Ross Gazette 10th September 1914 - Page 6
Ross Gazette 10th September 1914 - Page 6
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Image Details
| Date | 10/09/1914 |
|---|---|
| Type | Newspaper |
| Format | |
| Language | English |
| Area | Ross Gazette |
| Collection Holder | Herefordshire Libraries |
| Date of Publication | 10th September 1914 |
| Transcription |
[ ALL RIGHTS RABÁVED . J he world to believe in the occunt powers with which Molly was credited , but he saw clearly THE MISSING BRIDEGROOM how the general belief in her gifts could be BY SILAS K. HOCKING Author of " Who Shall Judge ? " " The Shadow Between . " " A Desperate Hope , " " God's Out- oast , " " Her Benny , " " Yours and Mine , " & o . SYNOPSIS OF OPENING CHAPTERS The granddaughter of a famous Cornish smug gler , and the only care of her father , sweet May Trefusis is to marry Frank Carleon , Sir Ralph The country folk wor Carleon's second son . ship May , and it is generally thought that Frank . Carleon is a very lucky man . The wedding - morn- gay preparations , but . ang dawns with many Frank Carleon , who , with his father , had slept at the Trefusis . is nowhere to be found . Vainly . Sir Ralph Carleon and Mr. Trefusis search every corner of the big house , which used to be known : as The Smugglers Keep , " and all the country : The servants maintain that Frank must- round . be on the premises somewhere , as every door and window had been found bolted as they had left- them overnight But they cannot find the missing : Sir bridegroom , and the search is abandoned . Ralph leaves in anger , half - accusing Mr. Trefusis . " of having spirited the bridegroom away . When May is told that her lover cannot be But she is a . brawo found she sheds bitser tears . gil , and proudly subdues her grief . Mr. Trefusis carries on a dogged search for the missing man along the cliffs ; but his health is undermined by : the worry , and he is now laid up with a sharp attack of pneumonia . May and the women - ser- Dr. Tregony , popular mem- vants nurse him . ber of a well - known Cornish family attends the sick man , and May's white , worried face wrings his heart , for he had always loved how deeply . Her engagement to Frank Carleon had been a bitter blow to him , for he himself had cherished the idea that he might one day ask her to be- come his wife . And now he is again brought in contact with her . Mr. Trefusis long hovers between life and death , and Dr Tregony constantly meets the beautiful girl he admires . He knows that it is the worst thing that could happen to him ! All the fighting and repression of months is being rendered useless . Thinking thus , while watching by the bedside in the dead of night , he goes a book . downstairs to the library to procure Through the darkness he dimly discerns a man's figure in the room or is it a woman's ? Then comes a sudden flash and a great noise , and the doctor falls to the floor . unconscious and bleed- ing . May , trying to sleep in her bed , is the only member of the household who hears the noise . She creeps downstairs , discovers the unconscious The young doctor the alarm . seriously injured , and when morning dawns it is Then clear that his life hangs in the balance . man . the horrible whisper reaches May that she is bo lieved to be responsible for his injuries . woman Th TO Inspector Jago , who suspects May . cannot The arrest her without some definite reason . he admits Vicar taxes him with the suspicion : he it , pointing out that these two were practically alone in the house , and that sometimes was obliged to resort attractive violent measures in self - defence ! The Vicar tells The inspector he ought to be ashamed of him- They self . The villagers are full of the event . suspect May , br , with Cornish superstition , put it down partly so the agency of the devil . A fresh danger now looms ahead in the person of Ned Nankivel , a distan : relative of the Tre- fusi , who arrives in the village in the midst of He had quickly swallowed all the excitement . up a small fortune , and had since endeavoured He hears of the Trefusis to live by his wits . mystery , and is seized with the idea that he will marry the deserted bride and heires CHAPTER IX . Molly Udy lived in a hut which had been built mainly by her own hands in days when The tiny she was much younger than now . situated in what had been dwelling was originally a stone quarry , but kindly nature had healed the scars which man had made , and covered up the bare rocks and earth with a mantle of green and brown . turned to his own account . Visitors usually crossed Molly's hand with silver . Servant - maids were let off with a sixpence ; farmers ' daughters could get no satisfactory results under a shilling ; young Ned men had to find a florin or half - crown . was prepared to cross the old woman's hand with gold if he could get her to do what he wanted . He found Tregarrick Wood without any difficulty . But to find Molly Udy's hut was He tramped the wood in all not so easy . directions , looked down into the hollow more than once , and was on the point of giving up the search when he came upon the witch her self . That she was the individual he was in search of he had no doubt . She was old and wrinkled , and apparently smoke - dried . She wore & big cloak that once had been red . Her gown was a patchwork of every imaginable colour ; her boots were hobnailed ; her head was uncovered , displaying a tangled mop of iron - grey hair . She drew herself up as Ned approached , und scanned him critically . " I have been expecting you , young man , " she said , in a firm and rather pleasant voice .. Did you lose yourself in the wood ? " " I have been trying to find your honse , " he laughed , " but have not succeeded yet . " " country to blind " Town dwellers are tails , " she answered , severely , " but follow me , " and she marched on in front of him with long , even strides . Ned followed , feeling rather tickled at her assumption of knowledge and her tone of authority . He had been enjoying himself all the morning , and the omens suggested fresh entertainments . When she paused at the door of her hut Ned turned and looked round him . A place more lonely and secluded he had never seen . " I don't wonder , mother , that I was unable to find your house . " he said with a laugh . " It looks all of a piece with nature's handywork . " Don't call me mother . " she said , sternly , I am neither mother and her eye flashed . nor wife . have preferred knowledge and power and he company of the stars . " The south , winds had swept in from neighbouring woods acorns and fir cones and the seeds of ferns and furze and bramble , which had taken root and grown in wild profusion . Moss and lichen and trailing plants had climbed the steep face of the rocks , and autumn leaves had formed a deep mould in sheltered places , so that the quarry had become a green and delightful dell . The roof of Molly's hut , which was of with stones and thatch , weighted down turf , had grown green like the rest , and could scarcely be distinguished from other parts of the hollow . Moss grew between the stones of the rough walls , and even the door - around the corner - had the prevailing taken on was much larger colour . The house within than would be suspected from the outside .. The principal room was ent deep under a shelving rock , and separated from the outer room by a curtain which had become black with age and smoke . summer Here , undisturbed by the fret and strife of the world outside , Molly spent her days and nighta . The heat of days was softened by the heavy canopy that spread itself between her cottage and the sky . The storms of winter which raved up the valleys and swept the bare hills and cliffs scarcely disturbed the seclusion of her dell . The neighbouring woods provided her with abund- ance of fuel , while vegetables could be taken from the outlying fields without the trouble of asking , for no one would ineur Molly's dis pleasure if it could be avoided . " Rather cald company , I should say , on a winter's night , " he answered , good humouredly . We have to take what the fates decide , and follow whether we will or no the path of destiny . " " But you said just now that you preferred knowledge and power and the company of the stars . " " And what of that ? The true life is found when our desires harmonise with the decrees of fate . " THE ROSS GAZETTE THURSLAY , enough that I doubt ; But no woman's 10v8 will survive being jilted on her wedding - day . " " But she does not believe she has been jilted . She lays no blame at his door . She believes in his honour still . " " Oh , does she ? " He spoke with a sneer . She can soon be cured of that - that is , if a man's honour is a thing she cares about . " " She is one who does care . " " Then so much the , better . To most young a small detail is a women I am told such matter of indifference . " You have evidently not lived in our puri- tan West , " was the reply . not " I hope to know it better , " was the ready answer . " Anyhow , if Miss Trefusis could be brought to believe that her recent lover did jilt her ; that , moreover , he was worthy of her ; that a beneficent Providence or Fate wrought for her a great escape ; that a better man has been predestined to be her husband , and is waiting for her that her obvious duty is to lift up her heart in grati- tude and thanksgiving ; and that what the Why , then your task gods have provided- and mine will be accomplished . " witch Truly , you speak well , " the crooked smile ; " but I answered , with aotice your eloquent argument is prefaced with an if . " " " B " Naturally , " was the prompt reply . " The question is , Can what I have suggested be lone , and can you do it ! " The " I do not say it cannot be done , " the witch answered , after a long pause . child is wofully ignorant of the world's wickedness and deceit . I am not sure that love has yet touched her . She is quick to re- ceive impressions . You have much in your favour . You have a rather handsome face and a winning tongue . But time will be required . " " Then you are willing to assist me ? " . he interrupted . " Why not , provided you make it worth my while ? " You shall ride in a carriage if you pull it off . " The witch twisted her lips into one of her " We shall see what we crooked smiles . ** Come shall see , " oracularly . she said , again the day after to - morrow , and I will let you know how the oracle works . " " By Heaven , we shall win ! " Ned said to himself as he journeyed home across That old . fields . we shall win . woman can make a girl do anything . " And he dived his hands into his pockets and be- gan to whistle an old love song . " I'm sure CHAPTER X. the Molly Udy was standing in the doorway of her hut on the following afternoon , her left shoulder pressed heavily against the post , and her head bent in a listening attitude . Sud- The bondage of wifehood and denly she started and peered cautiously round the corner . Her quick ears had caught the sound of footsteps crunching the dry leaves . After a few moments she drew back her head , and a cynical smile played round the corners of her mouth . " And fate has given you the desire of your heart ? " " That is 50 . the pangs of motherhood may suit the silly , simpering dolls , who come to me ; they are t for nothing else . Few of them even for that . Nature is a huge jester , and delights in mak- ing fun of her own creation . However , it is not for me to complain . I look on and laugh with nature . • " Then you are a cynic as well as a fortune teller ? " A philosopher , rather , " she interrupted , " I laugh at what is , and sometimes weep at what must be . " So you are an exponent of the doctrine of inevitability , eh ? Very good ; I have come to find out what is the inevitable in my own case . " " You need not have told me that , young man . Did I not tell you just now that I knew you were coming . " " I am glad that you take so much interest in me , ' he laughed . " I think we shall be friends , and we may possibly benefit each other . " " If the fates so decree , " she answered , in solemn tones . " But come into the house and we can talk more secretly . " He followed without more ado , and found himself in semi - darkness . She almost pushed him into a rush - bottomed chair , and before he could recover himself she had vanished . After a few moments his eyes began to ad- just themselves to the dim light , and out of the gloom objects began to appear - first a three - legged table , then a cupboard , then a flitch of bacon hung against the wall , then some crockery - ware , and , finally , a smoke- curtain hiding the entrance blackened another room . to After a few minutes Molly emerged from behind this curtain , and sat down facing her visitor . By this time Ned's eyes had become pretty well accustomed to the dim light , and objects stood out clearly and distinctly . my powers ? " she You do not believe in said , sharply and abruptly . " Quite as much as you do yourself ! " he answered , with a laugh . Then your faith is great , " she replied . Now let me know what you want . " " If you are a fortune - teller you should know without my telling you . " " Clever young mau ! Do you want me to tell you her name ? " " I said nothing about any her ' ! " " No , you left that to me . " Here is my hand for you to cross . " And she displayed a hollow and withered palm . He plunged deep into his trouser - pocket and drew out a handful of gold and silver coins , and as he did so he watched her face He saw her lips twitch and her grey eyes gleam . If you serve me , " he said slowly , " I am prepared to pay you well . You understand ! " I understand . " For the rest narrowly . she had always sufficient money to keep her small establishment going . Love - sick maidens came from far and near to fortunes . get their told , and occasionally young men , whose love affairs did not prosper as they would have liked , sought her for the Bame purpose . Farmers sought her aid and . paid for her charms when their cattle had been , stung by adders , or their wives or chil- dren were afflicted with toothache . Terrified came to her to break the spell of women " the evil eye , " which they believed some murdering ling had cast upon them . Revenge- ful people sometimes paid her handsomely to send plague upon their neighbours ' cattle . Molly was always ready to oblige her visitors , though she was careful to qualify her promises . The spell of the evil eye she could always avert . and cattle in almost every case recovered from the sting of adders ; but when it came to smiting cattle with plague , she de- manded the observance of so many conditions that the revengeful one usually forgot one- half of them and kept the others wrongly , and the threatened visitation failed to arrive - not because the witch was impotent , but because the man had failed to do what he 80 ought to have done .. In this way Molly saved her reputation and replenished her coffers , while the fear of her malign powers increased as the years went by . But while her malign powers were feared her gift of prophecy was greatly respected . She could read the stars - so was believed- tell a girl's fortune by looking at the palm of her hand ; prognosticate with the accuracy of fate what would happen next month , or next years hence ; and , as super- year , or ten stitious people are usually fatalists , they helped unconsciously the fulfilment of her prophecies . What must be must be , " they said . It was no use fighting against the stars . And so it fell out that many a young man married the girl he did not want because Mally had predicted that he was bound to It might scem a foolish thing to marry her . marry without love ; but it would be staring madness to go against fate and court over- whelming disaster . So Molly's prophecies were fulfilled again and again , and her fame as a fortune - teller increased with the flight of the years . Nad Naukivel was far too much a man of DELICIOUS COFFEE . RED WHITE & BLUE For Breakfast & after Dinner . " And I may as well tell you at the outset , " he went on , that I have no faith in your necromancy and palm - reading and star- gazing , and the other silly rot by which you delude the ignorant country folk . " " Thank you for nothing , " she answered , with a quiet sneer . " Nevertheless , " he continued , " I am quite convinced you are very clever woman , or you could not have carried on this game so long . " " How you flatter me ! " And her twisted lips curled into a cynical smile . " No , I do not flatter , neither do I dis- parage . You are clever , and you know it . You have knowledge , and you know how to apply it . You have faith in the power of suggestion , and so you make people fulfil your prophecies . To that extent you can read the future , but , like all the rest of us , you mako mistakes . " " And what , may I ask , is all this leading to ? " " To a good understanding of each other , I hope . " Pray go on , " she said , snapping out the words sharply . " Another love - lorn wench , " she muttered to herself . " Poor fool ! I wonder what the Lord made so many women for ? Then she laughed softly . " Well , well , " she said , " I live by the folly of fools , especi- curious business ally love - sick fools . It's a this falling in love , " and her face assumed a hard expression . After a moment she sighed and withdrew into the semi - darkness of her cottage . " How old memories zome back , " she re- flected , as she seated herself behind the cur- tain , and she sighed again . A moment later a timid knock fell on the door . She did not respond at once , and a moment later the knock was repeated . " Come in , " she called , in a shrill , pene- trating voice , but she did not move from her seat . The door was pushed open cautiously , and & young woman entered and looked round her with strained eyes . The darkness frightened The door had fallen to behind her a little . her , and she felt for a moment as though she had been caught in a trap . voice , which seemed to come out of the ground , asked : SEPTEMBER and 1 can AT Present - very night corner , help her out - understand that . I can , stop the fools in St. Olaves from prating . I can see the way of deliverance . " " Oh , I'm so glad , " the girl answered , -the " I felt sure tears running down her face . you could . It comed to me all of a sudden this mornin ' when I saw Miss May crushed almost to the ground an ' yet makin ' no sign as it were . Never a moan or a complaint comes from ' er lips . Oh , she's an angel , if ever there was one . " " Well , there never was one on earth , " the witch snapped . " You can make your mind easy on that score . The best of women are only women , and not a very good best at that . Now go I know what I'm talking about . home and see what you can do with the young woman . 10 , 1914 , So seferal days passed away before the anticipated visit was paid . The witch had begun to fear that she would not come , and Ned Nankivel was getting impatient at the slow development of his plot . But one after- noon , as the old woman stood outside her door in a listening attitude , she caught the sound of light , quick footsteps in the distance . stantly the stern lines about her mouth re- laxed . In- " My lady comes , " she said to nerself . " Now we will work the oracle , and to some purpose . " CHAPTER XI . Ned Nankivel and May Trefusie nearly of the came face to face at the entrance He had gone to Tregarrick Tilda a slowly to her feet and looked witch's glen . blank . How was she to begin ? What was she Wood to have another talk with Mistress Events were not moving , fast enough visit without her mistress's permission or Suddenly he halted and drew for his liking . to say when she got home ? She had paid this Udy . She might be angry , and refuse back into the shadow of the trees . Approach- knowledge . ing from the opposite direction was a lissome , to have anything to do with Molly Udy . " I s'pose I'll'ave to tell her everything ? " girlish figure , walking rapidly , and yet , with an easy , graceful swing . she faltered , looking hard at the witch . " Tell her what you like or nothing at all , " was the frigid answer . " It makes no dif- ference to nie . I can help your mistress if she wants any help ; that is all I have to say , " and she rose and pulled open the door . Tilda stumbled out into the waning day- light without another word , and made her way swiftly out of the shadowed hollow . She felt as though she had escaped from a vault , and was thankful to be in the open air once more . The witch peeped round the corner of her hut after the retreating figure and chuckled . " The " I'm in luck's way , " she reflected . oracle is working without any efforts of my own . This is what comes of having a reputa- tion . That cousin of the girl's stands to win . " She leant her shoulder against the door- post and proceeded to fill a clay pipe with tobacco . Her keen eyes were half closed , her forehead puckered with thought . " Well , it's no concern of mine whether reflected . " He's he's worthy or not , " she good - looking enough to satisfy any girl , but he's a bad one for all that , or else my eyes deceive me . " She struck a match and lighted her pipe with great deliberation . The evening was windless and warm for the time of the year . The dusk deepened in the dell until it grew almost dark , but Molly pulled slowly at her pipe unheeding the gathering night . The lone- liness and silence had no terrors for her . She had lived so long remote from the world that solitude and silence seemed more friendly to her than noise and the movement of people . Her thoughts went travelling back again to the days of her own youth . How far away it seemed ! How paltry its passion and fret . And yet she had suffered as young people often suffer . Had seen her hopes grow dim and expire ; had felt the agony of disappointed love ; had seen the world change from beauty to barrenness ; had watched her own life as . from a distance shrivelling up into a juiceless , sapless plant until it bore neither flower nor fruit . " All men are alike at heart , " she reflected , " and women are fools to worry about them , but I suppose they can't help it when they are young . They've got to take their chance . I expect they are happier with a bad one than with none at all . This cousin is a bad ' un if ever there was one ; but so was the other for Anyhow , I'm going to keep my that matter . promise , and he'll have to pay for it , and pretty stiffly too . " Her pipe went out , but she still stood leaning against the doorpost until all the light had faded out of the sky , and the cold stars winked at her between the branches of the trees . Meanwhile , Tilda had reached Burwood , and was explaining to May where she had been . She made a clean breast of the whole matter . It seemed to her the most satisfactory course to pursue . To her great relief May manifested no sign of displeasure ; on the contrary , she showed very considerable interest in her story . In most Celts there is a deep vein of super- For several moments she stood stock still , her heart beating in her throat and threaten- ing to choke her . She could see nothing dis- tinetly , hear nothing , and the silence , and stition , and May Trefusis was no exception to the rule . Her reason protested against the She was almost un idea that Molly Udy knew more than anyone gloom . got on her nerves . the point of shrieking when sepulchral else . How should she know ? Fortune- telling course , was , of pure deception . Witchcraft had been exploded years ago . And yet there might be secrets that ordinary mortals had not discovered . No good might come of her consulting Molly Udy , and yet , on the other hand , there need not be any harm . If the woman had no supernatural I am Miss Tre - gifts , her native shrewdness and knowledge of human nature might be of assistance . After listening to Tilda's story , she pro- mised her to think about the matter . That was not difficult . She could not help it if she tried . The suggestion took root with amaz- ing rapidity , and grew in a few hours almost beyond her control . " Who are you and what do you want ? " " Oh , Mistress Udy , " was the trembling answer , " I have come to consult you , please . " " Of course you have , " was the stern reply . " But what is your name ? " Matilda Winch , please . fusis ' maid . " " Ah ! " and the witch's face relaxed into a satisfied smile . Another period of silence followed , and then the old woman emerged from behind the curtain , but so suddenly that " Tilda gave a little shriek . " Sit down , " said the witch , sternly , and the girl dropped into the rush - bottomed chair that Ned Nankivel had occupied the day previously . Molly sat down opposite , as was her cus- tom when inferviewing visitors , and fixed her eyes steadily on the girl's face . " Well ! " she interrogated , after a moment or two of silence . " I am in great trouble , " Tilda answered in agitated tones . " " Most people are when they come to me , " was the cold reply , " or think they are , which is much the same thing . " ain't been gettin ' into no trouble of my own ; " Tisn't about myself , " Tilda faltered . " I but things are in a terrible way at Burwood , " So I suppose . Is the young doctor still alive ? " a dream . L " Yes , he's alive , or was when I left , but I fear he'll be gone before I get back ; but it's Miss May I'm thinkin ' of chiefly . " " Well , what of her ?. " " She's like one in She don't smile , nor cry , and scarcely speaks a word . She moves round the house like a white spirit . I know her heart's breakin ' ! " " Hearts don't break , girl , these days . They are much too tough ; but what do you want of me ? " " I want you to help her if you can . You are clever , and can do things , and see into the future , an ' all that . An ' she's got nobody .to help ' er . " Did she send you to me ? " " Oh , no . She ain't the least notion I've come here , an ' I don't want to tell ' er if I can help it ; but I've been awake most of the the trouble's night thinkin ' , an ' gettin ' " The question is - are you prepared to help blacker all the time . If Dr. Tregony dies me , providing I pay you well for it ? " " That all depends on what you want me they'll say she killed him , and p'raps hang her . " They don't often hang women , " to do . " Nothing dangerous , I can assure you , and witch grunted . nothing dishonourable . " " Hadn't we better cease dealing in gener alities and come to particulars ? ' she ques tioned , in the same hard , almost sneering tone . " I do not want to commit myself , natu- rally , " he said , after a moment's hesitation , " until I can have the assurance that at least you will not betray my confidence . " " I never betray anyone's confidence , " she answered , stiffly . " I have lived here for thirty years , and know all the secrets of the place . If I betrayed a confidence I should deserve to be burnt . " assurance . " I guessed secrets to be safe with you , " he said , a little humbly . " Still I wanted your Now , I will cross your hand with this sovereign , and proceed . " Her long , bony fingers closed greedily over the coin ; but she made no reply . the " But think of Miss May even suspected , " Tilda wailed . She who is sweet as an angel , an innocent as a babe unborn . Why , she wouldn't ' urt any livin ' creature , an yet people are a - beginnin ' to talk . " " People are fools mostly , " Molly snarled . " Why the Lord made so many fools beats me . " " But there must be a way out some- where , " Tilda wailed . " And who's to find out unless you do ? You can read the stars and talk with spirits , and all that . Oh , please do ' elp ' er if you can . " She lay awake during the greater part of the night . Her position had become 60 desperate that she was glad to clutch at any straw . She felt the unseen coil tightening around her . She knew as by some deep instinet that people had begun to suspect her , that the villagers were talking about her , and if people once started with an idea , it was so easy to find evidence that appeared to con- firm its truth . Should she clutch at the only straw within her reach ? There had been wizards and witches in ancient days , why not to - day ? Things had happened that could not be ex- plained by natural law . What then ! She could not deny the supernatural , and this woman might be in possession of supernatural The villagers believed in her , and were afraid of her . And there could be no doubt she had foretold many things that had come to pass . power . race The next day her thoughts continued to re- volve round and round the question , and the deep vein of superstition inherent in the came more and more to the surface . Clearly there were supernatural or satanic in- fluences at work ; how else could the happen- ings of the last few weeks be explained ? Everybody believed that Molly Udy was in touch with these influences , that she could . explain them and even control them , and there was an old saying that what everybody believed was true . She never had consulted the witch ; but that was no reason why she should not do so . The circumstances were special , and her peril seemed to increase hour by hour . getting away . There seemed little chance , however , of her Her help was constantly needed in the house . Her father required not less attention , but more . He grew queru- lous if she was long absent from his bedside ; " Shouldn't wonder if it isn't the girl her- self , " he chuckled , as he more completely hid himself and peered ont between the branches . He had been naturally curious ever since he came to St , Olaves to see the girl be pro- Not that her looks would posed to marry . It was make any difference to his intentions . not a wife he wanted , but he was badly in need of money , and if he could attach to him- self a woman who had plenty nothing else Still , he would would matter very much . rather marry a pretty girl than a plain one , and young one than & woman who had passed her prime . She was As May drew near he held his breath a little . He had seen many pretty girls in his time , but he was inclined to think he had never seen anyone quite so pretty as this . Her pale face was slightly tinged with red , her eyes sparkling and eager , her lips , just a little apart , showing two rows of perfect teeth , her hair sunny brown and inclined to But her figure almost get astray in the wind . as much as her face attracted him . as graceful as a fawn , and walked with as light a step . By Joye ! but there's nothing of the country wench about her , " he reflected . didn't expect to come upon anything quite so charming in this out - of - the - way corner of the world . " And his bold eyes opened wider and wider , and the blood raced a little more rapidly through his veins . " I For a moment or two she hesitated when only a few yards from where he was hidden . He could see distinctly the rise and fall of her bosom , could almost hear her quick and hurried breathing . Time The impulse of the savage came upon him strongly . He wanted to rush out and take IIe had not seen anything possession of her . that had so caught his fancy for a very long time . If this was John Trefusis daughter there was no denying she was worth possess ing for herself alone . When she had passed up the glen and was lost to sight , he sat down on a boulder and He would have much pre- lighted a pipe . ferred a cigar , but cigars were expensive , and he had no money to waste on luxuries . He was im seemed to pass very slowly . patient to have another look at the dainty creature that had so captivated his fancy , and almost equally impatient to know the result of her interview , with the witch . He caught the sound of her footstep at & crouching length , and leant forward in She passed swiftly down the glen , attitude . looking neither to the left nor the right , and in a few minutes was hidden by the trees . He was strongly tempted to take a short cut across the wood and meet her somewhere in the open fields . If he was to marry her he would have to make himself known sooner or later , and he was half - inclined to think that the sooner he commenced the siege the better . He had He held himself in check , however . taken Molly Udy into his confidence , and she He might , spoil was working on his behalf . everything by being too precipitate . Molly was standing leaning against the doorpost . when he stood before her . " Well ? " she condescended , after a few moments of silence , " What brought you here ? " A carriage and pair , of course , " he laughed ; but how have you fared with the lady " he What lady ! " " Oh , please don't be mysterious , " " The lady who has just left you . " drawled . " You have seen her ? " " I have . " " She hasn't seen you , I hope . " " Why do you hope that ? " " Because it might look like a put - up job . If she got suspicious the game would be up . The thing must come round naturally . Your first meeting must not be anywhere near_this place I have dropped the first seeds . In a few days , they will begin to grow . " " You think there is a chance for me ? " " Chance ? " and her words caught an accent of scorn . " Unless you play your cards like bungling idiot , you can't fail . " " Then tell me what I must do next . Tell me what you said to her . Tell me what kind of seed you dropped . " She pushed open the door of her Hut and he followed her , and a moment or two later they were sitting face to face . " The thing will be easier than I ima- gined , " the witch said , breaking the silence . To begin with , she has never been in love . " " Then why was she going to marry Frank Carleon " No Because he was handsome and dashing , and had a winning tongue , and made love to her . Girls are all alike , the poor fools . doubt she honestly believed she was in love with him . She will believe a few weeks ' time that she is in love with you - that is , if you play your cards well . " " I mean to do that . But go on . " " She will be on the lookout for a stranger + tall , good - looking , with dark eyes and very black hair . She will meet him acci- dentally . Will discover that he is distantly related . " " Well , and what then ? " " She has been assured that he is her destiny ; that it is written in the book of the stars ; that he is worthy of her - which the other never was . " or " And is he to make love straight away ? " " By no means . He is to avoid it for as long a period as possible . Just be an inte rested cousin , with no thought of love marriage . " " But she may not take to me . " " That is very possible . But , man alive ! don't you know what girls are ? To suggest failure when you have all the trump cards in and then , in addition , there was Dr. Tregony , your hand ! Holy Moses ! what is the world who seemed to need her even more . Again coming to ? " and again she had been sent for when he was " But girls are skittish things at the best , " delirious with pain , and her very presence he said , a little dolefully , and sometimes seemed to quieten him . This was something when you think you have them safe they just altogether beyond her comprehension . Often bolt . " when she had been summoned to his room he " But you have nothing to fear . You have no rivals . " " Unless Carleon should turn up again . " She shrugged her shoulders , and was silent for a few moments . " I don't think he's likely to do that , " she answered , slowly . " But isn't there a danger in the way people " That's only when a better chance comes did not appear to know her . There was no along , " she answered , with a harsh laugh . light of intelligence in his eyes ! He would look at her in a vague , uncomprehending way ; and yet he would grow calm at her com- ing . His wild words would cease , and a smile would light up his drawn and suffering face . She thought of this from time to time with a curious sense of pleasure . It was something to be set against the suspicion that was grow are talking ? " Do ing in the minds of the villagers . He in his eane and lucid moments thought no evil of her , or her presence could never soothe him in his delirium . Molly smiled again one of her crooked , in- scrutable smiles . " No doubt I could help your young mistress , " she answered , after a long pause . " But there are conditions . " That ought to help you . " " I'm not so sure . The girl has pride ; you can see that in the cut of her nostrils and the wor- you understand ? Your mistress must either come to me , or must ask me to visit her . There must be contact . The match won't " I am distantly related to the Trefuses , " light if kept in a box . The medicine will do he said , plunging at once into the heart of his no good corked up in a bottle . " It was a pleasure , too , to minister to him . poise of her head . She's not the sort to hide under anyone's cloak . She'll discover sooner " Oh , yes , I see , " Tilda answered , wring . This also was incomprehensible to her ; for or later that the air of St. Olaves is full of subject . Indeed , my father was first cousin to John Trefusis's wife . Then , after B pause : she shrank from the sight of suffering , and all whispers . That the people who once We are of better ing her hands . family than they ; but we are infernally poor " Couldn't you come to see ' er on your own her life had done her best to keep out of its shipped her shake their heads when her -they are infernally rich . Naturally , I am account ? " way . She had no time , however , for intro- name is mentioned , and that there is a grow- anxious to better my fortunes , and I do " Why should I ? " Molly asked , sternly . spection . There were so many puzzling things ing suspicion that , consciously or " It's no business of mine to interfere where in life that one more or less could make no sciously , she is in league with the devil . Some Besides , before the power difference . She wondered sometimes if her of them believe now , that she sank Watty can work there must be faith . When your mind was becoming dulled by the number of Griggs's boat . " young mistress believes in me , trusts in me , shocks it had received , or was it that the new troubles pushed the old ones out ? allows herself to be guided by me , then I can help her . Do you understand ? not see how I can better accomplish that end than by marrying Miss Trefusis . " " You have surely chosen an time for so praiseworthy a task . " unfortunate " On the face of it it may seem so , but I am not so sure . At present I understand she is under a cloud of suspicion . She may be glad to have someone ready to prove his faith in her by marrying her . " " While her heart is in the keeping of Frank Carleon ? " Is her heart in his keeping ? A woman's loxa they , sav . will survive a good deal . I'm not wanted . " Yes , I understand , " Tilda answered , gulping back sob . " An ' you're sure you could elp ' er ? " Of course I'm sure . " " An ' find out who spirited away Mr. Carleon and shot Dr. Tregony ? " " That's not for you to inquire , " the witch napped . " Your mistress is in a tight corner uncon- the time as early as nine in the evening , and some as late as four in the morning ; Lut that the boat was seen few people are now inclined to doubt . " " And the fools connect the maid with the business , eh ? " " It's the juxtaposition of things that bothers them . Their simple minds can't rest without a reason . Admit that she's a syren , or a witch , or in league with the devil , and a whole lot of things become cleer at once . " The old woman lowered her eyes and was silent . What could she say ? For years she had lived and traded on the ignorance and superstition of the people . She had done her best to encourage a belief in the supernatural . Without such a belief her profits would have dwindled to nothing . Now she saw the other side of the picture . Here was superstition getting out of bounds - ignorance becoming a terror ; the weapon she wielded likely to turn against her . The days had gone by , it was true , when witches might be burnt or even publicly tor- mented , but what was to hinder a frightened and infuriated mob hounding May Trefusia to death if they caught her alone . Frightened men and women had no sense than a frightened flock of sheep . No doubt there was a danger here to the working out of ( her plans . Ned Nankivel had put his finger on the one weak spot . While more a shadow rested on her name she would , re- fuse to marry anyone , and unlecs that shadow . could be lifted the mob might take the law into their own hands . " I'm going to inquire into this business , and at once , " she said at length , and she started suddenly to her feet . " You are going to St. Olaves ? " " I am . But we don't go together ; you and I must not know each other . " But I don't see exactly what you are after . " " Two things , " was the quick reply . First to quieten the fears of the people , and so save them from making fools of themselves or worse , and second , to get to the bottom of this story about Watty Grigg's boat . " " I don't see how that can help us any . " " Perhaps you don't . Now go your way , and for Heaven's sake don't make a fool of yourself . " Half an hour later Molly Udy was sitting on the jetty with a crowd of fishermen around her , and a considerable sprinkling of people who were not fishermen . " I want to tell you , " she was saying , MYSTERIOUS STOMACH TROUBLES . PRINCIPAL CAUSE REVEALED . A great deal of mystery is made about stomach troubles , and many people go in constant dread of life - long incapacity or the horrors of the operating table just because they experience pain in the region of the stomach for which they cannot account . In- stead of looking for the cause of the trouble , they seem only too ready to describe them selves as " martyrs to indigestion " chronic dyspeptics . " Excessive acidity is said to be the direct cause of more than 90 per cent . of all stomach troubles , and , according to many eminent physicians , the occasional use of a reliab antacid , such as half - a - teaspoonful of pure bisurated magnesia in a little water after . do meals , will more towards righting stomach derangements than all the patent foods and medicines ever invented , because this gets at the root of the trouble - stop fermentation of the food contents , and neutralises the acids which otherwise would irritate and inflame the stomach . Albert Porter , of 13 , High - street , has secured large supplies of genuine bisurated magnesia in various forms so that our readers will have no difficulty in obtaining supplies . Perseverance brings perfection . Honesty in little things is not little . Company in sorrow makes sorrow light . Rule the appetite and temper and tongue . To lose self - control is to lose the key to any situation . Covetousness is the hunger which from eating . comes The hardest wounds to heal are those made by ill deeds . If you would be of use in the world , think of yourself last . To have suffered many languages . " that you have got the wrong pig by the car . I don't deny that there has been devilry at work , but not in the way you think . I have not studied the stars all these years for nothing . You have been looking toward the big house upon the hillside . I'm ashamed of you ! Put the wicked thoughts out of your life's experience . minds , " " But who else could ha ' done it ! " shouted an angry voic . Tommy Budda , you're a fool , " retorted the witch . You'll be something else if you're not careful what you say . Evil thoughts against the innocent will bring a curse . Let me warn you one and all . I know what been you have thinking and whispering- " How do you know ? " asked a shrill- voiced woman . Molly fixed her fierce eyes on her interro- gator , and , reaching out a bony finger , hissed out in stinging sentences : Woman , how do I know what I know about you ? Do you wish me to let this company know how much I know " The woman shrank back with pale and frightened face . It is not for me . " Molly went on . " to explain the secret of my knowledge . But I do know . Understand that . And if you hear this whisper again , deny it , stamp upon the falsehood , and if the whisperer persists in whispering , smite him or her on the mouth . Lying whispers must be silenced , and shall be silenced . Now go back to your homes , all ex- sept Charley Beel , Peter Hooker , Tom Juliff , Alf Cundy , and Mark Sleeman . The witch's lips curled into a crooked and cynical smile when she saw how quickly the crowd melted at her word . The villagers were afraid of her still . They marched away meek as lambs , scarcely daring to whisper to each other . In two or three minutes she was alone with the five men she had named . " Now then , " she said . " Don't look so scared . " I'm not going to harn you , I'd rather help you , " and she walked five or six yards away and seated herself on the arm of a capstan . Then she beckoned the first man , and Charley Beel came forward slowly , and with apparent reluctance . Now tell me all you know about Watty Grigg's boat . " she said . authoritatively . " Don't keep anything back , or you'll rue it . " Thus admonished , Beel told his story with considerable detail . He was returning from off the Scilly Isles . It was in the early hours The of the morning - perhaps four o'clock . day had not begun to dawn . He saw a boat making seaward with most of her sails set . If it was not Watty Grigg's boat , then it was a ghost boat . He recognised her by the cut of her jib . He hailed her , but got no answer . His mate was at the tiller , and did not see her , the mainsail coming between . He knew He had been Watty was expected back . Away a week or ten days fishing in deep waters . He said nothing for a day or about seeing Watty's boat , as he thought perhaps he had been mistaken ; but the more he had thought about the matter the more he was convinced that it was Watty's boat he saw . Why she should be making for the open sea he could not understand . Of course , if it was a spectre boat , then it was a sign that Watty and his mates had gone to the bottom . , The witch cross - questioned Charley with some spirit ; but he stuck to his story without variation . two " That will do , " she said at length . " Now , don't go back to the others . I'll have no con- cocted story .. Go straight home . " Tom Juliff was the next man she summoned . He had seen what he took for Watty's boat about eleven o'clock at night beating down the coast towards St. Olaves Bay . He took no particular notice . Only he was very much surprised when he heard next day that she had not turned up . The stories of the other men corroborated more or less the stories of Charley and Tom . Molly scratched her head , and pulled a wry face . Then she started up over the cliffs to interview Jethro Main , the look - out man . " There's more in this business , " she said . to herself , as she strode away , " than appears . on the surface . " She stopped abruptly when she got beyond the village , and her eyes gleamed . " I smell a rat , I do , " she ejaculated , ex- no fool citedly . " Great Scott ! Why has thought of this before ? " [ To be continued . ] Cadbury's milk Chocolate " EXCEPTIONAL FOOD VALUE " My husband says ne is miserable all day if he misses his matutinal bath . " " Pshaw ! I daresay an ordinary bath with soap and water would do him just as much good . " " What do you want ? " said the old woman who kept the toffee - stall to the little , boy . " Nothing , ma'am . I just came to see what I might have got if I hadn't lost my penny . " She ( anxious to put him at his ease ) : " What a nice dance , Mr. Smith . Your step exactly suits mine . " He ( so nervous ) : " I'm so glad I know I'm such a wretched dancer . " " I hear your wife has abandoned her idea of a European trip . What made her change her mind ? " " She overheard someone say to a friend that travel broadened one immensely . " " Hasn't that boat turned up yet ? " " Unfortunately , no . I spent all this morn- She discovered a growing impatience to get ing with the fishermen . They're chock full away and see Molly Udy . She wanted to get of it . The worst of it is there are people who some hint of what was in store for her , to swear that they saw Watty's boat off the know the best or the worst that lay in the lap coast just as it was growing dark . The boat of destiny . And yet a message from Dr. Tre- was expected in , you know , the night before Recruit ( on guard ) " Advance and give the gony's room would banish the impatience in a the day fixed for the wedding . Well , it didn't countersign . " Messenger : " I've forgotten What was her fate in comparison arrive , and has never been heard of since . Yet it . " Recruit : " Well , say ' Lincoln and with his ? His life was of infinitely greater there are people who swear they saw it . The pass on . I'm not going to wait all day for importance than hers . renorte are contradictory . I admit . Some give yes . think av ut . " moment . much is like knowing A moment's insight is sometiines worth a 2 The error of one moment becomes the sor- row of a lifetime . What an easy and delightful thing it is to make others happy . Many men collect their thonghts - from the thinking others have done . A house is never a home unless the man and woman are comrades . Many by being thought to be better than they were are made better . If you would hit the mark you must aim a little above it . - LONGFELLOW : Face all things ; even adversity is polite to a man's face . - JOSH BILLINGS . Light purifies . The sun burns up evil . Let in the light . ARNOLD TOYNBEE . Cost is the father and compensation is the mother of progress . - J . G. HOLLAND . In all evil - speaking he who listens is the accomplice of the one who speaks ill . Many people do not know how much they must know to know how little they know . He who reigns within himself , and rules pas- sions , desires , and fears , is more than a king . Self - reverence , self - knowledge , self - control . Those three alone lead life to sovereign power . -TENNYSON . Advice is cheap , but if we could all sell it at half price the wolf would be kept far from the door . The greatest mistake you can make in this life is to be continually fearing you will make one . Love of reading enables a man to exchange the weary hours which come to everyone for hours of delight . Men of the noblest dispositions think them- selves happiest when others share their happi- ness with them . - JEREMY TAYLOR . What is worth doing is worth doing well ; and with a little more trouble at first much trouble afterwards may be avoided . One powerful aid in exorcising the demon of worry from our minds is strenuously to avoid , as much as possible , using even the word . HIGH - CLASS NOTE PAPERS at lowest prices . Largest and choice . stock in the district to select from at the " Gazette Office . - Advt . 豉 ++ YOU CANNOT AFFORD to be unwell . Health of body and the resulting elasticity of mind are of supreme importance to everyone living under the strenuous conditions of modern times . The person who is " out of sorts , " " off colour , " or " below par " is not in a condition to make the most of life . Now ; the necessity of keeping the organs of digestion in a thoroughly clean and active state can never be too strongly emphasised , since they are the channels through which the body receives its nourish- ment . It is therefore a wise , as well as a simple course , never TO BE WITHOUT Beecham's Pills , the tonic , corrective and curative properties of which , promote a healthy action of the liver , stomach , kidneys and bowels , thereby rendering the work of digestion and assimilation easy and satisfactory t is a well - known fact that great and + ever - increasing numbers of men and women in every walk of life owe their unvarying state of good health to the regular use of BEECHAM'S PILLS . Sold everywhere in boxes , pelce 1/1 ( 56 pills ) & 2/9 ( 168 pills ) .. Printed and Published for the Ross GAZETTE LIMITED , by GODFREY M. MORTON , t their Offices , High - street and Churcli- street , Ross , in the County of Heroford THURSDAY , SEPTEMBER 10 , 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 8d . SOLE AGENT- BENJAMIN . Gash Chemist VOL . XLVIII . No. 24 SALES BY AUCTION . COOPER AND PREECE , STOOK SALESMEN AND GENERAL AUCTIONEERS . PROBATE , ESTATE , & HOTEL VALUERS . [ ESTABLISHED VER 70 YEARS . ] GENERAL INSURANCE AND SHIPPING AGENTA TIMBER SURVEYORS , PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS . ESTATES MANAGED : RENTS , TITHES , AND DEBTS COLLECTED . Bailiffs ( by appointment ) under the Agricul- tural Holdings Act . Mr. Cooper , F.A.I .. is a County Valuer under the Finance Act . AGENTS FOR THE County Fire Office ( Limited ) . Provident Life . Railway Passengers , General Assurance Co ... Commercial Union , Scottish Insurance Co. Guardian Plate Glass , Hailstorm , o .. FURNITURE WAREHOUSED . ADVANCES MADE on Sales , if required . Mortgages Negotiated . ALBION CHAMBERS , MARKET - PLACE , ROSS Early SALE FIXTURES September 24.- Ross Stock Market . Entries invited in order to inpure publicity for buyers and sellers . October 8 .-- Special Sale of Store Cattle in Bosa Market ( Fair Day ) . Further Appointments respectfully solicited . ROSS STOCK MARKET . THURSDAY , the 24th SEPTEMBER , 1914 . ESSRS . COOPER and PREECE will SELL by AUCTION , in the above Market , a large Consignment of ME FAT & STORE CATTLE ,. CALVES , SHEEP , and PIGS . RAMS , and RAM LAMBS . Commencing with the Pigs at 10.30 sharp . CIRADOC VILLA , Gloucester - road , TO LET . Three sitting - rooms , conserva- tory , seven bedrooms ; bath ( h . and o . ) ; laundry . Excellent walled garden . with tennis court . Near Golf Links , and Immediate possession . close to Town and Station . - Apply , CooгER and PREECE , Ross . 10 LET , superior dwelling HOUSE in Broad - street , Ross . next door to Messra то Parchas and Sons , Wine Merchants ( letely occu pied by Mr. Neame ) ; 3 sittingrooms , 6 bedrooms bath ( h . and o . ) , w.a .. and airing cupboards Flower garden . lawn , 3 greenhouses , sabling Rent only £ 35. - Apply to Mrs. PURCHAS Chasedale , or CooPER and PREECE , Ross . etc. HREE superior FURNISHED RESI TDENCES the Ross district TC LFT with immediate possession . - CoorER and PREECE Ross . то 10 LET , LANDSEER HOUSE , Station Early possession . Street , Ross . £ 20 ( inclusive ) .- COOPER and PREECE , Ross . то Rent NO LET , SPRING HERNE , Walford with Three Acres Pastare Land - Par ticulars of COOPER and PREECE , Ross . SYMONDS ' YAT A most convenient BUNGALOW . Unfurnished , FOR SALE Overlooking the Yat . Two Reception , Four Bedrooms , Bath ( h . and c . ) ; prettily appointed Flower Garden , & c . Immediate possession . Fuller particulars of CoOPER and PREECE , Pro perty Agents , Ross . N ° VILLA O. 1 , SANDRINGHAM ROBB , TO LET , rent £ 22. - Apply , CooPE and PREECE . 9 FISH CHEAP AGAIN AT J. STRANGE ' 51 , High - street . All Fish Fresh Daily 1 . CALL AND ENQUIRE PRICES WANTED ! 1,000 RABBITS TOP PRICE PAID . The Ross Gazette , Ltd. , STATIONERS , BOOKSELEERS , PRINTERS , PUBLISHERS , ACCOUNT BOOK MAKERS , & c . HIGH STREET , ROS |