5 JANUARY 1839, Page 12

Two large snicks of straw and one of hay, on

the premises of Mr.. Fambleton, at Hillend, Pentland, were destroyed by fire on the night of the 20th December. There is no doubt that the fire was not accidental! Very great exertion, and the assistance of neighbours, prevented the flames from spreading to the more valuable part of the premises.

A gang of returned convicts were apprehended by the Edinburgh Police on Saturday, prowling about the city, and now stand charged with the commission of two robberies in November and September. Con- cealed in their boots were found a variety of skeleton-keys and pick- locks. They belonged to the higher ranks of their profession, and are well-dressed good-looking fellows. They have all been committed for trial.—Edinburgh Courant.