Loading...
The Huron Expositor, 1952-10-17, Page 2rt TWO- p .. THE HURON EXPOSITOR 11ruauN EXPOSITOR Established 1860 Ar Y. McLean, Editor Published at Seaorth, Ontario, ev- ery Thursday afternoon by McLean Eros. Member of Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association.. PHONE 41 Authorized as Second Class Mail Post Office Depal tment,• Ottawa SEAFORTH, I' ridgy, October 17 'Too Few- Cattle? In a district such as this, where the beef cattle industry plays such. an important part in the economy, a question raised by Grant lVLacEwan, writing in the Winnipeg Free Press, will be of general interest. Mr. Mae - Ewan asks, "Has Canada too few cattle?" It is true that in 1933 when beef prices were down to a few cents a pound, there seemed to be too many cattle. But the indication today is that this is no longer the case, and that there should be more. Mr. Mac - Ewan points out: It is when Cana- ada's cattle numbers are examined in relation to human population that one weakness is clearly evident. In 1901, this country•had 1,038 head of cattle per thousand of human popula- tion. In 1951, the cattle count was down to about 650 per thousand hu- mans. Canada's cattle at June 1, 19°51, were estimated at nine and one third millions, about a million and a half lower than in 1945, notwithstanding the fact that beef prices have been reasonably to very attractive for a full decade. Cattle and calf market- ings from Canadian farms and ranches in 1951 were 300,000 lower than in the previous year. Just over 15 per cent of the cattle and calves marketed in 1951 went to the United States either on foot. or as dressed beef. But while the exports of dressed beef did not decline, the ac- tual number of cattle exported alive, was less than half of what it was in the previous year. "For a ,country with so much in land and pasture resources, Canada's cattle numbers seem to be too small," Mr. MacEwan concludes. "The tra- ditional Canadian appetite for beef ensures steady domestic demand and the United States, with its mounting population of consumers, is likely to depend more' and more upon Cana- dian meats. The present situation resulting from the recent tragic foot and mouth outbreak is of course ab- normal and it is to be hoped, will soon be liquidated. "With some uncertainty surround- ing the export markets for pork and bacon, this would appear as an ap- propriate time to direct emphasis up- on beef markets, at home and abroad. With less pressure on land resources in this country, Canada is in a bet- ter position than the United States to expand its herds, Indeed, no coun- try outside of South America is in so good a position ,,as Canada to breed beef cattle in excess of domestic needs. A total population of 12 mil- lion head of beef and dairy cattle would seem to be a reasonable target. More animals on more farms would be an added cushion when wheat fails." • A Worthwhile Issue During the war planned saving was a matter of patriotism, and thou- sands upon thousands of Canadians, who had never saved money, found it possible through successive Victory Loan campaigns, to accumulate sav- ings. While many found it simple through regular payroll deductions, others at the same time acquired the habit through systematic deposits, or by other means. While the purchase k ' o; Victory Bonds was in the first in- stance regarded as a means of help - i ig win the war, the regular savir g p'rograra wasp s'oori foundto be a sini- xheans of attaining a financial ob- ;jective. When the war finally ended, a sur- iher bf Canadians found anted td^eontinue system- he&r liked the method Old ' units because its ad�rantages 4es of "Victory; its r: Bond drives.' Bonds were good se- curity in the event of need of a tem- porary loan. They were not as ac- cessible as other savings but • cash could be obtained if necessity arose. If it did not, the gradual addition of bonds built up a safety factor for the rainy day, for retirement or for pur- chase of a home, farm or equipment. It was like watching a wall grow brick by brick but this was a wall of financial protection. This led to a request for a post-war means of saving, which in turn re- sulted in the establishing of Canada Savings Bonds. This month Canada Savings Bonds, seventh series, are being- offered. Canada Savings Bonds are provid- ed in convenient and easily attain- able denominations, consequently are favored by both young and old and by all income groups. Their popular- ity and usefulness is attested by the fact that nearly a million CSB trans- actions take place each year. Im- Mediate cashability, in event of need, is one of the popular features of Canada Savings Bonds. While maxi- mum purchase is limited, each mem- ber of a family may purchase amounts from $50 up to the maxi- mum allowed of each issue. Each bond bears interest coupons provid- ing an attractive rate of earnings on savings. The purchase of a Canada Savings Bond not only has the effect of creat- ing a nest egg in time of need, but also makes the purchaser a share- holder in a practical way of the Can- adian enterprise. Canada Savings Bonds are a good buy today, because they offer a protection against the requirements of tomorrow. What Other Papers Say: What Is a Great Power? (From the Ottawa Journal) An Oxford historian, says a Lon- don cable,' thinks it unlikely that Great Britain will ever again be- come a Great Power. Well, assuming that this historian is right, what of it? To be a great nation, a great peo- ple, it is not necessary to be a Great Power. Russia is a Great Power. But we think the world must say that Great Britain at' this time, though shorn largely of past mili- tary might, has been contributing far more than Russia to the good of man- kind. Men and historians, measuring the greatness of nations, are too much imprisoned by the military slo- gans of the past. Britain's past greatness, the glory of her story, is not in Waterloo, nor in Blenheim, nor because her sons once could sing "Britannia Rules the Waves" It is in Magna Carta, in Shakespeare, in Burke and Pitt and Fox, in her mighty host of scientists and teachers who unlocked the sec- rets of nature to bring healing and help to men, in her famous naviga- tors and explorers traversing the seas to carry civilization and British justice to far areas of the earth, in the great light of freedom preceding her down the centuries. So long as that tradition lives, so Iong as Britons honor it, so long as Britain retains Ioves for truthk and justice, keeps ajar the gates of mer- cy, abides by eternal things which heighten human dignity, she will be a great nation, need care little for the title of "Great Power." When Swinburne sang, "all our past acclaims our future," he wasn't thinking of great armies and fleets; he was thinking of Shakespeare and Milton. • Niagara and Elsewhere (London Free Press) The International Joint Commis- sion is about to discuss plans for remedial works at Niagara Falls de- signed to divert more water for pow- er production, but also to preserve the beauty of the Falls. Millions of p ople who have seen the Fa11s, and oer millions who hope to see them, will be intenselyinterested of h i ed ine the preservationtheir natural beauty. We should take the same point of view all across Canada for while we talk vasal r and pridefully about our industrial expansion and the billions we are pouring into this expansion, we may forget beauty. Once we have destroyed it we have robbed our chil- dren of part of their birthright. • Seen in ' the County Papers New Librarian Mrs. Hilton Laing has been. ap- pointed librarian' of the Exeter Public Library to replace Mrs. J. D. Smith, who has resigned. Mrs. Laing will commence her duties November 1.—Exeter Times -Advo- cate. Footings Being Poured For Bridge Deep into the gaping hole torn out at the east side of the river bed, on Main Street, the footings of the new bridge were poured last week to a level of that already completed at the west side. The work still draws many onlookers, mho have followed the progress of erection ainee its first commenced some weeks ago.—Mitchell Advo- cate. ' Holmes Villa Sold Holmes Villa, 'operated as a tour- ist and guest home for the past 16 years by Mrs. Gavin Holmes, has been sold to Mr. and Mrs. David E. Leitch, of lehesley. Mrs. Holmes. plans to move to London about the middle of this month where her son, Eric, is attending the Uni- versity of Western Ontario.—+Gode- rich Signal -Star. Honor Poung Flier Bob Anderson, Mitchell's young plane -minded enthusiast, received his Chrysler trophy as the first holder of the highest award for model plane building and flying for all Canada at a banquet tendered in his honor at the Windsor Hotel, Stratford. Don Roper, regional sales manager of the Chrysler Cor- poration of Canada, made the pres- entation.—Mitchell Advocate. Wounded in Hunting Accident An orderly at the Westminster Hospital,- William Morrison, was wounded in the right thigh and leg by a shotgun blast. The accident which occurred near Whitechurch, happened when Morrison was hunt- ing birds with a companion, whose gun in some manner was acciden- tally discharged. He was taken to Wingham General Hospital, and later to Westminster Hospital, London, where be is employed.— Wingham Advance -Times. Appellants Are Satisfied Grand Bend ratepayers' who ap- pealed their assessments are re- ported "well satisfied" with the re- visions announced this week, The Times -Advocate learned that none of the appellants is expected to carry a complaint to the county judge. Assessments were lowered considerably by the court of revi- sion, composed of members of the council, ratepayers said. :Same were decreased by more than $1,000.00. The court of revision was held two weeks ago and 49 property holders, most of them on the Bosanquet side of the. village, appealed iuereased assessments. Council made their decisions the next evening, but re- fused to release the details until registered letters informing appel- lants of the changes were deliver- ed.—Exeter Times -Advocate. Change in Sank Staff A staff change at the local branch V the Canadian Bank of Commerce has sent David Slorach to the branch at Georgetown, where he reported on Monday, and will bring T. J. Kyle, of Durham, to Blyth to join the local staff. David commenced his banking career here, going on bhe staff as the jun- ior. He is a home -town boy, and was always a favorite around town. Everyone wilt join with the editor in expressing regret at his depar- ture. It may well he that the fish- ing around Georgetown may be bet- ter than it was here, David. Be that as it may, we join with many other well-wishers in wishing Dav- id continued success, and rapid promotion in his banking career. We hope he makes the Georgetown Raiders hockey team too. — Blyth Standard. Increase Capacity of Hydro Station "To improve electric service to Ontario Hydro rural customers in Clinton area, the capacity of the Clinton distributing station has been increased by about 80 per cent," Hydro Chairman Robert H. Saunders announce& This change was facilitated by the fact that equipment installed in 1947 was designed for increased capacity upon conversion to 60 -cycle opera- tion. It will make approximately an additional 1,000 horsepower a- vailable to the district. This will be especially valuable during the July peak, •period, when demand for power in the district is at ite eeight. "Clinton rural customers have shown a steady increase in demand for hydro power over a number of years," said Mr. Saun- ders, "and this improvement mere- ly demonstrates again Hydroa con- stant policy of maintaining ade- quate service tf all hydro consum- ers."—Clinton onsumers."--Clinton Newts Record. Appointed Clerk -Treasurer Douglas Holland, 26, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cliff R. Holland, was appointed clerk -treasurer of C1in- ton at a special meeting of the Clinton town council. He will take over the post about the middle of this month. His was one of seven applications for the position. Mar- ried with one child, Mr. Holland is a native of Clinton but has lived in Goderich for some years. A gradu- ate of Alma College, Michigan, with the degree of Bachelor of Science, he practised chemistry for two years at the Polymer Corporation, Sarnia. For bhe past year and a half he has been employed with the Goderieh Manufacturing Com- pany. Mr. Holland is building a house at the corner of Bridge and Toronto Streets, Goderich, but when this is completed he will sell it since he will be making his home in Clinton. Mr. Holland succeeds M. T. Corless, whose resignation on December 31 has been accepted by the Clinton town council. Long active in municipal affairs, Mr. Corless has served in various ca- pacities including that of clerk - treasurer for bhe past 14 years.— Goderich Signal -Star. Huron Crop Report With good pasture conditions throughout the county, all cattle are looking very well. Silo filling is net yet completed, although it is well on. Heavy frosts during the week have dried, corn up consider- ably. Sugar beet harvesting is now well underway in the southern por- tion of bhe county. Most farmers are at fall plowing, although the continued dry weather is making plowing particularly difficult in some sections. Storing Potatoes N. M. Parks of the Central Ex- perimental Farm in Ottawa says the primary objects in the storage of any perishable food include pro- longing its edible condition and re- duction of loss during the storage period, The •chief cause of shrink- age in storage are moisture losses and decay. Storage, particularly controlled storage, makes it pos- sible to hold all or part of the main crop of potatoes through winter and spring, enaibling the grower to dispose of his crop when the re- quirements of the market demand. By this he can avoid marketing at a time of over -supply and low pric- es. Successful storage of potatoes de- pends on factors like temperature, humidity, circulation of air, exclu- sion of light, soundness of tubers, freedom from soil, surface moisture and depth of tubers in the bin. • Potatoes to be, stored ,should be fully mature, free from severe bruises and any apparent disease, dry and free from excess soil. For seven to 10 days following harvesting, potatoes sbould be held at a temperature of around 60 de- grees F. to permit cuts and bruis- es to heal. After this healing per- iod the cellar or storage should be cooled to 40 degrees F., as soon as •possible. The temperature at which pota- toes 'should be stored for table use is 40 degrees F. Two weeks prior to using, they should be placed at a temperature of 60 degrees to 70 degrees F. A temperature below 40 degrees F. causes a reversion of the starch in potato tubers to sug- ar, resulting in eogginess, a dark color after cooking, and a sweet taste. Potatoes for seed purposes should be stored at 36 degrees to 37 degrees F. .High humidity in potato storages is necessary 1f shrinkage of the tubers is to be reduced to a mini- mum. A relative humidity of 80 per oetft ie reeoniMended, high en- ough to retard• shrinkage and low enough under average condition's to prevent formation of free moisture on the surface of the tubers. Winter Shelter For Beef Cattle The essential features of winter shelter for beef cattle are a dry bed and protection from cold winds, Elaborate buildings are not requir- ed to provide these elementary comforts. For many years the Experimen- tal Farm, Brandon, Man., has used an open front shed, with frame °walls and a pole roof co'reredwith straw,"with satisfactory results. The three sides of this building are single -boarded and set on cement footings. The south side is com pletely open, facing the corrals, where hay and silage are fed. A shed of this nature, with corrals, on bhe south side, provides a shel- ter that is adequate, reasonably permanent, relatively cheap in con- struction and adaptable to efficient handling of beef cattle in the win- ter months. The only improvement in this type of shed that would seem warranted is the replacement of the straw roof with one of more permanent nature. Shelters of more elaborate types, says W. N. MacNaughton, Animal Husbandman at the Farm, should be considered only if the building can Serve some additional purpose, such as the storage of hay under cover. Even to serve this addition- al use the building does not need to be an expensive one. A shed of the style described, but of consid- erable depth, could be used for bay storage with a space of six or eight feet left along the open side. This space would :provide ample• shelter during the early menthe of winter and as the hay is fed out more shelter space under cover would be available to the. stock. A shed, of this Stature would lend itself par- tieularlywell to methods of self - °feeding,. hay to rattle, Any, cattle shelter should be lo- cated on a well drained `site where full advantage can be taken of na- tu'ra1 shelter. It should be coni veulently located in respect to the winter'sfeed and water supply, A Smile Or Two on "I'm studying to be a musical' comedy actress." "How are you getting along?" "Great! I e'en now Sleep until noon Withoilt any difgdtilty," It ltEl E'S *MALVIN tit OCTOBER 17,19 Cloud Qver Gorathn op T. C. Bridges' Children playing on the street With many accidents may meet. Fenced -in playgrounds save a lot Of injury to the tiny tot. Dept. of National Health and Welfare Years Agone Interesting Items Picked From The Huron Expositor of Twen- ty -live And Fifty Years Ago From Tile Huron Expositor October 21A 1927 Mr. J. Decker, Jr., Zurich, has sold his young pacer, "Ray Peters," to W. H. Burns, Palmerston, the purchase price being $1,000. . Oa Saturday evening shortly af- ter 10 o'clock, neighbors of Dr. A. Moir, on the London Road, discov- ered fire breaking out in his fine large barn. Hensel. fire brigade was soon on the scene. The whole structure, with the new crop, was totally destroyed. There was some insurance on it. A pleasant reception was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Hudson, High St., on Saturday eve- ning, in honor of their son and his bride, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Hud- son, Windsor, Some 65 guests were present. The annual meeting of'Seaforth Lawn Bowling Club was held in the council chambers oil Monday eve- ning with a large attendance. A pleasant feature was the ,presepta- tion of a life membership to Mr. Robert Boyd in appreciation of his services to the club. The following officers were elected: President, Harry. Stewart; vice-president, R. J. Sproat; secretary, Frank S. Sills; assistant, Charles Stewart; treasur- er, C. P. Sills; chaplain, Rev. T. H. Brown; referees, John Beattie, R. H. Sproat; auditors, J. H. Best, R. M. Jones; executive, Robt. Boyd, J. M. McMillan, R. H. Sproat, G. D. Haigh, R. E. Bright. Before leaving for their new home et Richmond. Hill, New Tor- onto, a deputation from the congre- gation of Duff's 'Church, Winthrop, and Bethel, called at the McKillop Manse where Michael Murdie, the oldesf member of the session, pre- sented Rev. J. A. Ferguson with a purse containing $180 and Mrs. Ferguson with a gold piece from the ladies of Duff's Church. The Ladies' Aid also presented them with an electric reading lamp, and the Y.P.S. gave them a rug. Mr. A. A. Cuthill, in a short address, ex- pressed bhe congregation's very high appreciation of their faithful and fruitful ministry. An unusual find in the game line for this district was made by W. M. Sproat, Tuckersmith, and Nel- son Govenlock, Winthrop. On Fri- day as they were driving along the. road east of Walton they came across a deer caught in the fence. The animal was dead, but still, warm. It weighed 150 pounds. From The Huron Expositor October 17, 1902 Miss Mamie McEwan, Leadbury, has gone to Toronto to attend the College of Music, and will be away until February. Mr. John Torrance, Egmondville, has purchased the Pickett farm on the Huron Road, and takes posses- sion in November. The farm con- tains 50 acres and the price is ;4,- 600. Mr. S. A. Dickson intends leav- ing next week for Red .Deer, Alta., where he intends practising law. Mr. Wm. Copp returned from Fort Frances, New Ontario, Wed- needay, where he had been buil& ing in a new boiler for the Sea - forth Engine Works, Mr. Robert Stelck, ,Hillsgreen, has been re-engaged as principal of Zurich public school, at an increase in salary of $40. His salary is now $440. Mr. Walter Fairbairn, Tucker - smith, has purchased Mr. William Kyle's fine farm on the town line.. The auction sale of Mr, Alex Campbell, near Cromarty, on Tues- day was most successful. Thirteen head of thoroughbreds were sold, realizing. $1,013. The following were the purchasers: John McNevin, Kippen, new cow and calf, $100; Andrew Bannerman, cow, '$100; Frank Upshall, cow, $82; William White, calf, $33; also cow and calf, $115; Silas .Coiquhoun, cow, $92 Isaac Moore, bull calf, $70; Thomas Mahaffy, cow and calg, $100; C, Dow, bull, Z year old, $65; Silas Colgtthoun, $63; James ,Scott, year- old heifer, 138. The following were ticketed to distant points this, week by Wm, Somerville_ Nr T. Cluff, to Wier - ton; Mrs. A. Hale, to Norval; John Shortreed, Walton, to •Mansew'ooda; Mrs, G. A. McLeod to Toronto; Mise Lottle Duncan to Detroit; Robert Bell to Winnipeg. A 13 -year-old sin of Thomas O'Brien, of Tuokersmith, had a nar- row escape on Monday. He went to the field to get a horse • and on going' •past it the horse kicked .hirci n the face, knocking 'him vtneon- ed10110. His face wan badly out, and one eye aliinost knocked oat. CHAPTER XIII( "That's what's worrying me, but FARRELL IS FRIGHTENED whatever happens 1'11 see that she - doesn't go into the Institution. I'd It was late before the had. finish- have her here, if only we had a de- ed his business and twilight was cent housekeeper." Peter gave his falling as he drove up the long hill friend's quick glance. out of the town The air hath tern -1 "Perhaps we could find her a ed chilly and Derek saw with some job," he suggested. Derek's lips- dismay ipsdismay that fog was settling oyer , set firmly. "If we can't I'm going to pay for the high tors. Then just as he reached the height of land the car sagged to the left and Derek re- al:zed that a back tire was punc- tured- The delay was fatal. By the time he had changed the wheel the fog was drafting past in thick grey veils. For a while he crept on down the hill at walking pace, but presently bhe smother became so complete that he could not see a car length in front. Deciding that discretion was pre- ferable to accident he ran the car off the road on to a bit of level moor, locked her up and proceeded afoot. Even afoot it was not too easy to keep to the road, and he was relieved when he saw looming up to the left the big spoil heap of the granite quarries. Low voices came to him through the fog. He pulled-up short. Two men were coming up the steep path from the quarry buildings. Sud- denly he recognized• the voice of Alfred Farrell. "Dosft worry, Joe." Farrell's one held a sneer which was new to Derek. "Don't worry. There are more ways than one of killing a cat." Derek stood quite still. He hard- ly breathed. The men were so close he felt sure they must see him. But they turned into the road without doing so. -- "You talk a lot, but you don't do mu411," retorted the man called Joe. "How can.1 do anything?" snap- ped Farrell. "Since that red -head came I never have a chance." "You'll have to make one pretty soon. I want my money." What Farrell said in reply Derek was unable to hear, the men were too far away, and he dared not fol- low. But • what he had heard was plenty. • •It had removed from his mind any doubt that the Farrells were plotting against him and he was certain that the man called Joe was the one who had tried to kill or cripple Peter by means of the wire across the road. He was suddenly angry, angrier than he had ever been in his life. He • started forward quickly, He yearned to get this Joe by the neck and wring the truth out of him: Second thoughts were wiser thoughts. What could he do alone against tbhe two of them! He slack- ened his pace and waited until the sound of footsteps died in the dis- tance. Then he plodded on home. • It was characteristic of him that he did not say a word to Peter un- til supper was over and there was no possible chance of being over- heard. Then he told him of his encounter. Like all redheaded people, Peter had a hot temper. He flamed. "You'll sack them at once," he exclaimed. Derek shook his bead "Think again, Peter. If I Backed them they'd camp in the neighbor- hood and Heaven knows what tricks they'd be up to. Surely, it's better to have them under my eyes and leave them under the impres- seen that I have no suspicions." Peter pursed his lips. "There's something in that," he admitted slowly. He paused, frown- ing. ,"Who's this fellow, Joe?" he de- manded sharply. "I don't know. I didn't recog- nize his voice. He is probably em- ployed at the quarry." "He'sthe gent who tried to do me in the other night," said Peter grimly. "Not much doubt of that, beet we have no proof. It's proof I want, Peter, proof of what these people are up to. And the only, way to get it is to watch them." Peter put a fresh match to his pipe and smoked in silence for some moments. Then he broke out again. "The,whole business beats me," he said. "If there has been a will surely to goodness the Far- rells would have found it before you arrived. If the old man hid cash about the place, they ought to have found that too." "Yet it's quite plain theyre looking for something," Derek an- swered thoughtfully. "They've tried hard enough to scare me off the place and now they have tried to get rid of yon," Again Peter con- sidered before replying. "Where does this fellow Joe. come in? You heard him say that Farrell owed him money." Derek shook his head. "I know just as much and just as little as you do. Now what about turning, in?" "Wait a minute," said Peter. "I want to hear about the girl. Did' you see her?" "I suw her and, Peter, she's charming. Wheat's more, she's very m1'ich a gentlewoman." "Has: she got her memory back?" Peter inquired. "No. It does seem to be the odd- est thing that a person can loss her identity so completelyefrom so slightan injury." "What about her luggage," "Burnt. The van was next the engine and was completely de- stroyed." Weren't there any marks on her clothes?" . "No. The matron told me that everything she was wearing had been bought at the Stores and was quite new." "That looks as if she'd been bombed out before coming here," Peter remarked shrewdly. He Pane, ed, then went on. "Yet her ticket was to Taverton. Then surely she must have relations or friends in the neigh'borhood," "If so they haven't shown up, The pollee have made every, In- quiry," Peter gazed at Derek, "Then %hat the ntisehief will become of heir?" book, frowned. her keep," he declared. Peter had no reply. He was started, for this, was the first time he had known his friend to take such interest ire any, young woman, He got up. "I'm for bed," he remarked'. "We've plenty to do tomorrow." Derek followed him upstairs. Hee was tired with his long walk' and knew he must be up early to fetch. the car. Yet it -was a long time be- fore he could get to sleep. He wee - thinking of the girl and •wondering, where he could find the money to provide fors her. It occurred tot him that ache might not be willing; to be provided for. That was an- other problem he had to solve. At last he dropped off, only to be: roused by a curious clanking sound - He sat .up in bed, wondering whe- ther it was real or if he had dream- ed it. But in a couple of minutes, it came again, then the door open- ed and here was Peter in his py- jamas with a candle in his hand. "So you heard it,' too," said Der- ek sharply. "Anyone not stone deaf couldn't help hearing it. Sounds as i! Tweedledum and Tweedledee had_ started operations be the back- yard." Derek jumped out of beds and thrust his feet into slippers. "If this le Farrell's work I'll' break his infernal neck," he de- clared. But when they got downstairs the first person they saw was Alfred Farrell himself. He, too, was ire pyjamas and carried a, heavy stick.. "This is a new game tonight, sir,"' he said to Derek. .His face in. bhe candlelight had a frightened expres- sion, and Derek, who was convinc- ed that Farrell and no one else was the culprit, marvelled at the man's• acting. Derek, however, had no, idea of allowing Farrell tothink he, suspected him. "Have you any notion where the sound is coming from?"' he asked,. and, as he spoke, the same deep - toned clank came to their ears.. .Farrell shook this head. "My mother and I think it comes: from underground." "So you've said .before wheuc these noises first began, but we've• searched the' cellars and there isn't - a sign of anything wrong." "I've just come from there," said. Farrell. "There's not even. a rat."' "I was a mining engineer• before - the war," said Peter "and: I don't: believe • in ghosts. I'll find thee source of that noise before I'rn much older." His eyes were on. Farrell and he fancied the mate winced, slightly. CHAPTER XIV RED AT NIGHT "You're looking better, Derek," Peter remarked as the two sat. tot gether after supper on the follow- ing Tuesday. I am better," said Derek, "we've.. had a week of quiet eights.' Her chuckled. "Fact is, Peter, you:ve; got Farrell scared." "I hope so," said Peter grimly;. "but i'l lay he'll be ,u.p to some new devilment before we're much older. Are you.going to market toe morrow?" Derek nodded. "I want to buy a cottele of good rams, but money's infernally short. I nee'a new; tractor,. too. I'm or- dered to break up another ten aro res, of grass, and the old one, is: just about fiuish'ed." "Pity we can't find your great uncle's cash," said Peter. There was a knock. Alfred :Far- rell came in quickly. "There's a- glow glow up on Pixies Tor, Mr. Martyn. Looks as if the gorse was afire."' Derek and Peter both jumped up,. "Call the men," Derek ordered "Get wet sacks 'and bill ,hooks. Pet- er, you'd better stay here. It wilL be too strenuous for you." "But I can make myself useful I can dip the sacks." Derek knew remonstrance was useless. He hur-- ried out and Peter followed. The', night was fine and clear. There, had `been no rain for some days,. and the gorse would be dangerous- ly dry. Pixies Tor stood on the: northern edge of Coration. Thee bound•aryi wall ran up its, side and across„ its •summit. Beyond was a.: farm called Narracoombe , which, was owned by :a man named Van-• dell. At the top of the gorse was. a plantation. of •beech and larch. "It's the gorse all right," said Derek anxiously. as he and Peter: hurried towards the red glow,. which was rapidly spreading along. the hillside. "I'd give something to know who set it etre." "I'd forgotten that side of it," Peter said. "Still, if they do drop anything it won't do much harm,"- As arm,"As the two came nearer to the Tor they could see flames rising straight into the windless air, and ,hear the sharp crackle as the fire ate and bit through: the thick gorse. It was an old covert and in some places the growth was six feet- high. "Is there any water near?" Pet- er eter asked. "Dile little spring right up in the' - middle." After that no more was said un- til they arrived at the scene of ac- tion. The fire had started at the - lower edge of the covert and was working up the hill. • "Take a lire engine to put that out, Derek," ,said Peter. "Feel the: heat!" "You're right," Derek answered, "but we they beeable to stop it. There's a ride cut t1 ems)• the mid- dle. I did that for the rabbit shoot- Ing. The ride is covered' with dry grass, but if we can wet that from the spring the fire won't spread- Telekily, there le no wind." He pull- ed up short, "There's someone • there already: A woman!" (Continued on' Page 7) f • 4 8