A BATTLE FLAG.

v Captain Turner, it cannot be; it is im possible."

"Do you say that because I am a Northern soldier while your sympathies are all for the South?"

Clara Taliafer did not reply for a moment. She had been looking the handsome Captain frankly in the eyes, and her own facu had been lighted with resolution and courage, but now her glance wavered, her pale cheek flushed, and she pressed her lips together as she turned aside her head and saw with out noting them the sharp blue tops of mountains miles away to the east where the Tennessee wound tortuously along its course; saw the broad stretch of cotton fields and orchards; the group of huts where the darkies of the plantation were quartered ; the capacious barns, the passing slaves, and the silhouette of the ancient well-sweep against the horizon. With such speed and precision as only a disturbed and excited brain can draw them the events of the last three weeks appeared in living pictures before her mental vision. She saw her home in a neighbouring town dis ordared in the turmoil of war ; her house made the headquarters of the Con federate forces ; her husband in command ; her glad departure from the scene of probable battle to a supposed refuge at the plantation of her former schoolfellow, Mrs Mary Johnston ; she felt again the relief of absence from a husband many years her senior, whom she had never loved; and; then.she saw the little garrison left at the plantation surprised and captured by a bat talion of Northern soldiers, the place be come an outpost of the Union army, the house the quarters of Captain Henry Tur ner, herself a prisoner ; she recalled her re sentment at the episode, her rashly-formed plan to revenge herself and benefit the Southern cause at the same time, her con spiracy with her hostess by which she was introduced to the Captain as " Miss " Telia fer ; and as she reviewed in a flash her adroit coquetry with the Northerner the colour deepened on her cheeks and the keenest repentance pricked her conscience; for not only had her scheme succeeded, not only was the captain her vanquished victim, but she saw in him a noble enemy to whom her heart had warmed before she knew it; and when she had discovered that intent upon possessing hi 3 heart she had lost sight of her own she had tried to withdraw from the contest, and found it too late. Captain Turner needed no further baiting to draw him on, but pressed his suit with all the ardour of a deep passion. Her course was clear enough; duty demanded that she hold the more firmly to her original plan, and every pulse of her being dictated the sternest rejection of his overtures, but there •was now what she had not anticipated as an element in the case, a powerful desiue to retain his respect for her. She could not bear to think that he should learn her de ceit and despise her, and yet further decep tion was intolerably abhorrent. Captain Turner waited for her answer, little dream ing of the torrent of thought and emotion that was surging through her brain. With a great effort she held fast her fleeting courage, looked up at him again ar/d re sponded : "No, Captain Turner, that is not the reason."

l\ But what other reason can there be ? You have but just now said that no love for another stands between us ; I could aot believe that possible even did your own lips tell- me so. You have told me more clearly than words could express it that you love mo, Clara. You would not deliberately arouse in me a suspicion that you have played the coquet ?" I'Jie Captain frowned and looked fixedly at her. "There is something more here," he said in a. low tone. " thatl can .under- "^jfei," sTEie interrupted Eagerly, "much more. Believe me, I cannot tell you. Let me go away. You command this post and can give me such escort as will insure my reaching the Southern lines in safety." The Captain locked his fingers together and looked hard at the ground- A full minute passed before he raised his head and said bravely : "You ehall go as soon as you wish. I will myself escort you." "No, no; you must not do that. "Will you go this evening?" he con tinued, ignoring her protest. She put her handkerchief to her eyes im pulsively, and with a half sob answered : "Yes, at once." Captain Turner knew that it was a vio lation of his duty to absent himself for several hours from his post. He knew that orders might come for marching or a scout ing movement at any moment, and that worse contingencies were possible. But his passion had for the time banished duty and patriotism was forgotten. The one idea he recognised was a determination to solve the problem of Clara's refusal. He felt sure as he had spoken that she loved him, and the true cause of her attitude was as far from suggesting itself as possible. He hoped by accompanying her to the Rebel lines to learn something definite about the matter. They set out at 4in the afternoon. Clara had warned her hoste?s of the trouble, and Mrs Jonhston had instantly discerned her guest's situation. She therefore placed, no obstacle in the way of her speedy departure. The captain rode on his horse beside the carriage and endeavoured to bring about a further discussion of his love. Mrs Telia fer persistently and successfully refused to talk of it. She had regained her self-con trol and seemed to be in the gayest of spirits, chattering of all things but love, and frequently affected to despise the Northern soldier for not remaining at his post. It was sundown when they reached thatfpart of the way where Captain Turner could neither go further nor, be of more ser vice. His last desperate appeal to her to give him an answer that she loved him and would wait was met by a hasty "Good bye !" and a sharp command to her driver to hurry on. The captain turned his horse's head and began his journey back to hie quarters wibh a grea.t weight on his heart. The bridle dropped loose on the animal's neck, and the master looked off into the gathering darkness with profound melancholy. He did not know that as soon as'he was out of sight and hearing Clara Teliafer sunk back in the carriage weeping, feeling at once a relief as if she had escaped a terrible danger and a sorrow deeper than she had ever known.

The night was dismally dark. Captain Turner allowed his horse to walk the whole way without spur or guidance. He could not have told how far he had yet to go to reach his quarters when he was startled by the sound of musketry in the distance. It came from the direction of his little camp. The thought of his neglect of duty rushed over him and sent his heart into his boots. He drove the spurs deep into his horse's flanks and galloped away into the forest in an agony of doubt and fear. He had not f one ahalf mile when the firing ceased. Still c galloped on, for he was now the more in doubt as to what had happened to his command. Presently he heard a horse man coming up the road before him. He planted himself squarely in the comer's way, and, with drawn sword, ordered him to stop. The command was obeyed in stantly, and in the darkness the Captain recognised the voice of one of his sergeants. "Gaptain," exclaimed the orderly, "I have been sent to find yon. We have been attacked by a band of guerrillas, or it may fee a scouting party from the enemy's main division- We were taken entirely by sur prise, the pickets driven in and some of them captured; one man at least has been killed and there are several badly wounded. Worst of all, they took our flag." '" Well;" interrupted the Captain, "what of the men 1 Have they retreated ?" ■ " No, Bfe* I gave the bad news firet f and all of it. W» recovered as soon as possible

and repulsed the enemy. Numbers were about even, I should think, and we inflicted as much damage upon them as they upon us, except that they have our flag. We fear further attacks, and the men are under arms but ifc appeared as if the band had simply intended a surprise and skirmish with a view to learning our strength." Both officers pat the spurs to their horses again and continued towards the plantation. Captain Turner was silent and the subor dinate did not venture to suggest any further talk. Presently the Captain pulled his rein, and when both had come to a stop he said: " Sergeant, you are a sensible man. 1 want you to answer me frankly, bluntly, as a soldier should: Do you appreciate my situation ?" " I think I do, Captain Turner. •'ln the conduct of a great war a skirmish by night, with the loss of a few men and a flag, counts for nothing. But here this little affair may give the key of the whole situation to the enemy. Even if it should prove immaterial in the campaign, what report of it can I make, with honour to myself, to the Colonel ?' "I do not know, sir." " Sergeant "—and the captain's voice was low and impressive—" it means disgrace to me. does it not ? Come, speak up." "Well, sir, I don't think the Colonel will approve of a commander running about after a Rebel woman when there is fighting in the air."

Cap. Turner was silent for a moment before he continued : " Sergeant, I am going to depend upon you to help me and the command out of this. I take you into my confidence here as man and man, not as Captain and subor dinate. Do you understand ?"

"I do."

" I am not going back to the plantation. It will be better for me to be captured. I am going to try to atone for what between man and man I recognise as a clear neglect of duty. You will report back to Lieut. Winkler that I was not to be found, and that you fear that lam a prisoner. I ehall. make my way to the enemy's camp. If I succeed I shall be back before morning with the flag. If not I shall be he'd either as a prisoner or be shot as a spy. In either case something will have to be done to re move the blot upon my record. Lieut. Winkler will report me among the missing but if I succeed I shall return before he can get his report to head-quarters." ■ " But, Captain, this is unnecessary. You have but to return to the plantation and make out the report to suit yourself " '' Sergeant, you do not understand me. Let that pass. Will you do as I suggest ?" " I will, and you may depend upon Com- Eany B to do all it can to the last man to elp the Captain." "I don't doubt that, but I depend on yon. only. Yon are to remember that all I have said ie confidential."

A few words more and the Captain turned his horse and rode away towards the Southern lines as fast as the animal could carry him, and the sergeant went slowly towards the plantation.

Before the Captain had reached the spot where he had parted with Clara Teliafer he had left his horse in the forest, had roused a darky in a solitary cabin by the road, se cured a suit of rough homespun clothing, and put it on instead of his uniform. And it was not 10 o'clock when he found himself walking in the rambling street of the village where the enemy had his head quarters. He admitted to himself as he slouched along that he had taken an ex traordinary course, the fundamental reason of which was a mad desire to see Clara again and learn the secret of her refusal of Ins affection. Where she was he knew not, but he wandered on in a fever of agitation, hoping to find her. He would have in quired the way to the Teliafer mansion, but he dared not take the risk of appearing to be a stranger; It was difficult and dangerous enough to pass the pickets with out adding to his troubles. And as he walked the remorse for his neglect of duty grew upon him and finally overmastered every other sentiment, and he cursed himself for having fallen into a trap set for him by a Rebel coquet. Then his determination to redeem his folly by a heroic act for his country returned with full force, and he fastened his attention upon the captured flag. And yet he did not know whether it would be brought to this village, or where it would be or had been put. And he swore to himself that from being an ignoble fool he had become a blunder ing, brainless simpleton. The town was quiet and on the main street looked little like the centre of a conflict. As he stood discontentedly communing with himself he heard a sound that caused him to with draw from the street and hide under a great rose-bush in a private yard. It was a company of men marching up the road. As they passed people came to the doors and looked out, and stragglers appeared in the streets. The light from the doors and windows enabled him to see frbe soldiers with reasonable distinctness. They were marching in a loose fashion but rapidly. Almost in the front rank was a man bear ing instead of his gun a fl&g furled to its staff. And behind him Closely guarded were three men, unarmed,; in the Northern uniform, and he recognised in them mem bers of his own comraand. His heart bounded. Cautiously he slipped out from his hiding-place and joined the stragglers in the street.

The company marohed up the street for about a quarter of a mile and halted before a large house, whfeh was all aglow with lights. A tall, elderly man in undress uni form came out and received the report of the officer in command of the company. Capt. Turner got as near as he dared and heard the tall officer say that in default of a prison the, captives should be taken to the stables in the rear of the house and confined there until further orders.

"The flag," h9 continued, "will make a pleasant ornatrenfc to my library until we have a/i opportunity to transfer it to the State-^ouse."

Then the gates were opened, andthe pri soners, surrounded by half the Confederate company, were marched through. The citizens crowded about full of curiosity to see the " Yanks," and the attention of the soldiers was occupied in keeping them from going in also. Capt. Turner slipped back from the gates into the shade of a low tree that grew just the other side of the fence, and, watching his opportunity, vaulted over and lay on his stomach on the lawn. The light from the windows was sufficient to show him that t.be lawn ended a few rods away in a garden which was apparently filled with bushes and hedges. While the citizens and soldiers were still watching the squad with the prisoners fche Captain squirmed along flat on the grass until he reached the garden. Then he proceeded more rapidly on all fours behind the blooming bushes and gradually made his way to tho back of the house. It was a typical Southern mansion with a wide hall extending through it from font to back. The prisoners were marched by the back door and beyond to the stables, and the Captain could see the darkies come out of their cabins to watch the procession. His resolution was quickly formed. With a highly-beating heart he rose and walked at a leisurely pace to the back.door, opened it, and passed through the fiMl towardß the front where the staircase ended. He was undoubtedly seen by the people outpide, but no one could distinguish by lamplight at that distance that his clothes were for lorn and dirty, and so suspicion was aroused. At the top of the stairs tie hesitated at the sound of voices. A door ajar at his left disclosed a room that had no light in it, and the Captain took refuge there. Hardly had they he done so when another door across the hall was opened and the tall elderly man came out talking with the officer in command of the company. The tall man was congratulating the officer on

his success, but he said as they went down-stairs : ~, "I am sorry, though, that you did not get at the house. Could, you get any idea whether or not she is there still ?" " I could not, sir," was the reply, "but I suppose she must be. Afc any rate, I think It very lucky that one of them has escaped." ' ' Captain Turner was interested and puzzled by these word?. There could be no doubt that the ofßcer referred to Clara and Mrs Johnston. Could it be possible that Clara had taken advantage of her knowledge to indicate how the attack might be made ? No, for she could not have reached this village until an hour at least before the soldiers set out from it to go to the plantation. He stepped from his hiding-place and went into the room from which the two officers had just come. As he thought, it was the library, and leaning against the mantel by the fireplace was the flag of Company B. In an instant he had torn it from the staff. Then he stripped himself .of his upper garments, wrapped the flag about him, and put his clothes on again over it. He felt a glow of exultation at his success and for a moment forgot that the hardest part of his task was yet to come. He had entered the enemy's head quarters and secured the captured colours, but how was he to return with them ?

Before troubling himself with that prob lem he had another to settle. He opened a book lying on thelibrary-tableand looked at the fly leaf. His blood leaped as he read in an angular, old-fashioned hand, " H. V. Teliafer, his book." He at once jumped to the conclusion that this was Clara's father, and that the attack on the post at the plantation had been made with a view to rescuing her from the hands of the Northeners. But, to make sure, he looked at another book, a tiny volume of poems, and on the fly leaf he saw in a fine hand, " A Merry Christmas to the Colonel from Clara." He could not resist the temptation to look long at the delicate writing, and when he had shut the book he was sure of the facts. " Itiß her father who somehow has such a hold upon her that she thinks there is no hope for us," he concluded. Hi§ danger, his cause, and all else but his love vanished and his only thought was to find Clara. Ho stepped to the window andlookedout. The attention of all seemed to bo centred at the front of the hoase, when he surmised that the Colonel was making a speech to the sol diers and citizens. Glancing towards the back of the house he saw a woman emerge from the shadow and walk rapidly towards the garden. Once again his blood leaped as he recognized Clara, and losing his head in his impetuous passion he ran into the hall and started down-stairs. The sight of the people on tha piazza recalled his situa tion and he returned. He saw no back f-tairs and dared not hunt for any. He re-entered the library, and, letting himself out from the window towards the garden, dropped to the ground. He lay perfectly still for a minute, and then, as no one seemed to have noticed his movements, he crept out into the garden. It was extensive and he wandered about several minutes before he found any trace of Clara. At last he stood before her, where she sat on a bench with a handkerchief to her eyes.

" Clara," he said quietly. She sprang up with a stifled scream. Her tongue waa tied and her voice sunk away into her throat. " Clara," continued the Captain, " I have come to know why you reject me." For a moment her Southern pride revolted and it was on her lips to deny imperiously his right to further consideration from her, but her terror for him overcame her, and sbe whispered, " 0, dp you not know what fearful danger you are in ?"

" I do ; I know full well what it would mean to me to be found here, but I shall stay until I know -why you Tejeob me I know it is madness, folly, but you have driven me to it. Were it not for my love for you I should not have left my duty neglected. I should not have risked every thing to come here. Tell me, can you ask for more intense devotion ?"

"No, no," she moaned, "but I do not deserve it." Then rapidly and with in creasing agitation : " You love me, Henry, and honour me, I have not dared to tell you before how dearly I return your affec tion and respeot—no, no, wait till I am through ; I only dare to speak now because it. is the only way to save your life. I would save myself in your estimation if I could, but I have no right to hope for it. I can never save my honour here at home, and the same words that save your life will secure my honour. Know, then, that I led you to love me dishonestly, for I had no right to your love. The commander of the regiment here, the owner of this estate, is Col. Teliafer, my husband." Capt. Turner felt the life go out from his ner/es, and his hands became cold and moist. ~ . "I understand now," he said hoarsely. " But I do not believe you love this man." ,"0 Ido riot ask me. Have I not told you—and I cannot tell you how terribly I regret that I ever met you. There i» one thin? left for me now, my good nwne at hume. You will not, hazard that by stay ing ? If you have no care for your life, think at least of me and go." " Think of you ! Can I help it ? Think of you ?" The Captain's tones were bitter, but his mind was confused. "You have not a minute to spare. There are a thousand soldiers in the village, a hundred within call; any moment you may be discovered," " Well," sasd the Captain, turning blindly away, " I will go. Good-bye." Mrs Teliafer did. not reply, but sunk down on the bench from which she had risen at the Captain's approach. He had not disappeared in the darkness before a stern " Halt!" rang out, and a score of soldiers leaped from the ground before him. "■ I surrender," said the Captain quietly. . Ten minutes later he stood in the parlour of the Taliafer mansion surrounded by soldiers and facing the Colonel. Clara, pale and trembling, sat near her husband. " Soj sir," said the Colonel, u ybu were seen prowling about my grounds and were caught talking with Mrs Teliafer. I don't know whether this is a military or a civil case, condemn me if I do. Who are you?' " I have nothing to say, sir." "Do you know that I can have you hanged for a spy if you do not clear your self from all suspicion ?" " I do." " Well, I decide that you are a gpy. No man of these parts dressed as you are would answer as you do. You've got the Yankee tongue and the Yankee impudence. What were you saying to my wife ?" The Captain looked at Clara and saw her pale face and frighten*} wjrea. "Bo yon mean that lady ?" he asked, and when the Colonel had replied affirm atively he added : "I was asking my way out." • And although his fate was sub stantially settled he made it doubly sure by admitting, in answer to other questions, that he was a soldier in the Northern army. Clara falteringly but earnestly interposed before sentence wae passed, pleading with the Colonel, saying that the prisoner could not be a spy, that ho had' addressed her respectfully, and dofng other hopeless things to save h!m from death. In less than an hour she na<l heard the orders to hang him before daybreak at the nearest spot practicable to"tW Union lines. Then he wag taken away imider a strong guard to the stables, and aa he left the room he saw Clara Taliafer fall prostrate in a faint. An hour that seemed » lifetime passed and Colonel Taliafer opened the door of the room where he was confined. The Colonel dismissed the guards, and holding a lantern close to the Captain's f«ce, said : " Young man, I suspect you may not be a spy. If you are I shall have you executed according to the rule* of war; if not, if something or another than military matters brought you here,: I'will kill you myeelf In the latter case,; if, as I think you are,

you prove that you are an officer, you will have a fighting chance for your life. What do you say ?" . "I understand you, sir, and have to say simply that I never saw your wife before this night. I cannot accept a chance of fighting for my life if it is at the expense of a lady's honour." "Sir, you are a gentleman if you area Yank," *a!d Col. Teliafer as he went out. After another hour the door was opened again and the Captain was led out to take up the march to the place of execution. It was nearly light when the party arrived at the crown of a low hill so near the planta tion head-quarters that the smoke could he seen curling up from the darkies' cabins and the crowing of the hens came faintly on the breeze. Col. Treliafer was with the party. He came up to the captain and said: . "I give yo-i a last chance for your life, Yank. You know what it is." Captain Turner made no reply, but shut his pale lips together and looked off to wards his own camp. He was led under a great tree, a rope knotted about his neck, and the end thrown over a limb. " I would rather be shot than strangled/ he said.

"Say your prayers, Yank," was the only response. He looked about bjtr- again. Was that a flash of sunlight' among the trees ten rods away at the base of the hil lock ? No ! the sun was not up, and it could not shine from there. Could it be the flash of a bayonet ? Had the Sergeant betrayed the Captain's confidence to the Lieutenant, and h«d the boys come out from the camp to effect a rescue ? It could not seem pos sible, and yet there was another flash. Yes, it was a bayonet, and it must be a Northern. The rope pressed upon his throat. He felt it tighten against his larynx ; his body rose from the ground, and a sickening sense of pressure on all his limbs mingled sorrily with bitter disap pointment as a film gathered before his eyes and the flashes of Northern bayonets went out. But he heard a rattle 01 mus ketry, sharp and vivid, and he realised that the men pulling at the end of the rope had loosened their hold. A swaying for an instant and he fell to the ground, where he lay helpless, bound as he was, and overcome with the exhaustion of the choking. Then a welcome voice broke on his ear. The rope was taken from his throat, and the Sergeant cried : "Lookup, Cap. ! look up! We've got 'em on the run !"

Still dazed and blinded the Captain saw a hand-to-hand struggle, hot and fierce, all about him. A little removed from the main fight he saw two men dimly in the dusk and smoke wrestling with drawn weapons over a Confederate flag. The colour-bearer had been shot down, end some one had sprung into the breach and was contending with Lieut Winkler. The Cap tain could not see who it was, but he rea lised the danger of his Lieutenant, and reaching to the Sergeant's belt he drew out the pistol suspended there, aimed at the Lieutenant's antagonist, and shot him. Then he struggled to his feet and ran to the spot where Winkler stood victoriously folding up the Keb*l flag. The rout of the enemy was complete, and in two minutes more all the officers of the little command were gathered about the Captain to offer their congratulations on his OFcape: " Did you get the colours, Captain ?" asked the Sergeant cheerily

"Yes," replied Capt. Turner wearily opening his vest and showing: the, flag wrapped about his body; "but, Sergeant, I pay sadly for it all. Look here," and he pointed to the dead body of the defender of the Rebel flag. "Sho is free now, but how can it profit me when my own bloody hand freed Tier ?"

He was pointing to the face of Col. Telia fer. The Sergeant and the officers did not understand him, but there was no time for questions, for the Captain fell forward in a faint, and as they carried his unconscious form to the plantation they said it was no wonder a mm should be prostrated by the excitement of being ■ strung, up to a tree. He was ill for many days, and Lieut. Winkler, who wrote the report of the affair for the Colonel of the regitnont, made sure that nothing but honour should be the (•hare of his Captain.

■THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAB, SATUBDAY, SEPTEMBER; 24, 1887,

4



American Co.'a Hop Bitters are the Purest and B st Bitters Ever Made. They are compounded from Hops, Malt, Buchu, Mandrake, and Dandelion—the oldest, best, and most valuable medicines in the world, and contains all the best and most curative pro perties of all other remedies, being the greatest Blood Purifier, Liver Regulator, and Life and Health Restoring Agent on earth. They gire new life and vigour to the aged and infirm. To all whose employments cause irregularity of the bowels or urinary organs, or who require an Appetiser, Tonic aud Mild Stim ulant, American Co.'s Hop Bitters ara invalu able, being highly curative, tonic and stimulat ing, without intoxicating. No matter what'your feelings or symptoms are, what the disease or ailment is, use Hop Bitters. Don't wait until you arc sick, but if you only feel bail or miserable, use Hopßittors at once. It may save yoxir life. Hundreds have been saved by so doing. £500 will be paid for a case they will not cure or help. Prosecute the Swindlers!! If when you call for American Hop Bitters (see green txviff of Hops on the while label aiid Dr. Sault's name blown iv the bottle) the vendor hands out any thing but American Hop Bitters, refuse it, and shun that vendor as you would a viper; and if ho has taken your money for auy thinn else indict him for the fraud and sue him for damages for the swindle, and we will pay you liberally for the conviction.



Public Notices. tml^ m HAUTHAWAY'S p2 ' ■ffifimßK&t At n eniiafC ;5O WSstifiß' ""•" B&UAbIB . h yHiiiito'^ $ Wa^s m& 8 H I^^H polisfaas MM and H SSlowfl Sliildran's Beats, Bfi^fel Shoes, Bebbsrs w& Jm SSSwi Mn£- Always S bostok, t6d», Is conndsd to to wm VIENNA JS7B.««Tnp CTIVnaflT) n C. L. M AtSTH A WAY & SOTS, ml is 983 Coagress Street, Boston* james ]^[?J]wan & rm, London, Melbourne, and Suva (Fiji), Desire to intimate that thay have secured Offices in DUtfCAN'S BUILDINGS, Corner of Cashel and Manchester streets, where their Representative, Will be glad to RECEIVE INDENTS For English, American, and Continental Goods of all descriptions. Christchurch December, 1886. HENRY HUGHES, M.1.M.E., M.S.A., CIVIL MECHANICAL. AND MINING ENGINEER, JOHNSTON-STREET, WELLINGTON. INVENTORS ASSISTED. Patents Secured in All Countries on the Lowest Terms. Searches made as to Novelt;*- of Inventions. ; Henry Hughes, having had large experience as an Engineer and Patent Aj;ent, is enabled to conduct latent Business by correspondence. Inventions of undoubted merit can be ar ranged to be Patented Free ol Cost, (10BN, MANUHE..--Freeziug do.'s, '.£S. J ofaUmorobantß.



Medical. k GREAT MEDICAL WORK ON MANHOOD. KxUaustcd Vitality, Jfervous and Phy sical BJebillly. Premature Decline in Kan, errors of Youth and the untold miseries resulting from indiscretion or excesses. A BOOK FOR EVERY MAX, young and old. ft shows how lost health may be regained and retained. Xfc contains 125 prescriptions of .r:ire excellence for all acute and chronic diseases, each one of winch is invaluable. 200 pages, bound in beautiful' French Cloth, price, only 3s. 6d., by mail, post paid. Illustrative sample, FRBB. Those suffering from Debility or Disease, as a frnidance to the moans of cure, or to those Con templating Marriage, this Worli Is In v&luablc. It is indeed the Secret Key to Health. "The Science of Life should be read by the "SToung; for Instruction, and by the Afflicted for relief. It ■will benefit all."— Uince.l. Dr. PARKER, : The Author (whose life-long experience, practical method of treatment aud pure medicines ensure speedy and permanent cures in all chronic, nervous and special troubles'), may be con sulted on all diseases requiring skill, secrecy and experience. A Speedy and Perfect Xiife Cure i» guaranteed in all Cases undertaken. Whore doubt exists I frankly iuform the sufferer. Inviolable Secrecy and Certain Relief are Boons 3 oliVi- to Suffering Humanity. ■ It is self-evident that a physician paying particuiar attention to a class of cases attains great skill, and physicians fti regular practice all over the country knowing this, frequently recommend cases to this oldest office in Australia, where every known appliance is resorted to, and the proved good remedies of all ages and countries are used. On account of the great number of cases applying, the charges are kept low—but the Important matter is to secure the sit ill, and get a speedy and perfectlife cure. Medicines forwarded free from observation. All Correspondence held sacred. Call on or Address — Doctor W. KNOX PARKER, POST OFFICE CHAMBERS, Corner Bourke and Elizabeth Streets, Melbourne, Victoria.



FEMALE PILLS, 2s 6d a box. A great boon. Prevent all trouble ANTIBILIOUS & LIVER PILLS, Is 6(1 per box. A grand safeguard and corrective FEMALE -TONIC, 3s and 4s 6d per bottle. A splendid appetiser, nerve-soothor, and general invigorator. A posi tive cure for all debilities peculiar to females. ASK FOR TyTRS T^R. qTUART'S . Sold everywhere. AT LAST A REAL CURE FOR RHEUMATISM ! RHEUMATISM! ■ Dk. PARKER'S U PULVIS EHEUMATICON," A purely vegetable compoundf or the immediate rolief and speedy cure or Rheumatism, Sciatica, Neuralgia, Toothache, and all nerve and mus cular pains. Severe attacks cut short in a few hours. It supersedes all outward applications. ' Sco circulars for voluntary testimony of remarkable cures. 3s 6d per bottle ; 3s lOd by post, i Sole agent for Auckland f—' S. GILBERT, CHEMIST, QUEEN-STREET.



STEED MAN'S SOOTHING POWDERS FOR CHILDREN CUTTING THEIR TEETH CAUTION TO PURCHASERS. The value of this well-known Family Medicine has been largely tested in all parts of the world, and in all grades of society, for upwards of fifty years. Its well-earned extensive sale ha-3 in duced spurious imitations, some of which in ■outward appearance so closely resemble tho original as to have deceived many purchasers. The proprieter, therefore, feels it due to the public to give a special caution against tho use of such imitations. Purchasers are therefore requested carefully to observe the four following distinctive characteristics, without which .none are genuine :— Ist. In every case the words John Steed man, Chemist, Walworth, Surrey, are en grayed on the Government Stamp affixed to each packet. ■ 2nd. Each Single Powder has directions "for the dose, and the words " John Steedman, Chemist, Walworth, Surrey," printed thoreon. . 3rd. The nameSteedman is always spelt with two EE's. 4th. The manufacture is carried on solely in Walworth, Surrey. Sold in Packets by all Chemists and Medicine Vendors, at is ljd to~2s 9d each. Agents, Kemp thokne, Prosser and Co., Auckland, Wei ington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. DR. J. COLLIS BROWNE'S CHLORODINE. The Original n&tl Only Genuine. Advice to Invalids;—lf you wish to obtain quiet, refreshing sleep, free from headache, relief from pain and anguish, to calm and as suage the weary achings of protracted disease, invigorate the nervous media, and regulate the circulating systems of the body, you will pro vide yourself with thatmarvellous remedy dis covered by Dr. J. Collis Browne (late Army Medical Staff), to which he gave the name of CHLORODYNE, and which is admitted by the profession to be the most wonderful and valu able remedy ever discovered. CHLORODYNE is the best remedy knownfor Coughs, Consumption. Bronchitis, Asthma. CHRORODYNE acts like a charm b\ Diarrhoea, and is the only specific in Cholera and Dysentery. ! CHLORODYNE effectually cuts short all at tacks of Epilepsy, Hysteria, Palpitation, and Spasms "' CHLORODYNE is the only palliative in Neuralgia. Rheumatism, Gout, Cancer, Tooth ache, Meningitis, &c. 'FromSymes& Co., Pharmaceutical Chemists'l Medical Hall, Simla, Januarr 5, 1880.: To J. T. Davenport, Esq., 33, Great Russell-street, Bloomsbury, London. Dear Sir,—We embrace this opportunity of congratulating you upon the wide-spread reputation this justly esteemed medicine. Dr. J. Collis Browne's Chlorodyne.has earned for itself, not only in Hindostan, but all over the East. As a remedy for general utility, we much question whether a better is imported into the country, and we shall be glad to hear of its finding a place in every Anglo-Indian home. The other brands, we are happy to say, are now relegated to tho native bazaars, and, judging from their sale, we fancy their sojourn there will be evanescent. We could multiply in stances, ad inHnitum of the extraordinary efficacy of Dr. Collis Browne's Chlorodyne in Diarrhoea, and Dysentery, Spasms, Cramps, Neuralgia, the Vomiting of Pregnancy, and as a general sedative, that have occurred under our personal observation during many years. In Choleraic Diarrhoea, and even in the more terrible forms of Cholera itself, we have wit nessed its surprisingly controlling power. We have never used any other form of this mcdi oine than Collis Browne's from a firm conviction that it is decidedly the best,and also from a sense of duty wo owe to the prof ession and the public, as we are of opinion that the substitution of any other.than Collis Browne's is a deliberate BREACH OF FAITH ON THE PART OF THE CHEMIST TO PRESCRIBE AND PATIENT ALIKE. —We are, Sir, faithfully yours, Synies and Co. Members of the Pharm. Society of Great Britain, His' Excellency the Viceroy's Chemists. CAUTION.—Vice-Chancellor Sir W. Page Wood stated that Dr. J. Collis Browne was undoubtedly,, the Inventor of Chlorodyne ; that tiie story of the defendant Freeman was de liberately untrue, which, he regretted to say had been sworn to.—See " The Times," July 13 1864. ' '. . Sold in bottles at Is l£d, 2s 9d, 4s 6d,'and 11s each. N.one is genuine without the "words " Dr. J. Collis Browne's Chlorodyne' on tho Govern ment stamp. Overwhelming medical testimony accompanies each bottle. Caution.—Bewaro of Piracy and Imitations, Sole Manufacturer-J. T. DAVENPORT, 33, Great Russell-street, Bloomsbury, London. ASK for the celebrated Womb's Schnapps, Accept nothing else under any consideration', . • ■.; I



Medical- K EATING'S LOZEISGES. Oldest and Best Cough Remedy. TZ EATING'S LOZENGES. . \, Oldest and Best Cough Remedy. = LOZENG-ES. \ Oldest and Best Cough Remedy. * ~~Z EATING'S LOZENGES. \ Oldest and Best Cough Remedy. BEATING'S LOZENGES. \ Oldest and Best Cough Remedy. = ~Z EATING'S LOZENGES. \ Oldest and Best Cough Remedy. '- IT EATING'S LOZENGES. \_ Oldest and Best Cough Remedy = 7-EATING'S LOZENGES. \ Oldest and Best Cough Remedy. * 'Z EATING'S LOZENGES. \_ Oldest and Best Cough. Remedy. r /'EATING'S LOZENGES. JHL Oldest and Best Cough Remedy. XT EATING'S LOZENGES. JOk. "Any Doctor will tell you' there is no better Cough Medicine than KEATING'S LOZENGES. One gives relief; if you suffer from cough try them but once ; they will cure and they will not injure your health; they contain only the purest drugs, skilfully compounded. Sold every whero in small tins. KEATING'S WORM TABLETS, A PURELY VEGETABLE SWEETMEET, both in appearance and taste, furnishing a most agreeable method of administering the only certain remedy for INTESTINAL or THREAD WORMS. It is a perfectly safe and mild pre paration, and is especially adapted for Children. —Sold in tins by all Chemists. Proprietor, THOMAS KEATING, London. Export Chemist and Druggist.



A WONDERFUL MEDICINE. BEECHAM'S PILLS Aro. admitted by iV C^'4 aY thousands to ba J> \£**^*Q*fr^L worth a Guinea, a g^fS^ % Box for bilious and *O*/ \if^\ nervous disorders, S^jf \ vi\ such as wind, and B'jp-f'n. i HUM . v \t/.\l pain, in the stomach, I ' /PATENT V I™* headache, gid- Klftl «>. •■i ** W I diness, fulness and I«' I PILLS. /fI?J Bweltingaftermeate, tt'-A " /£•»« dizziness and drow a«\ "**'" - /**»/ siness, cold cbills, W,, /S3i flushings of heat, Wwjsv /Ajff loss of appetite, WjN^v^/ Shortness of breath, f^\ costiveness, scurvj blotchesontheskiE, JH§ffSL disturbed sleep, 48jp» frightful dreams, and all nervous and trembling ssnsations, &c. The first doso will give relief in 20 minutes. This is no fiction, for they have done it in thousands of cases, Every sufferer is earnestly invited to try one box of these Pills, and they will be acknowledged to be WORTH A GUINEA A BOX. For females of all ages these Pills are invaluable, as a few doses of them cany off all gross humours, open all olatructions, and bring about all that is required. No females should, be without them. TJiere is no medicine to be found to equal BEECHAJVI'S PILLS for removing any obstruc tion or irregularity of the system. If taken according to the directions given with each box they will soon restore females of all ages to sound and robust health. For a weak stomach, impaired digestion, and all disorders of the liver, they act like " MAGIC," and a few dose 3 will be found to work wonders upon the ' most important organs of the human machine. They strengthen the whole, muscular system, restore the long lost complexion, bring back the keen edge of appetite and arouse into action wjth the ROSEBUD of health the whole physical energy of the human frame. These are "FACTS" admitted by thousands embracing all classes of society; and one of the best guarantees to the nervous and debilitated is, Beecham's Pills have the largest sale of any patent medicine in the world. BEECHAM'S MAGIC COITGHPIIIS As a remedy for Coughs in general, Asthma, Diffi culty in Breathing, Shortness of Breath, Tightness and Oppression of the Chest, Wheezing^ &c, these Pills stand unrivalled; and anyone labouringunder any of the above complaints need only try One Box to prove that they are the best ever offered to the public for Asthmatic and Consumptive Coughs, Hoarseness and Oppression of the Chest. They speedily remove that sense of oppression and diffi .'■ culty of breathing whioh nightly deprive the patient of rest. They give almost instant relief and comfort to those afflicted with the above distress ing and, when neglected, dangerous complaints. Let any p.erson troubled with any of the above complaints give Besoilim's Couoh: Pnas a trial.. • The most violent Cough will in a short tiineba removed. Cactios.—The public are requested to notice that the words " Bebcham's Pim,s, -SC-Helens," are on the Government Stamp affixed to each Box of the Pills; If not on they are a forgery. Prepared only and sold wholesale and retail-by the proprietor, T. Beecham., Chemist, St. IJelens,- Lancashire, England, in boxes at Is.. Ijd,. «n<i 2s. yd. each.—sold by all Druggists and Paten* Meflicine Dealers throughout the Colonies. N.B.—Full directions are given with each. box. A SURE REMEDY FOR BALDNESS. HICKMAN'S ECLIPSE HAIR PRODUCER (Registered^) This Preparation eclipses all others. A new discovery for the Growth of Hair on the .Head and Face; for | removing .and1 --preventing Dandruff, and arresting the fall of the Hair. It cures any Disease of the Scalp, and causes new growth on the head, after being bald for years. vVhero it has become weak and thin, from whatever cause, it quickly restores^ it to its natural' Vigour. Hundreds of residents in Christchurch can testify to the fact that J. Hickman was COMPLETELY BALD for many years, and after trying every known remedy without eftect, he discovered-this wonderful preparation, which ENTIRELY RESTORED HIS HAIR TO ITS NATURAL STATE AND COLOUR. It has also proved successful in a number of other similar cases in which the hair had fallen from scrofula and other diseases of the scalp. ■ . . ~ Each bottle contains supply for one month. Price; 4s, of Graves Aickin, Hamilton Bros., J. P King and Sons, J. A* Pond, and all Chemists. QeUeraIiTDRUG COMPANY. f< OOD NEWS for THE SUFFERING. QUEEN ANNE'S RHEUMATIC OIL Cures RHEUMATISM, NEURALGIA, SCIATICA, HEADACHE, Pains in the Back or any part of the Body, Females suffering from Weakness in the Back or Pains between- the Shoulders (especially mothers) should never be without it. The following are a few of the many Testi monials received:— „. t " Shelly Beach, July 24, 1887. Dear Sir,-I have much pleasure in stating that I have used your Queen Anne's Oil for pains in the back and between the shoulders, and have found nothing to equal it. I have also tried it for headache, and found it very bnneflcial. You are at liberty to publish this, as I daresay there are hundreds suffering from the same thing.— Yours, etc, Mes B. F. Harbison." "Russell, 3rd August, 1887. Sir,-I.have much pleasure in stating that I have tried your Queen Anne's Rheumatic Oil for rheu matism, and it certainly has done wonders for me.—l am, Sir, yours truly, S. Stevenson. ' " Auckland, May 10,1887. Dear Sir.-I have much pleasure in stating that I have used Queen Anne's Rheumatic Oil for pains between my shoulders, caused from indigestion, and am certain that I have derived more benefit from it than from quarts of mixtures I took and used previously, i I would recommend all suffering from the same complaint to try it. — Jessie Thompson." For further Testimonials see Bottle. To be had of all Grocers and Storekeepers. KEMPTHORNE, PROSSER..& Co., Wholesale Agents. TmLLISDON'S NEURALGIC DROPS, EPj ~ FOR THE THOROUGH CURE OF NEURALGIA. From the Rev. C. J.Merton, St. John's Parspn .. age, Ferry Road, December, 18<8. "My dear Mr Ellisdoh, -1 have for many years •past from time to time sriuered seyerel^from Neuralgia, and have found nothing to:relieve mo so speedily or so effectively as your Neu ralgic Drops.' I can confidently recommend it. ~Numero rus yother'TestimoViala in my posses- Prices, 2s and 3s 6d per bottle. BIGGS'S TOOTHACHE ESSENCE Gives Instantaneous Relief. Price, Is. Prepared only by F^GGS (late BggßWgl Chemist, High-street, Christolrarch. Sold by all Chemists. Wholesale Agents- W g_ d KEMPTHORNE & PROSSEE. AuoKiana. WOLFE'S SCHNAPPS 'isJm^ecl Ml this caution be gervieeabje, ATO|4 all.imitations. . ■: ,



STORAGE COMPAQ "« Head Office : Raj^vT^ ' P.O. Box US~~~""*** Telephone; No. we Do. Acid Works lifl Do. Butter DeSit,^ JOSEPH BANKi, ' presebSmeaS The reputation O f our «PBA Cff " Our Goods are now to be fod^™ thk bkst; markets of W l^T ? * Thehi g h^ qua gy^S I>- Position to command .ajltaajj ference over American meats! Bl^llstteWc This is admitted by flic AdimWh. ' leading merchants. ™ »4 We may mention that tbe whole of m^ , pa^tiohs.aremanufacturedoEtheffioSul and approved principles, under wh^SS of Acids is avoided. • -«««»«, SALT BEEF and POI Packed in Kegs, Barbels ato'tb^v Special attention is drawn to .this line, wHa we are making a specialty, and'wMekiS our facilities and the cold air.process-^ able to cure in mild pickle, the necessHrolßi ting to small pieces behig obviated. QUALITY^ CURE, AND" FREEDOM JEOli LARGE BONE GUARANTEED, '< FREEZING. PUBLia • A WANT MET. WE NOW PURVEY the CHOICEST FHEBR BUTTER, POT UP INiHALF-POBm 1 Pats "SHELL' BRAND. Butter Received Daily from Leading Factortoi and Best- Dairies—Selected with Great Care. COMPANY'S "SHELL" BRAND, to.Half-pound Pats. QUALITY. GUARANTEKD. "El , COLOUR— Bright and tempting. TEXTURE—Firm aid waxen. ': FLA VOUR-Rich, nutty, appeal Supplied by the Company to the Trade oil;, DELIVERED! BY OUR VANS THSOUBH TOWN DAILY. May be obtained in any quantities feinulk' Grocers, Provision Dealers, M 1 Town Dairies. ASK YOUR GROCER FOR FREEffIG COMPANY'S "SHELL" BtUM) BUTTEE. TAKE NO OTHER, Should anything sapplied as onrßntoMla give satisfaction. seM Port Caifi Jmm |er of Department, Railfrfty WJlalf,i||| senger will be sent to investfeate. ' BUTTER Delivered through the town daily, or at Detri ment Premises,1 Railway Wharf. GHEffICAL MM WORKS, WESTFIBLD SLDI'SG, OTAHDHU. See testimonials.,. TESTABIJtSPD 1860. * UCKEAND J> OLLBR; Jp AND BISCUIT MANUFifTOKY, FORr-STREET, AUOOA'Sft U (Office at tho Mi 11).., J 0 H N~~L A MB HAS FOR SALK.:_ .. - sacks, 100's. 50's, and 2os. __„ - oaW SHARPS, BRAN,-FOWL^%^ (whole and crushed CABl« ow , FANCY BISCUITS. .. ■■ ' Flour and Biscuits packed to f « industxv. _____——" mHE JOtIOWDIS KSpOKffl S3s"^rpfe^ "Auckland, Jane 11,1®' JohnLainb, Esq. n ffly mlnd ( O t«i» Dear Sir r -It has osen oiv fLTt^pe^ timohow to drop m j« SS!Z*W Porridge MeaJ. L b«KSytotheßW» suffered considerably fromwwy^rt may here say the °^^S^M--mt such an excellent arfagj D £ fffllT fflßAfl iitiii a£d afterwards nothing Mr John Lamb: v^'dii^W near Sir,-Weare ffi^ri^Zo Wo thank you,*?r i ijlinaiw-80, S« trl* 11