You aro really Conway Searle 1" " I thought you had no question about that," returned the other, smiling faintly. II Yes, I am Conway Searlo." "Tho Lord bo praised! God bless that BweetHelena Yerrington," ejaculated Silas, sitting bolt upright, and seizing both his hands. "I can say 'amen'to that with all fer vour," declared Conway Searle. "And now relieve my suspense; tell me how you knew her—what has happened during this long blank of my enforced absence." " Then it was not of your own free will ? I could not believe it was. Oil, sir, but how that angel has trusted you in all the black looks and foul reports." " My blessed Helena ! But tell me—tell me all—do not keep me on the rack, I thought my hasty letter would make sure of her relief from anxiety." ''She's never got a letter—never aline from you, but she's kept her trust all the same, where there's plenty others would have turned false to you with the rest," averred Silas, solemnly. " That young villain, he never carried Hie letter then, 3 ejaculated Conway Searle, fiercely* <lI reckon it's an old villain is at the bottom, but there's time enough to look that up. What we've got to hurry about is getting word ta that sweet creetur before her heart breaks over the trouble," said Silas, energetically. " She's gone wander ing over there in foreign parts to see the other chap, I suppose, and make sure for herself. Poor soul—poor soul! I misdoubt how it's ended with her." "Will you tell mo something I can understand? I think this rambling talk will drive me crazy. If Helena has had no letter and no pansies all this time, what does she think of me?" asked Conway Searle, feverishly. And then Silas, perceiving how keenly tho youth,suffered, rallied his wandering thoughts, and told tho whole story in his own terse, significant way. More than once ho paused to look com miseratingly at tho young man's drawn, sat face, full of pain and dismay, and to catch his flashing glance of indignation and anger. When it was ended thero was a little silence, and then Si Green's hand was wrung a'most fiercely in Conway Scarle's grateful grasp. "Uod bless you, Si Green, for bringing mo this story. I have been cheated and cajoled long enough. If tho man had twenty times his claim I should not give it at tho exponse of Helena's suffering. You __j&*U havo your reward. Honest fellpv'/J Uu ■^hav&^nd Conway Scar^ Oh, my faithful tru».heartedJ r'lena!_., " What does nr mC mean ? Did you really buy a ticket for Konrado Barle ? And who 13 the man?" " Yos, I bought the ticket. I was a blind tool in, I fear, unscrupulous hands. And yet the pansies were always sent,' you say. I bought tho ticket because Duke here wrote and asked me to. It was for another—un doubtedly that other used it. I drew out the money as was requested of me. It was given to me, and the one that gave asked it back for a short time, and I never dreamed of refusing it. I obeyed, too, the mysterious Bummons that took me so abruptly away, because I believed it my duty, and of vital importance. But I stipulated that Helena Yerrington's alarm should be relieved by a glimpse of the ■ trutti; ' Thave been deceived. And now, if I am not released by fair means I will try other ways. You and I aro surely equal to making our escape, if needed." " How glad I am ! oh, how glad I am !" reiterated Silas Green. "Shall you tell Duke whiit I have told you ?" " I shall have a serious talk with him to night. Until then let him remain in ignor ance of this understanding of ours. But rest assured this dreary old light-house shall notholduslong. I have been dreary and impatient long enough before this, but now I am roused to resistance." Silas waited anxiously that night for Conway Searle's return from the long inter view which was to be held at Duke's mid night watch. Ha heard the slow footsteps pacing above, and pausing every now and then as if the twain were in earnest exulta tion. But the moment Conway appeared Si grasped his hand, and asked in an -anxious whisper: "Is it all decided?"

" Wo are to leave here the very day that the light-house keeper goes, and he assures md that it will be this week," returned the other in the eamo suppressed tone. "What are they to each other? What makes Duke such an enemy of the keeper's J" ' ventured Silas. A weary sigh was his answer. ' "1 trust I shall know before long, but it is all a mystery now. I have been brought upon mysteries, and you cannot tell how I hate them. And yet I have tried to hold fast my faith in him." •'ln Duke, do you mean r' "Yes. ;But he knows to-night that I i will no longer bo blindly led at his beck that he must give me a lucid explanation if %m lie expects me to follow him any further. '■*» All I can think of is my Helena torn by t cruel doubts, distracted by wild fears. What if she should yield to them at last ?" " She never will. She is one of the few blessed women the Lord senda here and t'lero just to show how human nature can bo * made into a true and noble pattern. I tell you tho first minute I clapped my eye on her I knew her for tho true grit kind. Bless hor sweet fuco ! I can seenow just how sho looked when they were all hammering at you. What a kind of shining light there was in her eyes when sho declared your

innocence 1" " Mwterling ! my blessed Helena !" mur nw'retthe, in a voice of mingled transport ■••nnd ra irc. " Oh ! how can I bear the time a -i(j gpaco that intorveno between our mooting?" . It was almost morning again when Con way Seorle was roused out of tho troubled sleep into which ho had fallen by a hand 8 calms softly over his face. " What is it ?" ho wlnsperod, long habit having taught the caution. "I beg pardon, returned Si Greens voice, in tho same key. " I didn't mean to ■wake you ; I onl/ wanted to make sure." •' Make sure o5 what, man ?" ■ " That I had found you. Please just tell me once more you are Conway Searle. Now, it ain't all a dream, is it ? Oh, it does seem too good to be true !"

CHAPTER XXI,

POOB HFXENA,

How little the two waking occupants of the lonely lighthouse across the ocean, as they were talking so fondly about her, dreamed whai cruel influences wore conspiring to work Helena Yerrington's sorrow and ruin,

MtS inchbald, as the reader has already inferred; although of strong prejudices and momentary passions, was a woman of weak character and little force or discrimination, ■ and jOst tli'i pcrwil tci fall completely under '.'.; fiie alifUtotKMS: of it wily nature like .Franz Hartmann's. . ' ' . Exactly how ho managed: itj ho himself could not have told. 'Alow covert insinua-' tiotis,-carefully-dropped hints, but most of nil, mysterious looks and gestures, in which' i', *ouecould be more! gracefully proficient ■&§&■« this adioit If rencliiatin, had completely |

undermined the lady's confidence in her young companion, and entirely destroyed the cordial friendliness which had hitherto existed between them. Helena herself might have helped along the result by her frank confession of a desire to retreat from the engagement, thus piquing the shallow pride of the purse proud mistress.

Bo that as it may, the result was one series of petty humiliations and annoyances, which Helena bore bravely, the deeper misery within her own heart helping;, per haps, to deaden the sting of these lesser evils, which at another time might have made themselves intolerable. Havtmann was most discreet and circum spect in his behaviour toward the companion while in his mistress's presence, nor indeed had Helena any reason to complain of his persecutions or obtrusive attentions at other times since their final understanding. But the busy brain of the man was not idle, nor had Ills plans changed. He Cf.mo into their London rooms one day in high spirits, assuring Mrs Inchbald that the fates had surely conspired in their favour, for lie had been able to secure, at the most astonishing bargain, the services of a first-class coach and driver, who would take them by easy journeys through the most romantic scenes of Scotland.

Mrs Inchbald looked languidly pleased. "I suppose it would never do to go hurrying off to Paris without first having seen a little of Scotland," she said ; " so the sooner it is accomplished the bettor. Be sides, lam tired of these London fogs. But I was really in hopes you would lot mo off with a very brief glimpse, Hartmann." "You must set Miss Ycrrington to read ing up to you the Scottish poems. That will waken your enthusiasm, I am sure,' returned Hartmann, with one of his most brilliant smiles, and not at all displeased to know that these smiles took effect, and roused a little weak, gratified vanity within the lady's shallow heart. Helena sighed softly. To visit Scottish moors and lakes had been a romantic dream of hers. How little she had thought to go with such a heavy heart and listless in terest !

Sho had been left alone nearly a whole day, while Mrs Inchbald arid the others were away upon the loch under guidance of an old boatman Hartmann had picked up, and out of sheer ennui had ventured to look

over the one trunk her mistress had had un

strapped from the carriage, hoping to find some bit of lace to repair, or some rent to sew up that might employ her time, and thus distract her thoughts. V r Just as she was replacing the last article without having accomplished her object, Desire came in hastily upon her. She had come back for a forgotten shawl. When she went back to her mistress, the girl said, with an expressivo shrug of, the shoulders: " Ma'm'selle Helena was taken by sur prise by my return. She 'flushed as red as the gorse bloom there. What could she be doing at your trunk ?" Hartmann heard, and drew the girl aside presently. " Now is the desired opportunity, Desire, girl," he whispered. "If something valu able of madame's could only be found in ma'm'selle's little bag, you'would be sure of being the sole recipient of the rich American's golden favours. You would be promoted to companion at once.". Desire nodded, and her black eyes snapped wickedly. "I think it would help on madame's ire if you could hint that ma'm'selle's sulkiness is owing to her failure to win the courier's admiration," ho added in the most suave of voices. Desire nodded again and laughed. "It is plain to see how the land lies. Mon J ten, are all these rich Americans such— simpletons ?" Hartmann joined hor laugh, and went back to Mrs Inch bald, who was resting on tho shawls ho had spread for her, and pre tending to be absorbod in tho enchantments of tho scenery. "What was Desire saying so pertly?" asked Mrs lnchbald.

" Uothing'of any consequence. At least, I shall try to bo .sure that it is not. She hasn't a very high opinion of Miss Yerring ton."

"And have you?" sho asked playfully, with a silly laugh.

What a profound expression ho assumed. "Indeed, I don't vonturo to express an opinion, because I may be prejudiced. I ought not to allow that to impeach the poor thing's honesty. But indeed, dear madame, I fear you are too careless with your valuables. You have already lost a costly brooch." "What was Desire saying ? that the girl was at tho trunk ? I don't think there is anything worth stealing there. I will look it over though when I go back. And somehow every now and then a care lessly dropped remark from one or the other of her companions kept this thought in her mind, even though they had a lovely day on the loch, and a luxurious picnic lunch in the old ruin on the farther shore. ■ Naturally enough, Mrs Inchbald wasjvery tired before the day ended, and was only too ready to obey Hartmann's suggestion of a frequent rest on the way back to the inn.

" Shall you take both Desire and myself, Mrs Inchbald?" she asked. "Perhaps you wonld prefer that I should remain behind." "I should think madamc would need the attentions of toth—of all of us," interposed Havtmann, looking at his mistress, and not at Helena. " You arc so delicate, so easily fatigued, and some of the rides may be tedious." " Of course I shall," responded she, as promptly as if she had not tho moment before been asking herself if it would not be a great saving of expense to drop Helena, and make companion and maid both of the lively little Desire, who had been introduced by Hartmann. "Miss Yerrington is very fond of making us understand how ready she is to leave me." "I should supposo slio would see the propriety of allowing the proposal of such separation to come from you," said Hart mann, coldly. Helena made no reply, only bent her head meekly, and went on plaiting the lace ruflle that was to adorn Mrs Inchbald's morning cap. When she presently left the room, the courier said, in atone of tho most ; respectful intere»t: " I do not exactly understand Miss Yer rington, madame. When I have watched her a little more, and feel competent to decide justly, I shall make known to you my opinion, and give my advice. lam think ing of your interests, you may bo sure—only of you. How indeed could I help it ?" And here he laid his hand on his heart, and dropped a low sigh, and looked so hand come and gallant that poor, silly Mrs Inch bald felt her heart flutter with something very like a young girl's flattered vanity, al though she had laid by her widow's weeds a dozen years before, and he was even more years than that her junior. But they started upon their journoy im mediately. Under the circumstances it would have been one delightful experience of unalloyed content. Tho weather was superb, the roads in fine condition, tho scenery about them wore its loveliest dress. Hartmann was certainly a talented courier. Everything moved as if by well oiled machinery, and nothing obtruded to annoy or mar the gonoral harmony. They found courteous landlords and agreeable fare, and everywhere Fr^n/t Hartmann seamed to b^-'Sv^'vj'-'CJ'-'rtilro- I hold in high esteem^ Y^«^'*°iil dIT Mrs Inc^bnl^^to^U^SJw^. where she had bcon.j£>«'""<#Aly to passively endure .i^b***™^? seconded Hartmann's p ro j. j^)3i*^o come inside with them, and i.gyed for his romantic stories and ballads with all the avidity of a sentimental school girl. It was her 'seconding of a carelessly ex pressed wish of his" to see ft certain lake, situated off from tho general route, that took them to an out-of-the-way, straggling village, whoso ono wayside inn hailed their advont as if it had been tho train of a royal princess. Mrs Inchbald was bo well pleased with the adulation and deferenco paid to her that she declared her intention of remaining several day*. . Nothing could have suited Franz Hart mann's plans better ; and it was here that the catastrophe broke upon Helena with all the suddenness of overwhelming dismay. Mrs Inchbald had taken to long strolls, accompanied only by. the courier, and oc casionally with Desire. Helena had given it no special thought, beyond a vague con tempt for tho weakness of the ,oney and the ambitious plan of the other. She was only too thankful to be allowed the relief of solitude, tho freedom of yielding to her own sorrowful, yearning thoughts. She cared nothing for the studied coldness of Hartmann, the jealous suspicions of Desire, and was indeed fast being weaned from any respect or interest in her weak, capricious mistress.

whispered Desire; "if you could only see the look she gives you when Mr Hartmann offers you an attention. The girl hides her hatred under that stupid sulkiness." "Hates me! on account of Hartmann?" repeated Mrs Inohbald, in blank amaze' ment, for in truth such an idea had never presented itself. " What can you mean, Desire ?"

" Did you not know? Has not Hartmann acknowledged how she sought to attract him? I thought you knew," stammered Desire, in well-feigned confusion. Mrs Inchbald set her thin lips together in the cruel wrath of a weak but passionate nature. She waved a deprecating hand as Helena came gently to remove her wraps, and aaid, scornfully : "Oh, pray don't trouble yourself, Miss Yerrington. I've been obliged to depend upon Desire all day, and I think aha is still equal to my need." " I don't understand why, but I see you arc offended," faltered Helena, her eyes filling with tears. "I should have gone if you had asked me, or if I had supposed you wished it." " Indeed ! and does that explain why you have chosen to keep by yourself for the last few days ? I must say I shall find you a very profitable servant at this rate," went

on the lady, growing more and more in censed. "I asked to be left behind," declared Helena, roused to exhibit a little spirit. " I did not wish to come with you from London. lam ready to break our engage ment at once." "You'd better look in the trunk before you let her go," declared Desire, insolently. Helena gave a silent glance of scorn. Mrs Inchbald went promptly to comply with the sughestion, and returned in a few moments furious with rage. A heavy gold chain and pearl locket were missing. " I know they were there when I left this morning," she declared, "for I took this scarf from that box. Desire found you at the trunk, for ehe spoke of it before this loss was thought of. Wretched girl, have you ventured to steal?" Pale as a ghost beneath her horror and indignation, Helena stood before her, not venturing to interpose; a single word. "Ho, ho!" sneered Desire, "my un expected return interfered with ma'm'selle seriously. Oh, madam, if sho was going away, she would have her spoil packed. If I might look—but no, that is madam's place." " Where is your portmanteau, Miss Yer rington ? This has gone so far that it is justice to us both that 1 investigate." Helena silently handed her a koy and pointed to the small portmanteau, which was all she had brought from London. Mrs Inchbald's angry finders unlocked and opened it, scattering its neatly ar ranged contents upon the floor. A pair of white hose rolled into a smooth ball fell with a heavy thud. Desire fairly screamed as she pounced upon it and unrolled from it the shining links of heavy chain. " Oh, you thief! you wicked deceiver !" vociferated Mrs Inchbald. "Desire, go and call Hartmann. Ho shall see what a viper I have brought from America with me. But where is the locket—my lovely pearl locket?" "Search everything, dear madam," coun selled Desire, as she flitted out, returning suspiciously soon with the courier, who struck his hands together with a stage goa ture of amazement and horror. Further search had produced the locket, and worse than that the diamond brooch, missing since the London opera day, and likewise a roll of fine lace that had been bought in Liverpool and was supposed to be lost in packing the trunks. Helena stood liko a marble statue, and looked almost incapable of movement, "You see—you see, Hartmann!" cried out tho mistress, in shrill, discordant voice. "Here is tho explanation of this young lady's lonely moods and misanthropical looks. Do you know she is a thief—a thief that I can send to gaol ?" A little cry broke from Helena's pale lips. That was a phase that had not presented itself to her mind. The icy spoil was dis solved now. "Oh!" cried she, "it is a cr""1 i-*oc to ruin me, Mr.fJnchbald; loo 1--lato it, Investi gate it. Has o.ii?-.yeßiro T Bomo one}" 18 hiflJcopers shou'l * evidences in ray clothing m existe;ll" •* «nto troublo and sorrow, and p-ulc.Von knows they havo como, though I am innocent." How lovely sho looked to Hartmann, with her clasped hands, hor palo chocks, her streaming eyes! Although hesccmedso gravoand horrified, his heart wa3 bounding triumphantly with tho thought: " She is mine at last! She cannot escape me now !" Nothing can bo moro cruel than ono angry, vindictive woman to another in her power. Mrs Inchbald raved liko the madwoman she one day became. " Hear hor ! hear her! She would throw tho guilt on poor Desire—on you, Hartmann —you, who were both all the time with mo, and sho alone here, with the chain in her trunk ! Shamelees creature! I will not send her to gaol, as I might j but I will not have her another instant under the same roof with me. Drive her out! drive her out! Let her find her way back to London as she can. I will have nothing more to do with her." "But I shall be alone, unprotected, a stranger in a strange land I" cried Helena, in wild alarm. " Oh, think how cruel it would be!" " Who need to care ? And yon may be thankful that I do not send you into prison walls. I tell you you shall go this instant. Pack your bag again, and start I" vocifer ated Mrs Inchbald, stamping her foot furiously. " But it is almost night," pleaded Helena, " and we are so far from the regular track

of any conveyance to London. And I have no money. You have paid me nothing yet." " Much payment you deserve! What you have tried to pilfer would more than cover all. Nevertheless "

And here poor Helena unconsciously

crushed the only hope she had, for Mrs lnchbald never meant to refuse her money. Hartmann saw her movement toward her pocket, |»nd stepped forward with a deprecat ing gesture, and to him Helena suddenly appealed. "Oh, Hartmann,you have professed much regard for me," she began; but Mrs Inch bald interposed, fiercely: "Shameless creature! do you boast of (that ? You shall not beguile us any further. •llu'ih ! I will not hear another word. Come, Desire; come, Hartmann ; let us have our supper. And do you give the host to understand that we quit -the place in the morning if he allows her shelter here to night. I will send instructions to the Lon don bankers to pay your paltry wages there. That is all I have to nay to you." The three swept away out into the little supper-room, and Helena was left alone. Mechanically she began replacing her little wardrobe in the portmanteau, and then stood a moment, staring wildly about her. She was interrupted by the landlady's entrance. Her cold, 'Scotch face showed nothing but suspicion and anger. " Yell take yerself away without making any more trouble, I hope. Yo'r6 a bad lass, to make the leddy so angry. We've no room for ye to-night, and ye had better be stirring." Indignation lent the poor girl strength. She flew into the little room she had occu pied, swept everything that belonged to her into the portmanteau, locked it, and put ting on her sacque and hat, throw her shawl over her arm, took up the portmanteau, and walked out of the house into the twi light, whose deepening shades were fast wrapping burn and brae, mountain and moorland in fantastic wreaths of mist.

" Surely the Lord will watch over me, and some kind mother soul will be moved to pity mo," she murmured, wistfully, as she took the road which led toward the nearest

town of note, through which she knew a railroad ran.

She was a little dismayed in this hope, however, when she saw a mounted horse man ride out from the inn yard, and go clattering by the cottages of the villagers, stopping to call out to each some brief command, which was evidently enough to debar her from their hospitality, for at whatever place she stopped they eyed her closely and suspiciously, and refused all her entreaties. "Now lam left alone indeed to the Lord's help," muttered she, sorrowfully, as she turned away from the last inhospitable, house, and saw the lonely road across a dreary tract, half moor, half woody wilder ness, stretching dimly before her. "Can I ever walk that terrible distance, and if I can, shall I bo safe from harm »" And with thia thought a new panic as sailed her, and sinking down she dropped the heavy portmanteau, which already lamed her arm, and burst into a flood of

Desire skipped backward and forward, bitter tears. Could a more dreary situation picking flowers and finding queer-coloured be imagined/1 She thought not. But a pebbles, but her mistress felt quite sure they little later she looked back to its solitude never fairly lost-sight of herJ : And though with longing. For soon there came the she presently darted out to them when they sounding thud of horse's feet, and rolling wore almost home a^ain,. flushed and pant- wheels. Half frantic with her terrors ing like one who lind taken a long run, no Helena darted into the low brushwood that ono but Hartmann gave any significance to edged tho road. She forgot that the thb matter. . portmuutouu and the white scarf around They all entered the inn, yard together, her neck would both betray her presence Helcnu was sittin^in v vine-hung arbor in I there. And it was a keen eye that was the garden, and did not ccc them until their | searching for her. voices announced the, return, when she "Miss Yerriogton |" called out a com came to her mistress promptly. ~.. manding voice. " I know you aro there. "Oil, madame, let me help you instead,'. Come out to me, please, for the horse is

restive. I have come to take you to a aafe and comfortable retreat."

She came out slowly, pouring anxioiisl^ for the expression of his face* though the dim light left by the departed sun wits scaroely enough to reVeal it to her.

"Do you come in kindness?" she asked, faintly. " Heaven deal with you justly if you plan any new wickedness !"

•' I come to take you to safe retreat, my poor child. Come up fearlessly into the gig with me. Do you think I could bear to have you wandering in danger all this night long, the victim of that cruel woman's wrath I"

The worn-out girl was trembling in every limb. She passed him the portmanteau, and accepted the hand he stretched out to assist her to mount into the high vehicle, a proceeding the high-spirited horse made somewhat hazardous by his irritable plung ing to and fro.

Franz Hartmann caughtonelong breath of relief. He had not expected such speedy success. He chirruped to the horse, and they flew on at a rapid pace, taking the straight road which led to tho distant town. For a long time there was silenco between them. He was trying to hide his exultation. She was struggling with the tears that poured down her cheeks, and tho sobs that threatened to break out hysterically. " Miss Yerrington," spoke he, meekly, " I hopo you do not blame me too hardly. I could not speak out against Mrs Inchbald, though I might be indignant onough at her unreasonable anger." "I am too tired to talk," she returned, in a quavering voice. " Tell mo where you are taking mo."

'' To the house of a trusty acquaintance of mine, who will take good care of you to night."

" I can thank you for one kind act if I really receive good care. I thought I must spend the night in these wilds, la it far 7" " The roads are fair ; we shall reach our journey's end in two hours. You had no supper. Will you eat some of these cakes, which were all I could hide away ?" She accepted thorn with simple thanks. "I am sorry not to do better, but you shall have a cup of hot tea when we arrive. I am afraid you have had vory hard and bitter thoughts for company. Indeed, Mrs Inchbald has been very hard. She already repents not having given you over to the magistrate, knowing, too, how strict tho laws are here. You would, indeed, have fared cruolly in that case." "Do you beliove me guilty?" askod Helona.

" I do not know or care, Helena, hecauso— I love you," cried Hartmann warmly.

" You could not lovo mo, sir, bolioving mo guilty of such a crimo," washer chill ing reply.

" Helena, you must listen to what I have to say, howover you may answor it. I lovo you well enough to shield you with my name and life from the dark fate that threatens, You are alone, not only horo to night in this woeful strait, but in the world ererywhere, without Fortune or kindred, and this affair of the robbery, in the hands of an unscrupulous and vindictivo woman like Mrs Inchbald, will for over be a sword hanging above your head by a singlo hair. lam the only one who can save you. 1 have told you before of my devotion. I swoar to you I will bo true as steel, faithful, loving. Be my wife, Helena, and escape the woes that threaten you." " I would rather die hero in thoso horrible wilds to-night," she answered, firmly. "I am sorry to pain you, but it was cruel to pross the question now. I will not accept even this poor kindness of taking mo to a roof to sholtor my hend from tho night dews from your hands, without you understand that I can give you no hopo for any othor answor to your suit."

There was a. littlo Hilonco. It was too dark for her to boo his face, and the grind ing teeth wero not allowed to givo audible sound of their race. " I am eorry it you Bufl'or," sho ventured again, " but it would bo dishonourablo to allow you to hold folso hopes." " Never mind mo now, ret>"n°d he, at last, his voice •»«%, ws words coming gtiflly "or course lam pained, but I shall bear it, I suppose. I will still take you to safety."

"Now I can cay forvently, may Godbless you !"

Tho rest of tho rido was takon in utter silonco.

At the first sign of human habitation on tho long and dreary road ho chocked tho horse. It was a poor place, a one-story hovol, but built strongly, and somohow with a fortified look about it.

Hartmann alighted ; tho spent horso was past friskinoss now, and Holona descondod without his aid. The sound of whools brought some ono to tho door, a tall, bony woman, who hold a candlo over her head with ono hand, while shading her eyes with the other.

Hartmann puplietl in front of Helena, and said something in a ltw voice which the latter did not hear, but sho caught tho woman's reply. " It's no account; tho sooner begun, tho sooner over. I'll make a cup of tea in two minutes. Walk in, my bonny leddy," Bho added, in a fawning tone that struck a chill to Helena's thankful mood.

" Yes, go in, Miss Yerrington," said Hartmann. " I must find the man to look after the horse a bit. I can give him but an hour's rest before I start back again." " We hove not reached the town ; are wo far from it ?" questioned Helena, hesitating over the threshold in vague disquiet. " Only a couple of miles. You can bo conveyed there in the morning. 1 will at tend to that," said Hartmann hastily. "Don't hinder tho woman, please. I'd like a cup of tea myself." And upon this hint Helena followed the oourtesymg woman into the houso. It was dingy, close, and forbidding. Helena tried to tell herself how thankful she ought to be for any shelter at all, but in spite of all her efforts her hoart sank within her. Sho sat down in the tall-backed, wooden rocking-chair, murmuring some thing about being very tired. The woman busied herself aboutlighting up the fire, and by the time the tea was made Hartmann and a dark, sinister-looking man came in to gether. The courier's face was unconcerned a«d even cheerful, and he said to her, in a low voice:

"It's the best I can do. It's a poor place I know, but you will be safe here for to-night, and that is the main thing." "Have you spoken about my boing helped on my -way to the railroad station in tho morning?" she asked, raising her voice purposely for tho owners to hear. The mnn turned around. Was there a meaning glance exchanged between him and Hartmann ?

"Oh, yes ; oh, yes, my bonny leddy, it's all settled. We'll take the best of care of you," he said, with a readiness that was in itself suspicious, and at the same time the woman turned around with a bread smirk, and gave a significant gesture. " I have walked into a trap," said Helena Yerrington, drearily, to her quailing heart (

But in a moment the bravo spirit rallied. "If they think I have no suspicions they will not keep close guard. There may be escape for me yet." And drinking her tea, and taking pains to eat the coarse food as if enjoying it, she assumed the cheerful confidence she was so far from feeling. Hartmann watched her closely. "Is there any use in asking you to re consider what you said to-night?" he questioned, abruptly. " I tell, you, Helena Yerrington, the question is more momen tous than you think."

"I cannot help it. There is but one answer for me to make," replied she, firmly, but she turned deadly pale. "Then I must say good-by; it is time forme to go.'' "Good-by, and Heaven reward you for the kindness as you havo meant to do," sho said, solemnly.

Ho turned abruptly, and made a gesturo for the man to follow him, and went out. Tho woman was in the little cupboard set ting away the food again. Helena slipped out noiselessly, and ran out into tho dark ness far enough to hearHartmann's parting words.

"If you keep to the bargain, man, it is all right. You shall have your money to morrow. Mind that you keep her locked in, and that no one sees her. I shall be here before nine o'clock to-morrow night. Then, I trow, my lady Helena will hove a less proud spirit," he muttered, angrily. And then she heard him mounting into the gig. Should she go back into the house ? Was there any chance of escape now ? No, she dared not venture when there was Hart munn and the horse so close at band. She hurried back, and muttered something about thinking she had left a bundle, when she found the woman stirring about to look for her. And then exclaimed how tired and sleepy she was, and begged to be shown at once into her room where she was to Bleep. And when she followed into the forlorn, dreary little bedroom sho gave a cheerful good-night, and began to hum softly while taking down her hair. The bolt was not turned so softly but that Helena heard it, knowing that she was locked into the place. Still she sang on, the while her thoughts were rising in an agonizing prayer

" Oh, my Father in heaven, only your help can save me now I"

(To be Continued.)

THE GARDEN.

(By HoßTirs).

Calendar of Operations, March 29.

[Hortus is willing to answer any queries. Cor respondents must give their full names and addresses, though not for publication.)

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Summer Pruning (1f.).—1 have read tho pamphlet and two printed lettera which you wore so kind as to send me. There is nothing new. Further, I do not think the writer of either fully undorstood his subject. I per foctly agree with him in reference to the use of liquid nianuro, hut I think ho applies it at tho wrong season. The time tho fruit is swelling ia the best. His illustrations prove that ho knew very little ot any system of training. But I could not enter into a long discussion on the subject. Prkskuvation of Woodkn Labels (W.R.)— Thoroughly soak the labels in a Btrong solu tion of sulphate of iron. After they aro dry put them into lime water ; this causes the formation of sulphato of lime (a vory insoluble salt) in tho wood, and the rapid destruction of the labels by the weather is thus prevented. Ducks in Gardens (R. Roberta, Thames).—For freeing gardens of insects nothing is so good as ducks. They are good scavengers; nothing comes amiss to their voracious appetites worms, slugs, grubs and caterpillars are all alike to them, and are all eagerly hunted for. They should be allowed an hour in the garden every morning, also an hour before dork. Of course, they will occasionally do iniury to plants by treading on them. The benefit you will derive will more than recompense you for the injury they do. Liquid Food koh Oklkky and Lekks (J. Wilson, Waikato). — Any animal manure diluted in water makes good food. Soot is also an excellent manure, either in a liquid form or scattered occasionally along the trenches. Guano, superphosphate in a liquid Btat«, will greatly help, aa also the draininps from the stable or cowshed if such can bo ob tained. Melon, Cucumber, and Marrow Seed (Amateur).—The best way I have tried is to place theseedsand pulp, just as extracted from tho fruit, in a piece of fine notting, or to press and squeozo the whole, so as to rid it of superfluous moisture. Then empty tho residuo of seeds and pulp into a coarao towel, and rub them dry. There is no danger of mildow or fungus attaoking seeds thus cleansed if stored in a dry placo. Fhcit and Vegetables (Knowledge).—l should duflno as vegetables all plants of which tho leaves or foliage are used for culinary purposes. Tho pulp and seed are the fruit, no matter to what claa3 of vegetation thoybolong. I know that somo call the tomato a vegetable; I would call it a fruit.

Kitchen Garden.

Stra\vbeivry plants should now be planted out as soon as possible. Lift tho best of tho runners, and plant them in rows about 20 inches apart, and IB inches apart in tho row. If planted now thoy will got well established before the winter sets in, giving a much bottcr chance of good early crops noxt season. With old strawberry bods that havo fruited for two seasons havo tho ground tronched, putting the plants and debris at the bottom of the tronch. Thoy do not fruit well the third season. AVith plants that havo only fruited ono soason cloar away all dead loaves and fruit, and put a good doso of manuro botweon each row. Fork it in so as to intorforo as littlo as possible with tho roots of tho plants. Flowor Garden. Tho cuttings of tho bedding plant should all bo takon off, and put into tho propagat ing bod as soon as possible. Tho cold woathor will soon bo horo, and it is as woll to havo tho cuttings rooted boforo this sets in. Sow a few of tho hardy annuals for oarly spring floworiug. Tho Horticultural Show. Tho Gurdenors' Horticultural Society held their Autumn Show last Friday and Saturday. The exhibition was tho most succossful that I havo seen in Auckland. There wore a fair numbor of visitors present during Saturday. It is only about nine months since tho above Society sprang into oxistonoe. In that poriod thoy have held two shows—tho first in tho spring of tho year, which was not so successful as could liavo been wished; but tho wretched w«"" A"D 1 for a weok precedinti .'it*' *uincicnt to account for th^- ~"0 last show wan entirely g i IC pcß->Siil, not only in regard to exhibit*!, but also in respect to tho moro goncral in terest taken in horticultural matters, con sequontly a greater numbor of visitors. Tho exhibition of apples, I do not think, could be surpassed. Thoro woro really some niagnih'cont samplos shown. Thoy wore the main feature of tho show. Other fruits were also woll represented. Mr E. Hoskoth showed a lino colloction of grapes. I oxpocted other growers to have como forwurd in this department. Tho exhibition of hot plants was fully up to tho mnrk ; amongst theso I saw a splondid colons exhibited by Mr Bonnott, gardener to Air S. Morrin. Tho vcgotablc depart ment was well repre.'cn ted by some first class vegetable*. Kvorything staged proved what a Hplondid climate wo in New Zea land possess for growing all kinds of garden produce. Thoro nro ono or two matters tlmt tho Society in futuro will ncod to remedy. First—Exhibitors will need to bo taught that at a certain hour tho doors will bo clo.sod to tho reception of oxhibits. Secondly—The exhibition tickets showing who lias obtained the prizes should bo placed upon tho different subjects boforo tho doors aro oponed to the public. Thirdly—There ought to bo a better system of classification ; tho classes ought to bo divided so that anyone can toll at once: Cottagers, Amateurs, and All-comers class. These aro only mattora of detail, which I havo not) the slightest doubt each member of committee will thoroughly see the deflcionoy, and from what I know of tho panonnel of tho Society, thoy will bo remedied. The apiarian appliances exhibited were a source of great instruction to thoso who intend to go in for this industry. In conclusion, I only hopo the same interest in horticultural matters will continue, and that tho Society will do their utmost to retain tho confidence in tho public estimation which tho last show justly entitled them to. I bolievo, as far as is known at present, that tho Socioty will havo a good balance left, aftor paying all expenses, to carry to account for noxt season.

Bke.s and Grapes.—A Pukokohe bee keeper denies that bees are destructive to ripe grapes. He says : " Take a thoroughly ripe bunch of grapes of the finest and sweetest variety, but without a single blemish or damaged spot on the berries; hang them within a bee-hive. Any bee keeper with a frame-hive will willingly as sist in tho experiment. Examine them at the end of three or four days, and I will guarantee that you will bo unable to find a single grape damaged. But, as it may be argued that tlieso particular bees don't know what a swoet morsel is within their reach, prick with a needle a selection of the berries and place the bunch within tho hive. Examine them again two or three days after, and, whilst the damaged berries will be found sucked as dry as a bone, all the others will be found as before."

Waiting Burial for Twenty Years.

A revolting discovery has been mads in a house in Villa-street, Hockley, near Bir mingham, which has been occupied for some eight or nina months past by an old man of solitary habits, named William Owen. The man has lately fallen into extremely neces sitous circumstances, and but for the assist ance of some neighbours and occasional presents of food and money by the Key. C. G. Baskervillo, the vicar of the parish, he would have been in a state of starvation. A week or two ago Mr Baskerville wrote to the Aston Union, calling attention to the man's condition, with tho object of gaining for him some parish relief. The result was a visit to the house from the Aston relieving officer, whose attention was at once arrostod by a large coffin-shaped box which was placed against the wall in the dining-room, facing the door, and which exhaled a sickly smell. He asked Owen what the box ccn tained,and after some hesitation the old man replied that it was the body of his sister, who died in London 20 yoars [ago. The woman's name, he said,was Ellen Perfy, and sho died in Islington Workhouse in ISG3. Sho had always expressed a great horror at tho idea of boing buried by tho parish. Owen, who was then living in London, pro mised his sistei shortly beforo her death to remove her remains from the workhouse and have them buried in Birmingham. When she died in 1563 he bought a zinc coffin, and got a friend .to make a common wooden j coffin, and the parish authorities offered no objection to his removing the body to Bir mingham, where he expected his brothers to assisthimto defray the expenses ofthefune ral. He could notinduca them to do so, how ever, and as he had no further means himself, he made up his mind to keep the corpse in the house as long as he lived. It has been ascertained that a woman named Ellen Perry died at Islington Workhouse in 1863, and the certificate of death is in Owen's possession. The old man has been removed to the workhouse, and the body buried.

IN THE GOLDEN GLOW.

Lo! broken up and melted Is the sky Into an ocean of immensity, Whore golden islands swim in golden light, Too vast and shining clear for mortal sight; And day is obbing far, but, ere It goes. All the deep passion of its splondour flows About thy beauty.in a rolling tide Straight from heaven's gates, and thou art glorified Oh, that the blushing sunset oould but speak Those burning thoughts for which all wbrds are weak— Could toll how my whole love to thco is given, Quenchless and pure as very flro from heaven. All, lift the wonders of that amber hair And turn on me thine eyes, oh, sweet and fair! And let their pity meet tho love in mine— Pity and love akin and both divine! ■ ■■■-am tbh Yeah Round,

REVIEWS.

INGERSOLL'S "MOSES' MISTAKES"

CRITICISED, by Jons Buchanan. It is not merely a privilege bui d, ditty that lies upon all men in these days to think for thomselves; and if this duty were more generally performed wo should oftener meot with such works as tho little brochure that now lies before us. If Inger soll, being an unskilled layman, can dog matise on religious questions, it may be per mitted for another layman to break a lance with him. Ingersoll lays great stress upon reason and common sense being made tho solo arbiters in tho settlement of theological questions, and his opponent comes forth equipped in the same armour. Mr John Buchanan is known to the people of Auckland as a hard-headed business man, and his pamphlet proves that he is a thinker as well as an industrious worker. He commands, besides, a vigorous and readable literary style, stating what he has to say in short, pithy sentences that create no obscurity of meaning. Looking for comparison to another eminent controversy—that be tween Colonel Ingersoll and the Hon. .fudge Black and Professor Fisher, in the "North American Review"—we may say that Mr Buchanan follows more tho lead of the Judge than the theological Professor. He asks no concession for uncertain transla tions, interpolations in the original text, or anything of tho reserved acceptance of Scripture which Professor .Robertson Smith and Professor Fisher hold to be perfectly consistent with a real and vital Christianity. He aifirms that Old and New Testament must stand or fall together, and then attempts to give an intelligible and reasonable exposition of those difficulties of the Old Testament which are and have always been the favourite strongholds of the unbeliever, and on which Ingersoll, liko Payne, lays so much stress. We think everyone who reads tho pamphlet, whether he is convinced by Mr Buchanan's arguments or not, will admit that they aro very woll stated, and fairly indicate what may bo said on that sido. They would have been more forcible if less frequently marrod by invective, which can neither help nor re placo sound reasoning. Those who take tho trouble to read Ingcrsoll's lecturo ought to read Mr Buchanan's answer, and oven persons who havo not sufficient ad miration of tho American atheist to take his opinions into their consideration, may yet, from tho little work under notico, reccivo useful aid in solving for themselves some of the difficulties that beset tho Biblical student. Tho pamphlet is on sale at all the booksellers.

"LAYS OF THE LAND OF THE MAORI AND MOA," BY THOMAS BRACKEN.

If tho sublimities of Natures aro tho true Bourco of poetic inspiration, Now Zealand is dosliued to become a land where minstrels grow. And every nowspapor conductor knows to his sorrow that a tolerably large por-contage of tho population are seized with the conviction that tho divine afllatus has moved their spirits. No one who has not had accoss to tho socrots of tho sanctum can form any full conception of the burden which is laid upon the suffering editor by this peculiarity of our climate Tho consoquonces aro occasionally disas trous, for it perchance happens that the ilamo of goniim in some colonial Milton is BnulTcd out by tho ruthless hand "i tV.v holdor of tho hvj i" immortality in a land vl - v iiow's'papors furnish the only literary pabulum. X'o tho credit of the journalistic profession, however, bo it sot down that they early discerned tho poetic talont of Thomas Bracken, and not only wolcomed and gavo his songs to tho world, but drew him into tlieir own ranks, and kept him thoro. His poems, humorous, pathetic, and descriptive, havo found an ap prcciativo audience, and tho colonists are proud of tho singer who has (jiven us the " Lays of tho Land of tho Maori and Moa." It is, in truth, a land full of romance; tho Maori had a poetry of his own, abounding in simplo allegory, and unhackneyed apt similitude, drawn from the experionco of a primitive and imaginative [icople. Men thoro aro—liko Sir Georgo.Groy—who have takon pains to gather and record these earliest lays of the land ; and it is appro priato that this later singer, in his dedica tion to tho recluso of tho Kawau, should oxclaim (comparing him to a grand old tree):

The wild birds brought to him their minstrelsy; The slnKors know that when the bcoho was rudo lie grow and kuvo « shelter to their race. Hy him tha wundering melodists were wooed To trill and wurblu in that lonely place.

Mr Bracken is a truo lovor of nature ; its thousand voices which speak to the spiritual senses thrill him, and awaken exquisite rosponsivo chords. Many of his picturos of Now Zealand scenery are ex ceedingly protty. Listen to this, culled from " The March of To Ilauparaha:

Tho dazzling point* Of morninß'B lances pusrcod tho bursting hearts Of all the Uow'rotsou tho fertile slopes, And wukuil tho rod Kowhal'a drops from sleep, And shook tho dow-bcads from thn Itata's lids Until Its blossoms opened up tlieir breasts And save tlieir fragrance to tho early breozo That played among the Koromiko's leaves, And Btolo the rich Tawhlri'u sweet perfume, And strung tho flax-loaves into merry tune To woo the 8011-bird from his nest, to ring Tho Tui up to sing his morning; hymns. Tho sccno was mado for man, not Bavage man, Tho cunningeat of brutes, tho crafty king Of beauts I but Man, the spiritualised, With all tho light of love within hia hoart!

Or again, "A Christmas Reverie ": O, noble hills! O, lovolj" vales and awards 1 Robed in the richest foliago. and di-OBSod

In all thu pi'ido of many-tinted green ; 0, singing stroam! 0, llowors and blosaoniß rara! That Breathe your lives away In odours sweot, And dio in norfumo when tho suuimor wanes ;— 0, bright-winged and awect-throated choristers! Whose notos inako all tho leaflets in tlin woods Dunce on each sportive breeze in pure delight ;— 0, beauties that I cannot name but feel! My spirit at this moment fain would loso Itself among you all, and bo atono With Nature, and with that Mysterious I'owor Whoso presence Is proclaimed with doublo fOreo At such a time and such a scene as this; Our Fatlior, and our Mother, and our All. Alono with Naturo on tho wooded hill That skirts tho lovely valloy of tho Loith; Tho voices of tho brooklot and tho rill, That purl and babble through tho glen boDoath; Tho f oathorcd cxilos warbling through tho heath Their old-world molodios. tho tui's trill, Tho mystio whisp'rings of tho loaves that shako With tromulouß omotion to the broezo That fans them into musio in tho trocs i Tho mournful murmur of tho waves which break In silvor flakes along tho distant strand, And all tho harmonics of Bea and land Blend in a glorious concert, and I stand Entranced with joy—asleep, and yet awake. It is a perfect picture, and we could sit and muse with such a companion until, lulled by his sweet music, daydreams should melt by soft gradation into the wayward imagery of somnolence. We know that our poet can write in merry vein, but he has chosen for this little volume tho loftier flights of his muse, and ho has chosen well. We would fain dip more deeply in the stream, and only leave it with the nope that enough has beon given tocreate a thirst for its refreshing waters. The little book comes in appropriate garb, and though we could have wished that in typography it had been born of the "Land of the Maori and the Moa," we none tho loss welcome it, and bear witness to tho neatness of the form in which those lays have been framed by the great London publishing firm of Sampson Low'j Marston, Soarlo, and Kivington. Tho local publishers are Upton and Co., from whom the copy under noticois acknowledged. An excellent portrait of Mr Bracken faces , the title page.

PUBLICATIONS BY THE SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE, LONDON.

Wo have, on a fonnor occasion, noticed the variety and cxcellonco of the publica tions of this Society. No field of litera ture is oxcludcd from the rango of its oxor tions, and it has onlieted in its service many of the ripost English scholars. Science, travel, biography, religious con troversy, literary and antiquarian research, high-class fiction, and instruction to the young are found equally well-represonted in its extensive library; and among the recent issues are a series of admirablo little handbooks descriptive of the several British colonies, and offering intending emigrants much valuable advice. These publications are issued in compliance with a resolution of the Lambeth Conference of 1878. It is a delicate task for any writer to accept the office of guide in deciding this most momentous step, and we cannot withhold our admiration of the skilful way in which the Society's editors have discharged the duties laid upon them. They have called to their aid special writers representing alt the colonies, leaving it to them to give a truthful picture of the go vernmental institutions, land laws, agricul tural and mineral resources, wages, cost of provisions, etc., in the colony with which each is specially concerned. In this way, the best that can bo said for every colony is advanced, and every handbook is complete in itself. If comparisons ara to be made, the reader must make them for himself. Still, thoroughly reliable data for comparison are there, and in ex amining the entire series of these publica tions one cannot help marvelling that population still flows in preponderating crowds to Canada while the more genial

fields of Australasia aro open. The cheap passage hae no doubt a great deal to do with it, but we find ifien of the tenant far mer claßS'to whom the comparatively small difference per capita between the cost of a steerage passago to America atid. to New Zealand is not a paramount consideration, deliberately resolving to' brave the terrors of a Canadian winter rather than expend the higher amount of capital neces sary to secure for them the advantages of a climate in which cattle fatten in the fields all the year round. When a friendly hand, anxious to put the best faco on things, writes of Canada in these terms—"While the frost stays actual cultivation, which, at the outside, is only about Jive mouths in the year," we require nothing more to convince us of thg advantages of our own situation,or to make us marvel that, with millions of acres of splendid land in Australasia un occupied, men can be found willing to submit themselves to the hardships _of a country where the severities of the climate render work in the iields impracticable for five months out of the twelve. In the description of Manitoba, that greatly overrated province, where the ther mometer falls to 40 degrees below zero, wo find, under the quotations for provisions, tho following:—" The retail market is well supplied with all kinds of meats of very good quality. Housekeepers would do well to purchase their winter supplies now." On turning to these quotations, it appears that the retail market rates are : Beef, 20 cents to 25 cents per lb (lOd to Is); mutton, lij cents to 25 cents (7-Jrt to Is) per lb ; mutton chop, 25 cents (Is) ; geese, 1 dollar 00 cents to 2 dollars (Us to Ss); salt codfish, 12J cents (6d) per lb. The labour and wages report announces:—"As tho winter approaches and tho building season begins to draw to an end, labour becomes more plentiful. A great many men aro seeking steady indoor work for the winter, at wages ranging from 30dols. to SOdols. per month (£l> to £10 per month). Hoiibo rent for houses of 3 to 5 rooms, JC4 to i'li por month ! What would New Zea landers say to these rates of pay and of g revisions V And yet the emigration to anada from Great Britain for tho first nine months of 18S2 amounted to 46,739 persons. If the colony could 6oast of nothing else, it might take a laud ablo pride in its emigration agents. This, however, is a digression, although one that was almost irresistible after a perusal of the excollent Colonists' Handbooks pub lished by tho Society. Appended to eacli book are some words of practical advico to emigrants, simple hints for preserving health, and prayers for daily uso on the voyage. We have no doubt that these publications will be the means of dissemina ting much valuable knowledge about the colonies as outlets for (lie surplus population of tho United Kingdom. Tho information in every case is brought up to date.

Among tho other notable recont issues of this Society is Sir Edmund Beckett's " Re viow of li'umo and Huxley on Miracles ;" "Optics Without Mathematics," by Rev. Thomas Wobb, M.A. ; "English Poots," a book for young readers," by John Dennis ; " Slavonic Literature," by \V. 11. Morfill, M.A, ; and biographical sketches of " St. Hilary of Poitiers," and "St. Martin of Tours." We havo great pleasure in com monding tho works of the Socioty to all who seek sound instruction. "Christian Knowledge," as defined by its literary com mittees, comprises know-lodge upon every topic on which an intelligent man can desiro to be informed.

"CALENDAR OF BATTLES OF THE BRITISH ARMY."

T'.iiri U v work wo Altmld hnvo iQnttnd for from tho pross of an English garrison town rather than among tho publications of a quiet, non-military, peaco-loving colonial community. It has involved a very ex tended and laborious research, and from such tests as wo have applied in a hurried way, seems to be thoroughly accurate. The poriod covered oxtends from the battle of Hastings in 100(3 to Telel-Kebir in Septem ber, 1882. Tho regiments of the British Army, with their original and present (territorial) titles; tho date when each regiment was raised, with the name of tho first colonel and (ho title it then bore, aro given. For tho sake of clearness, the present titles aro printed in red and the original in black. Tho Calendar is an ex cellent specimen of chromo-lithography. War is allegoricnlly depicted in tho centre of tho sheet, and bolow it aro representa tions of tho Victoria Cross and New Zea land War Modal. To tho military families in the colony, of whom there me not a few, this calendar will bo an object of great in terest. Tho Auckland publishers are Upton and Co.

Clever Trade Frauds.

A leading London journal has lately been jovoaling somo secrets of tho jewellery timlo. Tho articles referred to were sug gestod by a case triod in tho open Court in which a dealer sued a jeweller on a claim for sapphires supplied. The defence was that the stonos in question were only imi tations—a paste-composed of glassand borax. Judgment was given in favour of the de fendant. One witness in tho case, a dealer in stone too, admitted that he was no judge of the real article, though strong in his knowlodge of imitations and their deceptive qualities. It was also brought out, on tho best authority, that imitation jewels wore so well got up that thoy could deceivo any body, even the astutost pawnbroker. Dia monds, itappears, can bo split, and tho top half mounted on a paste or commoner stone ; while other stones, deficient in colour, are pplit, tho noccssarytintof colourintroduced, andthopioces ioincd together again soclev crlyastodefy dotoction. Someoxtraordinary rovelations aro alao made in tho manufacture of goods wholly constituted of metal. A thin jacket of good gold is somotiraes loaded with base metal, andfinishcdinsoporfoctainannor as to withstand all tho ordinary testa. Many tricks of this kind are exposed by the writer referred to, and tho moral he draws is for those about to invest in jewellery or plate to deal only withrespeetablo jewellors—not to buy from casual acceptances—and in the case of valuable gold chains, for example, to insist on seeing that their purchases boar tho Hall-mark onevorylink. Butjewolleryis not tho only class of goods on which tho most consummate skill and handicraft aro basoly employed. Evory articlo in demand, and mosthigh-pricod(joodß,aroimitated, and that with such surprising cleverness as to deceive not only the ignorant but the skilled and the adept. The case of tho '' people's cheap pianos" will still be fresh in many minds. A most respectable and valuable Edinburgh poriodical once advocated the construction of good pianos at a price which could be affordedbymost of the better class of trades men. It was shown, rightly enough, that a very large_ proportion of the expense of first-class pianos was laid upon the case, which has little or nothing to do with the quality of tone. The result was that a pretty large number of instruments were manufactured in accordance with thesugges tion. The strings, and indeed the whole of the interior framework, wero of the best quality of material and workmanship; while the case was made of well-seasoned pine, which, not to deceive, was simply varnished. These instruments, though not very sightly, wore of perfect toneand of great durability. Not many of them were destined, however, to fall into the hands they were intonded for. Thoy wore bought up almost as pro duced, at from £20 to £25, by London Jews, who employed skilled workmen to veneer the pine-wood case. They were then thrown into the market and sold at from lifty to seventy and eighty guineas. Truly wo live in an age of imitations. That thevo aro " tricks in evory trade" is aftor all a truism.

Dancing in a Kali Room.

Tins is what a satirist says of his lady love, when ho saw her "dancing in a ball."—" Around her snowy brow were set £30 in tho shape of diamond flakes of light; with tho gentle undulation of hor bosom rose and fell £500 in a necklace of brilliants. Her fairy form was invested in £10, repre sented, by a slip of azuro satin, and this was overlaid by £30 more in two skirts of white lace. Tastefully down each sido of tho latter were laid £1 15s worth, which so many bows of snowy ribbon had como to. The lower margins of tho £30 skirts were edged with £11 additional, the value of some fringe a quarter of a yard in depth. Her taper waist, taking zone and clasp to gether, I calculated to be confined by £30. Her delicately rounded armß—the gloves of creamy kid being added to the bracelets which encircled her little wrists—may be said to have been adorned with £22, and, putting the silk and satin at the lowest figure, I should say ehe wore £2 upon her feet. Thus, altogether was this thing of light, this creature of loveliness, arrayed from top to toe, exclusive of little sundries, in about £636 or thereabouts.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 1884,

6



"It's a Wondkukot. Mbdicwb, and has cer tainly done me good," is tho report of a lady who was suffering with oppressive breathing and distressing cough—the common symptoms in lung rtisuase. She spoke of Aicktn's Syrup of Eucalyptus with Hypopliosnhites of Lime and Quinine, as many others have done. It does not require faith. A little experience will prove its valuo to the sutForer, Address: " The Pharmacy," Queen-street.



Publications. mESTIMONIALS TO " BSSH3 CB£BSIISS GSißi AND CMSrSi 81 UK KNOWLEDGE » NOWLEDGE, BEING A COMPENDIUM OF INFORMATION BY PRACTICAL COLONISTS UPON FARMING, HORTICULTURE, AND ALL SUBJECTS OF INTEREST TO NEW ZEALAND SETTLERS. Edited by Thomson W. Leis, Tho publisher has much pleasure in acknow ledging receipt of tho following testimonials from well-known agriculturalists and other practical colonists Oil the value of tho aboyo work :— Tho following letter is from Mn JaMEB Wal lace, Hillside, Papatoitoi. As one of tho most practical and successful settlers in tho Auckland district, his Opinion is Of great value. " Sir,—l have looked forward with a con siderable degree of interest to the publication 01 Bhktt's Colonists' GUide, and can now say that it has far exceeded my expectations. Hardly a rlay passes without my finding some thing in its pages both interesting and instruc tive. It ia a book that should be in every settler's houso in tho colony. Tho portion dovotad to farming is full of reliable infp*ia tion, and I havo no hesitation in saying that it is the most comprehensive and useful.guide for a Now Zealand colonist over published. From Sm Geohge Guey, X.C.8.-" My dear Sir,—l have kept in constant use for upwards of two months the copy of Bhett's Colonists Guiuis and Cyclopaedia of Useful Know lkdgk, which you were good enough to send mo. I havo tested it in many ways upon a great variety of useful subjects, and am satisfied that it is by far the best work of tho kind I havo ever seen. I feel that its merits and usefulness in ro lation to all practical subjects, on which a settler's comfort and success depend,, rendor it a ; necessary appendage to overy home in New Zea land. — Faithfully yours, G. Gbey. — Kawau, January 7th, ISS4." Mr John Wallace, of Bothwell Park, Waiuku (formerly of Flat Bush), who is one of our earliest settlers, and has been for many years closely connected with every effort to pro mote the agricultural intorests of tho Auckland district, writes as follows:— 1 " Dbau Sib,—l have much pleasure in adding my n:ito in warm commendation of Bkktt's Colonists' Guide. It is a book that should be, not only in evory farmer's library, but should also be on cvory colonist's book-shelf, no matter in what lino of colonial industry he or she may bo engaged. Thero is information for all. In looking back overa perod of llyears'of hard colo nial work how much valuable time and money mighthave been saved if attho beginning such a fund of information had been available to guide us as is now within the roach of all in the shape of Brett's Guide. Colonists, who desire to be worthy of the name, should not, from Its ele gant appearance or the quality of tho material, muke it a drawing - room book, to bo looked at and admired as ono would a fiicturo or a curio; they should have t on tho mantle-shelfy &° sofa, or the cotnoT of the table: in tact, anjwhero so that tho eye of Father, Mother, Johnny, and jefiny, and oven the helps, may have a chance of look ing at it during spare minutes in tho heat of summer or the inclemency of winter. Mr Brett has shown pluck in bringing out such a book, has been exceedingly fortunate in tho selection of his contributors, and I sincerely hope it will prove a financial success." Mr George Holdsiiip, Managing Director of tho Auckland Timber Company, and a practical colonist of long experience, writes:— "Sir,—l have looked over your Settlers' Guide, and consider it ono of the most useful and valuable books for tho New Zealand eettler ever published. The information is so varied, and the advice bo practical. A single paragraph will often bo found worth more than the cost of the book. Mr T. W. Hickson, Kstate Agent, Auck land, has contributed the following:— "I havo much pleasure in stating that, having carefully examined into Ukktt's Colonists' Guide, I have no hesitation in saying I consider it good value for tho prico asked for it, in fact, worth ten and twenty times the money to almost anyone engaged in rural industries." From a Pukekoho Settler. Pukckohe, December 1,1883. "Deab Sm,—l havo recently been presented ny a friend of mine with a copy of your valuable work, The Colonists' Guide. It contains well written articles on nearly overy subject of lntorost to tho settlor, except religion, with which it docs not meddle. Those articles arc evidently written by practical men, and contain the result of much experience in a compact and readable form. Thus we have descriptions of thobestbreedsof Horses, Cattle, Sheop. Poultry, etc., etc., for this part of the world ; and thereia also a well-made digoat of such laws of New Zealand as are of special interest to the ordinary eottler; indeed, tho book is a real Vado Mccum, and sbould be in the possession of evory settler in tho Colony. — Yours respectfully, W. H. Madill." "Dear Sir,—Having subscribed for Breti's Colonists' Guide, I beg to Bay that I am vory pleased with it Tho amount of practical infor mation contained in it is invaluable, and I con sider it tho best 20s worth yet offered to the Now Zealand Public. No se'tUcr or business man should bo without it. I think public opinion will say that you have conferred a boon on tho colony byyourspiritedoffort. Thanking you personally, and wishing the publication overy sucoess, I am, Sir, yours truly, Noah Wood," Consul Griffin writes as follows with re ference to this work. As a gentloman of oxtcn sivo literary acquirements, and acquainted with tho valuable library of practical works for which wo are indebted to the United States, hiss opinion Is noteworthy:— "The book is the most valuablo work of the. kind published in tho Colonies. I havo rend ovory chapter in it with attention and pleasure. Tho extent, variety, and accuracy of Ita infor mation are extraordinary. It is what it claims to bo, a Cyclopaedia of Universal Knowledge. Tho insight that it gives into the most approved mothods of agriculture, Uio management of live Btock, Uio dairy—in fact everything pertaining to farming operations—commend it to everyone interested in tho prosperity of the colony. The editor has displayed most excellent tnsto and judgment. All his ideas are eminently broad and practical. Tho arrangement of the subject matter ia simply admirable. I am especially pleased with tho articles on vinery, flax, fruit, and hop culture. The abstract of the local Government and land laws of this colony is the most succinct and intelligible that has come under my observation, whilst tho printing, binding, and illustrations of tho work aro superb.



SUMMARY OP CONTENTS: The "COLONISTS1 (JUIDE AND CYCLO PAEDIA. OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE" con tains 830 pages, and is profusely illustrated with ■ucravings, comprises sections on :— THE FARM, by Thomas Allen : Diny.-Jona for Bush sad Fern Land; Growth of vari ous Coreal and Root Crops; Management of Cattle, Sheep, and Horses, with Cure of tholr Diseases, etc., etc. This section, which contains 217 closely-printed pages, with many diagrams and illustrations, including speoimens of tho best pure-bred horses.sheop. and cattle, together with selections from the Stud and Pedigreo Stock Company* thoroughbred stock, comprises the carefully collated experience of Borne of tho mosi successful Auckland and Canterbury Farmers, HORTICULTURE, by W. Goldie: In this sootion, which covers 106 pages, with numer ous illustrations, special attention is paid to the management of Fruit Trees, with such Bimplo directions and diagrams for Pruning. Grafting, Budding, etc., that any settlor, without'previous knowledge or skill, can manage his orchard profitably. POULTRY, by Thomas Allen : This section, comprising 41 pages, gives specimens of the best varieties of Poultry, with directions for thoir Management, Designs of Fowl-houses. Treatment of Diseases, etc, USEFUL MECHANICAL CONTRIVANCES. 31 Pages: Under this heading havo beer classed a varioty of contrivances, which will be found useful to tho sottler; hints and helps for the bush; cheese presses, carts, fences, gates, measuring and splitting tim ber, measuring garments, erecting walls and banks, windmills, &c, &c. PRESERVING AND STORING, 30 Pages: Includes tho best methods of storing, drying. bottling, canning, and preserving fruit; the most approved modes of curing bacon and hams, with design for smoke-house; instruc tions for pickling, sauces, vinegar-making, &c, &c. INSECTS AND AGRICULTURAL ENE MIES, by Cafr Brocn : In this section, Captain Broun, the well-known New Zea land entomologist, supplies the results ol years of observation upon native and im ported inseots, useful and injurious, with illustrations of the same, and directions for destroying garden and orchard pests. SCIENTIFIC BEE CULTURE, by J. Hop kins Tnii interesting department has been fully and skil£ull7 troatcd by Mr Hop kins, of Matamata, whose works on the subject ara, well known throughout New uZealand, r~»- -•^■ya^jW^.ffci^y •



WINE-GROWING. AND MANUFACTURE, Practical Arboriculture, Tobacco Culture, Hop Growing and Silkworm Rearing, with Cultivation of Olives, Tea, &c, are each exhaustively treated. THE FAMILY DOCTOR, BT Dr. Kntoht ani> Mr. J. A. Pond, of Auckland, comprises" Treatises on both Allopathic rmd Homoeo pathic systems, compiled with special regard to Country Settlers. To it is appended a MAORI PHARMACOPfEIA, giving the medicinal properties of Now Zealand Bcsli Trees and Plants. COTTAGE COOKERY AND FOODS, covering? 120 pages, is a complete Treatise on Cookery, according to the best methods, and com prises some thousands of easy receipts for tasty dishes, without the flummery of ordi. nary Cookery Books. HOUSEHOLD HINTS extend the information in tho Cookery Books with many usofu directions on Household Management COTTAGES FOR SETTLERS: Four designs of Uscf til Cottatres, with plans and detailed Estimates, ars given, so that the settler can Bimply copy the specification and send to the mill and procure the complete material fo? the erection of his house. ALES, AVINES AND SYRUPS, PAINTING, TANNING, SOAP-MAKING, and HINTS FOP. PROSPECTORS, form separate sec tions, con taming a large amount ot Valuablo Information. LEGAL MEMORANDA, prepared by Mr Thomas COTTER, Auckland City Solicitor, giving a digest of all the laws which it ia imperative for a settler to know, including Fencing Act, Scab in Sheep Act, Timber Floatage, Roods, etc., etc. Tho abovo recapitulation only enumerates tho General Heads indicating the scope of the work. Itiß the largest Book over published in Austral asia, is Handsomely Bound in Cloth, and published at an exceedingly Low Prico, for a Cyclopedia of this description — namely, TWENTY SHILLINGS (20s). JJenry Brett. \v y n 1) tt am - street, I'UlSUoiiiiil. Land and Estate Agents. D. F. E v a n s, ESTATE, HOUSE, AND LAND AGENT, AUCTIONEER, &c. FRANKLIN ROAD-Twd Good Villa Res! denccs, almost new—one of 6 rooms and the other of 5; gas and water. Allotments 33 x ISO each; magnificent view of harbour. Price, only £1,100. TAMAKI EAST—Snug little Farm of GO acres. Good House of 5 rooms, and usual Out buildings ; all now; stock, &c. Price, only £180. < 10!W GLENBURN.PONSONBY.—Three magnificent Site 3 for Marine Villa Residences. Price for the three, £650. Superb view of Queen street Wharf, North Shore and Harbour. VIEW AVENUE, MOUNT EDEN.— New Villa Residence of 5 rooms, and outbuild —mat; 'scoria Boiv&mV-gOWI position. Only ' £SOO. . -"•->-. WAITANGI BLOCK, MAKARAU-60 acres ot land, supposed to contain valuable bush. Price, £60. (1028) .; BANKS'S'COUNTY-3,500 acres of good forest land. Abundance of puriri, kauri, totara, and other timber. About 2 miles from Deepwatcr Creek. MOUNT EDEN ROAD—Very nice Villa Resi dence of 7 rooms; tank, outhouses, good garden; allotment, iilj X 108; best part of Mount Eden Road. (10iS) NELSON AND WILLIAM STREETS-House of 1 rooms and scullery, corner of Nelson street; water laid on, asphalt yard; allot ment 15x60. Price, only £100. Houso ad-• ioining the above, 5 rooms, gas, water, Xc,; allotment 33 x 15. Price, £350. (1053) RICHMOND ROAD-2 good Building Allot-, ments; quite level; 10x!)8 each; good view. Must be sold. (1016) , JOHN-STREET-Two First-class Building Allotments, quite now, and good now. Price, 30s per foot. (10671 RYLE-STREET—Pretty Verandah Villa of 5 rooms, &c.; allotment GO" x 820; a very desirable residence. (1039) BABYLON—A very nice little Farm of 100 acres; new house of 7 rooms, cowshed, stockyard, pigsLy, &c.; 2 good grass pad docks. The land on this farm ia really good, and can confidently be recommended as a very desirable little homestead. (1050) ■, WHATAWHATA-Waipa River—Beautiful Homestead of 200 Acres; house, stables, sheds, and outhouses ; splondid cherry grove; steamer stops at landing four times a week; plonty of wood and water; good run for oattlo. (1055) KLLERSLIK (near Harp of Erin)-6-ronmcd Houso. Outbuildings; every convenience; about 1J acres on main road, near Railway Station. £625. (96?) KLLERSLIE (on Panmuro Road).—freehold Building Allotments, ornamental trees' beautiful situation for building, main road;. Land 198 x 198 feet. £100. (1070) AUCKLAND.-City Property: valuable busl-1 ness promises, situate in Shortland-street, near l Joat-offlco; grand position. (875) ; ABARIMU —173 acres, part improved, part bush. Lot 93, Opaheke. (9511) * AVONDALE.—22 aores splendid land, mostly in r grass; a largo portion in orchard, and shelter trees; good creek. (8511 ■, AMY-STREKT, ELLKRSLIK. - 2 Splendid Allotments, having a frontage ot about 264 foot. (811) COMMERCIAL ROAD, off Groat North Road. —55 acres; 2 acres paling fenced and planted with 300 fruit trees. Vory cheap. (838) COMMERCIAL ROAD, off Great North Road. —New Verandah Cottage of 5 Rooms, Regis tered Grate, Cupboards, &c. Allotment 94 x 150. £400. < (728) DAIRY FLAT'—2SS acres good Land, part vol-' canio, bush, nice homestead of 1 rooms. Price, 32a 6d per aero ' (970) ' DEVONPORT. — Beaob. Road: 4 Dwelling houses ; 3 let at £60 finch, and oim at £00. First-olass investment and very cheap. , EDWIN-STREET, ROCKYNOOK.- Vory nice1 little Cottage of 5 rooms: goo< volcanic al lotment, Price, only £250. , .. ;■ KPSOM.—ViIIa Reßidenco and Grounds Also, splendid Building Allotments, near rest donooof X Heskotli, Eati. (75) ELLERBLDS.—III aores Volonnlo Soil.'ragobd road frontage, near Racecourse, 54) GREAT SOUTH ROAD Jacros andß-roomed. | House and out-buildings oa the main road, near Kllerslio Station. Price, £625. (983) GKORGK AND WILLIAM STREETS, PON SONBY—Briok House of four rooms ano eoiiUery, outhouse, &o.; allotment 33 x 133; £100. GREAT NORTH ROAD-About 5 miles from Auckland A new and woll-flnished Hoow of C rooms, stable, &0., and 3 aoroß Bplendid land, in cultivation: bounded by a grand stream of wator; more land if required. 1319) MANGARK.-Ono of the best little Grazing Farms in the provinoe ot Auckland. (6121 MONTAGUE-STREET, NEWTON.-New Six roomed Verandah Cottage, fitted with register grates, colonial oven, cupboards, &o. Prioo, 280. . (719) NEV»MARKET.-New-street: Now Verandah House of 5 rooms; good well, tank. &<>•: nloo garden; allotment 48 x 120. Price only £350. (815),: NELSON-S' REET, CITY.-A very nice and commodious Houeo of S roomß, having a grand view of harbour Price. £650 (978) PAPAKURi VAIJ.EY. - 426 aoros good alluvial land; partly fenced, and a npapou improved; a splendid crook through tna property; about 3 miles from Railway Station. (8 2) POKENO.- 189 acres Volcarrie Land, nearly au levol; 2G acres cleared an'l n good grass and fenced Price *2 per acre; a barKain. 91 POKENO.-Nice Littlo Farm of 21 aoros in crops, grass, &o.; good flve-roomod Cottage and outhouses, which, with 4 cows, dairy utenßils. &c, &0., is now offered for £300 situato just at Pokeno Station. (803) HANDSOME VILLA of 5 Rooms and Porch: fitted with Cupboards. Dressor, Registered Grate, Oven, &o; good well and tank, nioo garden, well-stocked. £3?0. (729) RaSIAR--.MA.-16u acres good mixed Land a sho tdistanoefromDrury, Cheap, at £3 IDs per acre. (761) . BAZORBACK-48 Acres Good Land. 20 octe» in grass; cottage of threo rooms, cow-shed, piggery, &o.; never-failing supply of water. Price, only £250. (670 ST. MaRY'S ROAD cornor of Dublin-street.— House of 5 rooms and scullery, and 2 rooms detached; gas, tanks, &o. Price £505. VIIW ROAD AND THK TERR A CE. MOUNT iiDKN—A First class Residenco of 7rooms. complete with every convenience; well laid, out grounds about I aero : fruit and flower garden. Magnificent view 915 VIKW ROAD MOUNT KDEN.-S minutes from Railway Station — A new 6-roomed Two-storey Building, verandahs, bath-room, water laid in : f i uit treos and vegotab a garden, volcanic mould. Prico. £430. 91* WARKWORTH.-Old Kstablished Boaiding houso Business for sale. First-class oppor tunity to secure a really good paying con oern. Prioe only £500. WHANGAREI — 120 acres Improved Land: small piece kauri bush; tut 51, laurajoa. (951) WHWGARHL-ImprovedFarm of U3 acres atMangapai; lo acres in grass, iind 6 in orchard j dwelling house. Cheap, 4>SvO , WHANG«RHIHRAD -.-Paruaßay - eoacres,1 part in grass and kanri; homestead farm; good road. Piico, £22n (96') WH ,T*WH TA. - Wnlpa River— \(0 acres- Improved Farm; firat-oassresidence; good orchard; charming property. Price, £ ICO. (959) | B. F. EVA NS, ..Eousb, Land, and übtatb aqknt, > LaiiaMart-Queeu-Bttea - ,