The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-09-19

whether Time has robbed my arm of
its strength"
In half an hour all was hustle and ac-
tivity in the old blacksmith shop. The
wondering neighbors-who had for some
months past been obliged to go ten miles
to the next village, when anything in
that line was required, heard with sur
prise the busy strokes of the hammer.
Sam Jones almost rejoiced when his
horse lost shoe, because it gave him an
opportunity to satisfy his curiosity He
was rough man, but his heart was
touched when he saw the old gentleman
hard at work, and it was with almost an
air of Difference that he asked if his horse
could be shod Immediately, as he was in
haste to go to Clyde on important busi-
ness.
Without delay Sam. Here Mr.. Rich,
will you attend to this ?-or, stay, will
do it myself 1t is ten years or more,
since | have shod horse but l know
the right way yet, if mistake not"
The job was about completed, and the
old blacksmith, with all the interest ard
activity of former years was bending over
the uplifted foot of the animal, when
another person entered the shop. For a
moment he stood unnoticed, but an at
tentive observer of what was passing.
The hand of the old gentleman trembled,
as he performed the unusual labor, and
he paused as if fatigued.
Father" said well-known voice at
his elbow. "What means this? This
work becomes not your gray hairs; give
me the hammer"
81 have vow, William" was the re-
ply, " that your wife and children shall
never want while can raise hammer !;
nor your good name be disgraced with
debts, if can earn the means to pay
them. God will give me strength"
More affected than he cared to own,
William walked to the further part of
the shop, and busted himself with some
work that stood ready. For many days
he had been absent from home, and had
returned at late hour on the previous
evening His feelings had been good
deal softened by the appearance of abso-
Lutte poverty his cottage had assumed.
Something must be done; and after an
anxious and restless night, he fell asleep
just before the day dawned, with the full
resolution to work steadily for three
months at least, and then see how things
would go.
The bright morning sun streaming in
at the window awakened him. He sprang
up, and the first sound that fell upon his
ear was the busy stroke of the black
smiths hammer. He listened in sur
prise; Rich was not wont to 90 to work
without orders. Hastily dressing him
self, he left the cottage and sought his
shop. Pride, shame, and self-reproach,
struggled in his mind, as he watched his
aged father steadily pursuing his unwont-
ed task. The latter feelings at length
gained the mastery. s..,
"Rest yourself, now, father" he said,
as the old gentleman paused from very
exhaustion. "Fear neither for my family
nor my good name /; for, with Gods help,
both shall be cared for"
Bless you, my boy, bless you" was
the reply. "Your words give me new
life. BE yourself again, Billy. The
dark cloud is passing away"
At the little cottage nothing was known
Of what had taken place. With her
mind filed with her own sad thoughts,
Lizzie noticed not the sounds that show
ed all were actively engaged at the shop.
Her husband did not return at noon
and indeed she scarcely expected him,
for he was seldom with them at meals
She had lingering hope that he might
come in the evening; but even this was
very doubtful. Her heart beat quickly,
when, just after the sun had sunk be.
hind the Western hills, his step was
heard at the door. The little ones clung
to her dress as he entered, for they learn
ed to fear his approach. 5V Aaa
I" Are you not coming to see father p
he said kindly. I" You are not afraid Of
me, Willie, my little man 7" taa 20
"Not tonight, father" replied Willie,
boldly. "Come, sister, come to father
he will not hurt u.s."
Lizzie trembled lest the reply should
irritate him but he only sighed deeply
and took the child in his arms without
speaking. With more cheerfulness than
she had felt for months, Lizzie busted
herself with preparations for the evening
meal.
Father tells me there is to be IA.
nous lecturer in the village this evening" u
said William as they took their aeats ~