The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1859-02-16
THE CoBBLER's TEMPTATION.


Jereb Gropp sat in his little shop upon bis
low bench, and pegged and tapped away
merrily upon his well-worn knees. He was
d Jolly fellow, this Jerab. Poor. It's true,
but Just poor enough 10 be free from care.
He owned the rooted box in which he worked.
so he owned the little matched cot that join
ed il. In the cot he lived with his wife and
seven children, and in the shop he worked
cheeriuly all the day long. lie was not afraid
or robbers, for he had nothing worth carry
ing on; and he feared no man, for he never
did man wrong.
Amerry fellow was Jareb Gropp. lie sang
as he pegged, and Joyous notes lacked only
musical sound to make them attractive. He
was built after the same pattern as was his
cot and shop. He was short and dumpy, with
a round. shiny, good -natured face, and with
bald pate, though be was but five and iorty
years old.
"Troll de rol -lol .larto!" sang Jareb.
4" Fol de rol de-riddle lede-rOl.rlnctum :
was hear, from the inner door.
Jareb looked mp and saw his wife.
Just match for Jareb, for all the world
Short, fat, clean, good -natured, and happy as
happy queen. She was dressed neatly Tor
al her poverty. and the flush ofhealth glow
ed upon her plump cheek.
"Duck," said Jareb, /" the likes o this ne.
yer happened alore."
What is it, my own sugar plum r. asked
tlepsebath.
Iepsebath was her name. though she hadn't
heard il pronounced in full for years.
"D'ye see this shen, delight!"
Yes, my love-"
nThe last work in the castle. Not another
place 10 put peg have got BY me. Wei
shut the gates, lover the trawbridge, put the
warler on guard. and call up our coach
ehiD
"Ye mean we'll 80 and walk. pepper
mintf'
al do, my treasure"
"Shall put on my silk. or satin, or my
new yei,etf'
"Put on al of 'em, my dear. We III make
an appearance. lIi-fol-de-rol-,le-ri-do
There ltap) that's the last peg. and old Smith,
shoes are done, Snaifh-SmiM-didn't yol
ever feel thankful your name warn't Smith
Heppy, eh: There was Smith put in jai
last week for robbin' somebody. But yor
never heard tell Of Gropp's bein' put in jail
never. Now, my maple sugar. well be oil
Bring up the little Groppses."
Hardly had IIeppy departed. when maj
made his appearance at the shop door. IL,
was An old man, very well dressed, in blacl
throughout, with gold headed cane, an,
wearing watch chain Of the same preciou
matstial.
Are you cObbleri" he asked, as he en-
tered.
al was two minutes ago. sir; but I'm al
old feudal baron now. sir! Lady Gropp Z
goiag TO ride out. SIR, aud I'm 10 atten'
her."
aEh--are you the man that does mending
| mending of boots aud shoes!' asked the ylsl
tor, moving back pace, as though he ieare,
the strange fellow before him was crazy.
Eyes, sir" answered Jareb, I'm the man
But, We see, my wife hasn't walked out f.
MORN month, | just tossed OIL the last bl
or work had in the shop. Id hurried
amazingly, and was just goin' 10 take RAJ
down by the river, with her and the littl
ones"
"Aha-I see,y said the old gentleman
smiling. Nov you just run and tell you
lady to wait for YOU half an hour. and II
satisfy her for IL, am in hurry. The stag
leaves in an hour, and my boot has given ou
Come, YOU won't refuse TO assist Inc unde
such circumstances.
"Hi.dum. de .fol.lol! Well, s'pose mu.
stick to my buslnessp
Thu. speaking. Jareb left the shop, an
when he returned he put on his apron agaI
and settled 10 his low seat. The old ma
took IN lis cloak and sat down, and the cot
! bier pulled Of the fractured boot. II wa