@ <= HE'S COMING WILL SOON BE HERE Perhaps you want something in the Jewelry line to put in that sack of his --- something that will mean a Merry Christmas and a message of good will, you will find it here. First class in quality and at reasonable prices. Here you will find what you want with great variety to choose from, and abounding good will and good cheer for all, Come and See the Latest Brooches, Tie Pins, Bracelets, Necklaces,! Lockets, Jewel Boxes, Cuff Links, Silverware, Pipes Manicure Sets, Perfumes, Gold Headed Umbrellas, Etc. It is a pleasure to show our holiday goods and you will oblige us by considering this a per- sonal invitation to call and inspect our extensive new line of Christmas novelties. The finest sight in town is our stock of Hand Painted China, We have a complete line of Diamond Rings ranging in price from $8 to $200. We are showing excellent values in» Pearl Rings and other precious stones. Our Watches will please you and our prices are the lowest in Waltham, Elgin, Hampden and Illinois movements fitted in a gold or nickle case. Our guarantee goes with each watch. De'not forget to come and see our line of Ladies' and Gents' Fobs, they are beauties. See our assortment of Solid Gold Brooches 14k set with real pearls, prices from $2.50 to $30. » Tie Pins in solid gold 1ok and 14k set. with real pearls from $1.50 to $6. See our Real sage Hand Bags and Ger- man Silver Mesh Bags. Pure Linen Christmas Stationery put up in fancy Christmas boxes. y P. H. Bastendorff JEWELER and OPTICIAN Eyes Tested Free Milverton, Ont. "OPEN-MINDED | DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC QUESTIONS "A newspaper--not an organ," The newspaper for the man who courts open-minded dis- cussion on all public questions and who expects support of right --of justice--and of decency in the treatment of public affairs. A newspaper with definite opinions on all political--social and moral questions--has the courage of its convictions--whose editorials are fair--broad-minded--honest--and written by, some of the cleverest writers in Canadian Journalism to-day--just such a newspaper as an aggressive and intelligent Canadian people will enjoy and read with profit. $1.50 a Year This paper and the Toronto Daily Star together for one year for $2.2... | | } ij | TORONTO _DAILY STAR. 'ed'and the two heads bent | book and slate. crap TER" Te It was a May inorning in Glenville. Pretty, picturesque Glenville, low lying by the lake shore, with the waters of the lake surging to meet it, or coyly receding from it, on the one side, and the green-clad hills, rising gradually and gently on the other, ending in a-belt of trees at the very: horizon's edge. There is little movement in tile quiet streets of the town at half- past eight o'clock in the morning, save for the youngsters who, walk- waiting idly, one for another, are, or should be, on their way to the school house Which stands upon the very southernmost outskirts of the town, and a little way up the hilly slope, at a reasonably safe remove from the willow-fringed lake shore. The Glenville school house was one of the earliest public buildings erect- ed in the village, and it had _ been |"'located" in what was confidently lexpected~ to be the . centre of the place, But the new and late-coming impetus, Which had hamlet of half a hundred dwellings to one of twenty times that number, and made of it a quiet and not too fashionable little summer. resort, had carried the business of the place poxthwird, and its residences still \farther north, thus leaving this seat of learning aloof from, and quit¢ above the newer town, in isolated and lofty dignity, surrounded by itrees: in the outskirts, in fact, of a second belt of wood, which girdled ithe lake shore, even as the further and loftier fringe of timber outlined the hilltops to the edge of the east- fern horizon and far away. 'Les call 'er the 'cademy?" sug- | gested Elias Robbins, one of the | builders of the school house, and an | early settler of Glenville. "What's \to hinder?" '"'Nothin'," declared John Rote, the |village oracle, "Twill sound first irate,"' They were standing outside the building, just completed and re- isplendent in two coats of yellow |paint, and they were just from the \labor of putting in, "hangin"' the new bell. All of masculine Glenville jent, and the other sex was faut representation. 'Suits me down commented a third ldoubt it would have suited jority, but when Parson Ryder consulted, he smiled genially his head. won't do, "We're and we was pres- not with- ground!"' and- no the ma- was and ter the citizen; shook at jhe said, lyet, you see, it the High | geographical lever, we are }titles will come with the growth. The growth, after a time, began; but it was only a summer growth; was still a vil- Im only afraid, Flias," a village as can't even dub School, except from a point of view. How- bound to grow, and our o> weny CuO. mVvUSe lage school house with its master and one under, or primary, teacher; and to-day there was a frisking group of the smaller youngsters rushing 'about. the school yard, while the first bell rang out, and half a dozen of the older pupils clustered about jthe. girlish under-teacher, ull of |questions and wonder; for Johnny ; |Robbins, whose turn it was to ring 'the bell this week, after watching the clock, and the path up the hill, alternately, until the time for the first bell had come, and was actual- ily twenty seconds past, had reluct- ' antly but firmly seized the rope and began to pull. "Taint no use, Miss Grant; T'll have to do it. He told me not to wait for nothin', never, when 'twas half past cight, and so"---cling, clang, cling--"I'm bound"--cling-- i "ter do it!" Clang "yo see,' cling, "even if he aint here--" Clang, clang, clang. The boy pulled lustily at the rope for about half as long as usual, and then he stopped. "You don't s'pose that clock be wrong, do yo', Miss Grant? Brierly's never been later'n |past before." Miss Grant | somewhat }eastern horizon | upon the shoulder {her side. "He may c'ud Mr. quarter turned her wistful and anxious eyes toward the and rested a hand of a tall girl at ' be ill, Johnny," she said, reluctantly, "or his watch may ve | wrong. He's: sure to come in time |for morning song service. Come, ' Meta, let us go in and look at those fractions." Five ---- ten -- fifteen minutes pass- still over Twenty minutes, and Johnny's head appeared at the door, haif a dozen others behind it. "Has he come, Johnny?" "No'm,,shan't I go an' see--" But Miss Grant arose, stopping him with a gesture. "He would laugh at us, Johnny.' Then, with another look at the anxious faces, "wait until nine o'clock, at least." Johnny and his followers went sul- lenly back to the porch and Meta's lip began to quiver. "Somethin's happened to him, Miss Grant," she whimpered; "I know somethin' has happened!" \ "'Nonsense," said Miss Grant. But she went to the window and called to a little girl at play upon the green, "Nellie Fry! Come hte dear." Nellie, Fry, an a, b, qtudent, came running in, her vehtow locks flying straight behind her. "What is it, Miss Granit?" "Nellie, did you see Mr. Brierly at | Peter?" hreakfast?"' : "Yes'm}" *'And -- quite well?" changed, thé _ BY LAWRENCE L. LYNCH, Kathes of "A Woman's Crime," = John Anthiy s Ward," a "The Diamond Sea "Against gue Etc. ing, running, leaping, sauntering or | Ss i wee 'Why -- 1 guess So. Hes talked jist like he does always, and asked the -blessin';; "He ---- he ate: alot; tow -- for him. Tt + 'member=) ma... speakin' of it." ; ; "You remember, Nellie." : Miss Grant kissed the _ child and walked to her desk, bending over her- roll call, and seeming busy 2-1 ever' it until the clock upon the opposite wall struck the hour of nine, and Johnny's face appeared at the door, simultaneously, with the last stroke. '"Sh'll I ring, Miss Grant?" "Yes." The girl spoke with sud- den decision. "Ring the bell, and then go at once to Mrs. Fry's house and ask if anything has happened to detain Mr. Brierly. Don't loiter, Johnny."' There was an unwonted flush up- on the girl's usually pale cheeks, and sudden energy in her step and voice. The school building contained but, two rooms, beside the large hall, and the cloak rooms upon either side; and as the scholars trooped in, taking their respective places with more than their usual readiness, but with unusual bustle and exchange of whispers and inquiring looks, the slender girl went once more to the entrance and looked up and down the path from the village. There was no one in sight, and she turned and put her hand upon the swaying bell rope. "Stop. it, Johnny! something wrong! ask after Mr. Brierly. a} HG ae '"'He'd 'a sent word, sure,' the boy with conviction, snatched his hat from its nail. But Miss Grant only waved him away and enteretl the south room, where | the elder pupils were now, for' the most part, assembled, "Girls and boys," she said, the color still burning in her cheeks, '"'something has delayed Mr. Brierly. I hope it will be for a short time only. In the meantime, until we know--know what to expect, you will, of course, keep your places and take up your studies. I am_- sure I can trust you io be as quiet and studious as if your teacher Were There's surely Go, now, and He must be * said as he | here; and while we wait, and I be- gin my lessons, 1 shall set no moni- tor over you. I am sure you. will not need one,"' ¢ } The pupils of Charles Brierly were | ruled by gentleness and love, and they were loyal to so mild a ruler. | With low whispers, and words of | acquiescence, they took up their | and Miss Grant went back to her more restless small people, leay- ing *ne connecting door between the | north and south rooms open. books, Mrs. Fry's cottage was in the heart of the village, and upon the hillside, but Johnny stayed for nothing, running hither, hat in hand, and returning panting, and with a troubled face. 'Miss Grant," he panted, bursting | into her presence with scant cere- | mony, 'he aint there! Mrs. Fry | says he came to school before eight o'clock. He went out while she was combin' Nellie's hair, an' she aint | seen him since!" Hilda Grant walked slowly from her little platform and ad- vanced, With a waving movement, until she stood in the doorway be- tween the two rooms. The color had | all faded from her face, and she put a hand against the aba. pane as if to steady herself, and seemed to con- down trol or compose herself with an effort. ""Boys--children--have any of you jeven Mr. Brierly this morning?' lor a moment there was utter sil- | ence in the school room, 'Then, | ; slowly, and with a sheepish shuffling |miovement, a stolid-faced boy made {his way out from one of the side seats in Miss Grant's room, and | came toward her without speaking. | He was meanly dressed in garments' ifl-matched and worse fitting; arms were abnormally long, shoulders réunded and stooping, his eyes Were at once dull and tive. He was the largest pupil, and | the dullest, in Miss Grant's charge, and as he came toward her, still sil- ent but with his mouth half open, some of the little ones tittered aud- | ibly. and fur- | "Silence!" said the teacher, stern- jl. "Peter, come here." Her tone i}gvew suddenly gentle. "Tlave you |seen Mr. Brierly this morning?" "Uh hum!" The boy stopped short ant hung his head. "That's good news, Peter. Tell Re where you saw him.'"' ter go round the mound on t'other "Down there,"' nodding toward the | side? Course, if he's on the bank, ake. an' all right, he'd owt to hear us -- i | "At the--lake?" | | "Yop!" "Yes," broke\ in the leader, who "How long ago, Peter?" had been silent and very grave for '*Fore school--hour, maybe." some moments. "Go that way, Hop- "How far away! Peter?" kins, and we'll keep to the road and "Big ways. Most by Injun Hill." "Ah! and what was he doing?" "Set on ground---lookin'." "Miss Grant!" broke in the poy Johnny. "He was goin' to shoot at a mark; I guess he'd got a new tar- get down there, an' some of the boys shoots there, you know.----Gra- | : | cious!' his eyes suddenly widening, | meditating. "The Kramers live only "Dy'u s'pose he's got hurt, any-|a quarter of a mile beyond the way?' mound, and it must have been near Miss Grant turned quickly toward | here--Stop!" the simple ton. "Peter, you are sure it was this morning that you saw Mr. Brierly?" "Oh hum,' "And, was he alone?" "Uh hum,' "Who else did you see down there, The boy lifted his arm, shielding | Phaeton pulled up her pony and met his eyes with it as if he expected a | his gaze with a look of mute in- blow. quiry. She was a small, fair Wo- | sonal objected Mr. } that's / soon atter | base, | stretch | yards in width, | the road and the river }ceme known work of the aboriginese, toric fortification, but----"' meet you at mound."' some moments companions walked then-- simpleton along," the track, as a pony's head appeared around then, as a black shetland and phaeton came forward again, and took off his hat. | the road, and the lady The boy. iageet 1 'Who was ck *"N--Nothin'-- j | whimper. -- "You must ans wer ine, Pater was 'anyone else by the lake? Whom else did you see?" | "'A---a--shost!" blubbered the boy, and this. as all she could gain from him. = And now the children began to whisper, ahd some of the elder to suggest possibilities. "Maybe he's met a tramp." "P'r'aps he's sprained' his ankle!" "P'r'aps he's falled into the lake, teacher," piped a six-year-old. "Poh!" retorted a small boy. kin swim like--anything."' "Children, be silent!" A look of annoyance had suddenly relaxed the strained, set look of the under teach- er's white face as she recalled, at "He the moment, how she had heard Mr. Samuel Doran--president of the board of school directors--ask Mr. Brierly to drop in at his office that moruing to look at some specimen school books. That was the evening before, and, doubtless, he was there now. : Miss Grant bit her,lip, vexed at her folly and fright. But after a mo- ment's reflection she turned again to Johnny Robbins, sayings "Johnny, will you go back as far as Mr.-Doran's house? Go to the office door, 'and if Mr. Brierly is there, as I think he will be, ask him if he weuld like me to hear his clas: ses until he is at liberty."' Again the ready messenger caught up his flapping straw hat, while a little flutter of relief ran through the school, and Miss Grant went back to | still | her desk, the look of vexation upon her face. Five minutes' brisk trotting brought the boy to Mr. Doran's door, which was much nearer than the Fry homestead, and less than five min- utes found him again at the school house door. "Miss Grant," he cried, excitedly, "he wa'n't there, nor haint been; an* Mr. Doran's startin' right out, with two or three other men, to hunt him. He says there's somethin' wrong about it." ' CHAPTER, If. "T suppose it's all right," said Samuel Doran, as he walked toward the school house, followed by three or four of 'tue villagers, ""called" be- cause of their nearness, rather than "chosen;" "but brierly's certainly | the last wan to let any ordinary | matter keep him irom his post. We' MH | hear what Miss Grant has to say. Miss Grant met the group at the gate, and when she had told them all she had to tell, ending with the testimony of the boy Peter, and the suggestion concerhing the target- shooting. "Sho!" broke in one of the men, as she was about to express her per- opinion and her fears, "'that's the top an' bottom of the hull busi- ness! Brierly's regularly took with ashoolin' at a mark. I've been out with him two or three evenings of late. He's just got int'rusted, and | forgot ter look at his watch. We'll find him safe enough som 'e'res along | the bank; let's cut across the | woods."' "He must have heard the bell,' | Doran, "but, of course, ; if Peter Kramer saw him down there, Don't be anxious, probably Hopkins is our way. Miss Grant; right." The road lowed for somewhat the wood, which they fol- | some distance ran a devious' course through which one entered very leaving the school house. It ran along the hillside, near but still somewhat above of ground; fully a hundred between it and the ptake shore. | Above the road. to eastward, the | wooded growth climbed the «gentle its | the | upward slope, growing, 'as it seem- | ' ed, more and more dense and shad- owy as it mounted. But between | the trees grew less densely, with numerous sunny | openings, but with much under- | growth, here and there, of hazel and | sumach, wild vines, and along the | border of the lake the low over- hanging scrub willow. For more than a fourth of a mile | the four men followed the road, | walking in couples, and not far | apart, and contenting themselves | with an oceasional "hallo, Brierly,'" | and with peering into the openings through which they could see the | lake shore as they passed alone. | A little further on, however, a bit | of rising ground cut off all sight of the Jake for a short distance. It was | &n oblong mound, so shapely, so | | ¢venly proportioned that it had be- | as the Indian Mound, was believed to have been the a prehis- or burial place. As they came opposite this mound the man Hopkins stopped, saying: "Hadn't a couple of us fellers bet- and the further end of the They separated silently, and for Doran and his on, still silent. Mr. that said, as if "We ought to have brought Doran He drew his companions back from and low he stepped a curve in the road; in sight, He was squarely in the middle of in the little i eves from the road, |} and no other | house, | ed past, stop," said Doran, | much to himself as to his compan- | | ion. "IT must have the pony, ma'am., | | of haste. | messag | Which she scarcely Hee 3 a ge blue- ? | mourning, and, bey: nd Pen cwae ot a native of Glenvil 'Excuse my haste, ma'am,'" said | Doran, coming to the side of the ; Peter: began to er phaeton. "I'm James Doran, owner of the stable where this horse be- our schoolmaster. Haye you seen a_ tall, young man peru this road any- 'were?'" The. lady was 'pilaut a 'moment, then--"Was he a fair young» man?"' 'she asked, slowly. if "Yes, tall and fair." The lady gathered up her reins. "I passed such a __ person,' she said, "when I drove out of town shortly after breakfast. He was go- oe ag south, as I was. It must have n somewhere not far from this place." | 'And -- did you see his face?' "No; the pony was fresh then, and I was intent upon him." She lifted. the reins, 'and then turn- ed as if to speak again when the man who had been a silent witness of the little dialogue came. a step. nearer. i "TI s-pose you hav'n't heard. any noise ---- a pistol shot -- nor any- thin' like that, have ye, ma'am?" a "Mercy! No, indeed! Why what | has happened?" | | Before either could answer, there | came a shout from the direction of the lake shore. "Doran, come--quick!" They were directly opposite the 'mound, at its centr'.or highest point, and, turning s\).tly, James Doran saw the man Yopkins at the top of it, waving his arms frantical-. ly. "Ts he found?' ing toward him. "Yes. He's hurt!'" v With the words Hopkins disappear- ed behind the knoll, but Doran was near enough to see that 'the man's face Was scared and pale, He turned and called sharply to the lady, who had taken up her whip and was driv- ing on. "Madam, called Doran, mov- . stop! There's a Man | hurt. Wait there a moment; we may need your horse." The last words were uttered as he ran up the | mound, his companions close at his heels. And the lady checked the will- j | ing pony once more with a look half / | reluctant, wholly troubled, | "What a position," she said to | | herself, impatiently. '"'These villagers are not diffident, u_pon my word.'* | A few moments only had passed | | When approaching footsteps and the | | sound of quick pantine breaths caus- \ | ed her to turn her head, and she saw | James Doran running swiftly toward | | her, pale faced, and too full of anxi- ety to be observant of the courtesies. "You must let me drive back to | town with vou, madam,'" he panted, springing into the little vehicle with | a foree that tried its springs and | Wrought havoc With the voluminous | folds of the lady's gown. "We must | have the doctor, and the coroner, too, I fear -- at once!"' | He put out his hands _ for | the reins, but she anticipat- | ed the movement and struck the pony a sharp and sudden blow that sent | him galloping. toAvnward at the top of his speed, the reins still in her | two small, perfectly-gloved hands. For a few moments no word was | spoken; then, without turning her | she asked: | "What is it?" "Death, I'm afraid!" "What! Not suicide?" | "Never. An accident, of course." | "How horrible!'? The small hands | tightened their grasp upon the reins, | Word was spoken un- they Were passing the school when she asked, "Who was it??? "Charles Brierly, our head teacher, and a good man." | Miss Grant was standing at one | of the. front windows and she leaned | anxiously out as the little trap dart- | til : ; | "We can't as Where can T leave you?" | '"'AnywWhere here. Is there anything | ---any message I can deliver? T am a } stranger, but I understand the need | Ought not those pupils be | sent home?" } He put his | "Stop him," to. think, madam. re to the Miss Grant?'"' : 'Surely."' | hands upon the reins. | he said. "You are quick | Will you school take a | house -- to | 'hey had passed the school house | and gas the pony stopped, Doran | sprang out and offered his hand, | touched in alight- 'What shall she sprang down, "See Miss Grant. 'Tell her private- | y that Mr. Brierly has met with an | { 4 | T say? | | | 1 } accident, and that the children must | | she asked as | be sent home quietly and at once. At once, mind."' "*T understand,"' She turned away | with a quick, nervous movement, but he stooped her. "One moment, Your name, please? longs, and we are out in search OF I 'lieved by expert judges to be the best |cordially invited. Cod ie ot pre: ed for many people who not take it because it seates them, When you pay $1.00 'tor a large bottle of Nyal's Cod. Liver Compound you invest ina remedy that you can take. Itis pleasant to the taste and can be taken by "anyone, at any season, pe There i is nothing better for. those who do not pereny assimilate their food th Nyal's Cod Liver Compound It increases appetite, aids digestion and builds tissues, giving health ani strength to ward off disease, The more you trade here, . the better ven will dike, this THE «| PUBLIC DRUG STORE ¢ i > suine opt Fillies FOR SALE! From one to eight years old. Be- all-round shipment that ever left the Clyde belonging to one man. Come. 'and see them we don't want yourt |} money, all we ask for is your note or good security. They are to be soldi and the prices are right. Inspection JNO. SEMPLE, Milverton, Ont. Phone connection. Are You Ruptured? I can cure the worst case of Rupture without operation or loss of time, from infan- try to old age. Act at Once and remove the: daily dan- ger of strangulation. Fill in- coupon and send to Dept, L. J. S. SMITH 88 Caledonia St. Stratford, Ont. Name.... Address... Time-Rap. gies ike Single or Doublecc aitavige tee Satisfaction Guaranteed. Your evidence may be wanted." "By whom?" "By the coroner; to corroborate our story." "T see. I am Mrs, Jamieson: at the Glenville House," She turned from him with the last word, and walked swiftly to- ward the school house. Hilda Grant was/still at the win- dow. She had conde no attempt to listen to recitations, or ewen to call the roll; and she hastened out, at sight of the slight black robed figure entering the 'school yard, her big grey eves full of the question her lips refused to frame. (To be comtinued;) back The Struggle, Bitter. Ottawa, Nov. 29.--Further bitterness has been introduced into the strug- gle between the two political parties here by the fact that the Govern- ment on the occasion of R. L. Bor- dens speech last Thursday deported from the usual Parliamentary court- esy of detailing the Premier or a Minister of the crown to follow the leader of the Opposition, and instead put on H. H. Miller of South Gray. In Parliamentary practice this is re- SIN GLE FARE FOR HUNTERS Oct. 10 to Nov. 12 to allstations on Chalk River to Port Arthur inelusive and to best hooting: points in Quebee and New Brunsw ick. Oct. 20 to Nov. 12 to all stations eadbury to the Sodas lock to Sharbot Lake, Coldwater to Sud- bury and on the Lindsay Branch Return Limit Dec. 15th, £10 : Liberal stop~over privileges Ask for free copies of "Fishing and Shoot. ing," "Sportsman's Map" and "Open Seasons for Game and Fish,."' = sapere garded as a deliberate insult. W.H. Sanderson, Local Agent