The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1889-03-29
TIN The BLACKSMITH.
BY HoRArro ALeER. yR.

1 q
BY HORATIo ALoER, JR.
Timothy Hooper. or Tim the black
smith, as he was generally called, was
an honest hard-working 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 ncighbors for
his sturdy independence, and esteemed
for his neighborly kindness. His FAM
lily consisted of wife and four
children. varying In age from seven
teen to two. They formed IL happy
and united household-at least, until q
certain event, which l am now
about to describe, disturbed their tram
guilty.
There had recently moved into the
neighborhood wealthy man, named
Norcross, who forthwith procee ded to
make himself n homo by buying a
large lot Of valuable land. and build
Ing thereon house, which exceeded
In cost and splcndor anything that had
ever been known in tho village.
One morning, Tim received informa-
tion that Squire Norcross, for such was
tho title which his wealth had obtain
ed for him, was dcsirous OF seeing him
that is. tho blacksmith--about some
work in his line.
Accordingly. Timothy went up TO the
squirrels new house.
It was furnished beyond anything
which Timothy had ever seen. The
rich, soft carpets. which sank beneath
the pressure Of his foot. the rosewood
funiture, the long mirrows which re-
lectcd 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 Tim
the Blacksmith feelings of which he had
never before been conscious.
These feelings were Il sense of discon-
tent with his own situation, envy dircc-
ted toward the fortunate possessor of so
much beauty, and a spirit of rcpining
which led him TO charge Providence
he called it fortunc-with so unequal a
distribution Of its gifts.
1t was in such q room as has been de.
scribed above that he found Squire
Norcross. The litter was clad in dress
Ing gown and slippers, and was leaning
back in q luxurious arm chair.
His foot rested upon cricket, and
appeared bandagcd. This, however,
did not specially attract Timothy's no.
tice.
He did observe. however, that tho
squire wore pccvish. discontcntcd
look; in fact, looked anything but pleas
ant, which surprised him somewhat.
He did not look as if he was in the en-
ioymcnt Of very robust health. and his
form looked puny and insignificant be-
side that OF the stout and vigorous
blacksmith.
The squire received him'politcly, and
explained to him with some detail what
1t was that he desired done.
After these prcliminarics were over,
Tim was about TO go, when tho squire
stopped him.
"Wait u moment, Mr.. Hooper,"
said he. II am sure you must be hun
frn "a al 4.
ments. "Will you just pill the bell
rope?"
This was done and 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" snid the
squire, politely, for he could be courte-
Gus when he chose.
'Thank you, sir" said Tim.
awkwardly, ms, with little feeling of
embarrassment, he placed the glass to
his lips ind quaffcd its contents.
He smacked his lips after it. He
could not help it, for to him 1t seemed
delicious. What, then, was his aston
ishmcnt to SEQ the squire put down his
own glass scarcely tasted. with I'm ex-
preston of disgust, and cxclnim with u
frown and in II harsh tone to the servant,
who was just leaving the room:
"What do you mean by bringing me
such stutf?"
"Isn't it right'" faltcrcd the servant.
"Right! Have you the face to ask
me if tbs? Why, it can't be more than
year old. No wine is fit to drink till
it has at least five years age. 60 back
and bring me some from Il different
bin"
'Thcse servants are so Careless he
cxclaimcd; "but she must take care
not to serve me such a trick again"
Tim marvclcd at the superior dclica-
cy Of taste which found that disgusting,
which to his own untutored taste,
seemed delicious.
"Iiowcver," thought he. and spice OF
envy was in the thought, IL suppose
these rich folks are differently consti-
tutcd from what VIC are. Well, l only
wish was sure of getting every day
us good wine rs this. However, its no
use wishing. There's some folks that's
born to be rich, and can have pictures
ana fine houses and all sorts OF bcauti-
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, I 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 contentcd and happy black
smith. While in this discontentcd
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 acco<tcd him
with familiar Good morning.
"Good-morning," responded Tim
too discontented to be curious.
.Tt aOnaarS IN mo ca i'll Tho stranrer