The Logan County banner. [volume] (Logan, W. Va.) 1889-1903, 1889-04-25
TIM, THE BLACKSMITH.

-cornhili Magazine
TIM, THE BLACKSMITH.
HOW He Learned the Valuable
Lesson of Contentment.
Timothy Hooper, or Tim, the Black
smith, as he was generally called, was
) an honest, Woodworking man, and by
means Of these qualities was enabled
to maintain his family, frugally indeed,
yet not without happiness and COM
fort He was respected by his neigh
bors for his sturdy independence, and
esteemed for his neighborly kindness.
His family consisted of wife and four
children; varying IN age from seven
teen to two They formed happy
and united household-at least, until a
certain event, which am now about to
describe, disturbed their tranquility.
There had recently moved into the
neighborhood wealthy man named
Norcross, who forthwith proceeded to
make himself home by buying a
large lot OF valuable land and build
Ing thereon a lfouse, which exceeded
in cost and splendor any thing that had
ever been known in the village
One morning Tim received informa-
ton that Squire Norcross, for such was
the title which his wealth had OBJ
tanned for him, was DESTROYS OF seeing
hiin--thatx isl fic@b facksmith Eabout
some work in his line.
Accordingly,, Timothy went up to
the squire new house.
1t was furnished beyond any thing
which Timothy had ever seen. The
rich, soft carpets which sank beneath
the pressure of his foot, the rosewood
furniture, the long mirrors which re-
flected his entire figure, with his whole,
but rough clothing, making him feel as
II, somehow, he were out of place; the
beautiful engrayings gems of art
which adorned. the walls-all4 these
made up a scene Of elegance and lux
ury which aroused in. the breast OF
Tim, the Blacksmith, feelings Of which
he had never before been conscious.
- These feelings were sense of dis
content with his own situation, envy
directed toward the fortunate possessor
OF SO much beauty, and a spirit of re-
pining which led him to charge Prov
idence2he called it fortune-with SO
unequal distribution OF it's gifts.
1t was in such II room as has been
described above that he found Squire
Norcross. The latter, WAS clad in
dressing-gown and slippers, and was
leaning back in a luxurious arm chair.
His foot rested upon a cricket. and
appeared bandaged. This, however,
did not specially attract Timothy's
notice.
He did observe, however, that the
squire wore a. peovish, disconnected
look; in lacst lookedany thing but pleas
ant which surprised him somewhat He
did not look as if he was in the enjoy
ment OF very robust health, and his
form looked punny and insignificant
beside the stout and vigorous black
smith.
The squire received him politely,
and explained with some detail what
II was he desired done.
After these preliminaries were over,
Tim was about to go. when the squire
stopped him.
Wait a moment, Mr.. Hooper"
said he. u am sure you must be hum
CRY. Let me ~erder little refresh
ments.. Win you just pull the bell
ropep"
This was done and a servant made
her appearance.
..Some cake and wine," sand Squire
Norcross, shortly.
1t was brought and glasses.-.were
poured out for the. squire and his
guest -
II drink your health,'' said the
squire, politely, for he could be court
eous when he chose,
'Thank you, sir" said Tim, awk-
wardly, as, with a little feeling OF en-
barrassment, he placed the glass to his
lips and quatfed its contents.
He smacked his lips atterS it. He
could not help it, for to him it Seemed
delicious What, then, was his aston
ishment to see the squire put down
his own glass scarcely tasted, with an
expression of disgust, and exclaimed
with frown and in harsh tone to
the servant who was Just leaving the
room:
What do you mean by bringing
me such stuff " "
Tight Y. &falteredLthes
servant.
Right! Have you the face to ask
me If it is? Why, it cant be- mok$
than year gid No wine is fit to
drink till it has at least five years
age. Go back and bring me some
from " different bin. =
These servants are so careless, :"
he exclaimed; :. but she must take
care not to serve me such a trick
again.
Tim marveled at the superior de-
LEGACY OF taste which found that dis
gushing. which, to his own untutored
taste. seemed delicious, I.
"Howcyer, thought he, and d
spice Of onyy was in .thesthought, ~
suppose these~rich folks are different