The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1889-04-26
TIM, THE BLACKSMITH
How He Learned the Valuable
Lesson OF Contentment

Lesson OF COntentment-
Timothy Hooper. or Tim. the Black
smith, ~ no was generally called, was
an honest, hard-working man, and by
means of these qualities WAS enabled
TO maintain his family, trugaIly indesd.
yet not without happiness and COM
fort He was respected by his neigh
bors for his sturdy Independence, and
esteemed for his nsighbOrly kindness.
His family consisted of a wife and four
Children, varying In age from seven
teen to two. They formed happy
and united hOusehold-at least, until q
certain event, which l am now about 10
describe, disturbed their tranquility.
There had recently moved into tho
neighborhoOd a wealthy man named
NorcrOss, who forthwith proceeded 10
make himself q home by buying a
large lot OF valuable land and build
ing thereon a house, which exceeded
In cost and splendor any hing that had
ever been known in the village.
One morning Tim received inforrna-
tion that Squire Norcross, for such was
the title which his wealth had OBJ
ts;ned for him, was desrous OF soeing
hlm-that is, the blAcksmith-about
somo work in his line ..
Accordingly, Timothy went up 20
the squire's new house -
IL was furnished beyond anv thing
which Timothy had ever seen- The
rich, soft carpets which sank beneath
the pressure of his foot. tho rosewood
furniture, the long mirrors which re-
tected his entire figure. with his whole,
but rough clothing, making him feel as
II, somehow, he were out of place; the
beautiful engravings-gems Of art
which adorned the walls-au these
made up n scene of elegance and lux
ury which aroused in the breast OF
lin, the Blacksmith. feelings of which
he had never before been conscious.
1hese feelings were q sense of dis
content with his own situation. envy
directed toward the fortunate possessor
or so much beauty, and a spirit Of re-
pining which led him 10 charge Prov
idence-he called il fortune-with so
unequal a distribution of Its gifts !,
1t was in such a room as has been
described above that he found Squire
Norc-oss- The latter was clad in
dressing-gown and slippers, and was
leaning back In aIuxurious arm chair.
dis foot rested upon cricket. and
appeared bandaged. This, however.
did not specially attract Timothy 8
notice ess-r-.,z.,,;. -. - 5. SS'.--...
He did observe, however that the
squire wore peevish, discontented
Iooki In fact, looked any thing but pleas
ant'whleh surprised him somewhat He
did not look as If he was in the enjoy-
mens OF very robust health, and his
form looked punny and insignificant
beside the stout and vigorous black
smith. -, q.
The squire received him politely.
and explained with some detail what
It was he desired done. -. .-...-..,
After these preliminaries were over.
Tim was about to go when the squire
stopped him - -.,1.:.-- -
Wait moment MIR. Hooper,"
said he. IL am sure you must be hun
cry. Let mo order little refresh
ments. VIII you just pull the bell
) This was done and a servant made
her appearance ~. ..z,-s.s.-
some CAKE and wine '" said Squire
Norcross, shortly ...:sssSsljj... .,
1t was brought and glasses were
poured out for the squire and his
guest ~: Il ~ -.
Il drink your health" said the
squire. politely, for he could be court
eous when he chose. Ssss,.-
'Thank you. sir. said Tim, awk-
wardly. as, with little feeling of en-
barrassment, he placed the glass 10 his
lips and quaffed its contents -. 20
He smacked his lips after It He
could not help it. for to him It seemed
delicious. What. then, was his aston
lshment TO see the squire put down
his own glass scarcely tasted, with an
expression of disgust, and exclaimed
18th frown and in harsh tone TO
he servant who was just leaving the
DOM: <A.ssssS~ I
What do you mean by bringing
ne such stuif?" 's.~',s
Liant it rightp" faltered the
ervant T<'sxsss ;sz,st.tssss -=s ~
Right Have you the face to ask
ne II it is? Why, it can't be more
han year old No vino is fit to