Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1858-06-11
5torl) GrIltr.
THE KINGS MESSENGER.

Jcffry Hayes was person of consider
able importance in his little ueighbor
hood, for not only was he the champion
of every mllcontent who bravcl a quar-
rel aud resolved to fight out with the
offender, but he had the fist aud surest
news in days when armed men did the
work now performed by rail and telc-
graph. and when gossips. bursting with
imaptienee, rushed to the blacksmth's
forge to hear from his lips the last report
left behind by some gsiloping rider, who
had been detained while his horse was
being shod.
Jeifry did not fail to make the most
of such opportnnities; and at a time
when ipsurrection had disturbed por-
tion of the kings dominjons, he was in
tho height of village popularity, dispcn-
sing news and leading politics, and en-
joyins the well earned distinction of
being known as the best craftsman Of his
kind. and the most loyal tory on the great
London road
One dark evening, as usual,thc bright
FIRE from the smithy of Jcfry Hayes
flung its ruddy glow across the highway;
the sound of labor had ceased, and sever
al idle villagers were lounging round
their oracle until he should think proper
to put out his fire, and adjourn with them
to the nearest ale house The smith
himself, with broad shoulders and mus
cular arms was hourishing his great
hammer to the eager narrative of an
angry youth who WAS telling of an insult
he wished to ayenge, and was cnlistlng
the pugnacious sympathics of his athletic
friend, who praised his courage and prom
iscd all honore1 assistance on the occa-
sion.
''Ay, was sure YOU would stand by
me and see justice done" said the oblig-
cd challenger.
"That will l., said Hayes warmly and
with various oaths. ''Eix the time aud
place, will be there to the minute, il
the high Sheriff himsclf,on his Majesty 5
errand, brought his horse to be shod as
no but one Jetfty Hayes can do it. I'm not
the man as you all know, to desert a
friend in need, nor keep out of the way
when blows are going. But bark here
comes horseman, and l hear by the
football there's work to be done yet
Stand by. my lads, and let the gentleman
ride sraight in.
In few seconds more a horscman
rode up and asked if a lost shoe could be
replaced at once.
''Just in time sir, said Jefry, stepping
forward and lifting the hoof, while the
rider dismountcd, and leaning against
the door-post surveyed by freight the
several persons in the shed.
'You have ridden far and hard, sir,
remarked the smith, as he proceeded to
work.
'.Ycs; and must further still before |
rest, replied The stranger.
''Important business on hand, | sup
pose, sir" said JcHry.
"Very; am the King messenger, and
must not loiter on the way"
If hammer could speak, that of
Jeffry Hayes would have borne witness
to the right royal grasp of its masters
powerful hand, as he swung it with in
creased vehemence and precision on
hearing this intelligence.
"Good news at court, | hope sir" said
he pompously.
1.-The very best. A free pardon for
all the rebels
"A free pardon :" exclaimed all at
once. "What, after all they have
done 2"
"Frcc. unconditional pardon" repeat
cd the traveller, ''except it be considered
condition that they accept it,"
"They can't, surely, do but that"
exclaimed Jefry; the very thought of
such clemency ought to make them lay
down their arms, and be true subjects all
the rest of their lives
'fet strange to say, the fact though
quite certain docs not do it,"