The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1889-03-21

self better. Ind ,cd. this was q point
he had quite overlooked when he
agreed to the transfer. though nov he
saw that he could not we'll have both.
But. at any rate, he must see his
children and his wife, A bright
thought came to him. He could order
the carriage and ride through the vii
lage and past his old residence. He
accordingly summoned q servant and
ordered the carriage to be got ready
Immediately. His command was law,
and the carriage was speedily driven
round to the froat gate. 1t was with
some difficulty that he got in, for his
| govt was 50 severe that any unguard-
ed movement gave him exquisite pain.
Now, where shall l drive?' asked
the coachman.
ITO the village"
by which road?"
1.-The one that passes the black
smiths shop"
Tim Hooper's?"
Yes. you rascal. and mind you
speak more respectfully of him. Call
him Mr. Hooper, unless you want to
quit my employ"
What's got into the squire?'
thought the wondering driver. Seems
to me he must think mighty sight Of
that blacksmith. Why. every body
calls him Tim, the Blacksmith. but
must call him Mr.. Hooper, it seems.
The carriage rolled on easily and
luxuriously. Tim really enjoyed it,
and again his spirits rose.
well. it does seem good thought
he, Ito be rich and ride in my car
| riage. I didn't think | should ever
como to it. / wonder what my wife
will say?"
Then the thought came over him
that he had voluntarily given up his
| wife, and shade crept over his feat
ures. He soon drove it away. how
ever, and now that the carriage was
fairly in the village street. he could
not help being gratified by the deferen-
tial bows which he received from all
| he encountered.
BY this time he had reached his
own smithy. 1t really did give him a
peculiar feeling when he recognized
the precise image of what he had been
that morning, hammering sturdily
away in the forge, and singing, mean
while, a snatch of song.
80 that's Squire Norcross,' thought
he. II wonder how he likes being
Tim. the Blacksmith? May be he does
not know that any change has taken
place"
He ordered the carriage to stop. on
some triAing pretense. and watched the
smith at work. He could not but envy
the strength which lifted the ponder
Gus hammer. compared with his own
powerless arm. just then his youngest
child. Ruth, came bound ing into the
smithy, and addressed the man at work
as Father" A sense OF pain filed
his heart, for Ruth was his favorite
child. and the thought that she had
transferred her childish love to an
other, was not pleasant. He could not
help calling from the carriage: Come
here, my child"
go to the gentleman" said his
double, from the shop.
Ruth advanced, hesitating. with her
finger bashfully placed In her mouth.
Don't You know me?'' he asked.
YES" said Ruth. timidly.
who am ~"
You're Squire Norcross'
Wont you kiss me?'
The child drew back, and seemed
about TO run away. Evidently she did
not wish to do 50. and the real fathers
heart was filled with sorrow which he
did not seek to analyze. He only knew
that it was painful.
"Drive on" said he, hastily.
That same night couple Of thieves
broke into the squirc's house, and. in
spite Of Tins struggles, which ayailcd
little, for he had inherited the squire 5
fcebleness, carried of box Of money
which was kept under his bed. Be-
sides this. they beat the defender of
the treasure in such q manner that
he was compelled to keep his bed for
the next two days. Left to the care
of servants, he missed his wife's gen.
tie administration not little.
In brief, before the week was out,
he was heartily sick of his bargain.
and, as directed. was not slow in
pronouncing the words which were
to dissolve the spell.
Presto! Change!"
Tim found himself lying on bank
by the roadside, where he had
stretched himself for few minutes,
and q little reflection convinced him
that this was all dream. But it
proved a useful dream, and convinced
Tim once for all, that it takes some
thing besides wealth to bring con-
tentment, and that Providence is not
altogether SO partial as we imagine.
/ -HOratiO Alper .Tr in Yankna Rla1a