HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1876-10-20, Page 2'7 -
OLD ABEL'S MILLSTONE.
BY MARIAN NORTIICOIT.
"Understand me, Abel; both my fath-
er and myself are perfectly satisfied with
the amount already paid,"
oManythanks to you, six, for the say-
ing of it; but nothing short of the "full
sum will satisfy me. At the time (eight
years ago next midsummer) it was reck-
oned at a hundred and fifty pounds in
round numbers. I mean to pay it every
farthing, please Heaven, if I live Jong
enough. If I die afore, I hope Polly'll
keep up the payment reglar,"
f 'But really, Abel, I don't like taking
this money. I am sure these payments
mist cripple you tertibly."
"Never you mind that, Mr. Baker
junior. I feei something on my con -
Helene° which is worse than hunger or
cold, and it won't be easy until I've paid
you all. There's five pound ten, Sir;
not so much as last half year, because of
Polly's illness in the spring; but I hope
to make it more next time. If you
enter the sum in this book and add
it up, you'll find it makes ninety
pound." ,
"Ninety pounds exactly. -Well, if you
insist on my taking the money, 1 inippose
1 must. Is your daughter married yet,
Webb7" [
"Not yet, Sir."
"Likely to be ?"
"Well, I'm geared it's nigher than I
like,"
"What I you disapprove of her
choice9" .
"Oh, no, not a bit. Tom Smith's asi
good a fellow as ever lived. He'll get
on, that by will. He'i, sober, honest
and manly; and all -that'll tell in the
long run. But I'd rather She hadn't any-
body after her—leastways nntil the debt's
squared 'twixt you and me."
"A debt that, as you know, we al-
ready consider discharged."
"But-svhich I don't, Mr. Baker junior.
However, I'm < a keepin you. Good-
night, Sir, and many tkanks for your
kindness,"
With that Abel Webb retreats, hat in
hand; and bowing to Baker junior with
every backward step he takes, finds him-
self by and by at the half glass door
opening to the outer office. Arrived here
he once more thanks the younger partner
of Baker & Baker, wholesale druggists of
Jpecacuanha lane, Aldermanbury, and
at last emerges into the crowded thor-
oughfare, ..e
It is the dusk of an October evening,
and brisk dapper young men are hurry-
ing along the narrow courts and. alleys
bent upon the delights of home, or the
intoxicating pleasures they expect to find
elsewhere. The large warehouses are
closed, and the gas burns but dimly in
the grimy chambers, appropriated to
those whose duty it is to remain in the
premises after business hours. Abel
Webb takes scant notice of what is pass-
ing around him. He is a little man,
poorly clad, upon whose shoulders 55
.years of unremitting toil, anxiety, trou-
ble, and. heavy disappointment weigh
heavily. Hie hair is white as the hoar-
frost, and the wrinkles upen his forehead
and the dark hollows beneath his eyes
make him appear a far older man than
he really is; but diseeite his pony sta-
ture, his weather-beaten aspect, and the
wrinkles of age; he 's as hopefail in spirit
/
as ever, while there rests upon his fea-
tures an expresinon f patience and quiet
determination, giving token that Abel
Webb still thinks himself capable of
many a tussel in in the struggles for
life.
Generally speaking, Abel cannot be
considered a good walker, neither does
he ordinarily whistle stirring national
melodies as he elbows his way through
the teeming streets. Yet whenever he
pays his half -yearly visit to Baker junior,
he seems to become imbued with fresh
life, fresh hope, and increased strength.
The patient old man recognizes the
change himself, and joyfully feels that
the millstone of debt, which has for so
many years hung about his neck, is less
heavy than before. Oh, how earnestly
he hopes to live to free himself of his
burden! A long weary task is still,be-
fore him ; but he has learned from past
experience how much may be accom-
plished by persevering application,
and daily feels himself approaching
nearer and nearer the purpose of his la-
ter life.
Away from the close thoroughfares of
the city on to the Thames embankment,
Hie walk has been long and fatiguing,
and resting his arms upon the stone bal-
ustrade, he pauses for a few moments
with his eyes fixed upon the dark silent -
flowing river. Hie recent conversation
with Baker junior, fully oceupies his
mind as he thus pauses on his homeward
journey; and upon the old man's flush-
ed and wearied features there breaks a
smile of self-satisfaction as the thought
crosses him of what so many other men
would have done had they been placed
in his situation.
"A hundred and fifty pounds," he
murmurs, as he looks out upon the sweep,
of waters before him—a lot of money, a
lot of money ! Easily squandered, but
how difficult to save! A fortune to men
like me. _Honest Abel Webb the boys
used to call me at school ; honest Abel
Webb 1 have been to my employers, and
honest Abel Webb I'll try to be to the
end of my days."
In no spirit of Pharisaic egotism does
the old man thus address himself. In-
tegrity, devotion, and truth are com-
ponent parts of his nature. Briefly his
life passes beforo him as the cool Autumn
viously in the wholesale dniggists' pri-
vate room.
The elin.ging tones of "Big Ben"
awoke Abel Webb from his reverie.
With the sudden thoight that big daugh-
ter Polly would be home beforrihim if he
didn't make great haste, he set off at a
trot, resunung his Cheery whistle as he
went along.
And sure enough helve she was. When
he had threaded his way through a
labyrinth of Westminster byways, and
at last reached the corner Of the narrow
street in which were his lodgings, and in-
voluntarily cast his eyes up to the second
flier window of one of the houses, he
knew as well as though he saw her stand-
ing before him that she had managed to
reach home firet, ,No landlady—over-
flawing with kind heartedness as she
might be --could provide such a heart -
welcome to honest Abel as his daughter
Polly. Why, the very coals seemed. to
burn brighter and send forth a more
ruddy glow when she had coaxed. them
into a flame. The reflection of their
cheery warmth allowed itself upon the
drawn blinds, and bespoke the love and
comfort fostered within the humble
lodging shared by Abel and his daugh-
ter.
• Was Polly handsome? No. Was she
protty ? Scarcely that, for her features
lacked harmony. You had to look below
the surface to discover what made Polly
the idol of her father's heart and the cause
of anxieties unapeakable to honest Tom
Smith. First of all, Polly was short.'
She had light brown hair, which formed
itself into natural curls and danced about
her head in the most provokingly coquet-
tish fashion. Her eyes were a soft liquid
blue, her nose slightly retrau88e, and her
lips like no other woman's in the world—
at least so Tom Smith thought, -
So much for Polly's outward character-
istics, In temper and resolution she was
the counterpart of her father, and her
judgment was far in excess of that possess-
ed by most girls of her age (18). She was
of industrious habits, was thoroughly do-
mesticated, and, above all, possessed a
heart which as warmly responded to the
appeal of the suffering as it echoed the
joys of those it loved.
Polly's usefulness was not confined to
the two rooms on the second floor. She
had served her apprenticeship to the mil-
linery business in the house possessing
the services of her fathei, and, strange to
sey, Tom Smith was one of the young
men who 'served' at Messrs. Loostring
and Tool's. Of course the love affair was
kept yen,' quiet, and sometimes podr
Polly's heart thumped with fear lest the
secret should be discovered, for in the
eyes of their employes Loostring and Tool
were terrible people indeed. Abel and
his daughter, however, kept nothing from
each other; so that the simple -hearted
old warehouseman was speedily made
acquainted with the state of affair's, and
by no means disapproved of the match,
though he devoutly hoped it would not
be brought to an issue until he was freed
from the burden which had so long kept
him, by his own free will, almost penni-
less.
The ascent to Mr. Webb's apartments
was, to a stranger, an experiment attend-
ed with many difficulties. As in most
poor localities, children were in great
force; and on wet days it was the pleas-
ing oustom of the juveniles belonging to
the house in which Abel resided, to em-
ploy their infantine leisure in games upon
the stairs or on the landings of the two
floors. The house was let out to several
families, and, as the ladies of the estab-
lishment more closely resembles1 Leah
than Rachel, a degree of mirth and reck-
less gayety pervaded what might be
termed the lungs of the house. The
children too (bein3g naturally of a hospit-
able and socLil disposition) were in the
habit of inviting neighboring juveniles to
share their exhilirative pleasures—a ei?-
•
cunistance tending in no small degre
increase the noise commencing at
break and ordinarily ceasing about m
night.
In total darkuess it was certainly con-
fusing to have one's ears saluted with a
very Babel of voices.; to find the balust-
ers occupied by aspiring young gymnasts,
to place one's foot upon a warm yielding
mass of humanity, that would thereupon
send forth a yell of remonstrance, speed-
ily bringing from the retirement of the
washing -tub and ironing -table, toiling,
perspiring mammas, or to lose one's bal-
ance by treading upon marbles or other
awkward obstraetions by theway. With
these little difficultiee, however, one soon
became familiar, so, that when Abel
Webb had opened the street door he
speedily reached his own apartments.
How cosy the little place looked. It
was a pattern of neatness and domestic
comfort. The table was laid for supper,
a nice crisp loaf being flanked by a piece
of cheese (placed on a small plate in order
to make it look more than it really was),
and, yes! really a gigantic cucumber.
Polly, who was kneeling before the fire,
vigorously plying the bellows and incit-
ing the coals to a perfect fury of flame,
had not lighted a candle and cert nly
none was wanted. The bright laze
brought into full view tb e nettle-gerat ium
occupying the table in front of the in-
dow; it hp up the photograph of the lid -
looking woman (Polly's mother) on the
de of the room; it showed the
nobbed piece of furnitui e, to out-
ew a bureau, but to the initiated
ter of Abel's apartments nothing
r less than a turn -up beadstead,
h the father himself slept; and
ted its brightness upon the side -
with its ornaments of ware a few
nd the old-fashioned work -box,
og so many relics dear to old
Abel and his daughter; among others a
tiny baby's shoe, once worn by that boy
(now dead) on'whom old Abel had lavish-
ed such a wealth of paternal love.
"Why, you're rather late, father, ain't
you ?" inquired the girl, springing to her
feet, and giving old Abel such a sounding
kis e that it might almost have been beatol
on the pavement outside, if anybody had
been curious enough to listen. 'I've
been home a long time."
"Well, Polly, I've been to the savings
bank, and afterwards to Aldermanbury
—you know where. I took five pound
ten; and Mr. Baker, junior, spoke so
kindly that the time slipped by,and 'twas
seven o'clock afore I knew where I was
a'rnost."
THE. HURON EXPOSITOR.
"Don't say that Polly. If it vtailnot
for your earnings, how could I pat my
wages into the savings bank, u I do near-
ly every month ?"
"Well, daddy dear, you know it's only
you I've got to live for," said the girl
archly.
"What's that you say?" replied old
Abel, highly pleased with his daughter's
remark, but determined not to be hood-
winked. "How about . Tom Smith ?
D'ye mean to say you don't co for
him ?"
"Hush Don't ?peak so loud."
Polly blushed, and looked half -fright-
ened toward -that corner of the room
where the big bureau cast its shadow.
"Why, there's nobody can hear,"
"Yes, father, the children might, and.
sometimes children make a lot of mis-
chief," observed that little wiseacre,
Polly. Then, with a desperateintention
of changing the subject, she said, "You
must have a greatcoat this winter, or you
are sure to have the rheumatics, as you
had 'em last year. Oh, I Seel A beauty
in the Horseferry road to-night—so
thick, with nice warm lining inside, and
the price only eighteen shillings. Second-
hand, of course, but almost as good. as
new.
"Oh, I think I can do without it this
year. Let's save the eighteen shillings,
and send it to Mr, Baker, junior."
"No, I shan't allow anything of the
sort. I'm just as anxious as you are to
pay our debts, but I'd rather work. my
fingere to the hones than that you should
suffer another year as you did last."
. "And I too," added a strong, manly
voice, which seemed. to issue from Mr.
Webb's sleepina place.
Polly gave a shriek, then burst into a
ringing laugh that seemed. to fill the room
with joyous harmony; like the sound of
bells upon a frosty night ; and Abel,
turning suddenly in his chair, saw the
burly form of Tom Smith emerge from the
dusky corner,
"Hallo, Toni !" shouted Abel. "So
you've been listening. Well, luckily,
you ain't heard no secrets. I suppose
you are one of those children that makes
mischief, as ,Polly says.",
This retaliation upon his daughter
struck Webb as such an extraordinary
master -piece of witticism that he fairly
roared with laughter. By and bye TOD2
Smith roared too, and. when he had .had
his laugh out, finding that Abel's atten-
tion was still engrossed by the wonder-
ous joke, seized the opportunity to throw
his arms around Polly's waist, at which
the damsel, who did not like being laugh-
ed at, told the devoted lover to "a -done,
and not be so silly." 1
"Well, what brings you here ?" inquir-
ed Abel, whose laugh had now subsided
into a giggle, and winking at his young
friend!
"Why, father, he saw' me home, and
brought the cucumber for a present."
"My stars, that's a beauty! I'm much
obliged to you Tom, for there's nothing I
like better. Some people says cowcum-
bers ain't good, that you ought to peel
'em nicely, and then fling 'em out of the
window, but taken with a little of the
rind on, a bit of ingun, and lots of pep-
per, I don't think there's much harm in
'em—leastways tbey don't harm .me,'
And apparently cucumbers were thorough-
ly innocuous to Mr. Webb, who speedily
drew his chair up to the table, and
began to ply his knife and fork with a
will.
Mr. Tom Smith considerately waited
until his old friend had completed his re-
past, and then explained the object of
his visit. Polly, who was busy clearing
the supper table, wanted to leave the
room, but her betrothed wouldn't hear of
such a thing, and by and by that gallant
swain exercised his influence with such
marked success that, all a -glow with
blushes, she was induced to take a seat
upon the footstool between the two men
e to o whom it would. be hard to say which
day- loved her best,
id- I "You know, Mr. Webb, Polly and I
have been courting a lotig time nigh
other si
brass -k
ward vi
frequen
more no
in whic
it refiec
'board,
books, a
breeze plays with his white locks, and 1 containi
he watches the fliekerine hights by the
river's bank. First he sees himself kneel-
ing- by his mother'side, and lisping a
simple prayer; then, bending low his
head, he feels her gentle loving hand,
and hears her sweet voice pray that God
will bless her child, and came the pre-
cious seed of His word to fall upon good
ground and bring forth abundant har-
vest. E'en now as this vision passes be-
fore him he humbly lime bis head, and
ejaculates with fervent ardor, "Amen !"
Next comes the school life in a little
midland village. Then the kindly face
of the vicar, who had been the means of
introducing him to a large city house,
rises before him. To this succeed re-
collections of his employment in the
house of Baker & Baker ;ehis marriage;
the birth of his boy Sam—the child of
promise that was to be a solaceto his
declining years; his acseptanee of the
situation of a warehouseman in the es-
tablishment of Loostring & Tool, the
wholesale milliners of Wood street; and
the one sorrow of his life— sorrow that
seemed in its deep intensitSr to ingulf all
the joys of preceding year. After this
come visions of the long, earnest strap
gle to right a grievous wrong; last of all,
the remembrance of the kind words
addressed to him but an hour pre -
"Heaven bless Mr. Baker for those
kind words !" responded Polly, giving
her father another hearty kiss as she un-
wound the woolen comforter encircling
his neck. Then, after a pause, she asked,
"Does not that make ninety pounds you
have paid ?"
"Yes nicety pounds. It's a good deal,
ain't it! All saved, too, by you and me,
Polly."
"Oh, father, I don't do much to it. If
you weren't to deprive yourself of com-
forts, why, we shouldn't have paid off
twenty of it.-"
upon eighteen months, and we' e begin-
ning to think—that is, I'm beginning to
think" (this alteration in response to a
protest from Polly), "it's time we got
married. I don't like to see her wear-
ing her young life out in our hot work-
room. My salary, as you know, is at
present £80 a year, and. I live on the
premises. Now I think if I was to tell
Loostring the facts of the case and that
I wanted to live away, he'd give me
£130. Now ain't that enough to get
married on, and lia,v-e you any objec-
tion to Polly and 1 being married at
once ?"
Here Tom Smith paused, not because
he had exhaustei his subject, but for the
reason that he was out of breath,
Then Polly took up the parable. Slid-
ing her stool to her father's side, and
resting her head upon his knee, she said
tremblingly:
"Don't think, daddy dear, that my
being married will make any difference
te you and me for you are to come and
live with us; eh, Tom?"
Mr. Smith, thus appealed to, vowed
that his father-in-law's residence with
them was considered quite a settled mat-
ter, as in truth it was. e
A tear stood in old Abel's eye, and his
voice quivered with emotion as, laying
aside his pipe and taking his daugh-
ter's hand lovingly within his own, he
said:
"Tom Smith, I know you to be a true
and honest fellow. There is no man
upon the face of this earth I would more
desire to call my son-in-law; but before
I give my consent to your marriage I
must tell you of something that may,
perhaps, cause you to draw back." -
Tom wei3 about to speak when Abel, in
trembling 'accents, resumed:
"If you'd both been content to wait a
few years, what I am about to tell might
never have been known to either of you.
I was still a young man when I first en-
tered Baker & Baker's warehouse; you
Polly, were three years old, but your
brother Sant was eleven or more. He
used sometimes to bring me my meals at
the drug warehouse, and once or twice
Mr. Baker—the old man l'm speaking of
now—took notice of him. As I was a
bit of a favorite, he used to say to me,
'Now, Abel, when that boy's old enough
I'll take him into the counting-housesif
you like.' If I would hike! I treasured
self did all we could in the way of send -
those words, and your mother and my -
in order to
propriate
ing him to school and. such like, so as he was comp
should be fit when Mr. Baker wanted I
the firm. About this time ther
stideand change in his habits an
awe which Manfred me and his
very Much. He got to kee
hours, made some bad /terra
and began to dress extravaga
was no use our cautioning hi
seemed determined to go on
course. But all the sorrow an
paintment we felt was as nothin
fearful blow that almost stu
wheni-on a chance exatiiination
books; it was found Sam had e
his employer's money to a hund
fifty muds. From the women
terrible 'discovery, your mother
and drooped until she died. W
had done with the money he wo
er tell; but the head cashier (M
Wilmot, he who went soon
Australia) declared that more th
he had heard the boy talk abou
racing-; and it was in this way
way,s considered the money ha
AB for Sam himself, he stuck to
and fast that he was not guilty
dishonesty. He swore that the
he'd collected had always been p
to the cashier • but the evidence
er way was too strong, and our
branded as a thief. Mr. Wilm
was angry at Sam's insinuations,
him sent to prison; but Mr. Ba
a merciful man, and did not brin
us further disgrace. Afterlhis
could no longer remain ia Mr.
employ; and thue it was w
Loostring & Tool's, So that Sam
have a chance of getting back hi
acter, Mr, Baker gave him a lette
troduction to a, merchant at B
somewhere in India, who might
to find him employment sucb. as w
have temptations. Sam eagerly j
at the offer, but up to the mon
bis departure declared himself in
of stealing Mr. Baker's money.
fellow! it was the last we saw o
Before the vessel reached India s
a, fearful hurricane, and every s
board her perished,"
Overcome by these painful re
tions, Abel buried his face in his
and wept. Complete silence reig
the room for a few moments, and
Polly, controlling with an effo
strong emotions that swept throug
heart, crept to her father's Bid
placed her hand in his.
"Dear father," she said, in b
tones, "the story of your sorrow
you dearer to me than ever."
The old man withdrew his
from her embrace, and, when sh
kissed the tears from his cheeks
8t1111"Tehere could be no doubt of
brother's guilt, and I was too sensi
the kindness of his employers to
them to suffer. I resolved, come
might, that I would do my best to
them. For this I daily denied m
and for this I narrowed your oppo
ties of education; and this, next to
happiness, my child. is the object o
life
'1 -Dear father, and until now you
always led me t's, believe that the am
paid. half yearly was to discharge a
of "My darling,
dowarnli.n"g, watt it to
your in
to know the truth? When your br
left England you were but a child.
to to -night it has been my constant
deavor to hide the real facts of the
from you. 1 had hoped to have pai
the whole amount before you got
ried. Tom's proposal to -night, howe
has frightened the aecret out of me,
dould not allow him to marry you w
eut knowing the truth."
"And now do know it, Mr. We
exclaimed Tom, who had been tryin
seak for some time, but had been
able to do so, owing to a strange se
tion as of marbles rolling up his thr
and a determination of water to his
ow I do know it, I am more t
desirous of making Polly my w
ught of having the banns put
week, and then we can be m
before another month is over
/I
ut, Polly," inquired Abel, "is
ather soon ?"
daughter was at that moment
in attending to the fire, the brig
f which boa], during the recital
s revelation, become somew
ed. Just after he spoke a che
again shot forth and disclosed
smile upon Polly's face and a blu
her cheek, forming quite suffici
r to the question.
ell," my children," continued t
an, "do as you will,"
Smith sprang from his cha
as wringing Abel's hands in tole
titude, when the sound of fo
scending the stairs *caught Abe
re, Polly ! quick with the candle
d; "there is some one wants u
mistaken the floor."
room had hitherto been illumi
lely by the fitful gleam of the fir
st as Polly had got the cand
he door was opened, and in stro
aler—Baker junior—whom Ab
t but an hour and a half b
Abel," said Baker, with h
ruddy face glowing with excite
'I'm so glad I've found you a
I've good news for you —new
make your heart leap from you
at—what is it ?" exclaimed Abel
olly and her betrothed looked o
t amazement,
y, your boy Sam—he who eigh
o was thought to be guilty o
tis—is proved to have been in
sank back in his chair, his face
e, and his hands clutched the
Tom Smith and his daughter,
rushed to his side,
—how do yon know this ?" he
our after -you left my office a
m 'Australia was delivered—it
e came a.
d appear,
mother
ping lite
mtanees,
nint,lyfo. r belt
his own -
dg disap-
nnedt° thues
of the
mbezzleal'
red and
t
drooped
otpheadt
uhldatnehve.
after to
an once
t horse -
we al -
d gone.
it hard
of any
money
aid over
the oth-
boy was
ot, who
wanted
ker was
g upon
Ie nf te l tto Baker'sI
might
s char -
r of in-
ombay,
be able
ouldn't
umped
licionetenotf
Poor
f him.
he met
oul on
collec;
hands,
ned in
then
rt the
h her
e and
roken
makes
hand
e had
, re -
your
b1ef
yilerepayiallow-
whatf;
rtuni-
your
f my
have
ount
debt
Wrest
other
Up
en-
case
doff
mar -
ver,
for I
ith-
bb,"
g to
un-
nsa-
oat,
eyes
han
He.
up
ar-
Our
not
en-
lit -
of
hat
rry
a
oh
ent
he
ir,
en
ot-
l's
s,
e,
le
de
el
e-
18
—"n
ever
I tho
next
ried
heads
aB
that r
His
gaged
//CBS 0
Abel'
-dimm
flame
happy
upon
answe
old m
Tom
and w
of gra
steps a
ear.
arie
he crie
or has
The
ated so
and ju
alight t
Mr. B
had lef
fore,
broad,
ment,
home.
that'll
bosom.'
"Wh
while P
in silen
"Wh
years ag
robbing
noceut,'
Abel
grew pal
wrists of
who had
"How
gasped.
"An h
e r TO
was written by a gentleman a magis-
trate in Melbourne, and was 'to the ef-
fect that our late cashier, Robert Wil-
mot hiving received a fatal injury
through being run over in the streets, in
his last moments made a deposition be
fore the legal authorities that your son
was innocent, that he himself had ap-
d the moneys of the firm, and
conceal his own delinquencies
elled to fix the guilt upon some
The official papers will arrive
ail. Abel, believe me no
one e1
else.
him. Oh, how we loved. that boy ! how by next m
proudly we watched him grow up and
what hopes we formed of him! Sam
seemed a steady, inthistrous lad enough,
and for a time he certainly gave great
satisfaction in the counting -house. He
was then 17, and as handsome a fellow
as you might wish to see, though I'm his
father as says it. He was a general fa-
vorite in the office, and at last got trust-
ed to collect some of the debts due to
son is more rejoiced at this intelligence
than myself."
The old man was in tears—he could
not speak, but the pressure he gave the
extended hand evmee,d hisjbehef in Ba-
ker junior's sincerity.
,"And Abel," continued the newcomer,
"it gives me great pleasure—more pleas-
ure than I CAU tell you—to _hand you
(Co -fade -don Third Page.)
OCTOBER 20, 1876.
KIDD'S EMPORIUM OF FASHION
HAS THE LiRGEOT AND BEST ASSORTED STOCK OF
DRESS GOODS, FANCY GOODS, MILLINERY
AND MANTLES, SHAWLS, HATS AND CAPS,
CLOTHING BOOTS AND SHOES
Ever before offered in the County of Huron. I am determined to Sell for Cafe' at Rock Bottom
PrICCO4 Call at once and see for yourselves, and tell your neighbors that
TI-101/1.A.S =DID'S
IS THE PLACE TO BUY CHEAP GOODS.
PRINTS.
Good Dark Prints, 5 cents per yard,
Good Dark Print, 7 cents per yard,
Good Dark Prints, 10 cents per yard,
Good Dark Printe, 121 cents per yard.
GREY COTTONS.
Good Grey Cotton, 6 cents per yard,
Good Grey Cotton, 8 cents per yard,
Good Grey Cotton, 10 cento per yard.
FLANNELS.
Good Red Flannel, 25 cents per yard,
Good Red Flannel, 28 cents per yard,
Good Red Fla=nel, 30 cents per yard,
Good Red Flannel, 85 cents per yard.
SHIRTINGS.
Good Check Shirting, 12i- cents per yard,
Good Check Shirting, 16 cents per yard,
Good Check Shirting, 20 cents per yard.
TICKI NGS.
Good Heavy Ticking, 20 cents per yard, I
Good Heavy Ticking, 25 cents per yard, Y 0 X
Good Heavy Ticking, GO cents per yard, _1 0
0
:DRESS GOODS., • 0
Scroll and Stripe Dress 1
Brocade Dress Goods, 15 cents per yard, rn
,..,
Brocade Dress Goods, 20 cents per yard,
Brocade Dress Goods, 26 cents per yard
Brocade Dress Goods, 80 cents per yard,
Goods,
In all the new colors from 20c per yard up,
Seal Brown Serges. 20e per Yard up,
Seal Brown, Prune, and Grey Stripe, 20c up,
Diagonal Dress Goods, new shades,
French Merino, Navy Blue,
French Merino in Plum,
French Merino in Scarlet,
French Merino in Seal Brown.
$ HAWL.S & MANTLES
In every Style and Price,
Shawls from 75 cents to 640 each,
Mantles from $1 80 to $30 esch.
HOSIERY.,
Lailes' Hosiery, 75 different lines
Children's Hosiery, 80 different 11;ies,
Gents' _Hosiery, 40 different lines.
BLACK LUSTRES.
Week Lustre, 10 cents per yard,
Black Lustre, 124 cents per yard,
Bleak Lustre, 15 cents per yard,
Black Lustre, 20 tents per yard,
Black Lustre, 85 cents per yard,
Black Lustre, 80 cents per yard,
Rhea Lustre, 35 cents per yard,
Black Lustre, 40 cents pa yard,
Black Lust/6, 45 cents per yard,
Black Lustra„ 50 cents per yard,
Seal Brown Lustre, 20 cents per yard,
Drab Lustre, 20 cents per yard,
Prune Lu3tre, 20 cents per yard.
STAPLE GOODS.
Good Winceys, 10 cents per yard,
Good Winceys, 124 cents per yard,
Good Wineeys, 16 cents per yard,
Good Wineeys, 20 cents per yiird,
Good Waterproofs, 78 -cellt01
Good Waterproofs, 85 cents,
Good Waterproofs, 90 cents.
All Black Lustres Double Warp and Double Faced, Compare •
them with any other in tile market.
Special Attention is directed to the Stock of Seal and Cloth Mantles, from $15 to $25.
MANTLE CLOTHS IN ALL THE NEW AND FASHIONABLE SHADES.
•
THE MILLINERY DEPARTMENT
Excels all others in this (Younty for Style, Quality and Price&
THE PEOPLE S STORE.
4111•11•....
mrr_ m 0Tz R. 180 w,
(Successor to Strong & Fairley,)
Ilas now on hand a 1..ix•ge and well Selected Stock of CHOICE FAMILY GROCERIES
which he is dete,ned to Sell at a Very Small Advance on Cost for Cash,
I AM SELLING 20 POUNDS GOOD RICE FOR $1.
AM SELLING 12 POUNDS GOOD CURRANTS FOR $1.
I AM SELLING 10 POUNDS GOOD RAISINS FOR $I.
1 AM SELLING 12 POUNDS GOOD SUGAR FOR $t.
I can give you TEA as low a845 cents per pound; and I can give you an A
No. 1 TEA for 70 cents per pound, TOBACCOS as low as 30 cents per pound, and
Tobaccos of all Brands and all Prices; 15 Pounds GOOD PRUNES for $1.
Vegetables and Fruits in their Seasons; also Split Peas, Pot Barley, Oatmeal
and Cornmeal; Ha.nus and Bacon, Woodenware, Stoneware, Earthenware, and
FLOUR and FEED Always on Hand.
1
OYSTERS RECEIVED DAILY_
Free of Charge.
Families intrasting their orders to ma will receive prompt attention, and their Goods Delivered
All kinds of Farm Produce taken in exchange for goods.
400 Bushel g Potatoes Wanted, for -which I will pay the Highest Market Price.
Remember the Place, Strong & Fairley's Stand, Smith side,
1VIORRISON.
HAVING SURVIVED FITE LATE CONFLAGRATION,
MR_ DPT
Has again coramenced Business in the Stand lately occupiedhy Mrs. Markey, two doors north of the
Post Office, and directly opposite the Commercial Hotel.
Thanking the Public for the Liberal Patronage bestowed upon him in the past,
MR. DENT WOULD SOLICIT A
CONTINUANCE OF SAID PATRONAGE
In his New Location, feeling better able than ever before to give Satisfaction to all.
Having had abundance of time while his New Store was undergoing alterations he has leisarelY
visit ed all the Important Marketo and canes th
wfth
e
what large experience and untiring energy eau do,hasbeen done to cueneral that all that money, coupled
ll from the various Msrketo
A STOCK OF DRY GOODS,
IWhich for Quality, Quantity, Cheapnese, and General Attractiveness, stands nnrivalled in Seaforth
to -day. It is widen to attempt to enumerate goods or prices. Suffice it to eay that he hopes to Joe
alibis Old Friends and 'very many New Ones at his /IOW place of Business, when he iill prove the
truth of the few statements made above. "
Please remember the Stand, Be 'rare not to mistake the Place. The Sign is very Conspleao. no—
thp Name Short—the Store New and Jam Full of the Best and Cheeped Dry Goods, Respectfully.
GEORGE DENT.
STATIONED AGAIN AFTER THE FIRE.
StOves and Tinware Cheaper Than Ever.
AL& WHITNE,Y Seaforth, begs to inform her many friends and maxims/a that she -has
soda resumed haziness on the site of ber old stand, where everythfng Pert/dab:1S to tho Tinware
_ business will be fdand. A Lose Stock of Stoves and Tinware always on d indfor sale cheap.
THE BEST AND PUREST COAL OIL IN THE MARKET.
Zver$ kind of Tin Work Cly -en bander Mad 40 Ordior. Cail and see what &heves dote -
fore purdah* elsewhere.
=8. E. WHITREY,Bagerth,
r
Were
Stfah We
wee), to You
ad, however
onaliy; and
free to-morio
five per oeut,
in the first
- 1 feet myself
bye, Ana
fellow 1"
Baker juni
word to hew
his utterance,
a swan 0/111V
Z1iil/k!ng8011
weesweig the
from the rooxr
farewell,
.Po
me that work
The girl ki
placed the bo
Fingal 'draw f
relics of a by
which had ne
old man held
after azing *
drew it revers
mured, "My
noeent I Oh,'
this eley
Tom Smitb
waisted his bo
the window --
and looking 4
resplendent
hrigt4 re•°6111
"Polly, dei
first day of tla
to wish, and
come true."
"I it, Tom
wistful trustil
made hini.
'hirn "Do yei
for the new 111
ly the same
past ?"
"And what
inquired Tom./
although he Pr
ant.)
- "Oh, if I W
amok might h
the next new n
I'Htellyou anj
"Then, 'lath
wife."
His voice ha
it reached her
creased, her hes
The fire in the
dle flickered,
but witUi its
man rapt m
precious relic,
an heart aud, m
pes,9eful splen
firmament.—
it
Dress as plaii
allow yen, but
become you) an
that is t say, ii
the longest. N
'want of a new el
-in the fashion, I
merely because
able. Amd if t
must mot follow
stripes, or narrii
short petticoats
as the public *
buy yards of US
or toupee of, ni
over the grouni
must never tea
have lost mucl.
lifthe common
perserialdelie
average Euglisl
they will allow
the streets, if i
engem, Lean
WitherAins and
every day in
'pretty -dreARIS
who have not t
them nie,ely fel
show them in 3
most right and
to e,hoose what
becoming in th
Ingen
The Boston A
ors at Dartmo
labotesaving
pulleys, eords,.
eeeded en alter
twenty -four -he
time -piece. T
so that it will.
winding, an
meat is offered
running till th
in 1877. The
'failed the mem
company by at
elock, and eael
merits teatteret
in unison with
Their latest in
their bed—"In
--steam-heat
other, for eeon
i l' wi:t or arauyi ri n 0. tookl.,t 0 r u
buTnhderedesticeesseopi
SUCCOS$ .0f
VAS directed
order was for I
quieldy establ
-with *high and
language was
ed the earlier
In
style
!di eci a7riaPia
alle h arl
co
- aPwPor rke ea as a e at' e r 1 S't13
_ - - b—}4:iin;lho
—where Ali
statemente, hi
'ewthadadwait8ehalaniihmos::telilheedmespoenathattf:_euwtinlima!iiidoutt
Enerilightepeothepli
ladfeet that it ev
century excep
c „,D0
rae3T -ofe armairty_ hos'