Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1889-04-04
TIM, THE BLACKSMITH.
How He Learned the Valuable
Lesson Of Contentment,

Timothy Hooper, or Tim, the Black
smith, az 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 house, 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 desirous of seeing
him-that is, the blacksmith-about
some work in his line.
Accordingly, Timothy went up to
the squire's 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-
fected 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-all these
made up scene of elegance and lux
ury which aroused in the breast of
lin. the Blacksmith. feelings of which
he had never before been conscious.
These feelings were a sense of dis
content with his own situation, envy
directed toward the fortunate possessor
OF SO much beauty, and spirit of re-
Pining which led him to charge Prov
ldence-he called it fortune-with 80
unequal distribution of its gifts.
1t was in such soom 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 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 peevish, disconnected
look; in fact. looked any thing but pleas
ant.wbich surprised him somewhat He
did not look as If he was in the enioy-
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
1t was he desired done.
After these preliminaries were over.
Him was about to go when the squire
stopped him.
W esAs - AAOACAts HOOPER,
said he. Il am sure you must be hum
CRY. Let me order a little refresh
ments. Will you just pull tho bell
rope?"
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 court
eous when he chose.
Thank you. sir" said Tim. awk-
wardly, as. with q little feeling of en-
barrassment, he placed the glass to his
lips and quaffed its contents