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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1886-07-02, Page 2: -^ - 2 THE HURON EXPOSITOR.. THE SIGNALMANS STORY. CHAPTER A song which was very popular when I was a boy says, "Most folks fall in love, no doubt, some time or other." It • might with equal truth have said that most folks-fadl in love two or three tithes over, I am sure it was the case with me. It was also my fate to do what, I am told, is one of the commonest things in the world—that is, to fall violently in love with a person entirely out of my own circle not below it, like the king and the beggar maid, bat a great deal above me; with a girl, too, who was as proud and haughty and stony as Juno or a sphinx. . In the time to vrhieh I refer, nearly 50 years ago now—I am 71 next birth-. day—the railway system was in its in- fancy, but yet was spreading fast, and I was one of the earliest servants. It was in no exaltedposition that I served. My father was dead.; my mother rented a small cottage on the land of a noble- man in whose service her husband had lived and died; and this nobleman recommended me to a railway company Which had just constructed a branch through his estates. I was at first a porter, bat afterward a signalman, and as a great favor, I was assigned a post on the branch just mentioned, close to my own house. The signal was not far from the junction of the branch with the main line; a very lonely spot for a long way in either direction, although there was a thriving town some five miles down the branch; and there was a sid- ing close by where the trucks used in the scanty local traffic were collected. There were some cottages near my crossing—I ought to have said that there watt a level crossing not far from my box; in one of these I lived; a sprink- ling of farm houses and several very good houses of a higher class were within sight. In one of these latter, not by any means the grandest, but hand- some enough for all that, lived Squire Cleabyrn ; and. it was with his only - daughter, Miss Beatrice, that I chose to fall in love. For that matter, I dare say a score of other young fellows as poor as myself were as earnestly in love with her as I was, but they probably had suf- ficient sense not to show their folly. I did show mine. I could not help it, and when I recall all I felt and suffered at the time I feel I must retract my ad- mission that others were as much in love with her as myself, but had the sense to conceal. it, such a thing would have been impossible. They could not have concealed it; they might have re- frained frona talking about it I did not talk; but had they seen the girl as often as I did, and -looked into her face as closely as I did, they could not have hidden their infatuation from her. In return, she would have looked at them with the same haughty indifference— which yet had a 1 something of con- temptuous wondenin it—as I was treated with. Not that my story has anything of the "Lady of Lyons flavor about it; I was no Claude to an English Pauline, but this girl, this Miss Beatrice, was so aarae'mgly beautiful that she was famed for full twenty miles around. In ad- dition she was one of the best horse- women in the county, and this enabled me to see more of her than I should - otherwise have done. She used to ride out, sometimes with a servant only, sometimes with a party, nearly every day; and ' nearly every day she came through the gates at my crossing. - I tried not to look at her, feeling and knowing that there sparkled in my eager eyes more feeling that I should have al- lowed to escape me—but in vain. I could not withhcdd my gaze from the cold, dark face—she was not a blonde beauty; golden hair in these days was not the rage—or from her large, deep, unfathomable eyes that looked through me ancl past me as though I had not been there, or was at beat no more than part of the barrier I had swung "open for her passage. Yet these eyes, as I even then knew but too well, read me to the core, while they seemed to ignore me. I am almost ashamed to own it now, and even at this distance of time it makes my cheeks tingle to recall it, but I have wasted a. whole afternoon, when Iha.d a "turn off," in hope of seeing Miss Cleabyrn. Her father's house stood on a knoll, with smooth open lawns sloping down from it on all sides, so that from ray sig- nal -box I could see when any one was walking in the front of the mansion, and when a party assembled together to ride out. Well, I have actually lingered, on some feeble pretence, for four or five hours about the signal -box, in hope that she might walk on the lawn, or that she might mount and ride through our gates. I well remember that it was on one of these afternoons that Miss Beatrice rode through with a small party. Ah! I re- call' them easily enough. There was one other lady and three gentlemen. To open the gate for them, for her, was the opportunity I had been longing, waiting for, and wasting my few hours of holi- ' day for; so I offered to do this to assist rny mate, who had relieved me, and was glad enough to be spared the labor, and I caught a full glance from the eyes of Miss Beatrice. The look was one in which she seemed to exchange glances with me. I knew. it meant nothing, that it was all a delusion, and yet it would beanough to haunt me for days. I knew that else. - I had never seen her l000k so beautiful before, and I felt my cheeks and brow &tat learning hot in the instant I met this glance. They passed. I watched them to the la,st—I always did—and I saw her turn her head toward. the gentleman who rode by her side. The movement brought her profile so plainly in view that 1 could eee she was smiling. As I watched her, the gentleman turned around and looked in my direction. He was smiling also, it was something beyond a smile with Mm, and I then reddened more with shame than I had before done with ex- citement, for I knew he was laughing at me. So Miss Cleabyrn must have been laughing also; and at what? I was the subject of their ridicule, and it served me right. Yes; I knew that at that moment, but to know it did not Make the bitter pang less painful. I went back to my comrade at the sig- nal -box. He, too, had noticed the group, and said as I entered the hut: That was the party from Elm Knoll, wasn't it? Ah ! I thought so • and of course that was the celebrated Miss Clea- byrn. You know who that was riding by her side, I suppose'?" "No," I said, answering as calmly as I could; I was almost afraid to trust my voice. it Thet'a a young fellow, a captain from somewhere," continued my mate, "who is going to marry Miss Cleabyrn. He has got a lot of money. Se has she. Sam Powell, who drives the night - mail, knows him, and he told me all about it." As the speaker had no idea of the ab- surd,state I was in, he took no par- • ticular notice of me, but changed the sub- ject, and went on With some 'indifferent topic. - I was glad he did so, for although I had an utter contempt for myself and for my folly in allowing the conduct or the future of Miss Cleabyrn to excite me, yet I could not have eonversed on such a theme as her marriage; while the knowledge that the person to whom I had been ridiculed—I felt sure of that— was her avowed lover, seemed to in crease the bitterness of the sting ten fold. I. had ample opportunity of seein that the reportivhich I had heard wa likely, at any rate, to be founded in fact as the stranger, the " captain from somewhere," remained a guest at Elm Knoll for fully a fortnight, during whic time not a day passed without my see ing both him and Miss Cleabyrn, and sometimes more than once each day. S I came to know him by sight as well as did her. Re was a frank, handsom young fellaw e that I could see, and wa obliged to see, and was obliged to own and in his speech he was pleasant This was shown by his stopping on two or three occasions, when riding alone, to ask me some , questions as I opened the gate for him. I was sure he made these occasions, and at first disliked him for it; but I could not continue to bear ill will against a man of such kindly open manners, so I relented, and ere he left the neighbor- hood used to look forward with pleasure to seeing him. This was a sad falling off from my previous lofty moods, and so was my accepting a cigar from him as he rode through. In fact, although I have no doubt " written myself an ass," as our old friend Dogberry would have said, yet at the worst I was not without some glimmering of sense, which saved me from making an absolute example of myself. Even during the short time in which the Captain—I did not know his name —was visiting at Elm Knoll, the heat and surge of my absurd passion had perceptibly moderated, and just then several circumstances combined to re- store me to a right frame of mind. After the Captain's departure Miss Beatrice left home on a prolonged visit, so that I did not see her; and at the same time I met Patty Carr, who was, in her way, quite as pretty as Beatrice Cleabyrn, although not nearly so haughty; and my heart being specially tender and open to impression just then, I suppose, I speedily thought more of her than of the young lady at Elm Knoll. Indeed, we were married the next year. At the time I speak of, a good many things were in vogue, or at least had not died out, which have quite vanished now, and among these was duelling. Every now and then a duel was fought, but the ridicule which attended blood- less meetings and the greater activity of the police in cases where harm was done, were diminishing them greatly, yet still they did occasionally happen. A great stir was made by a violent quarrel among some officers of a regi- ment quartered in Lancasiaire, in which a challenge to fight ,a duel had been given and refused. It was called in the papers of the day, "The Great Military Scandal, and arose in the following manner. A certain Major Starley had offered a gross insult to a young lady, on whom, it appeared, he had been forcing his attentions for some time, and her only relative, a half-brother, was in the same regiment with the Major. The de- tails were not pleasant, and it was no wonder Captain Laurentson chal- lenged the Major; but the latter de- clined the challenge on some profession- al grounds; and when the parties met, high words passed. These commenced, it appeared, with the Captain; but each became violent in the dispute until at last the Gaptain thrashed his antagonist in the presence of several officers. This was not a make-believe beating; a " consider yourself horsewhipped" aft fair, but a rightdown " vvelting," the Major being badly cut and bruised. This -was serious enough, anyhow; but what made it worse was that the officers were on duty at the time; and by the strict letter of military law, the ICap- tain would certainly be punished with death. He had expected, it seems, that after so public and sucn a painful humiliation he would infallibly receive a challenge from the injured officer ; but it was not so. He was placed on arrest in the barracks, and expected to be brought to a court-martial. He heard, however, from some friendly source that it was in- tended to hand him over to the -civil power, when he would be charged with an assault with intent to kill. In those days almost anything was transportable, and as Major Starley be- longed to one of the most influential familiee in the kingdom, there was also no doubt that the prosecution would be conducted in the most vindictive spirit and pushed to the bitterest end. Terrified at such a prospect, the young officer escaped from the herrn eks, by connivance of the guard, there was rea- son to suppose, although this was never completely proved; at any rate he got clear away and disappeared. Immediate advantage was taken of this fatal al- though very natural step and a reward was at once offered for his apprehension. If he could get out of the country, he would be safe, as there were then no en- gagements for giving up criminals, so the ports were watched ; an easier thing to do when there was not such a tre- mendous outflow of emigration as now. Public sympathy, was, naturally, strongly in favor of Captain Laurenston, and against the Major, who would be compelled, it was generally said, to leave the service. But this would not save the Captain from being cashiered, nor from fourteen years' transportation, as he was certain to be made an ex- ample of, if -only for the purpose of showing that officers would be pro- tected when they refused to accept a challenge. I had taken an interest in all these details, as my mates had done, and as with them, my sympathies were on the side of Captain Laurenston, yet only as a stranger, for I had never, to my know- ledge, heard of him before. But after awhile it began to be said that the Cap- tain was the officer who had been so long a visitor at Elm Knoll, and was the accepted suitor of Miss Cleabyrn. This gave me more interest in the affair, and I sincerely hoped ,he might make good his escape. Miss Beatrice had returned to Elm Knoll, but she rarely left the house, an still more rarely rode out, although i was the hunting season, so that I hardl ever saw her. . I was on night -duty at the signals and when I went there one evening to relieve the day man, he told me tha there were several London detective "hanging about the place "—he knew this from one of the•guards who had for merly been in the police, and so re cognized them. I naturally asked i the company suspected anything wrong among their people and my mate said no, not at all 'The detectives, of course, would not say anything about - • their business; ut the guard suspected - that they were titer Captain Laurens - ton, who was lfeely to try to see Miss Cleabyrn before leaving England. This appeared feasible . enough; and I was able heartily te echo the wish of my mate to the effect that the young fellow might give his pursuers the slip. I have said that my signals and cross- ing were on a branch of no great traffic; so when the het down passenger and first night goods trains had passed— they followed each other pretty closely —there was nothing stirring for several hours. - Traffic through the gates at the level crossing after dark there was little or none, se my berth was dull and lone- ly enough. I did not much mind this, for I was fond of reading, and on this night—a stormy one it was—I was read- ing a terrible ghost story. I laugh at such things now, but I know right well • that they made me " creep " then. I dare say every one knows the sensa- tion, and has fel it over ghost stories. I was in the midst of the most terrible part; when I heard a slight noise, and lifting up my ey s, saw at my little win- dow, quite dos to me, that which startled me mor than any ghostlye ap- pearance ever wi 1. I thought it Was a ghost. The glar of my lamp fell upon the panes, and recognized the large deep eyes which had so often thrilled me. I saw • an • knew to a certainty that Beatrice Cl abyrn was looking at me. She knew y my electric start that she was reeogniz d. The face vanished from my windo • and as I sprang from my seat, there w s a tap at my door. I threw it open. The •furious blast of wind which enter d almost blew out my lamp, and 1 felt t e driving rain even as I stood- within t e hut. It was Miss Cleabyrn, and sh at once stepped over my threshold. Sh had on a large cloak, the cape of which was turned up so as to form a hood, and his was dripping with wet; great drop of rain were on her face, too. I pus ed my stool, the only seat in my hut, ward her, and strove to ask what had rought her to such a spot on such a n ght ; but I could get out no intelligi le words. She had closed the door fter her, and in her very manner of d ing so there was some- thing which sugg sted fear and danger, so that I caught my breath in sympa- thetic alarm. "You are Phi ip Waitress, are you not ?" she said. I had never he rd her speak before, and either 1 w s still under the in- fluence of my ol enchantment, or she really had the ost melodious, most thrilling voice in t e world; assuredly I thought so. Of ourse I replied in the affirmative. have heard you spoken of," she continued; "and always favorably. I am sure you may be trusted; I am sure you will be faithful." "If I can serve you in any manner, Miss Cleabyrn," I I managed to say, "1 will be faithful td any- promise I may give—faithful tot.] death.' This was rather a strong speech, but I mild not help it h As I made- it, -I felt that she knew right well, without being led by any report or mention of me—even if i she had heard 'anything of the sort—why I might be trusted She smiled as said this. I knew how fascinating *as her smile • but I had never seen it ith such sadness in it; it was a tho sand times more en- thralling than bef re. "1 will confide in you," she went n. "1 -will tell you why I am here in uch a tempest; to do this, I will have t confide in you most fully. I will not sit down "—this was called forth by an Cher offer of the only seat already ment oned—" I will stand here "—she was st nding in anangle be- hind the door, m ch screened by my desk and some boo s which were heaped upon it—" then o chance or prying _ passer-by can see e." "None will pas here -for some time, Miss Cleabyrn," lr . said; "on such a night as this, on a place is deserted caution if it will greater safety." She did so ; and ly and collectedly ward to judge ho her—to tell me wh REAL ESTATE FOR SALE.. S A GREAT BARGAIN.-- Will be sold cheap d 140 soles of good land, heavily timbered, y night, indeed, the ; but take the pre- ive you a feeling of then proceeded, firm - 1 was enabled after - much the effort cost t had brought her to my station. "You have heard of Cap - he began. had done so. he is pursued by the ow, I have no doubt, eman who was here of the summer ?—I in this neighborhood, He dares not m- ini Knoll, as that is ecial watch, but we hink that one or ts are bought over, informers. He can - out assistance and the only man he can tain Laurenston ?" I signified that I "You know tha police; and you k that he is the gent in the early part thought so. He is is not far from her ter our house at not only under s have reason to more of our serve and act as spies an not get away 'wit you, he thinks, are trust." . "1 am !" I excla med. • "Why, what can I doh" (To be ntinued.) A New Version. of an Old Story. A tanner, for a business sign, bored an auger -hale through the door -post of his shop, and stuck a calf's tail into it, with the bushy end flaunting out. One day a grave -looking man, with spec- tacles, stood gazing at it so long and in- tently that finally the tanner stepped out and said, "Good morning ! " "Morning," reOied the man, without moving his eyes from the sign. "You want to buy leather ? " " No " --" Want to sell hides t" " No "— " Are you a farmer?" "No."—" Mer- chant ?" "No."—" Lawyer ?" "No" —"Doctor?" "-No. " — " Minister ?" "What in thunder are you ?"—" I'm a philosopher. I've been standing here half an hour trying to decide how that calf got through that auger -hole, and for the life of me I can't make it out !" —Guest ---"I say, landlord, your food is worse than it Wae last year ! Land- lord—"Impossible' sir." chiefly maple, soMe Hentlock and Cedar, never . failing stream through it. Three miles from Allanford station, township of Amabel, County of Bruce. Apply to box 284, Stratford, or Ex - motive. Office. 89341 ipIIACRE FARM FOR SALE.—For sale Lot 19; and half of 18, in the let Con- cession of Turnberry, about two nilles –froin Wingham, and oneand one-half miles from Blue vale. Ninety acres under cultivation, well fenced and drained, with good buildings and ' other conveniences, will be sold cheap. Apply to ALEX. ROSS, Bluevale P. 0. 924t1 GOOD FARM FOR SALE.—For sale, Lot 18, Concession 6, Hay,containing 100 acres, of which about 60 are cleared, fenced and under - drained and partly free from stutnps, the bal- ance is hardwood bush. There are good build- ings and small orchard and plenty of good water This is a good farm and will be sold on reason- able terms. For particulars apply to JOHN GORDY, on the premises, or Hensall P. 0. 952 FARM FOR Sale.—For sale in the township of Hibberf, 150 acres being lots 29, and the west half of 28, in the 8th concession, it is free from stumps and in a high state of cultivation, with a log house and good outbuildings. There is an everlasting spring creek running through the farm. It will be sold together or separately on easy terms. For further particulars address the proprietor on the premises or to Seaforth Postoffice. WM. EBERHART, Proprietor. 96341 FARM FOR SALE.—The Subscriber offers for sale his splendid farm of 100 acres, being Lot 44, Concession 2, Tuckersmith. Good new story and half frame house, 2 acres splendid orchard, good buildings, 85 acres free from stumps, 15 acres in fall wheat. The whole under good cultivation, and well underdrained, live spring on the farm and has good wells. Close to churches and schools. Three and one-half miles from the town of Clinton, 6 from Seaforth. Will be sold on reasonable terms. HUGH Me - DONALD, on the premises, or Clinton P. 0. 930tf VIARMS FOR SALE.—That valuable farm .1 being North half of Lot 29, Concession 6, Morris, on which there is a good frame barn and outbuildings, frame house, good bearing orchard, good wells, &c. Also that valuable farm being South half of Lot 28, Concession 5, Morris, on which there is a good new frame house and good fratne barn. Both of those farms are adjoining the village of Brussels, and are in every respect flrst-class farms. Terms easy, and which will be made known on application to E. E. WADE, or PETER THOMSON, Brussels P. 0. 963 FARM IN MORRIS FOR SALE.—A very valu- able farm for Sale, being south half of Lot' 6, Concession 3, Morris, codtaining 100 acres; there are about 80 acres cleared and free from stumps._ The soil is a fine clay loam and well fenced and watered. There is a good 'bank barn with stables underneath and a good frame house, the buildings are nearly new, and there is a first- class orchard. There is a good bush with plenty of rail timber. The farm is one mile from school, five miles from Wingham, and two and a half from Belgrave station. ' Good gravel roads lead- ing from the place. The Farm will be sold cheap. Apply on the premises or Belgrave P.O., WM. HANNAH. 957 EIARM IN HULLETT FOR SALE.—For sale, X Lot 6, Concession 14, Hullett, cantaining 158 acres about 100 acres cleared, free from stumps, underdrained, well fenced and in a high state of cultivation. The balance is well timber- ed with hardwood, cedar and black ash. There is a good stone house and good frame outbuild- ings. There is a splendid orehard, and abun- dance of living water. It is within four miles of the flourishing village of l3lyth, and good gravel roads leadingto all the surrounding towns. It is convenient to schools, churches, Postoffice, &c, also Lot 7, on the same Conces- sion, containing 157 acres. The two farms will be sold together or separately on terms to suit purchasers. GEO. WATT, Harlock. 944 FARM FOR SALE.—For sale, Lot 26, Conces- sion 6,1ileKillop, egmtaining 100 acres, near- ly all cleared, well fended and underdrained, and in a first-class state of cultivation. There is a stone house, bank ham and other necessary buildings all in first -C. -loss condition. Also an orchard of bearing tree, and the river Maitland runs through a corner of the farm but there is no waste land. It is a first-class farm either for stock orgrain, and is within two miles of the town of Seaforth on the northern gravel road. Apply on the premises or to 'Seaforth P. O. HUGH J. GRIEVE. 91141 FOR SALE.—For sale ih the thriving village of Hensall at a great bargain, that valuable property situated on the west side of Brooke street, consisting of a good new frame dwelling 18x26 feet, and well finished throughout, with god well and stable on the premises. Reason for selling is that the undersigned intends leaving the village about the end of the year. Possession can be given at any time within a weeks notice. Terms of Sale.—Very liberal. For full particu- lars apply to D. MOWBRAY, Mason and Con- tractor, Hensall P. 0. 905 FARM IN MORRIS FOR SALE.—For Sale, North -half Lot 22, Concession 7, Morris, containing 100 acres, about 70 of which are clear- ed, and partly cleared from stumps, well fenced and in a good state of cultivation. The wood land contains considerable cedar. There is a good frame house and bank barn with stabling underneath and other necessary outbuildings, a good orchard and -plenty of spring water. It is within three qudrters of a mile from school, and only three miles from the flourishing village of Brussels. This farm will be sold cheap. Apply on the premises or Brussels P. 0. 920tf SIMON FORSYTHE, Proprietor. GOOD FARM FOR SALE.—For sale, Lot 1, Concession 8, Tuckersmith, containing 100 acres, about 80 of which are cleared, free from stumps, underdrained, in a high state of cultiva- tion and well fenced. There is a comfortable log house and a large hank barn with stabling underneath. Also a young orchard and good well. The land is all dry and of the best quality. It is conveniently situated to Seaforth and Kippen stations, with good gravel roads leading to each place. For further particulars address the Proprietor, Egmondville P. O.'or apply at the Egmondville mills. JAMES KYLE, Pro- prietor. 904-tf QOOD FARM FOR SALE.—In order to close the affairs of the estate of the late W. G. Hingston, the executors offer the following vary valuable lands for sale. First—North half of Lot 30, Concession 5, township of Morris, con- taining 90 acres. On tills lot is erected a good frame barn with stone foundation, good orchard, well and pump. Nearly all cleared, and is on the gravel road closely adjoining the village of Brussels. This farm is a valuable one, is well fenced and in a good state of cultivation. For prices and terms apply to Thos. KELLY, Brus- sels P. 0., HENRY JENNINGS, Victoria Square P.O., or Janes Slane Maple Lodge. P. O., Middlesex County. -868 TWO HUNDRED ACRE FARM FOR SALE.— For sale, Lot No. 11, on the 14th and 154h concessions of Grey, containing 200 acres, 150 of which are cleared and in a zood state of cultiva- tion. The remainder is good hardwood bush. There is a never failing creek running through the farm. There is a good frame barn 40 by 60 feet, good log house and good bearing orchard. It is six miles from Brussels, and three from Walton, with good gravel road leading to each place. There is a school on the next Lot. Price, $7,700. This is an excellent stock and grain farm and is offered very cheap. For further particulars apply to the Proprietor on the prem- ises or to Walton P. 0.—ADAM DOUGLAS. 966 SPLENDID 200 ACRE FARM FOR SALE IN THE TOWNSHIP OF GREY.—Sealed offers addressed to the undersigned, will be received up to July 1st, A. D. 1886, for the purchase of that first-class farm, being composed of Lots 11 and 12 in the 164h Concession of the township of "Grey,:County of Huron, comprising 200 acres, of which about 115 acres are cieared and in a good state of cultivation, the balance being well tim- bered. There is on the premises a good frame barn 60x50 feet and a hewed log clapboard house and outbuildings Fences are in good repair. A fine Orchard of young trees just coming into bearing. A 'Pod well and a never failing spring creek. Although this is a most desirable prop- erty, intending purchasers can view the property and obtain any further information with regard to it on application to the tenant on the premises. Possession wll be given on October 16th, 1886. The highest or any offer not necessarily accept- ed., Address offers to ROBERT THOMPSON, Roseville P. 0., Ont. Roseville, Ont., November o; 1886. 937-tf Immense Clearing Sale of Dry Goods, Millinery and Groceries —AT J. McLOUGHLIN'S, The Bargain House of Seaforth. All goods reduced to prices that must effect a speedy clearance of the 'entire stock. The public are invited to call and get genuine Bargains, as the same chance seldom occurs to secure such value. Remember, the whole stock of New and Choice Dry Goods, Millinery and Groceries, is to be rushed off. ear Butter and Eggs taken at cash prices only. J. McLoughlin, Whitney's Block Seaforth. J. L. SMITH, SEAFORTH, Staple and Fancy Dry Goods House. Stock in each Department Replete with Reliable and Use- ful Goods. milmommon••••••=.1. Repeated orders of Ginghams at low prices. Prints in great profusion. White Lawns, Printed Muslims, Americ,an Printed Lawns—just the thing for warm weather. Those goods enumerated, and all in stock, are marked close, and we are prepared to give everybody solid value. Come and see us. Good Butter and Eggs taken same as cash. J. L. SMITH, SEAFORTH, Staple and Fancy Dry Goods, One Door South of Mrs. J. Kidd's Hardware. DISSOLUTION SALE. •MR. T. W. DUNCAN, Through the dissolution of partnership, has assumed full control of the immense stock of DIY G -001)S, MIT..a.sil\TMIR.-Y-, Of the old established Montreal House, as also the ever popular Gent's Furnishing and Fashionable Tailoring House—The Oak Hall,—and while returning sincere thanks for past favors extended towards the firm of Duncan & Duncan, solicits a continuanceof the same, and assures the old patrons, and as many new as shall feel disposed to favor him with a share of their trade, that by strict personal attention to business, and a desire to meet the requirements of the public, to merit -patronage. Respectfully yours, T. W. DUNCAN. Announcement Extraordinary 1 In order to make room for Fall Importations, MR. T. W. DUNCAN has re- solved to clear off the present stock at a sacrifice in prices that will make the most careful purchaser wonder. Look out for the boom. This is no advertising talk. We mean to work by actions, not words. As we are bound to clear off present stock to make room -for fall importations, even if we sell at wholesale cost price. So, ere going elsewhere, please enquire for DUNCAN'(.9 Popular Dry Goods Establishment, Where you will be ever welcome to inspect, and compare prices and goods, even if you do not purchase. Bargains in Dress Goods of all kinds, Black and Colored Silks, Black and Colbred Merveilleaux and Satin, Summer Silks from 22c per yard up, Cashmere all -wool, new colors; Silks, Satins and Brocade for combination dresses; Velvets and Plushes, Embroidery, Laces and Edgings, Corsets, &c.; Hosiery and Gloves, Prints, Ginghams and Skirtings; Silks, Silk Cords, Satin and Cloth for Mantles, Mantle Ornaments and Fringes. House Furnishings_ Towelling, Table Linen, Pillow Cotton, Cretonne, Sheetings, White and Colored Quilts. nM13_A.P,MS/IM1\T'T Well stocked with Parasols, Ribbons, and all descriptions of fancy articles and Millinery of every kind, while in HOUSE FURNISHINGS Can be seen CARPETS in Hemp, Union, Wool and Tapestry. O&X II A. Li 0 T I -I I 1\T GI - Made to order in the latest and most approved style by the best mechanics, while we have. full line of Readymade Clothing which will be disposed of at a big re- duction. Please call and eee the bargains, ere going elsewhere, at DUNCAN'S Popular Montreal House, FRUITS. FRUITS. Fresh Strawberries every day in the week except Sunday, and plenty of good cheap Sugars to sweeten them. FRUIT JARS—A large quantity of Pints, Quarts and Half Gallons. Parties buying berries by the case will be furnished here as cheap as any other house in the trade. Cods_eberries and Cherries always on hand in season. Remember that the Seaforth Tea Store is still the place to buy your TEAS, which are both cheap and good, and of every variety. GOODS DELIVERED ALL OVER TOWN. A. G. AULT, Seaforth. 4:TJLY 23 1886, WROXETER MILL Alexander L. Gibso'n Begs to announce to the public that hells. menced to operate the con WROXETER WOOLLEN FACTORY, _ And that he will be prepared to give geed vat in PULL CLOTHS, TWEEDS, UNION TWEEDS, - FLANNELS, PLAIDINGS, WINCEYS, And Varieties in STOCKING YARNS, Custom Carding, Spinning and Imung Promptly Attended to, hahnaePdvimaeelttmhilpespelulioys none but Efficient Workmen. REMEMBER .THE_WROXETER Work is Warranted. rtfmRthltdeLaLlifidiSli into Good Working meet HOME W1TH ALEX. L. GIBSON, stance wilI, Tpfilhipri) 14, as far as ,.130relble $15.00 WILL BUY YOU American Solid 8llyer WATCH, Purvis 84 Milks' JEWELLERY STORE, OPPOSITE THE Commercial Hotel, REPAIRING NEATLY DONE, Agents for the Light Running New Horne Sewing Machine. For Wall Paper, Window Shades, Carpet Felt, Building Papers, &c., —GO TO— C. W. PAPST, SEAFORTH. The largest variety and the lowest prices in the County. Also Baby Carriagesfrom $3 up at Papses Bookstore. Save 20 Per Cent. 1836— SEMI -CENTENNIAL— 1886. YEAR OF THE e Gore Distrkt Fire Ins. Co„ Conducted both on Cash- and Mutual Plans, HON. JAMES YOUNG, M..P. P., - President. ADAM WARNOCK, Esq., - Vice -President. R. S. STRONG, Esq., - Managing Director. G•01:ZE Enters upon its FIFTIETH YEAR much stronge and more prosperous than at any preview' period, having $218,896 of Assets and practically NO LIABILITY, except a re -insurance reserve of $30,000. There are $20,000 deposited with the Ontario Government, and over 890,000 held in mortgages, debenteres and cash, innnediately available to meet losses. Mutual policy holders in the Gore save 20 per cent. with undoubted security. For further par- ticulars apply to the HEAD OFFICE, GALT, Or to JAMES WATSON, Agent for Seaforth and vicinity. 961 ROYAL MAIL STEAMSHIPS, A. STRONG, Seaforth, Agent. GREAT REDUCTION IN PASSAGE RATA Cabin rates from Halifax to Liverpool and Lon- donderry, $50, $63, and $73, according to poultice ef stateroom. Children under 12yeaes, hall rIPA under 1, free. Servants in Cabin, $50. Inter- mediate, $35; Steerage, $13. From Liverpool or - Londonderry to Halifax: Cabin, $63, $78.7b and $94.60; Intertnediate, 835; Steerage, turn Tickets from Halifax to Londonderry er Liverpool and back to Halifax: Cabin, 8100,026 and $143; Intermediate, $70; Steerage, 826. Money Loaned and Real Estate Bought and Sold as Usual. - INSURANCE. I represent several of the best insurance Cam panies in the world. Mt-Office—Market Street, Seaforth. 862 A. STUN - SuLY 2, 1886. Oh, Jessie, Wliar' 'To' °13' Jessie,jviThIseislyaor?"wswiliaenudusg4leIlinto:inrodmeI 11 t o what'ge dde de dr 7r ; Is ye wand'rin.' Vrough de cotton me Octhr,bJae;s3slyAoeun, ti,itooeaanrns: ,yot:0::lelarrnimee: Is yo' laughin- sperrit near me, Day done tole TOCi Jessie honey, yo' i pat tdToeng ' angels pinha tuisaiiitn Wdben, % - Hut I saw yo' eyes abearnire, . An' yo' nebber comire back to me, tle • An' I's she I wasn't dreamin', For de moonlight was a glearnin' Oberhead. Den I tried to catch yo' emeyreeepalrylii!lisigO1::: Yo' done glide away an' leab me what But de minnit I come near ye, Fur to fondle an' to cheer ye, Aro' done leab me dar a cryiain: Den 0 b , -l'Ayi snA:11111. ori:13, ( )al nn lini rgyydg oieehbTi ,e1:11. , se anerue:11 gr:osr tue 0 mrhhgv,ow it,whinim:ieddd. miiesci'lEIrr tears eofl os ss'Ir'as lance:nib:. a cit: r5rhre abi niet.r,4 Across de sperrit riber ? Alf mY a'ki•bidiriouatnlyfooursa' . ken Gaieties. —There is only one good for the endearments of a sister as the endeaaments of some low's sister. —"DI make you dance!" irate mother, pursuing her e slipper in hand. Then," the juvenile, we shill have a ...nn What, tie your sash agai I've tied it already four tu must tie it yourself." "Ho Auntie2 I'm in front." —Policeman—" You have ing here for an hour. Move sent minded chess player—" sir ; it's your move." —Here s a letter from a y denouncing straw bonnets, chafe the ears. How does he know? —Customer—The soles of are too thick. Shoe Dealer jection will soon wear away, i them. —Bolieau said: 4!1 alway pointments to the minute, f noticed that if you keep peop theyare sure to amuse the talking about your defects," —A well cooked breakfas more towards perserving pe family than will seven m wall, even though they be fra most elaborate of gilt moeld —An old colored man who a temperance meeting in Wel Carolina, said ; " When 1 a pin' home wid a gallon of at a half pound of meat, dat's lecture nuff for me. And 1s. day. I know eberyting in 11. on de same scale --gallon mise half pound of comfort." --" What a farmer needs i to be successful," remarked D seed, "is a good. wife. Th right. My wife could get womb.' at 4 o'clock, milk 15 6 horses, git breakfast for 20 be all ready for a day's x.w) o'clock. That's what wife" Doesn't she do it con ?" he was asked. " Oh, plied, wiping away a clod —"Mother," said, a little girl, looking up from her does transatlantic meal?' the Atlantic of couree. D me—you melde me foeget "Does trans always mean ac suppose it does. If you bothering me with your ques go to bed." "Then does mean a cross parent ?" T later she was resting in her —A horse was sen t up fro to be shod. Ha.ving a num made shoes on hand, the job Bence of the bons, was (rive prenfice. After an int:11mi in note came to the eupe "This horse don't fit any of —A la.dy from one of the counties is in Washington 1 time, and the other evening ed a reception where there ing. During the evening s a handsome woman in the w ie that lady ?" she inquired eron. 44 It is the wife of on isters here," her friend expla don't say so," was the surpri. " Well, well; it's a mighty for a preacher's wife, now, a —It happened on Sunday two hours after the bene been said. They had forg the "pearly gates ajar," an ed elaborately of all n from Mary Anderson to Ma ently a lull occurred in the tion, when the young inar chair up to hers, and, nerv ing the fringe of her shawl am about to ask you a eer question. " Are you prep I am," she said, fixing "Will you" --here his voice and he'etopped and drew lone a4 rake's handle. what ?"said the young lad "Go on with your queetti you go to the circus with lea -u. Eighty Years I have heard a story of who lived at that time 1n hundred miles from Boston one some idea of the straits grandparents were often re days: Watching one bitterly co a sick neighbor, she heard, the little children crying the loft overhead, and lean ing -patient, she went upsta to find an extra quilt o spread over them. But ir that poor home there WAS as a shoulder -blanket ti spared. At last, in utter - she spread over the shiver a side of leather, that she up under the eaves. ''it kept out the eoia, said, as she told the stor: wards. " And the poor stopped their Prying,' and as contented an' comfortal o' kittens." If there was little of poe in the lives of those hard - farming men and women° ation, there was no lack diligence and simple, faith that give strength to ,sweeteued toil with the that, to the faithful ilea band, God's blessing nev One of the favorite pr