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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times, 1891-8-20, Page 6TIES, HUMAN AND DIVINE. BY II, I& FAB.JaON, Author of " Great Porter Square," "The Mystery of IL Peiiux,n "Dread and Cheese and Kisses," Ete., Etc. • ask mato dinneraga u exclaimed ed Stnp by accident in my room, otherwise wtae itcould son. not have fallen into George's hands. "No," I said, smiling into his smiling There was nothing left for me to do in face ; " I only inquired out of curiosity. It Chudleigh except to see Miss Haldane if she wouldn't run to it, two days running, Turn wished, and to .take leave of Rachel, so I and turn about, you know." got my breakfast over quickly, and settled He laughed, though he was manifestly my bill at the Brindled Cow. disappointed, awl ready to join me on the "Isuppose," I said to the landlord, "that smallest encouragement, and said, "Let I can find a bed here if I come this way Londoners alone for being clever ; country a sin." clowns aren't in it with theta ;" and so forth g" I promise you that, s:r," said the laud. The First Lick—Suppflled by Mr. Millington, of Shepherd's Bush. and so forth. After indulging in an inter- lord, change of pleasantries with him, I went up I was tempted to make some inquiries of I'c! replier not say anything trrore. Let to dinner alone. This may not have been him respecting Mr. Redwood, but I held my CHAPTER X. " considered goad policy, my atm being to tongue. Simpson was a regular customer Louis Redwood. If that was the man, bygones be bygones, g lent I £elt� it would be Lest to take pita tw itrvtp�letely propitiate Simpson, but I think at the Brindled Cow, and the questions 'pet In - and that his trip name, he had Leen doubly sting out of a woman who could not control . I did not want titin to suspect I would almost certainly reach his ears. In- treacherons to Honoria. That it was his llerteut er wished biro to look upon ine as a fool ; he stead, therefore, of taking a step in that p direction I took another tack,and spoke a few words in praise of Simpon, which it would gratify that very .astute individual to have retailed to him. hty observation of the village and its inhabitants convinced me that it and they were under the absolute domination of Mr. Haldane. .A11 the sur- rounding property and every house on it belonged to hint ; no leases were granted ; the villagers were yearly tenants, liable to be turned away at any time. The power wielded by the master of the estate was autocratic) in the most complete sense of the word. Thinking of this as I strolled towards the park, looking out for Rachel, some re- marks made by Simpson came to my mind "This, is a fine park, isn't. it? Wish it was mine, without any ,mortgages on it. Mort- gages are the very devil. A man may be the master of a great estate, and it may be no better than a white elephant," There is neversmoko without fire, and these words, for which there must be some foundation, seemed to indieatit that Mr. Ir'aldaue'stenure was not as safe as it appeared to be. A fair take a IN i outside is all very well, but there is en - trio name I did not doubt, forst vrasscaree• �� Miss Haldane insists that you shall knew I was nothing of the kind, and to ly likely that an intimate ffriend of the be aid,=• 1 said. "'IWhat value do you / overact my part, baseen some exposing the stage Haltiaues would, or could suecesstully, max- place Non the ornaments? Were the do, would have Leen but exposing my game, quetado in his visits to their house : whereas, gold?' p y Iu ele.lieg with a shrewd, cunmtt c Tuan, to deceive a gad as simple and credulous as ; g Titin question brought a remarkably un- there are .many things to take into account. Honoria was as easy as uttin on a love:comfortablere. o i t 1 r face, and I did not Burry over my dinner, either, for P g � g expression into ie a , I My experiences 01 the othee of Lavinia raid laughed to .myself, convinced from her i`" sake of ;impseu who, I knew well Co., had taught me not to rush too hastily manner that the articles were brass, and enough was waiting for me in the bar below, at conclusions, and lead, moreover, furnish- that she knew they were. I was right ; he was there when I went ed me with at least half a dozen instances " I bougght 'em for geld," she said, down. of personal resemblance which had led to 'K QI gilt,='site acquiesceri. "' I ain't much a ateIkt�you would like your revenge more or less remarkable complieations. I of ,,, judge ai bagatelle, he said. proceeded, there fore, to probe th is particular 1lnuiring hour lanclt site had •.yeti for Ishouid, Isaid; ""bayoumust hare a matter niore closely. Repeating the names ahem, she earned a sum which proved the drink first, „ " of the guests at the Ilan, as they Leen With p-eesrtie, basal&.Wheal I see y quality of the lost treasure. Gold brooch , nientione,l to me by Realms, I purposely in- and earrings are not to be purchased for you in London it will be my turn,' „ trodtteed the nettle of Austin. Rachel in- fourteen shillings. I wrote out a sec eipt „ Yon don't think I was serious, I said, tempted me, , when I spoke of turn and turn about. If "\ X. she said • "there is no one there for t•he mtoney, which I insisted upon leer i you did, you're not half as sharp as I +" Si-rntl'T thought," We played at bagatel,1 e, and for the sake of appearaILce I won a game or two, but the balance was nn Iiia side, and he was very mug over it. When we had played eight °mine games I said I was tired, anti would of that name." " I was thinking of another person," I said, and I finished the list correctly. " lir. Redwood appears to be a privileged visitor. He Inuit h., on very intimate terms at the ILall." " He is," said R:trltel. "And is, I suppose, a favorite there. "Not with everybody. He and Mr, them from you tried to pawn them, I dare Haldane are together a. great deal. I am say, and discovered that they were worth - not In love with him myself." less. You have si lied a receipt and have "How about Miss Haldane?" got the money, andifyou ever say another Oh, no, not at all, said Rubel, in a word against llonoriayau w111 be made to deei,led tone. "Mr. Millington, 1'11 tell you son tet!,111 n you'll keep it to your- self." "" Yon may depend 1"11 keep it to myself, me dear." ":11 well, eer. Redwood pays Miss Haldane a g t•:it ileal of attention ; he rides out with !y, " von have reason to be thankfl for it. " Where to ?"Ito inquired, when we were her, he takes her in to dinner, and he sent Miss lieldaue pard yon liberally." outside.ywhere," I anawercd. to you Linden s saw the for the osll la ntinitu. bouquet 1 c t `�tl liaviug done my best to clear Home t t bet's o the woods,"lie su eated, "I'll 3 rias character, licit 1lrs. Potter a wiser, I g bB grate sat whether hiss Haldane eees it as I if net a better, woman. y ted you where that murder was commit- cin, but If ever a g entleman (.lowed he vias At the IiriatUed Cow asurprlse awaited in lee,. lir. Redwood is showing, it to her'' rue, its the shape of a telegram from George, “She conflates input, l;aehcl. The young lady has vanizhed. Letter Yes,. lir. Millin; tom, she does, but she teenorrow. 44 GEORGE." doesn't tali ate everything. The worst of it If this meant anything, it recant that is Mr.e Haldane I on Mr. Redwood's 's siyd taer i Honarie bad taken her departure from my father a persuasion that your young, tuts -tress house without receive a letter in 1110 mix, and that accents Mr. Rcdvtoo;l'aattentious,'' plziniva matters.hould letter in the morning ex• .e i hat's exactly it,"" said Ptazhel, "t Mr. Redwood is rich, I suppose," I was not greatly surprised at Iioneria's disappearance. From a Yount: woman in her ' Now, Mrs. Porter," I said, "1 willgive you (little sensible advice and a little in- formation. The jewellery was bn'ass, what they call pinchbeck ; you could not ciao have bought theme for five tithes fourteen shillings. 1 don't blame yott for telling your neighbours they are gold ; it was t 11ucre of pardonable vanity. The tramp who stole suffer ter et, There's a heavy punishment for libel," " 1'11 never open my lips about her," saki the frightened woman. " I only wish I'd " I'1! go withv'on," said Simpson, orally something darker hidden within. ,'here was Rachel coming to meet 1110 What greatly impressed me in favour of George's sweetheart were her cheerfulness and briskness. I saw that they were natural to her, and that her disposition and gond 0m would brightenY t per dahame. Good heart, clear eye, brisk movement, pleasant voice, white teeth, pretty face, compact figure -•- what mare could any father wish for ilia wife for the son he loved, add to this common•setls3, and you get very close to perfection. Of course, after bidding me good morning, her first question was, "Hav:eyou heard item George?" "I have, my dear, and tliere'agnew in his I hesitated a moment. 't `<ott're smelt it letter Muerte (ilei peered again, , q„ „ " going O, clear. But you known where she is. devil of a fellow," I said, Poing aborti "Not the slightest hien she with pistols in your pocket. It's against „ the lea, lit • hey." a ward, and tvi ltoatt 1.eorgct seeing her.. a ? - ., He laughed'" J,'tcenSed to carry a "bili, 1 lit not sorry that," said Rachel. \la llegtn. What's the difference between " George says alta artier base crept away This convinced nie by his intention to keep watch upon my movements. It was es good as e. declaration that he believed I had something to do with Honoria, that he had eammunieatediiisauspiciorttoMr. Redwood, and that he lead received instructions from that gentleman not to lose sight of me. I did not mind. I had no expectation of seeing Rachel or Miss Haldane till morning, and I allowed Simpson to believe ho was fooling never see eyes urn her." "' From what 1 have heard," I said, severe' me. "They eay theses iso end to his motley" Position,Withamiadsoill•reoulated,anythie He tires in London and gives a and keeps race horses." "" Ah, a fashionable swell." I was fami- liar with the names of the gentlemen cele, brated in the racing world, and I ran them over in my mind without meeting with Mr. Redwood's. That was of no account, how- ever, as he probably raced, like many others, under an assumed name. "You have for- gotten to tell me somethiug, Rachel." ""I don't think so, Mr. Millington." "Think a little further," I said, with a smile. " We are talking about Miss Hal- dane, you know. Now, slloisavery beauti- ful, sweet, and charming young; lady. No wonder that iia Redwood is to love with her. Why, there uruat be scores of others." " I don't say he is the only one." " It isn't in nature he should be—it isn't in nature he shouldn't have a rival." Rachel coloured up, and moved her head rather nervously this way and that. " Don't run away with the idea that I'm poking my nose into secrets out of meso curiosity. It strikes me there's a pot on the fire with mischief in it, and with trouble in it as well, and who knows whether I mayn't bo able to keep it from boiling over ? Trust mo, Rachel, and just whisper whether Miss Haldane isn't in love with some one." I will trust you, Mr. Millington, but it mustn't ,go any further. She is." "" I thought as much. Where is lie? " Thousands and thousands of miles away." "And Mr. Redwood has the field all to himself. A young gentleman, Rachel ?" " Rich ?" and to Chudiei h Woods I went. ' No. He went away to make his for- tune, g tune, and then he is coming back to marry Wanderingthrough its lovely mazes, I er.'" should probably have been late for dinner " Is this a secret arrangement between had. I not heard approaching footsteps. them?" Bending forward I saw coming towards me " Oh, no ; Mr. Haldane knows all about Mr. LouisRedwoodandmygoodfriendSimp- it." son. I stepped aside, so as to be out of sight, H grandparties a Buri and a pistol ? I don't tarry one cont- li!"e •L cat manly, though ; I only took it with me last �� Is that all he s L}•s :" night because I was alone. W e won't go if ) Nothing more about Honoria, you're frightened." " Out about anybody else :" „ " Frightened!. Here, lay bolded my Maud, " ill be glad when 1;;ctt home again.' and grip it ss hard as yon can. 1 wonder, said-e.achel, will he be suint a tease 55 ,you arca The idea of you trying to make me believe that he could write ire •ou a letter • wi ho t y tet t it s,•tyinl, a ward about the l' " What a torgetfni old father-in-law I shall make. There is something about you, Here it is. " Glve my love to Rachel, and say I am aright,' I hope that is sattsfac- tory t" inight be expected, There was no epeek i It was my left baud I held out t0 hint, reason why she should trust Inc. True, I had being short of two fingers on. my right, 1 been kind teller, but so must \ir. Redwood was what they call anibrdexterous, and my have been during the earl days of their ac- left hand is as muscular as my right. Simp- f main nc h ' early R I to es lip, very had deceived her, why .sou gripped and squeezed me, and I let him not I? The vert, story I had related of Mimi I have his way for a few moments ; then I put Haldane's anxious desire to befriend her power into my fingers, which tightened might, in her view, have been trumped up. ! round his so vigorously that he screamers I might even have been an emissary employ- with pain. I could have crushed every hone ; „ I shrill not toll you," she said, saucily , cd by Mr. Redwood to further entangle her in his hand. When Iliad given him enough c, 1 shall tell George. Now come and see here. A few spare thousands—couldn't. do and secure her silence. A11 these eonjectires I loosened my grip,g better with. oto, Dont blab, or the price were feasible, and I could find no fault with' " What do you say now," I asked, " to MissIHaldane." will run up. \sum's the word." Honoria for entertaining them, if any such a elan like me being frightened.' .Lha young lady was in the tennis -court I put my finger to my lips, jumpe.l into conjectures had led to her flyying from my i He cried and laughed at the sante time— giving instructions to a gardener, whom. she the train. and left him staring at me. houseasshehadiiownfronithellall. My chief his cries being genuine, his tau hteraham. left directly she saw lee, As briefly as pos. Weasel, fox, and limpet as he was, he was concern was for Miss Haldane, who must You're re a bit of steel, hesatd, with tears sible,for my time was running however, I related rather slow in making up his mind.. what had occurred, making, however, no be told of the occurrence, and whose kind in his eyes.(To nE CONTINTEDI. intentions were to be frustrated. " Let's go to the woods," I said. reference to what Honoria had written on I had ordered dinner for live o'clock, and It was he who hesitated now, but lie pet the bridge. Miss Haldane was visibly dis- tressed at the news, guile the now three. What should I do to hero on a show of breccia, and we walked to the "But what is to be dome, lir. iliillington?" hthe entervening couple of hours? park, and crossed the bridge over tho lako, she asked. ere was no Simpson bandy, with whom On our way I succeeded in settingMm at ,c Nothing,"I replied, "except to wait could play bagatelle and cross-purposes at his ease; said that from boyhooI was 11114 hear from Honoria, If ex writes to it one and the sante time. There was :lir. Hal- famous for my strength, that I was proud of I am ready, as I told her, to do anything I dane's business to think over, oertainly; it, and that nothing roused me more than to canto ready, as Shetlwer, to yunderstands but I have habits which are fixed. One of question my courage, these is, whereat niattor is not immed;ately "I'm a lamb generally," I said; " but that you are her friend, and whether she will pressing, to set it aside for serious consider- call me a coward, and yon fire my blood." alllw us to aid her depends now upon her- etical until a night has passed by, and this I "I'll take care for the future," said Simp. sass Ronoria is proud," said Miss Haldane, had determined to do with the connunica- son, and his sly, cringing tone made me ,, slid the cruel and unjust accusation tion Mr. Haldane had made to me, postpon- laugh in my sleeve. brought against her by Mrs. Porter before ing all judgment upon it till tomorrow. In He took me to the spot where the murder all the people, and the way she was treated the foraging of just conclusions I have found had been committed. It was a cruolmurdor, by our servants Isere—I have heard some - this habit 0f value to me ; during the inter- that of a young girl ; you read dimes in to- thing of that, Mr. Millington—may have vat the mind lies fallow, but gathers day's newspapers; and like too many deeds had a bad effect upon her. She maylook strength, and there is leas likelihood of its of this description, the monster who per- upon us as enemies—poor Honoria 1 If she wandering front the main road. Chudleigh etrated it had never been caught. As does not write, will you try and find her ?" Woods held out temptations for a ramble, Simpson pioneered me through the woods I " I promise faithfully I will. There is observed that lie cast many covert and end- one good thing—she is not without means. ous glances at me, the object of which was She has the money you gave me for her, and to discover if the place was quite new to me. she cannot want for a few weeks. I must The slightest sign of familiarity from me bid you good morning, Miss Haldane ; I would have been a confession that I had have to catch a train." met Honoria there last night. I was careful " I will not detain you ; but I owe you to give no sign. I shouldhavebeena bungler some money. You paid Mrs. Porter some - indeed had I not seen through Simpson's thing, ,lid you not? I was almost forget - transparent devices. Neither upon our ting it." return to the Brindled Cow did I exhibit i had forgotten it myself, and I now told any symptoms of fatigue, and it was only her the particulars of my interview with the when Sampson bade me an affectionate good woman, and showing her the receipt for rho night that I retired to my room. I smiled fourteen shillings asked her what I should to think that Simpson went away no wiser do t'itli it. than he came. Had I been a. nervous man " You had better keep it," she replied. I should have had dreams on this night, but " It must not be given to Honoria, for it I a.m by constitution . strong and healthy, would snake her think that we believed, and I enjoyed a dreamless sleep of eight after all, she took the things, and that we good hours, and rose early enough in the bad bought her off. I am glad Mrs. Porter morning to be standing at the doot of the can say nothing more against her. What Brindled Cow when the local postmancame do I owe you, Mr. Millington? Pray do up with the letters. There were two, one not leave out anything, or 1 shall never dare for the landlord, one for me. 1 took posses- to ask you to do me another service. It sion of mine, which, as I expected, was from must have beeu an expensive journey to George. It was short and to the point : London and back, and please remember "My dear father, --My telegram will have that nave plenty of money." told you the news. The young lady you 1 pencilled some figures and added there brought home has gone. How she went and up, and she handed me the money, amply when she went I cannot say. All I know is repaying me for my trouble by thanking me that I waited in the house till one o'clock, cordially and shaking hands with me. when I thought it time to give here call. I " I can spare you, Rachel," she said to went to her door and knooked over and over her maid, with an affectionate smile. "You again. There was no answer. ' What's cam go with Mr. Millington to the station wrong?' thought I, and I tried the door. It if you wish." was unlocked, and going into the room, it "' Thank you, miss," said Rachel, and we was empty. At whatever time she went she were presently in the park. must have crept away like a cat. I searchei "I shall be here again in a few weeks," about, and found a paper, which I enclose. I said to Rachel, " perhaps sooner. I am Hope to see your old face tomorrow. The doing someprivatebusiness for NIr. Haldane, house isn't the same without you in it. but it must not bo known that anything of Give my love to Rachel, and say I am all that kind brings me here." right.—your affectionate son, GEORGE." " I shall not speak about it," said Rachel, The paper George referred . to was an "but I should like to ask you something. envelope, containing an enclosure. I drew " What is it, my dear? I'll answer if I it out, and read: can." "Austin,—I am going to pub an end '• Is the private business anything to do to myself, and you have driven me to with Miss Haldane." it. Yon are my murderer. You have ruined " Nothing." and deserted me, and I have nothing "Or with Mr. Redwood?"' to live for. Be kinder to the next girl you " Nothing." bring to shame than you have been to "Thank you, Mr. Millington. That is HOYORIA." all I want to know." It was the paper which she had written Then we fell to upon our pet theme— on the bridge last night, before endeavour- George—and chatted amicably andpleasant- ing to carry out her wretched intention. I ly till we were abouthalf•wayto the station, made a memorandum of the incident and of when I stopped. the circumstances under which the paper " We'll say good-bye here, Rachel." came into my possession, and having dated " But I'in coming to see you off." and signed it, put it in my po;kat-book. It "'No my dear. If I'm not mistaken I was, as l was; aware, legally useless, .but it shall have another person to see me off,if he was, et least, moral evidence against Mr, doesn't waylay me before I get to the station Louis Redwood, if at any time in the future and I should prefer that he doesn't see us its production would assist towards any too much together." good end. Honoria, must have dropped it "Who is the other person.?". "Simpson. tmpson, He has taken a violent likin to me," "Hashc?" said Rachel, with sudden alarm; "Anything to do with Mt. Haldane's private business?" " No, my dear, though he wouldn't have the slightest objection to having his finger in the pie." "That's Mr. Simpson all over. Always poking and prying about. Don't trust Min,r; 111111tigtaIi.,' " I don't intend to, and I'll give you three good reasons why." " Well?" "First, he is as sly as a wease1.4 lies, he is, MrMillington." " Second, lie is as cunning as a far." "Yes, he is." "Third, he resembles a limpetin his stick- ing qualities." "Yes, he sloes," said Rubel, laughing. "Now, I don't like weasels, or foxes, or limpets ; and when a gentleman.—" "e Oh, no," protested. Rachel; "not a gentleman 1" When au individual, then, combines all the bad qualities of these three creatures in his own person, I like him stilltess. But at the sante time, my dear, I don't tell hint so. Rachel, it just occurs tt, ate that you might write me a letter now and then." "I shall never know what to say !" said Rachel, " If you have nothing to say, don't write. But something may happen that it would be aswell for me to know. There's no telling whether I might not be of assistance in the Me of a difficulty," .. ,y you inean about case Beldam? . 3i au ve hit it, my dear. "Anil Mr. Redwoods„ ss V01,1'1•0 hit it again, my dear." "Aird about the young gentleman----" she paused here, and I toot: up her words. rt Who's trying to make a fortune over the water?You've hit it for the third my dear." "I think I understand you," said Rachel, With athoughtful look in her bright eyes ; "and I will write to you if thore'sany occas sign." "It's a bargain," I said, patting her shoulder; "and, what's more, its a caufi- dential matter between you and me that we'll keep to ourselves, the only otherpersau I shall admit into our confidence being George. Good -by mydear. I'll give your love to George, If Iltad chosen for ltlnt, I could not have chosen better." " You are very goad, sir," said the grate- ful girl. "You and George." We kissed eaeh other, and I strode to the railweystation with afeeling of gladness that my visit to Chudleigh had turned out so well, as regards George and his sweetheart. The prospect in other quarters was not so chceriug, As I anticipated, Simpson was on the platform waiting for me. "Couldn't let you go, Millington, without a parting hand -shake," said he. "It would have been very unfriendly," said I, " Hyatt badn't come to see the last of me." "Not the last of you, I hopo " said lie. "Speaking figuratively, Simpson, it's quite ou the cards you'll see a good deal more of me;" " Oh, y es,in Loudon." "Here, in Chudleigh, as well. Can you keep a secret?" Close as the grave." " I am thinking of investing in land abort " llow Iong has the young gentleman been gone 2" " Over a year." " And when is he expected back ?" " There's no saying. He Hasn't been very fortunate up to now." " Meanwhile he and Miss Haldane cor- respond ?" " Of course they do." And meanwhile, I thought, Mr. Haldane is exerting himself to bring about a match between his daughter and Mr. Louis Red- wood. In nay opinion it was altogether a bad business. The union of the young girl with the plausible, treacherous man os the world could bring nothing but unhappiness to her. It was no business of mine, but I couli not help wishing I could do something to save Miss Haldane from the pit that was sense of mastership. If my impression— being dug for her. It layin my power certain- which I admit was formed upon a very ly, to disclose Honoria's story to her, which slender foundation—were correct, there would show the utter baseness of the man who was striving to win her affections, but would ib be right for me to reveal a secret which by accident had come to my know. ledge? It was not as if I were one of the family ; I was an entire stranger to all concerned in this unfortunate tangle of circumstance ; and if I did any- thing at all, the utmost caution must be observed. My cogitations did not lead to any satisfactory result ; they left me at the exact point I started from, and instead of wasting any more time upon useless specula- tion,I bent my mindupon the actualbusitiess which claimed my attention. When we arrived at the village Rachel left me with a promise that she would see me again before I went back to London. " I think Miss Haldane would like t o see you, too," she said. .And there, at the bar, was Simpson, " I shall be ready to wait on her at any smooth, smug, and smiling. moment," I replied. "I've been looking everywhere for you,"he There was a little commission with which said, " and wondering where you'd. got Miss Haldane had entrusted me, and which to. I had not attended to. This was to go toifrs. "I've been killing time," I said, " for Porter and ,pay her for the brooch and womb of something batter to do." ' earrings which she alleged Honoria hadstolen " Mooning about," said Simpson, with a from her. It did not take long. I found wink. "You mustn't come breaking our Mrs. Porter much milder tempered than she women's hearts with your London ways. had lloen on the previous evening ; the Upon my soul, Milligton, it's hardly fair." night's reflections had probably. shown her " Get along with you," I said, jocosely, that it would not be exactly judicious to entering into his humour ; if he could play continue attacking Honoria's character with his game, I could play mine. " I'm the so powerful a champion as Miss Haldane father of a family. You're only a boy com- ready to.defend het. When I had explained pared with me. Have you dined?" the pa port of my visit,she said— "You don't mean to say you're going to and they passed without seeing me. I made no attempt to follow them, fearing I might be discovered, but the association of these two men seemed to be another link in the chain of circumstances in which I was nowiu- volved. Without being able to hear a word that was spoken, there were indications that Mr. Redwood was Laying down the law to his companion, who was listening with humble attention. Was Simpson, theu, Mr. Redwood's creature, in his pay? I had learned from Rachel that he had been in Mr. Haldane'sservice many years, and al- though Mr. Haldane and Mr. Redwood were friends, I had observed something in the latter gentleman's manner, when he en- tered the library after my interview with Mr. Haldane, which seemed to denote a was a traitorous touch in this secret inter- view in Chudleigh Woods between Mr. Holdane's friend and Mr. Haldane's confi- dential valet. For secret interview it was, I had come to the Woods for pleasure— not so they. Simpson's smug face was serious, and Mr. Redwood's not less so. Here was I, mixed up in plots and counter- plots, and strangely interested in matters in which, up till now, I had obtained the bar- est glimpses. These plots and counterplots revolved, to all appearance, round the fates and fortunes of two young girls, Miss Hal- dane and Honoria. Slowly and thought- fully I walked to the village and entered the -Brindled Cow. CHAPTER XL An Unsinkable Steal Boat. Mr, W. Woks of Loith Scotland i,9 about t produce a patent steel boat, which is claimed to be absolutely unsinkable and instantaue ously self-righting. It is built in air -tight and water -tight sections, and is suitablefor sporting purposes, being perfectly safe and fast under sail or oar. It may be a valuable addition to the life-saving equipment of yachts and vessels of all classes. The steel boats are light, and may be subjected to tiny amount of rough usage, and the inven- tor maintains that the piercing of one or more sections would only in a slight degree affect their buoyancy. Some of the boats have, we are informed, been subjected to a series of trials on the Firth of Forth in all weathe s, and have been proved to possess all the good qualities which have been claimed for them. It was found that if one of the water -tight sections was pierced the result would be that the water would seal the air in the section, whichwould continue to afford support. If both sections were pierced the boat would only draw a little more water, and the supporting capacity not be extin- guished, but only diminished, and that if all three sections were pierced the boat would still float, while it would only lose its buoy- ancy if the sections were simultaneously pierced both above and below the water line, which would bo an almost inconceivable event. The steel boats can be produced at a cost which will compare favorably with the price of wooden boats of good class, and they will stand usage which would quickly destroy a wooden fabric, but at the sante tinie they are remarkably light, a boat of twelve feet long and three feet 'beam, com- plete with inast, sails, oars, &c. , approximat- ng only three hundred weight. CONSUMPTION OtIRSD. An old physician retired from practicehav ing had placed in his hands by an East India missionary rhe formula on .simple vegetable remedy for the speedy and p wuusnent euro for Consumption, Bronchi tis. Catarrh, Asthma and all throat and lung affections, also a positive and radical cure for nervous debility and all nervous complaints, after having testod its wonderful curative powers in thousands of cases, has felt it his duty to make it known to his suffering fellows. Actuated by this motive, and a desire to releive human suffering,I will send free of charge, to all who desire it, the reoipe in Gorman, FFrenoli or Euglish, with full directions for preparing and using. Sent by mail by addressing with stamp, naming this -paper. NV. A. NOYES, 823. Powers' Block Roohester, N. Y, For Over Fifty Years. Mas. Wieseow's SOOTHING SYRUP has been used by millions of mothers for their children while teething. If disturbed at night and. broken of your rest by a sink child suffering and crying with pain of cutting tooth send at once and get a bottle of '.rias. Winslow's Soothing Syrup" for children teething.It will relieve thepoor little sufferer immediately, Depend upon it, mothers, there is no mistake aboutit. It cures Diarhoea, regulates tho Stomaoh and Bowels, cures Wind Colic, softens the gums, reduces Inflammation, and gives tone and energy to the whole system. 'Mfrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup" for children teeth- ing is pleasant to the taste and i8 the prescrip- tion of one of the oldest and best female physicians andnurses in the United States Price, 25 cents a bottle, Sold by all druggists, tlirougg__hont the world. Be sure and ask for MRs. WIssLoV.'; SOOTUING SYRUP." Col. Angledue and: Major Clark, commis- sioners to Canada in connection with the scheme of forming. Scotch crofters' colonies in Britsh Columbia, have arrived in Mont- real en route to Ottawa. LEGAL. . TT..H, DICKSON, I:twiister, Soli - 1: -.A citol of Supreme Coutt, Notary Public. Conveys neer, Commissioner, &o Money to 4oa1n.. Qticetn Mummies Blook., Ems ter, tI. COLLINS, Barrister, Solicitor, Conveyancer, Etc. Br71:ETER, - ONT. Of teo over the Post Office. ELLIOT & ELLIOT, Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Public, Oonveyancers &o, &o. c "Money to Loan at Lowest Retell of Ilherest. OFFICE, - MAIN - STREET, EXETER, B. Y. e9L1.1137. J. ELLIOT, WNW, APSTIMPINIIMI DENTAL. R. C. 11.. INGI AM, DENTIST. Successor to 11. L. Billings. Me ntber of the Boys,' College of Dental Surgeons.) Teeth insertea vita or without Plate, in Gold oretubl;or. A. sato Antestbetlo glen for the painless extraction of teeth. Plates snowed firmly its, the mouth by Yeme se' Patent Valve. OFF1tib s Over O'Neil's Bonk. KINSUAN,DJ1TIST..4. , • 5, FtinsOn'' Bleck, 11ain•st, 'Exeter. Extracta Teeth without Pain. Away atRessMnr on Ore t Friday ; Oraig, tocol d. and fourth Tuesday; and Zing= on. the last 'hurs- dayof eaohmouth: JIEDIC.Ait T W. BIWOWNING M. D., 11. Q i • P.11, Graduate Vieitoria Unfvo; tee Otlice and reetdameo, Dom -mien Le,N, a.• tory. Exeter, ELYNDMAN, coroner for sae R. County of Huren. Office, opp,.atte Carling Bras. store, Bxoter. R. 3. A. ROLLINS,M.C.Y, S. Q, Qtitoe, Idain St. Exeter, Out. Residence, kola° recently 000upied sty P. MoPhrilips, Flail, TR. P. 1. MG LIAL*G IILIN, M '' 1x• her of the college of Physic -tans tied Sure -tone, Ontario. Physician. Surgeon and doeoueheus. Qglce,AAS1tWOOD ONT. ', TS I OMSON, M.D.. C T • ht„ MomberotCollegeet t'Ity.tieaaas. AA 1 Surgeons, Ontario. O -110E : HODGIl;i3' BLOCK, RSNSALIi. f R. DAVID M. STi ,EIILER, .Il ! (UNIVERSITY or TORONTO) Physician, Surgeon. etc. Slaving Rent the winter fi3 in \l x.417 inANowst York, and winter of Orrice : OItED1TON, ONTARIO. DR. 'WOODRUFF Diseases or tiro EYE, EAlt, NOSE AND THROAT Eye glasses and Sueetacies furnished for both 'learned Distant Vision, Always at homo, except en. Fridays. .No. 18Z t111c10nn's Avenue, London, On trio. AUCT3O.iE3iRS,� fiARDY, LICENSED A(1C— • tieneor for the County of Huron, Charges moderate. .Exeter P, 0. S. ROLLINS, LIt)E1 ED A• ,T• Auctioneer for Couutios Dui 1 and Middlesex. Residence, l mile south of actor. I. 0. Exeter. �j BUSSE1113i1IRRY, General Li - 1 '4 • canoed Auotioneer Sales conducted in auparts. SatistaotionguarauteOd. Obargee moderate, Heusall P 0, Ont. HENRY EILBJibIL LioonBed Auo• tioneor for tho Counties of Huron and itfiadlonox : Sales conductor) at mod- erato rates. -Moe, at Post -office, Ored. ton Ont, H. PORTER, GENERAL D • AuctioneerandLandValuator. orders sent- by mail to my a d grass, Bayfield P. 0., willrooeiveprompt attention. Terms moder- ato. D. H. PORTER, Auctioneer, VETERINARY . Tennent & Tennent EXETER OTT. Graduates of the Ontario Veterinary Col' lege. OFFIOB : 0 ne door South of Town Hall, MONEY TO LOAN. 1[ roNE1 TO LOAN AT O AND l£II percent, $33,000 Private Funds. Best Goa ming C (=pan s e t represented. L.H DICKSON, Barrister: Exeter. SURVEYING. FRED W. FARNOOMB; Provincial Land Surveyor and Civil En - G -I1 EER, FTC.. Office, Ilpstairs. Samwell's Block, Exeter:On t INSU1RANCE . THE LONDON MUTU FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY 1 CANAD&. Head Office, London, Ont. After 31 years of successful business, st continues to offer the owners of farm propertf� and private residences, either on buildings of °ontents,tho most favorable protection in oast of loss or damagoby fire orlightnins, at rate4 upon such liberal terms. that no other respect• ablocompany can afford to write. 42,975 po]fl cies in force Isamu ,1890. Assets $378,428.04 in dash in bank. Government depost. Deben,. tures and Premium Notes. JAMES GRANT, President; D: C. Mo DONALD 'Manager. OATH Victims, Agent for Exeter andvicinity. !il1iE WATERLOO MUTUAL 3. FIRE INSIIBANOG00. Established In 1868. HEAD OFFICE WATERLOO,ONT. This Company has been over Twenty-eight yearsin successful operation in Western Ontario, and continues to insure against 2oss or damage by, Fire.,Buildings, Merchandise, Manufactories and all other descriptions of insurable property; Intendinginsurers have the option of insuring on the remium Note or Cash System. Duringthe past ten years this company has issued 57,096 Policies, coveringroperty to the amount of $40,872'038 ; and paid! in lasses alone 709,752 00. Assets.; ?bVia,100.00, coax'. `: ;;' di+Oath in Bank GovernisllR 'Deposit ant unasses- sed Premium Notes on hand and in . foroe. J. W•WALDEN, M.D., President; 0 M. TAYLOR Secretary; .1.13. HUQInEs, In specter..CUAS SNELL, Arent for Exeter and vicinity.