History Of Freemasonry In Cornwall.

regulate and inspect the same , which was seconded by the R . W . M . and carried . This -proposition concludes the fourth volume of the transactions of the lodge ; accordingly we now enter on the fifth , or fourth of the existing minute

books with feelings of satisfaction , at finding our self-imposed and p leasant task is so far advanced towards completion . The books are very large indeed , and contain an immense amount of writing of more than ordinary merit . ( To be continued . )

The Nemesis: A Tale Of The Days Of Trajan.

THE NEMESIS : A TALE OF THE DAYS OF TRAJAN .

By BRO . A . ONEAL HAYE , K . M ., K . Gal ., Corresponding Member oftlie German Society , Leipzig ; Knight Templar , Scot . ; Aittlior of " The History oftlie Knights Templars ;" " Vara Queer ; " " Gatherings in Wanderings ; " " Songs and Ballads ; " " Poemata ; " " Legends of Edinburgh . " S ) -c ., § "c , §~ c . ; Poet Laureate of the Canongate , Kilwinning ; P . M . St . Stephens ; P . P . Z . of St . Andrews , B . A Chap . ; Sfc . ; Sfa . ( Continued from page 166 . )

CHAPTER XXIV . OvEE-BEACHING . " And therefore since I cannot prove a lover , To entertain these fair , well-spoken clays , I am determined to prove a villain . "—Slialcespeare .

Lais was unprepared for a visit from Balbus , and his coming was unfortunate . She had sent two letters to Trajan , accusing him of the murder of Genua , and incriminating Marenna . Trajan , however , in spite of his councillors refused to take steps upon these anonymous documents , and also to examine Marenna . Lais could not understand

why her letters had not produced the desired results , and had in vain sounded Cains , hut he knew nothing regarding them , as Trajan , although he believed Balbus to be a rascal , did not wish to prejudice Cains against him without good authority .

Lais at last , in the absence of any other satisfactory reason , came to the conclusion that her letters had miscarried . Lais saw from his appearance that somethinghad happened to perturb Balbus ; his face was

pale , and his whole manner betokened unusual and great excitement . " I overheard a conversation to-day between the priests of Vesta and Mars , ancl to my dismay discover that we have been betrayed by one of our society . " "What mean you , Balbus ?"

The Nemesis: A Tale Of The Days Of Trajan.

" It appears that two letters have been sent to the Emperor accusing me of murdering Genua , and implicating Marenna and the others . The whole secrets of the Bacchanalian society have been divulged . "

" That is serious !" " Serious ! I should say it was death . Luckily the letters were not signed , and Trajan never pays attention to them . If he had , our fates would be sealed . "

" What do you intend doing ? " That depends upon you . I have given Marenna the hint , and he will leave Rome to-night for the north ; the others have made their retreats secure . If you will flee with me , we two will

depart to-night . I have a ship lying ready . " " To-night ! It is impossible . We have Adrian and Oaius here . Caius has proposed for Phryne . Some time must elapse before they can be married-Then we can 20 , "

" But do you not see that we are treacling on covered fires ; a single moment ' s delay may render escape impossible ?" " Have you arranged all your affairs ?" "My affairs are ready forevery emergency .

^ Sempronia has only to be warned in time . " " Sempronia ? " said Lais , biting her lips to conceal a gleeful smile . "How could she have forgotten that great throw ? The mention of that name would rouse Trajan to action like a cry of

battle . We must still delay a few days . To rush away from Rome just now would be suspicious . " " Yes ; but when life and death are in the balance , we should not care much for suspicion . Put the

seas between us and Rome , and they might suspect us when they pleased . Safety first . " " And all your schemes ?" "Rome is not the world , " answered Balbus , with a proud smile . "A general has marched to the purple beyond the Rubicon . I am still myself , with all my wealth , wherever I may be . "

"Yet , if Caius marries Phryne , and Adrian . Myra , for he seems smitten with her , do you think they would dare touch you on a nameless accuser ' s authority ?" " There is many a slip betwixt the cup ancl the

lip , " answered Balbus . " If these two marriages were over , I would have little fear . Let them be solemnised , then we can return . Meantime , safety . " "But if we go , Murtius and Phryne must ac-