"HAND AND RING,"

B* Anna Katbekine Green, Author of "The Leavenworth Murder," "The Sword Of Damodes," "The Defence of the Prude," etc.

CHAPTER I.

A STARTLING COINCIDENCE,

By the prickinft of my, thumbs, Something wicked this W^fflf^^

The town clock of Sibley had just struck twelve. Court had adjourned, and Judge Evana, with one or two of the leading lawyers of the county, stood in the door way of tho court-house discussing in a friendly way the eccentricities of criminals as developed in the caso then before the court. Mr Lord had just ventured the as sertion that crime as a fine art was happily confined to France; to which District At torney Ferris had replied:

"And why? Because atheism has not yet acquired such a hold upon our upper classes that gentlemen think it possible to meddle with such matters. It is only when a student, a doctor, a lawyer, determines to put aside from his path the secret stumbling block to his desires or his ambition that the true intellectual crime is developed. That brute whom you see slouching along over the way is the typo of tho average criminal o£ the day." ■And he indicated with a nod a stnrdy, ill favoured man, who, with pack on his back, wfcs just emerging from a grassy lane that opened out from the street directly opposite the court-house. "Such men are often seen in the dock." remarked Mr Orcutt, of more than local reputation as a criminal lawyer. "And often escape the penalty of their crimes," he added, watching, with a curious glance, the lowering brow and furtive look of the man who, upon perceiving the attention he had attracted, Increased his pace till he al most broke into a run. " Looks as if he had been up to mischief," observed Judge Evans. "Rather as if he had heard the sentence which wai passed upon the last tramp who paid his respects to this town," corrected Mr Lord. " Revenons a nos moutons," resumed the District Attorney. "Crime, as an invest ment, does not pay in this country. The regular burglar leads a dog's life of it; and when you come to the murderer, how few escape suspicion if they do the gallows. I do not know of a case where a murder for money has been really successful in this region. "Then you must have some pretty cute detective work going on here," remarked a young man who had not before spoken. " No, no—nothing to brag of. But the brutes are so clumsy—that is the word, clumsy. They don't know how to cover up their tracks." " The smart ones don't make tracks," in terposed a rough voice near them, and a largo, red-haired, slightly hump-backed man, who, from the looks of those about, was evidently a stranger in tho place, shuffled forward from the pillar against which ho had been leaning, and took up the thread of conversation, " I tell you," he continued, in a gruff tone somewhat out of keeping with the studied abstraction of his keen, grey eye,

"that half the criminals are caught be-

cause they do make tracks and then resort ' to such extraordinary means to cover them up. The true secret of success in this line" lios in striking your blow with a weapon picked up on the spot, and in choosing for the scene of your tragedy a thoroughfare where, in the natural course of events, other men will come and go and uncon sciously tread out your traces, provided you have made any. This dissipates suspicion, or starts it in so many directions that justice is at once confused, if not ultimately baffled. Look at that house yonder," the stranger pursued, pointing to a plain dwell ing on the opposite corner. "While we havo been standing here, several persons of one kind or another, and among them a pretty rough-looking tramp, have gone into the side gate, and so around to the kitchen door and back. I don't know who lives .there, but say it is a solitary old woman above keeping help, and that an hour from now some one, not finding her in the house,

searches through the garden and comes up-

on her lying dead behind the -wood-pile, struck down by her own axe. On whom •'"are you going to lay your hand in suspicion ? On the stranger, of courso—the rough-look ing tramp that everybody thinks is ready for bloodshed at the least provocation. But ' suspicion is not conviction, and I would dare wager that no court, in face of a persistent on his part that he oven saw the old woman when he went to her door, would bring in a verdict of murder against him, even though silver from her private drawer ' were found concealed upon his person. The chanco that he spoke the truth, and "jj that «he was not in the house when he entered, and that his crime had been merely one of burglary or theft, would be enough to save him from the hangman." ."That is true," assentedMr Lord, "un less all the other persons who had been seen to go into the yard were not only re putable men, but were willing to testify to > having seen the woman alive up to the time he invaded her premises." But the hump-backed stranger had al ready lonnged away. "What do you think about this, Mr Byrd?" inquired the District Attorney, turning to the young man before alluded to. "You are an expert in these matters, or ought to be. Wnat would you give for the tramp's chances if the detectives took him in hand ?" "I, sir ?" was the response. "lam so comparatively young and inexperienced in such affaire, that I scarcely dare presume to express an opinion. But I have heard it > said by Mr Gryce, who you know stands ' foremost among the detectives of New York, that the only case of murder in which he utterly failed to get any clue to work upon, was that of a Jew who was knocked down in his own shop in broad daylight. But this will not appear so strange when you learn the full particulars, The store was situated between two alley-ways in Harlem. It had an entrance back and an entrance front. Both were in constant use. The man waa found behind his counter, having evidently beenhiton tho head by aslung-shot while reaching for a box of hosiery. But "'"though a succession of people were con stantly passing by both doors, there was . for that very reason no one to tell which of all the men who were observed to enter the shop came out again with blood upon his conscience. Nor where the circumstances of the Jew's life such as to assist justice. The most careful investigation failed to dis close the existence of any enemy, nor was he found to possess,in this country, at least, any relative who could have hoped to be benefitted by the few dollars he had saved from a late bankruptcy. The only conclu ' aion to be drawn is that the man was secretly in the way of some one and was as secretly put out of it, but for what purpose or by whose hand time has never dis closed." . "There is One, however, who knows both," affirmed Judge Evans, impressively. " The man himself ?"

"God!" The solemnity with which this was uttered caused a silence, which Mr Orcutt looked at his watch. "I must go to dinner," ho announced, withdrawing, with a slight nod, across the street. The rest., stood for a few minutes ab —BfcraeteMy J contemplating his retreating figure, as with an energetic pace all his own he passed down the little street that opened opposite to where they stood, and entered the unpretending cottage of a widow lady, •with whom he was in the habit of taking his midday meal whenever he had a case be fore the Court. A lull was over the whole village, and|the ' few remaining persons on the court-house Btecs were about to separate, when Mr Lord uttered an exclamation and pointed to tho cottage into which they had just seen Mr Orcutt disappear. Immediately all eves looked that way and saw the lawyer standing on the stoop, having evidently issued with the utmost precipitation from the house. . . " He is making signs," cried Mr Lord to Mr Ferris ; and scarcely knowing what they feared, both gentlemen crossed the wav and hurried down the street Joward their friend, who, with unusual tokens of . disturbance in his manner, ran forward to m^A murder !" he excitedly exclaimed as soon as he came within speaking dis tance " A grange and startling coinci i".J Mrs Clemmens has been struck on fhe head, £d is lying eoveredVith blood at the foot Of ue<- dining-room table. Mr Lord and the District Attorney stared At each other in a maze of surprise and horror easily to be comprehended, and then they rushed forward. , • "Waita moment," the latter suddenly ' cried, stopping short and looking back, "Where is the fellow who talked co learnedly about murder and the best way of Zking a success pf it ? He must ba found Soncev I don't believe in coincidences." &&',:.> ,■■..■■■-:■'■•■'•«-.•■ :■;-■■■'tiii*- ■ "*■

And he beckoned to the person they had Called Byrd, who with very pardonable curiosity was hurrying their way. "Go find Hunt, the constable," he cried; "tell him to stop and retain the humpback. A woman here has been found murdered, and that fellow must have known something about it." The young man stared, flushed with sudden intelligence, and darted off. Mr Ferris turned, found Mr Orcutt still at his side, and drew him forward to rejoin Mr Lord, who by this time was at the door of the cottage. . They all went in together, Mr Ferns, who was of an adventurous disposition, leading the way. The room into which they first stepped was empty. It was evi dently the widow's sitting-room, and was in perfect order, with the exception of Mr Orcutt's hat, which lay on the centre-table where he had laid it on entering. Neat, without being prim, the entire aspect of the place was one of comfort, ease, nnd modest luxury. For, though the Widow Clemmens lived alone and without help, she was by no means an indigent person, as a single glance at her house would show. The door leading into the further room was open, and toward this they hastened, led by the glitter of the fine old china service which loaded the dining-table. "She is there," said Mr Orcutt, pointing to the other sido of the room. They immediately passed behind the table, and there, sure enough, lay the prostrate figure of the widow, her head bleeding, her arms extended, otio hand grasping her watch, which she had loosened from her belt, the other stretched towards a stick of firewood, that, from the mark of blood upon its side, had evidently been used to fell her to the floor. She was motionless as stone, and was, to all appear ance, dead. "Sickening, sickening! horrible! ex claimed Mr Lord, recoiling upon the Dis trict Attorney with a gesture, as if he would put the frightful object out of his sight. " What motive could anyono have for killing such an inoffensive woman ? The deviltry of man is beyond belief!" " And after what we have heard, inexplicable," asserted Mr Ferris. "To be told of a supposablc caso of murder one minute, and then to see it exemplified in this dreadful way tho next, is an experience of no common order. I own lam overcome by it." And he flung open a door that communicated with the lane, and let the outside air sweop in. " That door was unlocked," remarked Mr Lord, glancing at Mr Orcutt, who stood with severe, set face looking down at the out stretched form which, for several years now, had so often sat opposito to him at his noonday meal. With a start the latter looked up. " What did you say! The door unlocked ? There is nothing strange in that. She never locked her doors, though she was so very deaf I often advised her to." And he allowed his oyes to run over tho wide stretch of low, uncultivated ground before him, that, in tho opinion of many persons, was such a decided blot upon the town. " There is no one in sight," ho reluctantly admitted. "No," responded the other. "Tho ground is unfavourable for escape. It is marshy and covered with snako graas. A man could make his way, however, between the hillocks into those woods yonder, if he were driven by fear or understood the path well. What is the matter, Orcutt ?"

" Nothing," affirmed tho latter, —" no thing, I thought I heard a groan." "You heard me make an exclamation," spoke up Mr Ferris, who by this time had sufficiently overcome his emotion to lift the head of the prostrate woman and look in hor face. " This woman is not dead."

"What !" they both cried, bounding for ward.

"See, she breathes," continued the former, pointing to her slowly labouring chest. " The villain, whoever he was, did not do his work well ; she may bo able to tell U3 something yet." "I do not think so," murmured Mr Orcutt. " Such a blow as that must have destroyed her faculties, if not her life. It was of cruel force."

" However that may bo, she ought to bo taken care of now," cried Mr Ferris. "I wish Dr. Tredwell was here."

" I will go for him," signified tho other

But it was not necessary. Scarcely had the lawyer turned to execute this mission, when a sudden murmur was heard at the door, and a dozen or so citizens burst into the house, among thorn tho very person named. Being coroner as well as physician, he at once assumed authority. The widow was carried into her room, which was on the samo floor, and a brother practitioner sent for, who took his place at her head and waited for any sign of returning con sciousness. The crowd, remanded to the yard, spent their time alternately in furtive questionings of each other's countenances, and in eager lookout for the expected return of the strange young man who had been sent after the incomprehensible humpback of whom all had heard. Tho coroner, closeted ivith the District Attorney in tho dining-room, busied himself in noting cer tain evident facts.

" I am, perhaps, forestalling my duties in interfering before tho woman is dead," in timated the former. But it is only a matter of a few hours, and any facts we can glean in the interim must be of value to a proper conduct of tho inquiry I shall bo called upon to hold. I shall thorefore make the same note of the position of affairs as I would do if she were dead; and to begin with, I wish you to observe that she was hit while setting the clock." And he pointed to the open door of the hugo old fashioned timepiece which occupied that corner of the room in which she had been found. " She had not oven finished her task," he next remarked, "for tho clock is still ten minutes slow, while her watch is just right, as you will see by comparing it with your own. She was attacked from behind, and to allappearancesunexpecteily. Had she turned, her forehead would have been struck, while, as all can see, it is the back of her head that has suffered, and that from a right-hand blow. Her deafness was undoubtedly the cause of her immobility under the approach of such an assailant. She did not hear his step, and, being so busily engaged, saw nathing of the cruel hand uplifted to destry her. I doubt if she even knew what happened. The mystery is that any one could have sufficiently desjred her death to engage in such cold blooded butchery. If plunder were wanted why was not her watch taken from her ? And see, here is a pile of small change lying beside her plate on the table—a thing a tramp would make for at once. " It was not a thief that struck her."

"Well, ■well, we don't know. I have my own theory," admitted the coroner ; " but of course, it will not do for me to mention it here. The stick was taken from that pile laid ready on the hearth," he went on. " Odd, significantly odd, that in all its essential details this affair should tally so completely with the supposable case of crime given a moment before by the de formed wretch you tell me about." "Not if that man was a madman and tho assailant," suggested the District Attorney. "True, but 1 do not think he was mad— not from what you have told me. But let us Eec what the commotion is. Some one has evidently arrived." It was Mr Byrd, who had entered by the front door, and, deaf to the low murmur of the impatient crowd without, stood waiting in silent patience for an opportunity to re port to the District Attorney the results of his efforts.

Mr Ferris at once welcomed him,

" What have you done ? Did you find the constable or succeed in laying hands on that scamp of a humpback?" Mr Byrd, who, to explain at once, was a young and intelligent detective, who had been brought from New York for purposes connected with the case then before the Court, glanced carefully in the direction of the coroner, and quietly replied : "The hump-backed scamp, as you call him, has disappeare 1. Whether hp will be found or not I cannot say. Hunt is on his track, and will report to you in an hour. The tramp whom you saw slinking out of this street while we stood on tho court house steps is doubtless the man whom you most want, and him we have captured." " You have ?" repeated Mr Ferris, eying, with good-natured irony, the young man's gentlemanly but rather indifferent face. "And what makes you think it is the tramp who is the guilty one in this caso? Because that ingenious stranger saw fit to make him such a prominent figure in his suppositions '!" "No, sir," replied the detective, flushing with a momentary embarrassment he how ever speedily overcame; "Ido not found my opinions upon any man's remarks. I only Ex-cuse me," said he, with a quiet air of self-control that was not with out its effect upon the sensible man he was addressing. "If you will tell me how, where, and under what circumstances this poor murdered woman was found, perhaps I shall be bettor able to explain my reasons for believing in the tramp as the guilty party ; though the belief, even of a detec tive, goes for but little in matters of this kind, as you and these other gentlemen very well know." " Step here, then," signified Mr Ferris, who, accompanied by the coroner, had al ready passed around the table. "Do you see that clock» She was winding ft when she was struck, and fell almost at jits foot. The weapon which did the execution lies

over there ; it is a stick of firewood, as you : co, and was caught up from that pile on the hearth. Now recall what that hump back said about choosing a thoroughfare for a murder (and this house is a thorough faro), and the peculiar stress which he laid upon the choice of a weapon, and tell me why you think he is innocent of this im mediate and most remarkable exemplifica tion of his revolting theory ?" " Let me first ask," ventured the other, with a remaining tinge of embarrassment colouring his cheek, "if you have reason to think this woman had been lying long where she was found, or was she struck soon before tho discovery ?" "Soon. The dinner was still smoking in the kitchen, where it had been dished up ready for serving." "Then," declared the detective with sudden confidence, " a single word will satisfy you that tho humpback was not the man who delivered this stroke. To lay that woman low at the foot of this clock would require the presence of the assailant in the room. Now, the humpback was not here this morning, but in the court-room. I know this, for 1 saw him there." " You did ? You are sure of that ?" cried, in a breath, both his hearers, somewhat taken tibnek by this revelation. " Yes. He sat down by the door, I noticed him particularly." '■ ilumpli! that is odd," quotli Mr Ferris, with the testiness of an irritable man who sees himself contradicted in a cublicly ex pressed theory. "Very odd," repeated tho coroner; "so odd 1 am inclined to think he did notsitthcro every moment of tho time. It is but a step from the [court-house here ; ho might well have taken the- trip and returned while you wiped your eye-glasses or was otherwise on gaged." Mr Byrd did not see fit to answer this. " Tho tramp is an ugly looking customer," he remarked, in what was almost a careless tone of voice.

Mr Ferris covered with his hand the pile of looso change that was yet lying on tho table, and shortly observed ;

" A tramp to commit such a crime must be actuated either by rage or cupidity ; that you will acknowledge. Now, the follow who struck this woman could not have been excited by any sudden anger for tho whole position of her body when found proves that she had not even turned to face the in truder, much less ongaged in any altorca tion with him. Yet how could it havo been money lie was after, when a tempting bit lileo this remained undisturbed upon tho table ?"

And Mr Ferris, witli a sudden gesture, disclosed to view the pile of silver coin ho had been concealing. The young detective shook his head, but lost none of his seoming indifference. " That is ono of the littlo anomalies^ of criminal experience that wo were talking about tills morning," ho remarked. " Per haps tho fellow was frightened and lost his head, or porhaps ho really heard some one at tho door, and was obliged to eseapo with out reaping any of the fruits of his crimo." "Porhap3 and perhaps," retorted Mr Ferris, who was a quick man, and who once settled in a belief, was not to be easily shaken out of it.

" However that may bo," continued Mr Byrd, without seeming to notice tho irritat ing interruption, " I still think that the tramp, rather than the hump back, will bo the man to occupy your future attention." And with a deprecatory bow to both gentlemen, ho drew back and quietly left the room.

Mr Ferris at once recovered his momentary luss of temper. ''I suppose the young man is right," he acknowledged ; " but, if so, what an en couragement we havo received this morning to a belief in clairvoyance." And with less irony nnd moro conviction, he added: "Tho humpback must have known some thing about the murder." And the coroner bowed : common-fonso undoubtedly agreeing with this assumption.

[To be Continued.)

A Roman Circus.

Rome is astir early—citizens and strangers, slaves and soldiers, all are hurrying toward the great pleasure-ground of Romo—the Circus Madmus. With flutes playing merrily, with swaying standards and gleam ing statues, with proud young cadets, with priests, and guards with crested helms, skilled performers, restless horses, and glittering chariots, down the Sacred streot winds a long procession, led by tho boy magistrate, Marcus of Home, tho favourite of tho Emperor. It passes into tho great circus, and tiles into tho arona ; two hundred thousand oxcited people—think, boys, of a circus-tontthat hold* two hundred thousand people ! —riso to their feet and welcome it with hearty hand-clapping. T.io trumpets sound the prelude, tho young magis trato (standing in his tttttjgcsliis, or state box) flings tho mappa, or white flag, into the courso as the signal for the start; and, a.s a ringing shout goes up, four glittering chariots, rich in their decor ations of gold and polished ivory, and each clrnwn by four plunging horses, burst from their arched stalls and dash around tho track. Green, bluo, red, white—the colour* of the drivers—stream from their tunics. Around and around they go. Now ono and now another ia ahead. The peoplo strain and cheer, and many a wager is laid as to the victor. Another shout! The red chariot, turning too sharply, grates against the meta, or short pillar that stands at the upper end of tho track guarding the low central wall; tho horsos rear and plunge, tho driver struggles manfully to control them, but all in vain ; over goes the chariot, while tho now maddened horses dash wildly on until checked by mounted attendants nnd led off to their stalls. " Blue ! blue !" " Green ! green !" rico the varying shouts, as the contending chariots still struggle for the lead. White is far behind. Now comes tho seventh or final round. Bluo leads ! No, green is ahead ! Neck and neck down tho home stretch they go magnificently, and then the cheer of victory was heard, as, with a final dash, tho green rider strikes the whito cord first, and the race is won ! Now, in the interval between the races, come the athletic sports—foot-racing and wrestling, rope-dancing and high leaping, quoit throwing and javelin matches. One man runs a race with a fleet Cappadocian horse; another expert rider drives two baro-backed horses twice round the track, leaping from back to back as the horses dash round. Can you sco any very great difference between the circus performance of a.d. 138 and ono of a.d. 1884?— From "Historic Boys," by E. S. Brooks, in St. Nicholas.

"Doing Banting."

About twenty years ago, much was said and written about "doing Banting " for tho decrease of obesity. In 18G4 an article was contributed to the " Leisure Hour " by Mr William Banting, the well-known house agent and undertaker, of St. James's-street, Piccadilly, from whose case tho proverbial phrase originated. As that volume of the " Leisure Hour" cannot now be easily pro cured, a brief statement of the substance of the paper may bo useful to some inquirers. In the autumn of 1862, Mr Banting, then 64 years of ago, 5 feet 5 inches in height, weighed 2021b, or 14st Clb. His corpu lence had become so extreme as to be distressing, and to interfere with tho business pursuits in which he had been for nearly fifty ysars most actively engaged. He could not account for the disease, for such it really was, as there was no here ditary tendency to obesity, and his habits had been those of a temperate and active man. Many physicians were consulted and many remedies tried. Exercise of every kind, Turkish baths, acids and alkalis, Cheltenham, and Harrogato wators, these and other move heroic remedies where tried in vain. Abernethy's famous recipe of living on sixpenco a day and earning it proved no greater success, for tho evil increased In spito of extraordinary labour and tho sparest of diot. At length a medical man was consulted who seems to have known something of the chomistry of food and tho chemistry of digestion. Mr W. Harvey told the patient that it was not the quantity so much as the quality of the food that was to be attended to. Some articles of diet are fat producers, and theso must be avoidod, such as sugar, beer, potatoes, bread, butter, and milk. It seemed at first that there was little left to feed upon, but a very sufficient and nutri tious diet remained in broiled meat or bam, fish, poultry and gamo, and green vege tables. Tea without sugar, claret, sherry, spirits and water, formed the drink allowed. Instead of bread there was dry toast, biscuit, or rusk. Under this diet Mr Banting re duced his weight in a year from 2021b to 1561b, the diminution being gradual and steady. The girth round the waist was re duced above llin in the same time. There was a great increase of muscular vigour, absence of acidity and indigestion, and altogether improved health.—" Leisure Hour."

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

By CHARLES T. MANNERS,

AUTHOR OF

"The Lord of Lyle," "Octavia'B Pride," "The Blenk'arno Emeralds," " The Flaw in the Diamond," "Dragging Him Down," " A Silver Brand," &0., &c.

CHAPTER. XXVI,

" VENGEANCE 13 MINE."

The earl looked at tho judge, and the latter tried to motion him to answer, but neither had thought or voice ready.

Suddenly, however, tho curtains of the alcove were swept aside, and another figure came forward to be tho centre of all eyes. Konrade Earle made a quick appeal ing gesture, but it was not heeded. Sir Richard rubbed his hands bewildcr edly across his eyes. "Why, Duke! Duko !" said ho, "you horc ?" "Never mind that now," spoke tho other sternly. "Do you moan to sw<?ar to these people that you havo told tho truth, tho whole truth, in this story of yours, Richard Mildmay '!" Sir Richard lifted his hand upward, and answered, solemnly : "I swear, in tho sight of Jleaven, and be fore these truo and noble witnesses, that I havo told tho whole truth."

Tho othor'a stern faco was shakon by a sudden tromor, his voice was hoarser still beneath its strain of tigony, as ho asked :

"Do you say that Marmaduke Earl re coived no other wrong from you than that singlo passionate blow 1" "I do. I swear it hero." " What of Marion, man, Marion, tho do coived, the betrayed '!" "Marion!" repeated Sir Richard, in a voice so hearty in its amazement no ono thoro could believe it foigncd. "Great Heaven," ejaculated tho other, "have I been hugging a dolusion all thoso years? Man, man, 1 heard you myself in your flippant allusions to her. I saw you buy a sot of corals for her. I beheld you direct them; with my own eyos I saw it." A light broke over Sir Richard's per plexed face. " What, is it Blair's swoetheart you are al luding to? Yes, I remember. I bought the corals for hor. I used to direct Ins letters always; there was somo'. trouble about her obstinate fathor, I beliovo. I know I went down to the town to oscort her back as a favour to Blair, who dared not venture himself. It was Blair sho loved. Why, what havo you btfliovod of mo ?" "And you paid Blair tho gaming debts." "Yea, of cour.se; my mother, tho bankor, old Mr Tulkinhqrn, all theso can provo it."

A volley of fierce imprecations burst over tho man's livid lips. "How ho has tricked us! Oil, what devil's plot that man has carried out. And ho hoard mo swear tho oath to follow Marion's betrayor to his everlasting ruin, and he knew mo well onough to be sure I should keep my word. Oh, fool, fool ! blind fool. I sco it all now. Ho raado you the cat's paw to snatch his prizo for him, he cajoled me into following you, and between us both he has mado a fortune, andoscapod. No, not escaped, if tho world holds him I will find him yet." Konrade Earle, with a faco full of deop distress, laid his hand upon his arm. Con way Searle, from tho other side, took his hand. "Father, fathor, becalm," implored they both. "Father!" shrioked Hortenso, springing forward with wild, dilated eyes, searching over his face. "Then—thon my fathor is no murdoror. You aro Marmaduke Earle."

" I am Marmaduko Earlo," said tho other gloomily. "A man who has givon his life to plots and counterplots, and in the end finds himself tricked by all—a dupo from tho boginning." "Marmaduko Earlo,'' faltered tho dow ager, sinking upon hor knees before him, and covoring his hand with wild kisses. " Oh, lot mo bloss you, let mo bloss you I" Sir Richard stood liko ono stricken with sudden palsy. "Duke—Duko," he muttered, "I cannot comprohond." "110 is Marmaduko Sarlo. His doath can nover Ho at your door," said Konrade Earlo, eagerly. "Thank Heaven that tho last shadow botween mo and Hortenso is swopt away." Still there was a vacant bowildormcnt upon Sir Richard's face. His old enomy was touched by it. Ho turned with a weary smilo. "Are you sorry to know it, Light-house Dick ? Your old companion has kept you in sight for many years, but he is Manna duke Earl beyond tho possibility of doubt. He knows now that ho has wrongod you more bitterly by his suspicions than you have over done by deeds. Will you shako hands beforo this boy and girl whoso union I meant to forbid at tho last moment, but to which I givo now my hearty blessing ?" Sir Richard lifted his oyes upward in ono look of grateful joy, and held out his hand, but beforo it was taken ho reeled back.

'■ It is too much for him, my poor Dick," cried tho judge, rushing toward tho tray and water goblet. "This is too much excitement. Ho cannot boar the reaction."

Ho had indeed fainted. In the confusion that followed all method of explanation was abandoned, and in tho midst of it came Helena Yorrington in answer to the sum mons that Konrado Earle had sent for her.

Sir Richard had revivod, and was sitting in the midst of the happy circle of congratu lating friends, from which the only silent one, poor, bewildered, disappointed Ted, had crept away, whon Helena Yorrington was brought forward.

Lady Hortense sprang forward and seized her hand when Helena was retroating in consternation from the crowded room which opened beforo her. " Oh, you grand, noble, precious pearl of price !" cried out Hortense. " Konrade lias been whispering to me of your late ex perience. He has even told mo how grandly you refused his offered hand and namo. Come in ; como in to your reward."

Helena, palo and languid from her long and fatiguing ride, no less that from the try ing experience through which she had passed, suffered herself to bo drawn for ward, and even forced a listless smilo in answer to the general joy that shono from all the faces around her.

" You have repented of your hasty deci sion. You have discovered that Mr Earle is worth all your trust and faith. lam very gla&for both of you," she faltered.

" Yes ; I have learned to he ashamed of myself, and to glory in your steadfastness," said Lady Hortense ; and she whispered to the dowager an order to the gardener, which was promptly despatched and speedily fulfilled, for in a few moments a tiny bouquet, carefully covered with paper, was received and hurried into the alcove.

"And now you must hear a marvellous story," added the dowager gently detaining the girl beside her, and rapidly relating a brief synopsis of tho day's revelation until this last manceuvre had been accomplished, when sho yielded her hand again to hor eager granddaughter. "Ah, Helena Yerrington, I am ashamed to be so happy in your presence," declared Hortense, coming once more to take her prisoner. "You, who havo been as true and steadfast as the North Star itself, de serve to hold the most precious thing that earthly happiness can givo. And yot, alas ! —ah, Helena, are you sure that Cenway Searle was never false, never careless—that this fearful mystery has no blame to cast on him."

" Yes I am sure. Why do you torment me with the needless question '!" answered Helena, the contrast of her own desolate, lonely way striking sharply and painfully upon her. How benignantly the dowager smiled upon her! What tender, respectful, ad miration shono in Konrado Earle's eyes ! And as for Lady llortcnse, the flashing of her eyes, the dimpling of her lips, were al most dazzling. Touched by a vague im pression of something startling at hand, Helena stood looking appealingly from faco to face.

"Oh, it is cruel to keep her in suspense I" cried Hortensc, suddenly. "TaKe her, Konrade—it is you who alone deserve the right—take her to her reward, this brave, leal, trusty soul." And dancing across to her lover's side, Hortenso laid Helena's hand upon his arm. • "My dear Miss Yerrington, I give you joy," said Konrade gently. "At last we have found the track of Conway Searle. He is ahve; he is tiue and faithful as you de serve, and—he is here !"

~He drew aside the hanging drapery of the alcove; he led her within, just far enough for her to see the graceful, manly figure waiting there with its outstretched bunch of pansies, and dropping her hand from his arm, retreated, letting the damask folds fall again to screen the reunited lovers.

Those outside heard only a few low mur murs, a tremulous sob, and then there was utter silence,

" Sho has fainted, like poor Richard," ex claimed the dowager, softly. "lam afraid tho beautiful realisation camo too suddenly upon her." And sho wiped her overflowing eyes, and looked anxiously toward the alcove. Hortenso was standing with beautiful head bent low in humiliation.

" Konrade," said she, " don't overbelievo I havo passed through this unpunished. Every time I look at Helena Yerrington, every time I think of her, it will be a re buke to me. Do I not know that lam un worthy oven to touch the hem of her gar ment? Oh, I wonder that you can over for give me !" ■'You would not if you could see those wistful eyes of yours, my darling. I can not expect my tire-fly in her tropic nature to shine with tho clear, steady lustre of a star, nor ask a humming-bird to soar to the clouds like an eagle. Yet it is tho firo-fly and tho humming-bird that havo won my love. I givo my brother joy of his Helena, but I hold my own Jlorten.se as precious. You havo not asked any explanation yet of much that was mysterious on my part. But wo ."hall have it all presently. Shall Igo and peep to see if there is a pair of inarblo statues in yonder, transformed by joy^ in- Btoad of grief—a new version of Niobe I" And in answer to her nod of acquiescence, ho softly approached the alcove and looked

in. What unutterable peace was on the faces there ! —a joy so deep, and solemn, and all pervading that it needed no words of ox prossion, no loving curesses, no nssurancos of aflbctioii, such as common lovers uko. Hand held firm clasp of hand, and cyo mot oyo, and in this alcove wan a bliss too ecstatic to bo marred by words. '• Loavo them alone," said Konradc Earlo, with /i merry smile, (is ho came back to the anxious group. "Everything is well, but they are somewhere abovo tho common oarth—in the Bovonth hoavon, porhnps, and they do not speak our language thore. While they aro coming down to earth, lot my father tell us why ho concealed from me tho knowlodgo of a brother's existence." " I have alroady oxplained ovorything to Sir Richard and Lady Mildmay," answered Marmaduko Earlo, but with a gloom on his forehead that his son grieved to aco.

"I liavo told them of my lovo for Marion, myongagemonttohcr, and of tho mysterious plotter who won lior nwny from mo, and lured her to her ruin, only to desert hor mid leavo hor to dio in shnmo and suffering. I had married my father's choico, sho who diod at hor twin children's birth, but 1 could not forget Marion, and whon Blair, as I thought, accidentally revealed to mo that Sir Richard Mildmay was tho man against whom I had registered a solemn vow of vongoance, I sotmysolftowork to accomplish hit) downfall. I sco now, by tho light of Sirllichard's explanation, of what diabolical duplicity that Blair was capable. Ho used UK both, tho one against the other, to further his own nefarious ends. It was he who .suggested that I should perflonata a certain noted gambler, and win the core less young follow into tho lovo of cards and dico and strong liquors. It was ho who turned my wild accusations against Sir Richard so that tho latter answered in a way to givo mo assurance of liis guilt. It was ho who took from mo tho notes of Sir Richard's indebtedness, and ho ftlono who roally meant my death. I do not like to dwell upon it—it makos my blood boil and soothe ho that I cannot bear to rost a moment, until I start out in soarch of the double-dyed villain. Blair held tho notes and took tho money. He really believed me doad ; but tho sudden plunge into the wator brought mo back to life, and tho very insensibility in which I nmdo tho first plunge saved my life too, paradoxical as it may seem. 1 was first picked up by a poor fisherman, clutching at a loose board which had probably gonu out with mo when tho bout upset, but without any conscious in telligence. A valuable ,watch-chain and dangling diamond cross caught tho poor tallow's pyo, and prompted him to row ashoro with his priza without making known to tho searching boats ho could see in tho vicinity that he had found one of tho missing men. When 1 regained my senses this dilomma was used to my own advant age. I gave him twice tho value of the trinkota ho had secreted to hold hig peaco, and let mo go away unknown of all. I hurried on to London, and by a curious co incidence 1 saw and recognisod Sir Rich ard as ho was coining 'from his farewell to his homo. I followed him to America, and there lost sight of him for two years, and it was only by tho most arduous and pcwcToring search that I camo upon him again. I novor lost sight of him after that, but secretly choriehed my inox orable vow of vengoanoo, and matured a plan of cruel retaliation worthy of a Lucifer, lie will bo astonished to loam what close surveillance Duko kopt over Lighthouse Dick. Silas Groon will onlighten him, how ever, whenover ho shall chooso to seek that honest fellow's confldonco. My children weio at nurso in England. I confers that my heart was so full of hatred and a burn ing sense of cruel wrong that I had little tenderness for thoir innocence. The Earles havo been noted examples of fraternal dis cord, porhaps because tho estate has nover been capub'lo of supporting but one in the stylo befitting tho namo and race. But there havo been sorry stories told of every family in which there were two sons. They seemed to sot their hearts upon tho same object in love, and letters, and war. 1 looked at mine, and vowed, since but one could command revenue fit for his position, but one should bo distracted by the claims ol birth and rank. I loft the first-born of the twins in care of tho guardian tho courts had appointed on my reputed doath, and bribed the nurse to report tho other ailing and then dead. Tho latter I carried away with mo to Amorica, and gavo it into the care of worthy pooplo there, who adopted him for their own. Whon I know by the letters Sir Richard recoived and wrote how much his heart was sot upon tho daughter hero in England, I matured a new plan. Try not to think of me as a fiend by nature, but as a man driven nearly mad by a great and terriblo wrong to ono nearer and dearer than himself. I know that as a sort of ox piation to atone to Konrado Earlo for his fathor's loss, this heiress of the Mildmays had boon betrothed to him. I gloated over the assurance of this lovely girl's devotion to my son. I meant that this should be one means of torture. But as I pictured how I should wound the father by his daughter s anguish, when I forced my son to refuso to marry the daughter of his fathor's murderer, tho wild terror came—what if Konrade should dio and I lose ray vongeanco ? Then it was I cautiously made known to him that thorc was ono in America who had deep in terest and much power ovor his welfare. I sent for him to como to America, and mado known my exiatonce to him under a strong oath of secrecy, reserving Sir Richard s story from his knowledge. He gavo me his solemn promise to ludo any illness of his own from his acquaintances, but to send for a certain physician. As if to confirm the wisdom of this precaution of mine, not quite a year ago I was notified of a serious accident that had befallen him. A pistol carelessly handled had discharged its ball into his breast. Under this solemn promiso made to me ho was com pelled to hide his trouble and danger. The physician who was in my confidence wrote mo of the exceedingly critical nature of an operation required to i emove the ball, but of the still greater danger of allowing it to remain. I ground my tooth in rage at the thought of losing my vongoance—more, I fear, than at the danger of my son. Then I mado my strangest move. I ordered Konrade and the physician both to America, and I confronted Conway Searle, tho chivalrous boy who had won my lovo in spito of my hardness, with a trumped-up story of his real father's danger which his secret presence could alone avert, and spirited him out of his home and his friend's knowledge. If Konrade died I meant that Conway should step into his place, and cheat you all into believing him the same man. For this purpose I took every precaution to conceal all trace of his death, should he succumb under the operation, so that Conway might step un suspected into his place." " Oh," interrupted Lady Hortonse, drawing one long deep breath as her hand slipped over to Konrado's, " should I over have borne the test? Konrade, Konrade, 1 should not have been faithless that way. I should have known it was not you."

" Thank Heaven you were not tried !" said Marmaduko Earle; "it was a oruel plan. But I tell you all I have been in a wild mazo jof madness, from which it has pleased Heaven to wake me up atjlast. Con way understoodjmy design. He fa ucied Ijsto'od in some great danger, from which his identity would be able to shield me. He knew nothing of Konrade, except that I had ordered him to purchase tickets in that namo. He tried to resist the abrupt authority of his removal, but was quieted by the promise that Helena Yerriugton should receive a bunch of pansies on that particular day of every month, and that his durance should soon como to an end. I was not prepared, for to© hue tincl cry his disappearance made. The broken cane was the result of my own violence. I snatched it from him and broke it, while, arguing with him in reference to the Becreoy of his departure. LadyHortense, if you have any questions, ask them now, for I understand very well that many of this young, gentle man's movements wereshroudod in mystery in compliance with my own autocratic com mantis."

"Not a question," declared Hortonse, her eyes shining like stars. "My poor, poor Konrado! facing death in heroic silence, and I tormenting you with my idle curiosity. No, no ; I shall never doubt you again. Hush, hero they come at last, our pansy lovors. Do you see he has put one in in hor hair, and sho has fastened the others at her breast ? Welcome, wolcomo peerless Helena and happy Conway ! Oh, how beautiful the world is 1 Grandma, what shall we do for Ted—poor, silly Ted, who was so grand with his baronetcy ? Not a creature must be grieved under this blessed regime. What can be done to com fort Ted ?"

"Hunt up some wealthy heiress, my dear. Time will heal the poor lad's wounds, never fear. Oh, Richard, Richard! to think I havo you safe, and no deadly sword hanging over your head." Andherethe dowager's hand sank lovingly against the stalwart shoulder, and Sir Richard's arm was passed fondly about them both as he replied : " Muy Heaven teach us to deservo this happy issue out of our dark troubles ; and the first fruits must be—hear me, oh, Mar maduke—a renunciation of all thoughts of vengeance." "I must find Charles Blair," said Mar maduke, sullenly. " Find him, then, to forgive, and convert out of his wickedness. I have forgiven him all theso blighted yoars : I can look up to heaven and say it. Follow my example, I pray you ; put away all thoughts of enmity and revenge." " 'Vengeanco is mino ; I will repay,' " said Helena Yerrington, in alow, solemn tone. " Conway, whether Colonel Rivera found that note or not, you also are to re fuse to harbour malice."

•'Can you believo 1 have any other senti inont but that of overflowing joy?" answered Conway Searlo, tenderly. "You make mo think of quaint Si Green's parting remark, my Helena, ' When you sot your eyos on that 'ore young woman, I know you won't have room to be thinking of anything elso under the sun and me on,' said he ; ' it ain't to bo expected. Nobody won't think o' blaming you, for if ever thero was a saint but I kinder wish you'd contrivo to re member to give her Si Groon'a respects, and toll her ho did find ye, arter all, and that Franky's going to bo a painter.' Honest old Si! ho is happy with tho rest of üb. And do you think I shall stop to harbour resent ment against Colonel Rivet's, unworthy as I beliovo nim to have behaved?"

'• Wasn't that ono of the names In the list of tho missing steamor's passengers ?" asked tho judge. '' I was reading thorn this morn- Ing." '•Who is this Colonel Rivors?" asked Hortonse careloasly. "Ho was my guardian," answered Helena. " It's rathor odd that I havo an old pioturo of his in my pocket at this moment. I have been looking ovor my small array of worldly goods loft hore in London, and, finding it, I slippod it into my pocket. Ho gavo it to mo what seems ages ago. I bolieved ho disliked it, though ; it was takon by some water-colour artist in Germany, I think." Aa sho spoke she slipped her hand into hor pocket, and drow forth tho littlo carved case and opened it. A eudden sharp exclamation from Sir Richard drow Marmaduko Earlo's atten tion. Tho former looked shocked and dis tressed. "What is it?— who is it?" demanded Marmaduko; but as his eye fell upon the picturo ho shouted, fiorcely: "Charles Blair, by all tho fionds !" "Charles Blair it is I" ochood Sir Rich ard.

" And has ho sailod for England, did you tell mo ? Oh, but let mo moot him!" pursued Marmaduko, "Hush, hush ! Did you not hoar?—the steamer in supposed to havo foundered with evory soul on board." A shuddering awe fell upon the group. _ " ' Vengeance Is mine; I will repay, saith tho Lord,' " reiterated tho dowagor, solemnly.

CHAPTER XXVII,

chkstkk Harris's return*

Chkstkr Hajiris missed all this romantic and exciting denouement in London. Ho sent a brief line, stating his good fortune and proved departure, and went directly to Liverpool, and thenco by the first homo ward bound steamer.

Mary Converse meanwhilo had waited in a daze of tremulous hopo and fear aftor tho receipt of those strango.enigmatical letters; and Mr Smith had fumed ami fretted—all, however, of no avail, because Mary had said, in that gravo, steadfast way of hors : "Mother.l will keep faitl.j with Mr Smith if Chester Harris will give mo back my plighted word. I told you—T told him I had no right to promise anything until I had hoard from Chester. You must abide by that." "Why did ho not giro an answer? It is very selfish and unkind in him. He has no right to keep you out of a comfortable homo," said tho mother, peovishly. "Ho will not do it, answered Mary, sorrowfully. " I know him too well to be lieve it. If he cannot give us as safe, and happy, and comfortable a homo as Mr Smith offers, he will give mo back my plightod troth."

"Thon everything is »afe," declared Mrs Converse, " for we all know how poor and helpless these Harris people are." Mary eaid no more, but thero was a flattering hope in her heart that gavo her more restloss hours than all hor previous sorrow had done.

Mr Bmith had really no solid ground of complaint, and ho tried to appear confi dent and satisfied ; but there was an un easy fooling in his heart, and he used every art to strengthen his position. Ho sent over somo new gewgaw every day, until thore was really some danger that Mary Smith would start upon her married life in altogothor too extravagant sotting for her husband's means and position. A particular restlessness seized tho bridegroom-elect on the morning of what was to hare been the wedding-day. Did he calculate that an English steamer was due?

He slipped down early in the morning and coaxed Mrs Converse to have Mary arrayed in all the bridal finery, promising to drop in 88 if accidentally to behold its effect. Did ho moan to call up one of tho strongest foibles of a woman's strangely capricious heart ? Did he hope, in case tho troublesome Harris appeared, that Mary would find the costly dress a powerful ally on his Bide ?

However it might be, Mary had finally yielded to her mother's persistent efforts. The hatefully shimmering robe was brought out, the pretty cobweb laces unfolded, even the dainty, white kid slippers donned, and Mary, pale, cold, and listless, stood up in patient endurance, whilo the mother and maid chattered around her.

"Ah! was ovor anything raoro lovely?" cried out the proud and satisfied mother. " Nobody would evor know you, Mary." She was stooping to shake down a fleecy flounce, and hearing tho door pushed softly open and a firm step entering, sho said promptly, taking for granted that the contemplated programme was being carried out:

"Ah, Mr Bridegroom, have you come? Now say if you should dream our Mary would make so fair a bride ?"

She did not see tho new-comer nor could she see Mary's face turning from ghastly pale to fever-red, but she knew what had happened beforo she heard the glad, cheery voice:

" Did I know it ? Of course I did. Mary, my bonny, bonny bride, now you look more to my mind ; you were too white and cold a moment since. Oh, my darling, come to me. Weep out your tears upon my breast, for your-cares are ended at last." He caught the wavering figure in his arms, and held her close, needless of the rumpled lace and flowors. "Mr Harris I" exclaimed Mrs Converse in her sourest tone.

" Yes, madam, Mr Harris come home to claim his promised bride, and como back, thank Heaven ! with a fortune in his hand, with which to make her and you and all of us forget these pinching wretched times we have known," declared Chester, wisely re solving to spare Mary from hearing any thing between her mother and himself that would be unpleasant to remember. Mrs Harris stood twisting her fingers to gether nervously. "A fortune!" stammered she, and stopped again. ■ "Yes, and not a small one either. The Lord be praised ! I bring home more than a competency from the often reviled Welsh mine. Mary, dearest, you have not said a word of welcome yet." "Chester, oh, Chester," faltered Mary, and somothing choked down the rest. But the gentle head rested, oh, how thankfully, against his broad shoulder, and the worn, industrious little fingers nestled lovingly in his. "I shall send up Lawyer Stone to show you the proofs of my statements, Mrs Con vers6i" remarked Chester, in tl^e most business-like tone. " And he will give you a cheque to settle with whoever has been good enough to advance funds for this pretty finery of Mary's We'll use it just as quick as I can get my sister in the like trim, and a handsome house for us all to live in. I'm in an great a hurry as anyhody I assure you. And—" ~' . . ■'[ "Mem!"

Thu time the poor blind woman knew in advanco who was coming. That was Mr Smith's gruff voice, and no ono'a else. How thankful for once sho was that the blind eyes could not see tho rage and chagrin on his face. Chester gave the purple, angry face ono contemptuous glance, and dexterously drew Mary through the other door, and turned back to say: " Ah, Mrs Converse, I don't believo but this is the very individual. Ask him to make out his bill with a percentage for his accommodation. I won't forget the good turn he has done my wedding in getting tho bride ready." Safe with the closed door between, Mary threw herself again upon Chester's faithful breast. " Oh, Chester, Chester, tell mo it is truo. You have come back to savo me."

"With a fortune, and after a fortune. Mary, my dear, sometime I shall let you show ma what offering I can make to prove my gratitude to Heaven that my pearl of price was not snatched away from me. Come now, and help me break the good news to my father and sister." "It is so beautiful, so beautiful, whispered Mary. "Oh, Chester, I wish you could tell mo that that lovely Helena Yerrington was happy, too." "Something astonishing has developed, for Stone was chuckling about Si Green's getting the reward away from me. I couldn't listen to anybody else before see ing you, but we'll hear the rest tonight." It was on Mary's wedding-day that tho long lotter of joyful explanations came from Helena Yci'rington. "Ah," said Chester then to his sweet faced wife of two hours, "this ia the most charming wedding gift we could havo. To know that thoso other lovers are happy, too, completes our content, I do not like to think thoro are any miserable ones any where in tho wide world on this blessed day." " Not even Mr Smith '(" asked his sister,

archly. But Mary's blithe laugh showed Mr Smith's discomfiture did not lie heavily upon her conscience. Even Mrs Converse was presently heard to say : " There's nono to blame but himself. Mr Smith might see that, if ho were not bo set in his opinions." There was another pair of lovers, though very quaint ones, and they were under going a very melancholy parting almost at the time of Chester's remark.

Lknbcr Tom had stopped over in Balti more, and hunted up Sal Chisley again, and he said, in his quick, decided way, while ho thrust a gorgeous dress of rainbow tints into her arms:

" Now you look here, little Sally. I'm a coming down hero after you joet as 3oon as I get settled in that fishing-smack the gentlemen promised you. Do you jest keep a lively look out for me, and don't yer go to fretting. It won't be a year now, I toll yor, if I get tho good o' my namo; and we'll jest show 'em a couplo as won't do no quarreling for common put outs, now won't wo, Sal ?" And Sal laughed a little and cried a good deal. Limber Tom made good his wordswhen Conway Searle and his bride came home to Amorica to tako possession of tho property that Colonel Rivers' will had left to Helena, nnd to find the packet of confessions that made all tho mysteries clear, and proved be yond a doubt what black plots Charles Blair had daringly conceived and wickedly executed. Si Green, as happy a creature as the sun shone on, took them to the neat littlo sea-shore cabin, whero this youthful pair had gone to house-keeping in good faith and utter content.

And, with a sly glance at Helena's happy i'aco, ho said : "And who's going to say? I'm puzzled to tell sometimes. I ain't over sure but tlieso bo as happy a couple as any of ye. Anyhow it's part of the beautiful coming out of a black time. My Franky a gentle man painter, and Si Green comfortable, and Miss Helena as happy as a queen, and all coming out—you may say of a bunch of pansies. It beats all, it does. I always pay my respect, wherever I see 'em, to the pansies. [the end].

THE GARDEN.

(By Hortus).

Calendar of Operations. April 26.

[Horti/8 is willing to answer any quorica Cor respondents must givo thoir full names and iddroEsns, though not for publication.]

TO CORRESPONDENTS. Vinf.9 (F.Q.)—Whenover the fruit is nil cut givo the house all tho air you can, night ana day. It it it possible untio the vines oir the rafters and bend them through tho front sashcß out to the opon air. If that is not possible, tie them in bows along the front of tho house whero they will pet more air and fewer rays of tho sun. This will hava the effect of ripening tho wood quicker, thereby giving a lougcr rest to tho vinee. Vine Bordkk (Amateur).—Your border is sour and wot, you say; to remedy this I would drain und partly renow the soil in tho border. Get soino good turf carted at once ; place it in aheap manI.tho vinery; burn some of your clay In a heap near tho above; about the middle of next month mix the two heaps to gether with thoaddltion of plentyof Bhell linie: und inch bones, liino, and. rubbish will also groatly assist tho mixture if it oan readily be procured. Then about the end of next month month, thorougnly drain the border flrstabout three feet six inches deep, puttinu about a foot of rubbish on top of the drains. After com pleting the drainage, commence at one end of the! border by taking a strip with one or two vines. Lift tho vinos, saving as many of the roots as possible Tie them up in old sacking. Then take out all the good soil, stacking It alongside of the heap of compost Now start on the clay, wheeling it cloan away from the house. Go about oightoen inches deep with this, thon commence putting in tho good Boil and compost, mixing thorn Doth together till sufficient for planting tho vine. Now take the roots and spread them over tho surface; bring them straight out from tho houso, then cover up with about six inches of good soil. Continue this till the whole border is com plotod. Tho above will be oxponsivo, but wili pay in tho long run. Ground Vinery (Grape Vine).—l have answorod part of your quory In my answer to tho abovo correspondent, I would only add that you should make equally as good a border for ground vinerys as for a good vinery, and 1 beliove it is possible to grow as food grapes in tho ono as in the other if the orders aro equal. Now io the proper time to make the borders. Plant the vinos out about the boginning of June. Make tho vinories during tho winter. They will not be required till the spring.

Kitchen Garden.

Whenever colory is sufficiently far ad vanced, givo a good Boaking with liquid manure ; tio and earth up ; give the same treatment to leeks, Continue digging, manuring, and trenching all vacant pieces of ground. Sow the same down in green crop if not wanted for vegetables in the winter. Though no green feed is wanted, the green stuff can easily be dug into the ground in the spring ;it will be as good as another doso of manure. Oats or winter vetches ore about the best for this purpose, and they give the ground a good change from the ordinary crops. Make another sowing of turnips and carrots ; thin out those previously sown. Also sow another patch of prickly spinage for winter use. In clearing away all debris, when putting it on the neap to rot, give plenty of salt and lime, so as to kill the lavre of the different insects, especially tomato, cabbage, and cauliflower debris. All the insects that in fest those now simply lay their eggs on the debris, and if material is not put in to kill them, in using this material afterwards for manuro you simply help to increase their numbers in the garden. It would be better to burn such refuse unless effectual means are taken to kill insect life. Flower Garden. Preparations must now be made for reno vating the lawns next month. Have the heap of soil turned over so that it may be better sweetened. At the same time add what bones and lime are required to the heap. As you turn it, keep the grass on the lawn short, and eradicate as many of tho weeds as possible Continue making and finishing all improvements, as the wet season will be on by the end of next month, and it is better to have all new work done before the heavy wot sets in. Grass seed sown-early will do much better when sown while tho soil is in a moderately dry state than after heavy rains. The soil gots cold, and the seed does not ger minate so well. All now flower borders should also be finished as soon as possible. When made while the soil is dry, the flowers will succeed better than if made while m a wet state. Walks should also be gravelled ; while dry tho labour will bo less O!d walks which are beginning to got worn should also receive a new coat of gravel, and be well rolled. About the ond of next month make arrange ments for getting tho gravel. Greenhouse. Dispense with shading now. Bulbs and tubers going to rest, water sparingly. Most of the plants will also need liss wSter now. Keep up a good circulation of air. This is the best time of the year to lay in a fresh stock of potting soils. Get, if pos sible, some good fibrous loam, and only skim two or three inches deep of tho surface, stacking this in a heap to rot during the winter. : When root crops are placed away, dry sand may be mixed with them, as it tends

to keep them longer and in better condition. A sprinklo of lime is said to prevent rot. .<? When you burn brush or rubbish in the garden, spread the ashes as far as they will co and not leave them to be leached into the earth on the spot where the brush was burnt.

Root pruning of such tree 3as require a cheek to their vigour should be commenced without delay. The simplest method is to open a trench on one side of the trees, and out back the roots to within two or three feet of the stems (according to the size of the trees) half round each tree. Next year open trenches and cut back the roots on the othor half round, and so on year after year. This will prevent a rank growth and increase their fruitfulness. Watering Crops.—The best way to do this is to pour the water on the ground be tween tho rows in tho eveninc; after the power of the sun is past for the day ; and, when applying the water, always give suffi cient to penetrate down to the roots. Small driblets aro worse than useless, as they only encourage the small feeding fibres to come to the surface, where the fierce rays of the sun soon scorch them. When water ing, occasionally mix a little manure water with the bulk, so as to compensate for the waste of'manure matters in the soil from so much water being so rapidly passed through it to be almost as rapidly evaporated by the heat of tho sun's rays. Crops should receive, if possible, a heavy drenching every week during tho dry weather. Few realise the immense benefit derivable from fre quently stirring the surface soil in dry weather as means of retaining the moisture in tho soil and keeping the roots cool.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 1884.

6



Standabd Preparations just received at Aickik's, The Pharmacy, Queen-street— Kepler's Extract of Matt, two sizes; Kepler's Extract of Malt, with Cod Liver Oil; Kepler's Extract of Malt, with lodide of Iron; Kepler's Extract of Malt, with Parrlsh's Food; Haze mne ; Borrough's Beef and Iron Wine; Fellow's Syrup of tbo Hypophosphites, for Consumption; Fragrant Sozodont for tho Teeth (3s 6d per bottle); Kno's Fruit Salt; Bishop's Effervescing, Carlsbad Salts, Vichy Salts, and Citrate of Lithift,



ANOTHER FIRE! WHAT TO DO~IN CASK OF FIRE. The mo3t fruitful sources of firea are-the careless use of matches, candle flame coining inlcontact with window curtains or bednang- Ings. the mismanagement of kerosene lampa. and tho leaving of ordinary household lamps untended. Matches should always be kept Dn a high shelf out of the reach of children. When employed in stores, warehouses and factories, they should bo protected from mice by means of proper metal-Doxes. Care should be taken not to drop unlighted matchos, nor to throw down unextinguished matches care lessly on the floor. Never leave a lighted candle unwatcbed near hanging drapery, especially if there be an open window in the room. Reading in bed bycandle light is a practice very much to be condemned, and a burning candle should never be suffered to remain after the inmates of tho house are asleep. Gas should be turned off at the main when not in uae. In case an escape should be strongly smelt, turn off at once from the main and set open tho doors and windows, but on no account take a lighted candle into tho room till tho smell has passed off. Never pile up partially burnt wood against the chimney; scorea of houses have been burned in this way in New Zealand. Never put firewood inside the fonder or on the stove to dry. Paper, clothing, or similar combustible material should never be left near the grate. Ashes should never be thrown away against a wooden building, or kept in a wooden box or barrol. The above hinta relate to the preven tion of fire. When unfortunately a fire does occur, remember that wet blankets and rugs economise the supply of water, and are more effectual in preventing tho apread of fire than wator simply thrown on, and at the same tune cause less damago to furniture. In the hurry and confusion of a iire doora and windows are too apt to be thrown open ; they should be kept shut aa much as possible. Fire can only spread rapidly when it is plentifully supplied with air. Have your chimneys regularly swept, at fixed intorvala; at least once in three months. WHAT TO DO AFTER A FIRE. The assured mußt use his best endeavours to save and protect his property during the fire and afterwards, and until an officer of the Insurance Company arrives, ho should act precisely as he would if he had no in surance whatevor, i.e., do all in his power TO PREVENT FURTIIER LOSS OR DAMAGE. Thi» is especially necessary where the loss is on merchandise or chattels, it being a mistaljs to suppose that goods damaged by or in cos- Bcqucnce of a fire must bo allowed to remain in the chaotic condition into which a fire generally throws them, to await inspection by the adjuster. On the contrary, they should first of all be removed (if necessary) to a safe, dry place, and everything done that is requisite to prevent further shrinkage of values. After this tlioy should be straightened and assorted, the damaged separated from tho Bound, and tho whole cor rectly invoiced. The polici is make thia a part of tho duty devolving upon the assured, and prompt, intelligent compliance with this condi tion ia calculated to facilitate tho adjustment of losses. As the goods caved from a flro belong to tho assured they cannot bo abandoned to . tho Underwriters, but tho Companies are liable for all damage thereto so far as tb.9 policies will reach.



WHAT TO DO BEFORE A FIRE. Effect a policy of Insurance with the NEW ZEALAND INSURANCE COMPANY, where every description of Insurances aie taken at Lowest Ratesof Premium. GEORGE P. PIERCK, General Manager CIETTLERS HOTEL, WALTON ia STREET, WHANGAREI. MRS S. H. FULLER, PROPRIETRESS. Thi9 Old-PBtablished Hostelry occupies the Most Contral Position of any House in 'Whan garei, being within 2 minutes' walk from eilhei Railway Station, Wharf, or Post-office^possese ing Kxckllkn'T Accommodation for visitor and Tourists. NONE BUT FIRST-CLASS BRANDS OF WINES AND SPIRITS KEPT. JIACNAB AND HANCOCK'S SPARKLING ALES ON DRAUGHT. BRILLIANTLY-LIGHTED BILLIARD-ROOK AND GOOD STABLING. EVERY CIVILITY AND ATTENTION PAID TO VISITORS. ORDINARY DAILY AT ONE O'CLOCK. Tho CuUine is under the Personal Superin tondenco of the Hostess Herself. rERMS~MODERATK. A UCKLAND HOSPITAL. COMMITTEE: Elected : Appointed. His Worship W. R. Wad- Hon. Col. Hault&in del, Ebq. (Chairman) Arthur Bull, Esq. J. M. Clark, Esq. Captain Daldy K. A. Jlackcchnio, Esq. Sydney Dando, Esq. T. Peacock, Esq., M.H.R. Applications for admission by persons suffer ing from diseases and requiring medical treat mont will be received at the Hospital on anj day between the hours of 9a.m. and 10 a.m. In cases of accident or emergency, patientt will bo received into tho Hospital without delay, beds being kept ready for urgent cases. Patients able to do so will Bo required to paj for their support at tho Hospital according to their position and circumstances. Subscriptions will bo thankfully received bj any member of the Committee and by the under signed/ H. N. GARLAND, Secretary, Wyndham-street /GOODWIN'S ELEPHANT BRAND VJT BAKING POWDER. ONE TRIAL WILL PROVE ITS SUPERIORITY. GOODWIN'S DAKING POWDER. OODWIN'S -DAKING ,-t OWDER. GOVERNMENT ANALYST'S REPORT. Colonial Laboratory, August 8, ABB 2. Mr. GOODWIN: Dear Sir,— Having made a very careful analysis of your Baking Powder, I find it to be a very superior article, containing nothing in any way deleterious to health. I nave.'there fore, much pleasure in giving itmy certificate.— J. M. TUNNY, Colonial Analyst. Op all Storekeepers, in Tins Is 6d AJ.TS3B Bd. Manufactnrod by GOODWIN & CO., ONEBrofIA.



DR. J. COLLIS BROWNE'S CHLORODYNE, THE ORIGINAL AND QNLY GENUINE. Auvioe to Invalids.—lf you wish to obtain quiet, refreshing sleep, free from headache, relief from pain and anguish, to calm and assuage the weary achings of protracted disease, invigorate the nervous media, and regulate the circulating systems of the body, you will provide Sourself with that marvellous remedy discovered y Dr. J. Collis Browne (Late Army Medical Staff), to which ho gave the name of CHLORODYNE. and which is admitted by the profession to be the most wonderful and valuable remedy ever discovered. CHLORODYNE is the best remedy known for Coughs, Consumption, Bronchitis, Asthma. CHLORODYNE acts like a charm in Diarrhoea, and is the only specific in Cholera and Dysentery. CHLORODYNE effectually cute Bhort all attacks of Epilepsy, Hysteria, Palpitation, and Spasms. CHLORODYNE is the only pallative In Nouralgia, Rheumatism, Gout, Cancer, Tooth ache, Meningitis, &c. ~lp!i?m,sJ ™es & Co., Pharmaceutical Chemists,. Medical Hall Simla, January 5,1880. To J. T. Davenport, Esq., 33, Groat Russell-street, Bloomsbury, London. Dear Sir,—We embrace this opportunity of congratulating you upon the wide-spread reputation this jußtly esteemed medicino, Dr J. Collis Browne's Chlorodyne, has earned for itself, not only in Hindostan, but all nvor the East. As a remedy of general utility, we much question whether a better is imported into the country, and wo shall bo glad to hear of ;ts linding a place in ovcry Anglo-Indian home. Ine other brands, we aro happy to say, are now relegated to tho nativebazaars.and judging from their sale, we fancy their sojurn thoro will be but evanescent Wo could multiply instances ad injiiiitvm of the extraordinary efficacy of Dr. Collis Browne's Chlorodyne in Diarrhoea and Dysentry, Spasms, Crumps, Neuralgia, tho Vomiting of Pregnancy, and as a general seda tive, that have occurred undor our personal observation during many years. In Choleraio Diarrhoea and even more terriblo forms of Cholera itself, we have witnessed its surprising controlling power. Wo have nover used any other form of this medicine than Collis Browne a from aflrm conviction that it is decidedly thebest, and also from a senso of duty we owo to tho profession and the public, as wo aro of opinion that the substitution of any other than Collis HrOwne's is A DELIBERATE BREACH OP FAITH and patient alike. Wo are, Sir, faithfully yours, Symes & Co., Members qj the Phar Society of Great Britain, His Excellency tho Viceroy's Chemists. Sold In bottles at Is Ijd, 2s M, Is 6d, and lla each. None is genuine without the words "Dr J. Collia Browne's Chlorodyne " on the Govern ment stamp. Overwhelming medical testimony accompanies each bottle. ' Cnulion.-Bcwaro of Piracy and Imitations. Solo Manufacturer—J. T. DAVENPORT) sa Oreat Kuasoll-atroct. Bloomghnwt "£""*'



Land and Estate Agents. D, IT. Evans KSTATK, HOUSK, AND LAND AGENT AUCTIONEER, &c. mO CAPITALISTS AND OTHERS; FIRST-CLASS INVESTMENT IN THIS CITY FOR SALE. All that Valuable and Centrally Situated Pm perty, consisting of FREEHOLD ALLOTMENT" together with Commodious Double Shop Storo' room, and 5 Rooms upstairs, built of brick on stone foundation, in flrst-class position, and well adapted for Solicitor's Chambers, being situated in Shortland-street, near those handsome and extensive new premises in course of construc tion for the Evening Star ; and also near tho Post-office, banks, and those magnificent new block ot buildings (the Arcade) now i*bout to be erected for tho New Zealand Insurance Com pany. This is a real first-class investment, and well worthy the attention of capitalists, i is, with1 out doubt, the most valuable and safest invest ment now in the Market, with undeniable pros, pective value, second to none in Auckland. Full particulars from D. F. EVANS, 867 Estate Agent, Queen-street AUCKLAND-City Property; valuable busi ness premium, situate in Shortland-strntt. near fns -oflice; grand position. (875) ARARIMU—I73 acres, pure improved nart bush. Lot !13. Opahekc. (95' i) AVONDAIiK-22 acres splendid land, mostly in grass; a largo portion in orchard, and shelter tiers; i>o»d creek. (851) AMY-sTREET. ELLKRSLIE - 2 Splendid Allotments, having a frontage or about 261 feet. (841) BOM HAY—SO.! acres improved farm Land very cheap. Only £30 cash, and £70 can remain for 5 years. (y.gi BANJtS'sS LXOUNTY-.V-OO acres of good forest land. Abundance of pnrJri, kauri, totara and other timber. About 3 miles from Di.'epwater Creek. BABYLON-A very nteo little Farm of 100 acres; new house of 7 rooms, cowshed stockyard, pigsty, &c.; 2 good grass pad docks. The land on this farm is really good, and can conlidcnUy be recommended as a very desirable little homestead. (10501 CHU ROH-STRh ET-Villa Residence of 5 rooniß, fitted with cupboards,drcrscr register grate oven, &.c; good well and tank, well-stocked garden. Price, £3SO. (7291 OOMMERCIAi. ROaD, off Great North hoad —5J acres; 2 acres paling fenced and planted with 300 fruit trees. Very cheap. (8381 COMMERCIAL ROAD, oif Great North Road —New Verandah Cottage of 5 Rooms, Regis tered Grate, Cupboards, &c. Allotment Six 150. £400. (728) DAIRY *LaT—2ss ucres good Land, part vol canic, bush, nice homestead of i rooms. Price, 32* 6d per acre (97d) DKVONPORT - Beach Road : i Dwelling houses ; 3 let at £50 each, and one at £00. Flrßt-claßs investment and very cheap. EDWIN-SI REE r, ROCKY NOOK-Very nice little Cottage of 5 rooms; goo' volcanic al lotment. Price, cyily £250. EPSOM—ViIIa Residence and Grounds Also, tplendid Building Allotments, near rest dence of E Heskelh, Esq. (1751 KLLKRBLIE-11J acres Volcanic Soil; good road frontage, near Racecourse. (951) ELLEKSLIK (near Harp of Erin)—6-roomed House, Outbuildings; every convenience; about 1J acres on main road, near Railway Station. £825. (963) KLLERSLIE (on Panmure Road) —Freehold Boilding Allotment, ornamental trees beautiful situation for building, main road: Land 19S s 193 feet. £400. (1070) FERNLEIGH-STREET—3 Verandah Cottages of 3, 4, and 0 rooms respectively. In good order. City water laid in. Prico, for tha three, £560. A goed investment. (1102) FRANKLIN ROAD—Two Good Villa Resi dences, 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 £1,400. (1069) GRKAT SOUTH ROAD—:J ucres and6-roomed House and out-buildings oa the main road, nrar Ellersiie Station. Price, *625. (963) GEORGE AND WILLIAM STREETS, PUN SONBY—Brick House of four roomß and scullery, outhouse, &c; allotment, 33 x 132; £400. GREAT NORTH ROAD-About 5 miles from Auckland —A new and well-finished Houko of 6 rooms, ttatile, sc, and 3 acres splendid . land, in cultivation: bounded by a grand stream of water; more land if required. 1319) . GLENBURN, PONSONBY—Three magnificent Sites for Marine Villa Res dences. Price' for the three, £650. Superb view of Queen street Wharf, North Shore and Harbour. HOWICK—Good Cottage of S rooms and 2 acre* land well fenced. Good well. Price £200. (1110) JOHN-STREET — First-class Building Allot ment, quite new, and good view. Price, 30a per foot. (10G7) LEAMINGTON ROAD—Now Villa Residence of 4 large rooms and scullery, American stove, register grate,; allotment, 50 x 100.' Price, £27u; £150 can remain on mortgage. MANGARE—One of tho best little Grazing Farms in the province of Auckland. (642T MONTAGUE-STREET, NEWTON-New Six roomed Verandah Cottage, fitted with register grates, colonial oven, cupboards. &o. Price. £280. (719) MOUNT EDEN ROAD-Very nice Villa Resi dence of 7 rooms; tank, outhouses, good garden; allotment, J9J x lys; best part of Mount Eden Road. ' (1048) MELFORD-STREKT—Two good Villa Sites, each 50 x 150. Price, 50^ and 55s per foot. NELSON AND WILLIAM STREETS^Housa of I rooms and scullery, corner of Nelson street ; water laid on, asphalt yard; allot ment 45 x 66. Price, only £100. House ad joining the above, 5 rooms, gas, water, &c,; allotment 33 x 45. Price, £350. (1053) NKVY MAKKKT.-Ntw-Btreet: New Verandah House of 5 rooms; good well, tank. &o; nice garden ; allotment 18 x 120. Prico only £350. (Sls) NELsOtf-S' REKT, CI CV.-A very nico and commodious Hoit'O of 8 rooms, having a grar,d view of liaibour Price, £650 (979) PAPAKUR < VAI.IKY - 428 acres good alluvial land ; pai tly fenced, and a pom ion improved; a splendid creek throncfli the property; about 3 miles from Railway Station. (8 2» POKKNO- 'S9 acrea Vo'camo Land, nearly all level 26 acres cleared an?) in good grasp and fenced1 Price • 2 per acre: a bargain. (94) POvENO-Nice Little Farm of 21 acres in crops, grass, &c.; gooii five roomed Cottage and outhouses, which, with i cows, dairy utensils. &c, &c, is now ottered for £300; situate juat at Pokeno Station. (Sim) RICHMOND ROAD - Two nicely-finished Houses of 6 rooms each, fitted with every convenience. Let well. Prico, for the two, £700; or would be sold separately. (1103) RAMaRAMA-160 acres good mixed Land a shot dit,tanca from Drury. Cheap, at £3 10a per acre. (764) RAZORBACK-i8 Acres Good Land. 26 acioß in grass; Cottage of three rooms, cow-shed, piggery, &c; never-failing supply of water. Price, only £250. (67^> RYLE-STREET-Pretty Verandah Villa of 5 rooms, &c.; allotment 66 x 120; a very desirablo residence. (1039) RICHMOND ROAD-2 good Building Allot ments; quite level; 40x99 each; good view. Must be sold. (1016) 3T. MaRY'S ROAD corner of Dublln-street- House of 5 rooms and scullery, auri 2 rooms detached; gas, tanks, *c Price «565. (734) TAMAKI EAST—Snug little Farm of 60 acreß. Good House of 5 rooms, and usual out buildings ; all new; stock, &c. Price, only £480. <fwo> TE PAPA—4B acres good arable Land. Price, only 15s per acre. (1107) Vl} WKO. JANDTHKTERRACE. MuUNT JLDEV—A First class Residenoe of 7 rooms, complete with every convenience; well laid out grou. ds about I acre : fruit and flower garden. Magnificent view (945) VIKW ROAD MOUNT UDEN—S minutoa' from Railway .station — A new 6-rcomed Two-story Building, verandahs, bath-room, water laid in f uit trees and vei(etab a garden volcanic mouM. Price. £130. (94-) ■ VIEW AVENUE, MOUNT EDEN-New Villa Residonco of 5 rooms, and outbuild ings; scoria soil, and good position. Only £300. WAITANGI BLOCK, MAKARAU-60 acres of land, supposed to contain valuable bush. Price, £60. (1028) WHATAWHATA — Waipa River- Beautiful Homestead of 200 Acres; house, stables, sheds, and outhouses ; splendid cherry grove; strar-fr f'orf.T lit""" Tourtimes a week; )•••'; >.; ,\auC ~ i>.t'cr;good run for cattiu. ' (1055). WARKW<.RTH-Old Established Tloardtng hou-e Business for sale. Fiist-cl ss oppor tunity to secure a really good pacing con cern. Prioe only £500. WHANGAREI-12) acres Improved Land: small piece kauri bush; Lot 51, Tauraroa. (9511 WH .> G \ RBI-Improved Farm of, 143 acres at Mangapai; 4'i acre? in grass, and 6in orchard; dwelling house. Cheat). £S<o "(984> WHANG RSI HtCAD;-Paruaßay-60aores. part in graßs and kanri; homeßteafi farm; good road. Price, £221 (96') ffH»T«»'H TA-Waipa Rivor—ton acres Improved Farm; first-class residence; good orchard; charming property Price, & 100. am Public Notices. pUBUC NOTICE. Notice is hereby given that the Waitakorel West Highway Road Hoard intend to stop part of the Road leading from Mound Springs by Spring Hill to Wairiri. The Road proposed to be stopped adjoins Allotment No. 4, Waitakcrei West, and is immediately opposite tho house and premises of John Smyth. Tho plans of the proposed alterations are on view at tho Offlco of tho Board, Mr \V. Buchanan's resi dence, Waitakerei Railway Station. JNO. SMYTH, Chairman Waitakerei West Highway Board STEEDMAN'S SOOTHING POWDERS FOR CHILDREN CUTTING TEETH. CAUTION TO PURCHASERS, The value of this well-known Family Medicine has been largely tested in all parts of tho world. and by all grades of society, for upwards of fifty tears. Its well-earned extensive sala has induced spurious imitations, some of Which in OUTWARD APPKARANCK SO Closely resemble tho original as to have deceived many purchasers. The proprietor, therefore feels it due to the public to givo a special caution against tho use of such imitations Purchasers are thereforo requested carofully to observe tho four following distinctive cha£ acteristics, without which none are genuine : wltrTr 1 evory ?£ so the Vol'ds John Steed man, Chemist, Waworth, Surrey, are en each packet! Govemment stanjß affixed to th^ d7^° h Si? el? I>owa« has directions for rifpml»fV^nd S lO Wordß John Steedman, w 4Walw>r^ Surrey. Printed thereon, two EE's nam° stcedman iB "Iways spelt with wlli sTreyf CtUte to °arried m ***** ta vfSri dn!S P?i ,ts,D/ aU Chemists and Medicina vendors, at la Ud to 2a 9d each. aiT^m 1 j Kkmpthoune, Prosser and Co, oSSedE.' WeUin Kton. Christchureh, and STOP THJAT COUGHI DQNT DKLAT. How can you stop It? Where Is the Remedy* BONHHIGTON'S "PECTMAL OXVIftEt ov QARRAQBEN OR IRISH MOSS (REGISTERED). Cm prodnee tnoro evidence of real merit than any othor article for the purpose.. SmcvenmhneA J3. BQNNI^TQN. .