Audubon County Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa) 1885-1894, 1889-03-21
TIM TIE BLACKSMITH.
BY HoRATIo ALGER, JR.

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 comfort.
He was respected by his neighbors fol-
his sturdy independence, and esteemed
for his neighborly kindness. His fam
lily consisted of a 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 tran
guilty.
There had recently moved into the
neighborhood wealthy man, named
Norcross, who forthwith procee ded to
make himself home by buying a
large lot of valuable land, and build.
ing thereon a house, which exceeded
in cost and splendor anything 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 obtain
ed for him, was DESTROYS of seeing him
that is, the blacksmith-about some
work in his line.
Accordingly, Timothy went up to the
squirrels new house.
1t was furnished beyond anything
which Timothy had ever seen. The
rich, soft carpets, which sank beneath
the pressure of his foot, the rosewood
furniture, the long mirrows which re-
lected his entire figure, with his whole,
but rough clothing, making him feel as
If, somehow, he were out of place; the
beautiful engravings of art
which adorned the walls-all 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 a sense of discon-
tent with his own situation, envy direc-
ted toward the fortunate possessor OF so
much beauty, and spirit Of repining
which led him to charge Providence
he called it fortune-with so unequal a
distribution of its gifts.
1t was in such a room as has been de-
scribed above that he found Squire
Norcross. The latter was clad in dress
ing gown and slippers, and was leaning
back in a luxurious arm chair.
His foot rested upon cricket, and
bandaged. This, however,
did not specially attract Timothy's no
tice.
He did observe, however, that the
squire wore a peevish. discontinued
look; in fact, looked anything but pleas
ant, which surprised him somewhat.
He did not look as il he was in the en-
joyment of very robust health, and his
form looked puny and insignificant be-
side that of the stout and vigorous
blacksmith.
The squire received him!politely, and
explained to him with some detail what
it was that he desired done.
After these preliminaries were over,
Tim was about to go, when the squire
stopped him.
wait moment, Mr.. Hooper"
said he. 81 am sure you must be hun
CRY. Let me order u little refresh
ments. "Will you just pull the bell
roper
This was done and a servant made
her appearance.
Some cake and wine," said 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 courte-
Gus when he chose.
Thank you, SIR" said Tim,
awkwardly, as, with little feeling OF
embarrassment, he placed the glass to
his lips and quaffed its contents.
He smacked his lips after 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 ex-
preston of disgust. and exclaim with a
frOwn and in a harsh tone to the servant,
who was just leaving the room:
What do you mean by bringing me
such stuff?"
isn't it right?" faltered the servant.
Right! Have you the face to ask
me If it is? Why, it can't be more than
year old. No wine is fit to drink till
it has at least five years age. Go back
and bring me some from a different
bin
These servants are so careless he
exclaimed; "but she must take care
not to serve me such trick again"
Tim marveled at the superior delica-
cy OF taste which found that disgusting,
which to his own untutored taste,
seemed delicious.
However" thought he, and a spice OF
envy was in the thought, Il suppose
these rich folks are differently consti-
tuted from what we are. Well, / only
wish | was sure of getting every day
as good wine as this. However, its no
use wishing. There's some folks that's
born TO be rich, and can have pictures
and fine houses and all sorts of beauti-
full furniture, and can pass their lives
without doing anything; and there's
others, we, for example, that have to
work hard all their lives and put up
with the plainest food, and the rough
est accommodations, and don't have
any time to rest. Well, l suppose it's
all right, but it does seem to me
as if things weren't ordered so justly
as they might be-"
So it was that the demons of envy
and discomfort took possession of the
hitherto contented and happy black
smith. While in this disconnected
frame of mind he did not observe an
individual with dark complexion and
hair of raven blackness, who appeared
to be following him. At length, the
latter overlook him and accosted him
with familiar "Good-morning"
Woodworking" responded Tim
too disconnected to be curious.