Ross Gazette 5th November 1914 - Page 8
Ross Gazette 5th November 1914 - Page 8
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Image Details
| Date | 05/11/1914 |
|---|---|
| Type | Newspaper |
| Format | |
| Language | English |
| Area | Ross Gazette |
| Collection Holder | Herefordshire Libraries |
| Date of Publication | 5th November 1914 |
| Transcription |
THE ROSS GAZETTE THURSLAY , NOVEMBER 8 , 1914 . Limits , we are free to choose , and fate will de- THE MISSING BRIDEGROOM Good - lookin ' enough , an all that . Quorn this foresight have not been given to us dision of well - feigned emotion , yes May the most delightful of all . She had BY SHAS K. HOOKING Author of " Who Shell Judge ! " " The Shadow Between " " A Desparate lope , " " God's Ou ester Benny , " " Yours and Mine , " CHAPTER XXIV . smart coat In " But what am I to do ! " May questioned , with a little gaap . " Do nothing . Take no step at all . Come to no decision on any vital question . few weeks or months the tide of time will have carried you beyond the point of danger , and you will be in smooth and safe waters " But what is this point of danger ? " " I cannot tell you . I am not omniscient . I can see many things , but no mortal is allowed to see everything . " Med had broken through all restraints that apital they made their way into Bwitzer Very likely . " " Can't By I think much of im my aide the consequences of our choice . Intelli afternoon . He had been swept off his fee by land . This part of their pilgrimage was to filled , voice and his whole frame never imagined in all her dreams anything so the gent ; an goes to church reg'lar . But or nothing . " wonderful or so beautiful . The vast fields of trembled . there , maidens be all alike ! " I love you ! " he aried . " Oh , I love you ! snow , so dasalingly white under summer's " How all alike , Mrs. Miniver ? " There I love you ! Forgive me , May , I did not in unclouded akies filled her with we " Oh , they like a man with a tend to tell you , but I cannot help myself . were no words in the English language big and fine ways an ' a slippery tongue ; an ' they came here seeking health and strength , and enough to express her emotions . She would don't larn sense until it's too late ! " " Tregony donned his overcoat and hat , and oh Heavena ! I saw you , my fate , my destiny lit for hours content simply to gaze . Your beauty captivated my imagination- The days and weeks in Switzerland passed walked across to see his partner , Dr. Pol- filled all my being . I fought against it for Hke a happy dream . Sometimes she won- whele received him with open arms and a face while . I thought I was proof against all the dered what they were doing in dear old St. expressive of the keenest pleasure . charms of woman . I had never loved before . Olaves , and occasionally longed to take I did not know what it meant ; but this new peep at them all ; but in the main she was delight steeped my very soul . It was like content and wonderfully happy . Her father Heaven came to seemed to have recovered his youth again , some rapturous dream . earth . I dwelt in a new world . I worshipped and his temper was better than she had and adored : But what is love , unless it be known it for years . returned ! When days and weeks passed it be came fire in my eine ; it scorched and burnt . I went away , and came back again . I could not stay away . You drew me like magnet . I have sat in torment watching you . May ! May ! What am I saying ? My strength has left me ! My love overpowers me Please do not be angry with me " For May had risen to her feet , and stood before him , white and trembling . When May was alone she did the very thing that Ned anticipated . She called to mind all that the witch had said to her about fate - ing about the dark stranger who would cross her path , and the happiness that should come to her with his coming . Then she recalled her tea - table talk with Ned . How curiously his views seemed to harmonise with what the witch had told her ! But why did fate lead her in one direction and then push her in another ? Why did fate Brst throw her into the arms of Frank Car the leon and then into arms of George Tregony , if she was intended in the end for somebody else ? The universal order did not seem as orderly as Ned Nankivel had pictured it . There was no getting away from the fact that she cared more for Dr. Tregony than for anybody else in the world ; that while she had been by Frank Carleon , Fascinated charmed by the pleasant manners and address of her cousin , all the passion of her heart had gone out to the man who evidently did not care for her , and took pains to let her know and was it . There was no harmony in this . It was just discord and disharmony from beginning to Bnd . She was half - inclined to consult the witch again . She had reached a crisis in her life , and she had a vague feeling that she was threatened with some overwhelming disaster . With that instinct which in a woman is rarely at fault she saw what was in Ned Nankivel's mind . His talk on destiny had Bonfirmed a suspicion that was already in existence . At the beginning he had taken no notice of her . She was quite sure that on first becoming acquainted no thought of love or marriage had crossed his mind . seemed to have been drawn to her almost against his will . He seemed to have accepted her as the choice of destiny . But why , if this harmonious order existed , had she not been qually drawn to him ? She liked him as & She enjoyed his friend or cousin very well . Bompany , but she resented destiny if it com- pelled her to choose him as a husband . He As the days passed away and grew into weeks Ned called more and more frequently . If it were possible to hurry things he would do so . Money was becoming increasingly difficult to get . All delays were dangerous . If May would agree to an engagement he would feel more secure . As the prospective husband of his daughter , John Trefusis might be induced to look at certain securities he sould offer him . A few hundreds would be a godsend , for he was on his beam - ends , and his wits were unequal to the task set them . With May he was all brightness and good humour . There was no hint of trouble or anxiety . The world was the best of all pos- Bible worlds , and St. Olaves the best of all possible places , while the fates were as kind- as the fates could be . May unconsciously caught something of his humour . However wrong things might appear , the end would undoubtedly be right - she tried to fix that steadfastly in her mind . Moreover , she began to incline more and more in the direc- tion of the doctrine of inevitability . If things were to be , they would be ; what , therefore , was the use of fighting and resist- ing ? Peace and serenity came through quiet acquiescence . The happiest people in the world were those who took things as they came , and make the best of them . Children , it was said , cried for the moon , but older . people did nothing so foolish . They knew it was out of their reach , and so accepted the inevitable , and were not any the less happy in consequence . Treg , my boy ! ' he exclaimed , wring his hand , " you're more welcome than the Blowers of spring . Come here into the light and let me have a good look at you . " Tregony walked , laughing , towards the win dow . " I'm all right , I can assure you , " he said . " Never felt better in my life . ' " All right for work in the morningt " " Aching for it . I'm utterly sick of doing nothing . " " Well , here's a list for to - morrow . By the bye , you'd better drop round fairly early to He's as nervous as a kitten . see Trefusis . Every bit of cold he gets he imagines another attack of pneumonia . " Is he on the sick - list again ! " " Not really . The east winds have been bit trying lately , and he's fanciful . We've got to humour him . " i There's nothing you wish me to do this evening ! ' Nothing , my boy , nothing . If you'd like to stay and have a smoke and chat with me , I'd be delighted . " " When I've finished my unpacking I will , Tregony said eagerly , and hurried back to his lodgings . An hour later he was ensconced in an easy chair in the old doctor's study . He wanted to hear more about May Trefusie and the chances of her marrying Ned Nankivel , but he did not hurry the subject . Conversation ranged over a dozen topics before it got round to Burwood . the old doctor said at " By the bye , " length , pulling slowly at his pipe , " I'm bound to say I don't care much for that Nankivel . " " No ! What's amiss with him ? " " Don't know - I wish I did . To tell you the candid truth , I'm always suspicious of able - bodied young men who idle round pre- tending they are in search of health . " he should work . " " Perhaps there's no particular reason why " Every young man ought to work . There's no excuse for a man doing nothing . " . " Is that the only reason why you are sus picious of him ? " " Well , no . He's making a dead - set on our little lady , and I don't like it . " " What - jealous ! " And Tregony laughed . " Well , in a way I am . I was in at her birth ; I've watched over her health from her infancy up to now ; I've been profoundly m terested in the unfolding of her character . She's worthy of the best , and I resent these rakes making Burwood a hunting - ground . " " That's rather a strong word , isn't it ? " " Not a bit too strong , in my judgment . We've found out what Frank Carleon was and of the two - well - though I know nothing of this Nankivel - I like him less than the other . " " He's relative , and I presume John Trefusis knows all about him . " Trefosis is too much absorbed in his own . special hobbies to inquire into the man's character or pursuite . If Nankivel wasn't a relative of his I'd give John a piece of my mind . " " I don't expect he'd thank you for it . But , candidly , do you think Miss Trefusia is matrimonially inclined again ? " " But cannot you give me some hint ? " I can tell you nothing beyond what I have told you already . I see you standing at the You will be asked to take point of danger . certain step to do a certain thing . I see powerful influences urging you to take that step . In my vision of you you seemed in- clined to yield . If you do yield , ruin - over There , I have whelming ruin - will follow . delivered my message . " But answer me this question , " May de- " Will not manded , rising to her feet . destiny compel me to yield ? " " No , it will not . In every crisis of life Fate gives us a choice of two things . Often we choose wrongly , for there is no one to warn us I have warned you . Now it is left for you to choose your own destiny , " and she lifted her elbow from the mantelpiece and turned her face towards the door . I " Oh , please be good to me ! " and the tears filled his eyes . " I do not ask you to take me to - day . I can wait - days , weeks , months . But little word of encouragement ; little promise . Without such hope the world will be dark . Oh , Heavens ! I will be patient . " But does not this contradict what you will come again to - morrow . I will suffer told me months ago ? May persisted . little longer . Think well of me , if you can . " It may have to do with something entirely Pity me , oh ! pity me , for you see how different . I see one thing at a time . But Iuffer ! And , wiping his eyes , he picked up see further now than I did months ago , for his hat and hurried quickly out of the room . It was well , perhaps , for May he did so , we have both advanced further . peril I see arise it from whatever cause it for his vehemence had almost broken dow her resolution . She had never seen a man may - is close upon you . Good - night . " I thank you for coming with all my suffer in that way before , and she never saw heart , " May said , going with her to the door . suffering without desiring to assuage it . One word from her would make this man happy : " I am sure you wish me well . " ought she not then to speak it ! What was her the answer . happiness in comparison with his ? And , after all , was not this man her destiny And the " I love to see all young things happy , " was May opened the door , and the witch paused for a moment on the doorstep . She appeared to be gazing at the constellations that pow dered the rich velvet of the night . Then she turned her head and spoke slowly : " Tell your maid to say nothing of my visit , and what I have said to you lock up in your own heart , breathing no word to anyone that is my last warning . Again good - night , " and before May could reply she was gone . From out of the silence beyond the belt of trees there stole a complaining wind . It shook the leaves sharply and moaned round the gables of the old house , then died into silence toward the sea . May shivered and hurried back to the drawing - room . It seemed as if all the voices of the night were echoing the warning of the witch . Resting her elbows on her knees , and her face in her hands , she stared into the fire and tried to review the situation . In one thing , no doubt , the witch had spoken truly . She was standing at the parting of the ways . She needed no one to tell her that , but how did the witch know ? Was she in reality gifted with second sight ? Nankivel believed that such people existed , for he had told her so , and Molly had spoken with so much assurance that she was inclined to believe that ahe could read the secrets of the future . She was being urged to do something - to take some vital step that also was true . Nankivel had been with her most of the afternoon ; but , again , how did the witch know ? Her knowledge , or prescience , or whatever name she gave it , was uncanny , the very thought of it made her flesh creep . The peril , then , if it existed , was connected with her cousin ; but why should there be peril ! Could a man , whose sincerity vibrated in every tone , do her harm ? Could a love so deep and overwhelming work mischief ? It seemed to her immossible She It expressed her feelings exactly . wanted to share her pleasure with someone other than her father , and that other one was George Tregony . It was towards the end of summer when they returned again to St. Olaves . Ned Nankivel had paid a flying visit to the Three Pilchards soon after their departure but , finding that the bird had flown , he had quickly disappeared , since when St. Olaves had looked in vain for him . " No , I don't . Really and truly , I don't believe the child knows what love is , or has any conception of what marriage means . But think how secluded her life has been . And when these handsome strangers come along with their glib tongues and their fine talk about the great world outside , and their sug gestions of unending gaiety , all the imagi- native side of the child's nature is stirred to its depths . Then she's impressionable - all girls at her age are impressionable . A deter mined man with a handsome face and a glib tongue can play the very mischief . " " I should have thought last year's expe- rience would have cured her . " " Treg , my boy , women are incurable where men are concerned . Besides , propin- quity is often dangerous . I should not be surprised to hear any day that she has George Tregony had never known the days accepted him . " to pass so slowly . He missed May every- Tregony pulled at his pipe for a long time where , and almost at every hour of the day . loved - though in All this talk about the woman he Indeed , he never realised till she went away a sense he had insisted how much her presence meant to him . It was upon it was very painful to him . It was the chance of meeting her and getting a smile lowering to his ideal . He could not have her from her that had made life tolerable . She himself , but he hated the thought of any was the very sunshine of the place , and with other man coming near her . If he could have out her it was devoid of interest and beauty . had his way he would have kept her secluded Now and then Molly Udy came to see him , and innocent to the end of the chapter and they had long talks together , and not in- sort of goddess to be worshipped at a distance . frequently their conversation drifted to the the room she had occupied since her child - It was late when he left Dr. Polwhele , but travellers , and to May in particular . hood , she became a child again , and cried for late as it was he took a long walk in the direction of Burwood before going back to his lodgings . Had he gone a few hundred yards further he would have met Molly Udy , who was returning from an interview with May . Ned did not talk love directly , but he threw out hints every now and then , and May did not appear to resent them . Indeed , she was in a strait betwixt two . She did not want Ned to propose to her , and yet if he was her fate , what was the use of trying to prevent him ! She was doing her best to put George Tre- gony out of her mind . If she could forget him the way would seem easier for her ; but while he filled so large a place in he thoughts , it was difficult to worry or care about anything else . When she was with Ned he compelled her to be cheerful . He was so gay , so light- hearted , so gloriously optimistic , that the most dismal pessimist in the world would see the silver linings behind the clouds . She caught his humour unconsciously , and was ready to assent to almost all his propositions . But when she was alone a different feeling and temper possessed her . Lying awake in the moon . She wanted her heart's desire . She had found love , and love had brought her pain and misery . Why was it that she should attract the man she didn't want and repel the man she did want ? Why did the wrong man pursue her and the right man run away from her ! So she halted and hesitated and drifted . The tide kept flowing all the time in the same direction . Her father took very little notice of her . He was interested again in his books and experiments . She was left to her own devices and to the company of the man whose stronger will was steadily dominating her own . Meanwhile Dr. Tregony was steadily re- covering his health and strength on the other side of the county , but his spirits remained He had convinced himself that his love for May Trefusis was an utterly hopeless passion , and that the only sane thing to do was to try to forget her . Or even supposing she had some tepid affection for him , that would scarcely mend matters . Were she in at zero . his own position in life the case would be dif- ferent ; but his pride revolted at the idea of marrying a fortune . People would be certain to say that he had saorificed love for gold . At times he was strongly tempted to seek a post in some other part of the country . Why should be go back to be constantly tormented by the sight of her beauty ? He would never forget her if he was constantly meeting her . Surely the safest and manliest course for him would be to dissolve his partnership with Dr. Polwhole and go right away as far as he could get . Yet whenever he proposed that step to him- self his heart protested . He was longing , be- yond the power of expression , for another sight of her face . Day and night he was haunted by the same fair vision . He wanted , above all things , to go back , if only to look at her , Also he told himself that the seal of his fate must be set by her . If to run away looked manly from one point of view , it looked cow- ardly from another . His work for the pre- sent undoubtedly lay at St. Olaves . Dr. Pol- whele expected him back , and he could not in honour forsake him at a moment's notice . So after a month's absence e lound him- self back again in his old diggings , feeling fit and strong for the work that lay before him . No one knew of his return except his land lady and the old doctor . in silence . The witch had been so troubled that she could endure the inactivity no longer . She felt that she was largely responsible for what was happening . She wanted to undo if pos- sible the mischief she had done , and yet she was dreadfully afraid that if she meddled she would make matters worse , and precipitate the very evil that she desired to avert . Third parties , she knew , by their meddling often separated lovers , but very rarely brought them together . Could she hope to be an exception ? After debating the matter with herself for several days and nights , she resolved to take the risk . Matters could not be worse , she told herself ; and the happiness of Tregony just then was more to her than anything else in the world . CHAPTER XXV . May was astonished when Tilda announced that the witch had called to see her . " Where is she ? " she asked , quickly . " In the study , ' m . I showed her in there because she said she wanted to see you par ticler . " May walked towards the study with puckered forehead . It was late in the evening , and her father had already retired to his room . Why should the witch want to see her ? It was curious , to say the least of it , particularly as she had been debating within herself whether or not to pay another visit to Molly . Was there any connection between the two things ? Could the witch divine her thoughts and wishes ? " My lad , you were made for each other , " Molly said to him one evening a few days be fore the wanderers returned . " I wish I could think so , " Tregony answered , soberly . " I don't think anything about it , " was the reply . " I am sure of it . " He shook his head with a deprecating smile , and their conversation drifted away to other subjects . Tregony heard of May's rn with a deep thrill of emotion . He found himself trembling from head to foot . He wanted to hurry up to Burwood without a moment's delay , but , though he tried hard , he could invent no plausible excuse for doing so . He wondered if she had ever thought of him during her long absence ; if she would be pleased to see him now she had returned ; if he would be offended if she knew she had never been out of his thoughts . He spent a good deal of the following day out and about St. Olaves , hoping he would meet her somewhere . His heart was torn with an intolerable longing to see her face . Many days had seemed interminable , but this was the longest of all . More than once he got within sight of Burwood gates , but he had not the courage to go inside , and she his heart's desire remained invisible . He had given up hope of seeing her that day , when they came face to face in the lane leading from Burwood to St. Olaves . His heart stopped beating for a moment , and then their handa met in a warm , strong clasp . He was the first to speak , and his voice shook in spite of himself . " It is good to ass you home again , " he said . " Yes . I am glad to get home . " " The time has seemed very long , " he an- swered , as if speaking to himself . " Have you missed us very much ! " " Missed you ! " and the sentence stuck at The witch was standing on the hearthrug with her elbow on the mantelpiece . She was much better dressed than usual , and her iron - that . How could he say more without saying grey hair was quite carefully arranged for everything ! her . She presented a rather commanding They walked along slowly side by side figure as she stood there in a waiting attitude . under the shadow of the trees . It had grown You are surprised to see me ? " almost dark . she ques For awhile neither of them tioned as soon as May entered the room . spoke again . He was swinging his hand ner- " But I was bound to come . Fate takes no Yously and aimlessly by his side , when some- denial . The stars have given me their mes- how it came into contact with hers . In- age , and I'm bound to deliver it . " stantly his fingers tightened round the warm seemed suddenly to become real and present . away . He felt it tremble within his grasp . He May shivered a little . Her own forebodings Palm , and she made no attempt to draw it " Won't you sit down ? " she faltered , point - stopped suddenly and drew closer to her ; his I'm main glad to see ' e again , " his landing to a chair , as she sank into a corner of arm stole round her waist . He pressed her lady said , with a puckered face . " It's been a big sofa .. tigbile to his haar His lins sought hers and purty'n wisht while you've been away . " found them , pressed them tightly clung to " Felt lonely , eh ? " he questioned , with a smile them , sought them again , and then , without a " Purty ' n lonely , sure ' nough . The ' ouse away , but only for a moment . His trong word being spoken , she drew herself gently ain't seemed the same . " arms were round her again , holding her , frps eager , burning , passionate words . ney pressing her . Words came in s torrent to his swept every barrier aside . Nothing mattered now . He loved her ; he loved her . She clung " Many people ill ! " he questioned . " Bout the same as usual , I reckon , " was the reply . " Ain't ' eard of no plague about . " " That's satisfactory . And what's the general news of the place ? " " Oh , nothin ' very much . Things ' ave been terrible quiet since the rumpus up to the big " ouse was settled . " " Nothing heard of Watty Grigg yet ! " " Nothin toal . Everybody reckons ' ' s the bottom of the say . " And how in " Looks like it , certainly , everybody at the big house ? " " Same as usual ; lesstways , I've heard nothin ' different , though some folks be sayin ' there may be a weddin ' there after all . " " Oh ! " I prefer to stand , thank you at least , till I have delivered my message . " " Yes ! " May questioned , her heart beating very rapidly . You came to consult me some months ago and I cast your horoscope . The sky was very cloudy at the time , and few stara were visible . Lately the skies have been clear , and I have cast your horoscope afresh . Fresh to him trembling , thrilling through every things have come to light . I can see what fibre of her being . She reached up her hands I could not see then . Then only one way ap peared , now I see two . In the crystal I saw caught them between his lips and kissed and her fingere strayed over his face . He you this evening standing at the parting of them . She raised her face to his , and he saw the ways , and inclining to the one that leads her eyes swimming . to misery and disaster . You are on the point now ! Heart answered heart , lips answered lips . What need for speech of doing something - of taking some vital step . The stars peeped at them between the It is not for me to say what that step is , but branches of the trees , and winked kindly the consequences of that step are as clear to Paradise was restored again . The world a me as the stars in the sky . " always young " That cousin fells that's been stayin ' so long at the Three Pilchards . Seems to be alto " But if it is fate or destiny I am bound to take that step , " May said , with dilated eyes . " If that were so I should not have troubled come here , " the witch answered with Within ways runnin ' up an ' down . An ' they say he's dignity . Even fate is conditioned by our bent on marryin ' the maid . " Own deliberate actions . " Let us go back and tell your father , " he said And they went . as that before ? Did ever the stars shine so Was ever a walk through Paradise so sweet brightly ? Was ever night so richly certain illumined ? For once , however , Ned's diplomacy was at fault . Never had she been so completely under his dominion as at that moment - never would be again . He believed , however , that he had said enough , and his best policy would be to wait until his words had sunk in her mind and heart . When he came again she would listen without being startled . Marriage might be months away . She would want a year to elapse , but of her promise he felt sure . It was getting late when May retired to her room , and when she had bolted the door she sank on her knees by the bedside , and prayed he had not prayed for months and years . Her father was not a religious man in the ordinary sense of the word , and she had never been taught the true meaning and value of prayer . Now she cried out from sheer neces sity . The deep instinct of her soul found & voice . She wanted light and guidance . And as she prayed the conviction grew within her that she was not a mere plaything of chance - that she was a free agent , free to make her own choice . Free to say yes or no , as her own judgment decided ; free to choose her own path . Perhaps this was the way God answered her prayer . She got into bed at last and fell fast asleep , and while she slept she dreamt of George Tregony , and in her dream there . was no shadow between them . When she awoke the consciousness of strength and freedom was still with her , and the wisdom of Molly Udy's advice seemed plainer than ever . She would not decide yet , she would wait till the tide of time had carried her beyond the danger - point . No harm could come of waiting . Moreover , after last year's episode it would be more seemly to wait . The memory of her dream returned as she sat down to breakfast alone , for her father had decided to have his breakfast in bed and wait for the doctor's visit before he got up . Would George Tregony ever return to St. They left Switzerland by way of Schaff hausen and the Rhine Valley , and travelled by easy stages to Mains and Coblents and Cologne . In due time they found themselves in Brussels , and then May began to long for home , and for something more than home . Strange faces and strange places began to pall upon her . She wanted to settle down again amid the old familiar surroundings and rest awhile . She wanted to look into the eyes of the people she knew , to listen again to the tones of their voice and catch the old quaint accent , which was more musical than any- thing she had ever heard . Above all , she wanted to see George Tre- gony again . The memory of Frank Carleon was growing faint as a dream , Ned Nankivel had passed almost completely out of her thoughts . But George Tregony became more and more to her . She had wished a thousand times during her wanderings that they could look at all the wonderful things she had seen together ; that they could compare notes , and look , as it were , through each other's eyes . A souplet that she had read somewhere haunted her continually : " Have shown a scene , which I should see With double joy wort thou with me . " To think you have loved me all the time , " he repeated for the twentieth time . " And I imagined you did not like me . " " I was afraid to let you know , dear heart . " " Afraid , George ? Afraid of what ! Oh ! you foolish boy . " And then would follow fresh explanations They made the circle of the drive a dozen times before they entered the house , and then they had left a hundred things unsaid . It was not until many weeks later that he learnt how near he had come to missing her , and how large & part the witch had played in his happiness and fresh demonstrations . " Heaven bless that old woman ! " he said . She shall never want a friend or a home as long as I live . " And he kept his word . Two years later , as Mary Monk sat one evening by the window with her sewing , and glancing every now and then at her three- year - old boy playing on the floor , she was startled by the sound of a footstep , and , turn- ing her head , she saw a strange man coming up the garden path a man with bearded face and well - shaped head . Laying down her work , she went to the door and opened it . The man paused for a moment , and looked at her . " Mary , " he said , in a thrilling " don't you know me ! " voice , At the first sound of his voice her face changed . Then with a glad cry , " Frank , my husband ! " she rushed into his arms . For a few moments there was silence . Then he said , brokenly : " Can you forgive me , Mary ! " And for answer she raised her tear stained face and kissed him , Then she led the way into the house , and sat on his knee , and her fingers strayed among his curly locks as they used to do , while the child looked up and wondered . MATCHES More than half the matches used in England are made in Germany , Austria , and other Foreign Countries . ENGLAND'S GLORY MATCHES ENGLAND FOR Every box you buy means MORE WORK BRITISH WORKERS . MORELAND , GLOUCESTER . AGRICULTURAL NOTES . BY A PRACTICAL FARMER THE HOP HARVEST . Considering how dependent we are as rule on hope imported from Germany and Austria - Hungary , the English erop this year is a marvellous success . SERUM TREATMENT OF SWINE FEVER . Interesting developments in connection with the treatment of swine fever outbreaks are announced . When the war started it was decided , as a matter of public policy , that the procedure in respect of outbreaks of swine fever should be modified . It was therefore arranged to suspend the experimental pro- cedure in force in the swine fever special pro- The total produc- cedure area ; and to adopt throughout Great tion is estimated to be more than double what Britain the policy of the isolation of swine on infected premises , and the slaughter it was last year , although the acreage has only of the swine found infected or ailing at only slightly increased by just under 1,000 the time of the visit of the veterinary sur The total production , estimated at geon . In cases , however , in which isolation is 507,258cwt . , represents the largest quantity practically impossible , the slaughter of all picked in England since 1905. The yield , per wine on the premises is being carried out acre , 1984ewt . , is nearly double that of id13 , and the usual rate of compensation paid . Bores . B and has only once been exceeded ( in 1905 ) In cases in which the owner agrees to such since returns of produce were first collected a course , it is proposed to arrange for the in 1885 . inoculation of the isolated swine with anti- The crop is grown in ten counties - vis.swine fever serum , and with that object in Kent , Hereford , Sussex , Worcester , Hants , view arrangements are being carried out for Surrey , Gloucester , Salop , and Stafford - and , the manufacture of the serum on an extensive of these Worcester has given the largest pro - scale by official veterinary officers . These portion of increase , having advanced from arrangements , which are rendered necessary 18,500cwt . to 42,238cwt . , or over 260 per by the fact that the previous sources of the cent . The neighbouring county of Hereford supply of serum are now closed , will , it is shows the next greatest improvement , her hoped , be shortly completed , and it is antioi- produce this year being 70,478cwt . , against pated that as a result of these measures 22,138cwt . last year , the proportion of in - wide expérience will be gained as to the prac crease being nearly 220 per cent . Hamptical utility of serum inoculation . shire and Surrey have raised over 200 per cent . more than in 1913 , and Sussex SOYA BEAN CAKE AND MEAL . nearly 100 per cent . The county of These foodstuffs are made from a bean Kent has not increased quite at the same enormous rate ; but the Eastern division which has long been extensively grown in the of the county stands out with an increase East , where it forms an important article of from 47,395cwt . to 94,877ewt . , or rather over human food , but only since 1908 has been im 100 per cent . The Weald gives over 80 per ported in quantity into this country . It differs cent . , and in Mid - Kent the proportion falls to from the common field bean in being rich in somewhat over 40 per cent . The totals for oil . A leaflet on foodstuffs states that to a the county work out at a little over 70 per small extent the soya bean itself is used as a cent . increase in comparison , with last year . A FAR - FAMED HORSE BREED . cattle food , but , as a rule , the greater part of the oil is first removed by seed crushers , the residual cake or meal being used for feeding In recent years no British breed of livestock purposes . In the ordinary course the oil is has made greater progress , as represented by removed by heat and pressure , the residue the record of sales at home and abroad , than being in the form of cake which still con- tains a considerable percentage of oil . A soya the Clydesdale horse . In the overseas coun- bean meal , however , is also told , and from tries which buy our heavy horses , its sales are much larger than those of the Shire . There this nearly the whole of the oil has been ex- may be several other reasons for this , but - an tracted by means of a chemical solvent . Soya bean cake usually contains 40-45 per important one is that Clydesdale breeders cent of albuminoids and 6-8 per cent . of oil . were alive to the importance of the foreign market before the breeders of the heavier and It therefore approaches decorticated cotton cake in composition and should be fed in the more massive Shire . In Scotland the Clydesdale is supreme , and same way in moderate quantities along with numerous horse - breeding societies have done starchy foods , such as the ordinary cereals " I've been a brute , Mary , " he said ; " but the breed and its breeders enormous service . and their offals , and with roots , hay , and I was at my wits end . That Jew threatened Clydesdale horse - breeding is very largely in straw . " Extracted " meal is much poorer in me with prison unless the money was paid in the hands of tenant farmers , who display won oil than the cake , containing only about 2 per certain time . I had no money , and - and - derful interest and keenness , sometimes hir cent , but it is correspondingly richer in albu- Olaves again she wondered , for there were you know the rest . I was miserable - half ing the services of aires of good parentage minoida . It should be fed in moderate quan mad . I could not go to bed . " wandered two or three years before they are due to tities along with other less concentrated foods . down into the library . It was after midnight , travel , and for some of them as much as £ 20 Soya bean cake and meal have a high manu- and a noise startled me , coming from some- for foal or no foal is demanded . It is to be rial value , similar to that of decorticated cot- where behind the chimney . I went near to wished that breeders in other parts of Great ton cake , and considerably higher than that listen , holding , the candle in my hand , and as Britain showed the same enthusiasm and of linseed cake . I leant against the wainscoting a panel foresight . slipped back noiselessly , and , without think- ing of danger , I went through , and the panel slid back with a snick behind me ; but I didn't mind that . I was ready for anything that would distract my mind . Down I went a long tunnel , and came out into a big cave , where four men were stacking kegs and bales and quarrelling for all they were worth . whispers to the effect that he had gone away for good . She heard the door bell ring , and the doo tor's footsteps on the stairs . A quarter of an hour later , when crossing the hall , she came face to face with George Tregony . She gave a little cry of pleasure , and a look of joyful surprise came into her eyes .. The influence of her dream was still upon her , and she held out her hand to him , for- getting the wall of reserve that had grown up between them . He grasped her hand quickly and tightly . Oh , I am so glad you have come back again , " she said , in her artless way , " it does one good to see you . " It does me good to see you , he answered , and there flashed from his eyes that look she had seen once before . The warm colour stole unconsciously up into her face , but she looked at him frankly and seriously . " And how did you find father this morn- ing ? " she questioned . Oh , he is practically all right , " he answered . " What he will need when the weather gets warm is change of air and scene . " She watched him from the open door when he left the house , and when he got half - way down the drive he looked back and raised his hat and smiled , and the memory of that emile lived with her throughout that day , and for many days after . For a moment I startled them , then they ran at me and seized me . I tried to explain to them , but they took no heed . They be- gan to discuss the best method of getting rid of me . You see , I had discovered their searet , and they were afraid . INFERIOR FEEDING STUFFS . The Clydesdale , which has been bred abso- With reference to the remarks I have made lutely pure for over thirty years , differs from the Shire chiefly in beings massive , and , as recently as to the need of insisting on having many think , of finer finish . " What it lacks guarantees with feeding stuffs , and then of in weight it makes up in its activity and having analysis made of samples to see that pluck . The height averages for mares about they are up to guarantee , a striking illustra 16 hands , and for stallions 16-2 hands , few ex- tion was provided at a recent prosecution by ceeding 17 hands . Bay and brown are the the Somerset County Council . The defendants commonest colours ; black and grey ( which were a large and well - known firm with busi- becomes white with age ) coming next . DRIED GRAINS . nesses in many of the big towns . The charge was one of selling a meal which did not come up to the analyses of 4 per cent . oil and 12 is valuab This valuable by - product of the brewing per cent . albuminoids stated on the invoice . " It was stated for the prosecution that Mr. and distilling industries is the dried residues J , H. Burton , official sampler for the county . " At length it was decided that I should be of the grains which have been converted into received a letter in March last from the taken out into deep water and drowned , and malt and subjected to thorough extraction Board of Agriculture with reference to I was bundled aboard their boat . I'm not going to try to tell you , Mary , how I felt , with water . They contain all the husk of the this particular food . In consequence Mr. Bur barley , a considerable proportion of which , ton arranged with a farmer to purchase one When we got to sea , I gave up hope . understood that I was to be taken sufficiently however , is digestible , and also the bulk of ton . The invoice bore a stamped declaration , far away , that there would be no likelihood of the albuminoids or flesh - forming substances which amounted to a warranty under the Act , present in the original grain , the greater part to the effect that the feed contained 4 per my body being washed ashore . cent of oil and 12 of albuminoids . Mr. Bur- " Well , the wind got up after a bit , and of the starch having been removed . As a feeding stuff dried grains are inter- ton communicated with the defendant firm , grew worse and worse until it blew a gale , and I had to help to bale out the water . Such mediate between undecorticated cotton cake and informed them that official samples of the There is a good deal of differ feed would be taken at the farm on June 19th . night I never knew . Towards morning the and sharps . mast snapped and went overboard , and the ence of opinion as to the relative feeding As soon as the firm received that letter they next moment a big wave swamped us com value of distillers ' grains and brewers made inquiry , and then wrote to say that a pletely , and we went down . I fancy I must graine The former are generally the more mistake had been made in the invoice sent to have been the only man who could swim , for expensive to buy , but if the foods are judged him , owing to a clerical error , and that there- never saw a sign of the others again by their chemical composition there can be fore they were sending a new invoice . dead than alive . Then I was picked up by chemical analysis is useful as a guide , it does managed to get hold of the floating mast , and very little difference between the two . corrected invoice stated that the percentages was battered about for several hours , more must be remembered , however , that while were 2 of oil and 7 of albuminoids , large sailing vessel bound for Australia . The not afford complete information as to the re- captain was very kind to me , and the lative feeding value of different commodities . emigrants among them provided me with clothes . Dried grains are much liked by stock , and round her was broken . For some reason he " It took us three months nearly to get to are generally recognised as an excellent feed and the percentages shown by the Govern Melbourne , and then I went off with a lot of ing stuff for fattening cattle , milking cows , ment analyst's report were 1.37 of on others to the goldfields . For long time I and especially for sheep . As a food for against 4 per cent . stated in the original in had no luck , I scarcely earned enough to keep horses they are perhaps less widely known voice , and 444 of albuminoids , as against 1- body and soul together , but last year my luck theoretically 5lb . of oate should equal 6-71b . per cent . in the original invoice . After allow . turned , and here I am , Mary , ready to make of dried graine , but , according to a Board of ing for the prescribed limits of errors , one- the best amends I can . If you will trust me . " Agriculture leaflet , numerous experiments in tenth , which would bring the original figures " But were we rightly married , Frank ! " America and on the Continent have shown of the defendants down to 36 per cent . of oil that , pound for pound and in moderate quan- and 10-8 per cent . of albuminoids , there was Oh , I know I've been scoun horses ab ordinary work . At present they are all and 6-38 per cent . of albuminoida drel , but I hope I'm not really bad at heart , very much cheaper . The manurial value of were grave defloiencies in both constituents and one thing I do know , Mary , I love you , dried graine consumed at the homestead is in this case , and have always loved you , and always shall Ned Nankivel came to tea in the afternoon , but John Trefusis remained in the room , and there was no chance of a tête - a - tête conversa tion . He suggested to May that she should walk part of the way back with him to St. Olaves , but she excused herself , and he went The next day he did not put in an appear away with an angry cloud upon his brow . ance , but the day after that he called again . May met him in the strength of her new found confidence . The spell he had woven appeared to her in a different light . six months before ! She would give no promise . How could he and be forgotten what had happened She saw a look come into his eyes that almost made her afraid . And when a few days later he left St. Olaves , " to return she had awakened out of a troubled dream . 35- > • -GRAVE DEFICIENCIES . The The samples were taken by Mr. Burton , again to business " he said , she felt as though " By heavena , yes but I left you nothing tities , they may be equal to oats for feeding a deficiency in this feed of 228 per cent . of CHAPTER XXVI to prove it . to you , and you shall never regret it . " For a while she did not answer . She sp THE COTTAGER'S PIG .. In spite of the difficulties caused by the It occurred to John Trefusis , as the And if you'll trust me I'll be a good husband estimated to be 298. per ton . weather improved , that May deserved some compensation for all she had suffered during the previous year , and so he resolved to take her for little jaunt on his own account . Apeared to be thinking . " If you would be more satisfied , " he went wine fever regulations , which have done so change would probably do them both good . May hailed the proposal with a good deal of on , " we'll be married again in a church much to discourage pis keeping on's emal delight . She had never been beyond the somewhere not here , where I'm known - scale , the board of Agriculture suggests that borders of the county in which she was born , with a parson to perform the ceremony . " no branch of animal husbandry can be more " Perhaps that would be better , " she said , usefully extended at the present time than and she had often longed to see the wonders her face brightening . " Yes , that would be that of pig keeping . of London , of which she had read and heard Few animals are Bo much . There was only one drawback George Tregony had grown very friendly of late , and she would miss his smile and the sunshine of his presence . better . " capable of giving a quicker return for foods Mary ! I don't want to live in England . " And you'll go back with me to Australia , consumed , and none is better adapted for " I'll go with you , Frank , to the end of the earth ! ehé answered , with shining eyes . " You're the best woman on earth , " he most people who possess a fair - sized garden , answered , kissing her again and again . turning into wholesome meat much material that is usually regarded as of little or no There was a good deal to be done before value . It is usually well within the means of they could start , but no time was wasted , and knowing when they would return again . one bright morning they drove away nob and who can conform with the regulations of least the local sanitary authority , to keep John Trefusis had no definite plans . London A month later they were re - married in Lon- one pig . The garden and kitchen will supply was to be their first halfting place . What Gravesend for Australia , where young Frank The fact is , however , explained that , don , and a few days later they sailed from a considerable proportion of the animal's food . after that would depend on circumstances , It was a long and tiring journey to London , ne become the delight of his father's heart . should circumstans necessitate the pur for railway travelling in those days was nob Jeth Main returned to St. Olaves after chase of the whole f the food material , pig the comfortable and even luxurious thing is doing his three years in Dartmoor Prison , but keeping will not be very profitable . There has since grown to be . It was very late when his cuddy on the cliffs knows him no more . are many breeds and crosses to choose from ; they reached Paddington , and May's first John Trefusis had the tunnel built up with but for the purpose of the small pig keeper glimpse of the great city was disappointing fully replaced , but the secret springs remain , atone and cement and the wainscoting care- pigs of Large White Yorkshire or Large Black breeding will usually be found the Next morning , however , and the young Tregonys May's healthy and most suitable . It is advisable to start with a after a good night's rest , she was in a more cheerful mood , and London with the bright and their friends by pressing the springs and care being taken to secure is good a spec happy children sometimes amuse themselves newly weaned pig , about eight weeks old , sunshine flooding it looked decidedly inviting though it was by no means what she had watching the panel slide back , anticipated . in the extreme . ' As the days passed away , however , and she Its life and colour and movement seemed to fascination of it grew upon her insensibly . grew familiar with its noise and bustle , the get into her blood . at every turn , and when they had been there month , and her father suggested that they should go on to Paris , she was quite sorry to leave , Paris she found even more delightful in some respecte , and she discovered BR added pleasure in rubbing up her schoolgirl French . They were too late for the Riviera season , so after three weeks in the French She found Fresh intereste [ THE END . ] DIABETES Sufferers should use either . FARWELL and RHINES CRESCO FLOUR 7d . par b DIETETIC FOOD 8 per lh , or SPECIAL GLUTEN FLOUR 11-15 , carriage not paid These cereal are recommended by the Medical Profession , Sample of either seat on receipt of 3d for post- age Particulars from Agents : H H. WARNER & Co. Ltd. , 18-30 , LAYSTALL STREET LONDONE.C men as possible . For several weeks after weaning the pig should receive its food in MANUFACTURERS * TO H.PL KING GEORGEN There SANITAS FLUID THE NON - POISONOUS C DISINFECTANT AND AIR PURIFIER HIGH - CLASS NOT PAPERS at lowest prices . moderately sloppy condition , alightly warm if Largest and choicest stock in the district to the weather is cold . The food should be select from at the " Gazette " Office . - Advt . easily digestible , and may consist of potatoes , turnips , and other vegetables , together with table scraps and grease from the kitchen , and and & little middlings or sharps . The roots Printed and Published for the and vegetable matter should be boiled to- gether and Pafterwards well mashed mixed , the meal being incorporated at the same time . Suficient water should be added , or preferably a little skim milk if it in available , to give the whole the consistency of grual Ross Gazette , " Limited , by GODFREY M MORTON , at their Offices , High - street and Church - street , Ross , in the County of Hereford . THURSDAY , NOVEMBER 5 , 1914 . Dr. Carter's Liver Salt THE Admirable Remedy in all Stomach troubles such as Indiges- tion , Heartburn , Sick Headache , & c In tins , at 4d . and 81d . BOLE AGENT- BENJAMIN , Cash Chemist VOL . XLVIII . No. SALES BY AUCTION . COOPER AND PREECE STOCK SALESMEN AND GENERI AUCTIONEERS . PROBATE , ESTATE , & HOTEL VALUE [ ESTABLISHED OVER 70 YEARS . ] GENERAL INSURANCE AND SHIPPING AGENT TIMBER SURVEYORS , PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT ESTATES MANAGED , RENTS , TITHES , AND DE COLLECTED . Bailiffs ( by appointment ) under the Agric tural Holdings Act . Mr. Cooper , F.A.I. , a County Valuer under the Finance Act . AGENTS FOR THE County Fire Office ( Limited ) . Provident Lif Railway Passengers , General Assurance C Commercial Union , Scottish Insurance C Guardian Plate Glass , Hailstorm , etc. FURNITURE WAREHOUSED . ' ADVANCES MADE on Sales , if required Mortgages Negotiated . ALBION CHAMBERS , MARKET - PLACE , ROS SALE FIXTURES November 19. - Ross Stock Market . Early Entri invited in order to insure publici for buyers and sellers . December 1 , -Sale of valuable Farming Stock Courtfield Farm , Welsh Bickno for Col. F. B. Vaughan , who h let the farm . - See advt . December 3. - Ross Stock Market . December FA 10. - RO88 CHRISTMAS STOCK SHOW and SALE Further entries solicited . Pri awarded . Further Appointments respectfully solicited ROSS STOCK MARKET . THURSDAY , the 19th NOVEMBER , 1914 MERS . COOPER And PREEC will BELL by AUCTION , in the ab Market , & large Consignment of FAT & STORE CATTLE , CALVES , SHEEP , and PIGS . Commencing with the Pigs at 10.30 sha At 11 o'clock , 2 - wheel Dog Cart , quantity Tools and Sundries . COURTFIELD FARM , WELSH BICKNOR . MESSRS . COOPER and PREE are favoured with instructions from F. B. VAUGHAN ( the Farm being let ) , to SE by AUCTION , as above , On TUESDAY , the 1st day of DECEMBER , 1914 The whole of his valuable FARMING STOCK , COMPRISING 10 CATTLE , 122 SHEEP , 6 HORSES . an general Collection of AGRICULTURAL PLEMENTS . Full particulars in future Advertisements . SE EVERAL SUMS of from £ 100 to £ 5 TO LEND on good Freehold Securi at from 4 per cent . to 5 per cent . - Apply COOPEB and PREECE , Ross - on - Wye . THRE HREE superior FURNISHED RE DENCES in the Ross district TO L with immediate possession . - COOPER and PRE Ross . YMONDS ' YAT . A most conveni ST BUNGALOW , Unfurnished , FOR SA Two Reception , F Overlooking the Yat . Bedrooms , Bath ( h . and c . ) ; prettily appoin Flower Garden , & o . Immediate possession Faller particulars of COOPER and PREECE , E perty Agents , Ross . O. 1 , ERDINGTON VILLA , LET , immediate possession . Four N ° and two reception rooms ; small orchard , garden . Rent , £ 24. - COOPER and PREECE , R BRUTON , K NOWLES , AND ALBION OHAMBERS , GLOUCESTER ESTATE VEYORS , AGENTS , B and HOUSE AUCTIONEERS , AGRIC TURAL , HOTEL , and TIMBER VALUE and VALUERS for PROBATE and EST DUTY . N ILLUSTRATED REGISTER Properties for Sale by Private Treat AN to be Let may be had on receipt of Three - Sta No charge is made for the Insertion of partic unless Sale or Letting be effected . Telegrams : Brutons , Glo'ter . Telephone IMPORTANT TO FARME AUTUMN TROUBLES AND RELIA HUSK IN CALVES REMEDIES . USE LAMBL HUSK & SCOUR IN SHEEP- USE LAMBL 8/6 per gallon . Three gallons , 2 LAMTABS . 200 Tablets , 1/6 ( by post 1 / SKORIN - A SPECIFIC For SCOUR in CALVES . - A most suc Drench , and well recommended . Trial Bottle , 1/6 ; Half - gall . , 6 / - ; Gallon RUBRUM DRENCH , For Feverish Colds , Chills , Blackwater , an Calving Drench ; also a useful Purge . Drench should be in every Homestead . 1 / - each ; 10 / - per doz , AQRUBRENS , A noted Redwater Cure ; an improved com from an old farrier's recipe . 1- each ; 10 / - per dozen . BOLE MANUFACTUREB- JOHN FROS AGRICULTURAL CHEMIST , MONMOT LEARNER'S FOOT - ROT CU Beat in the World . Tins , 1/6 Agent , A. PORTBE , Chemist , Ross . |