Connecticut western news., 1899-03-16
THE BLACKSMITH.

-AthenBum
 THE BLACKSMITH.
 Mrs Parker, the blacksmith's wife, was hurrying along the street toward her husband s shop.
 It had been her daily custom for years to carry him his. monday meal as Parker declared too much time was consumed in going to and from his shop
 He was a big, burly fellow, with a scowling countenance and right arm strong enough to fell an OK, and as his disposition was none of the best people were careful not to provoke him to anger.
 His wife was his opposite in every particular, she being tiny, timid creature of a mild nature and, like Alice of Ben Bolt fame. "trembled with fear at his frown.
 Why she ever chose Parker as hus- band or why he selects2 her for his wife was matter of comment, as there seemed to be no love between them. Yet Mrs. Parker was a faithful spouse and etrove to administer to her hus- bands comfort, though she never re- ceived anything but harsh words and surly looks for her pains.
 Glancing at clock in a shop win dow. she perceived it was past the din ner hour, and her heart sank within her in anticipation of the scolding she was sure to receive, as the blacksmith set punctuality above all things.
 On reaching the shop she was relieved at not seeing her husband within. The place, however, bore evidence of bis re- cent presence. and everything indicated that he had taken nasty departure A fire blazed in the forge, and horse shoe, which still retained it's warmth, lay upon the anvil Mrs. Parker glanced around in hope of finding suitable spot on which to place the dinner pail. but. seeing nothing more convenient than the anvil. deposited the pail beside the horseshoe and took her departure.
 Upon arriving home she busied her self with household affairs, as she was thrifty housewife. despite any other shortcomings
 That evening, when Parker returned from his work, he was in worse hu- nor than usual. and his habitually scowling countenance was more forbid ding than ever He flung his dinner pail upon the table with 8 crash which startled his wife into cry of terror. She fully expected the vials of his wrath to be poured upon her, as railing at his wife was Parker's chief occupation when at home But, strange to say, on this occasion he never even glanced to. ward her, but strode across the room and, taking basin of water. began re- moving the traces of toll from his hands and face, after which he made his way into an adjoining room for the purpose of substituting fresh garments for his grimy ones.
 Mrs Parker breathed more freely as the door closed sharply behind him. and she picked up the pail and exam ined it. A sigh escaped her as she dis covered deep dent in the side which had come in contact with the table On removing the lid she perceived that the nice meal she had prepared had been scarcely tasted. Another sigh escaped her as she emptied the contents of the pail into receptacle near by.
 Presently rat-tat-tat sounded upon the door and MT. Cobb stood without MT. Cobb was short, stout individual with a bald head and rubicund counte- nance, coroner by occupation. yet notwithstanding the gloomy nature of his business, he was a jolly chap, and frequently dropped in to enjoy chat with the Parkers, with whom he had struck up sort of friendship. In his younger days he had been something of a ventriloquist, but this fact was un- known to many of his late acquaint- ances.
 "Oh. good evening, MT. Cobbi" Mrs Parker said as she perceived her visitor. "Walk right in. James will be here directly. He has gone to get cleaned uI bit. '
 Cobb entered the kitchen and took a seat. Mrs. Parker continued her work "You are as industrious as ever" he remarked. glancing at the pail she wal rubbing. "I don't believe satan evel finds any mischief for your hands te do."
 "Well, I always find plenty to keeI me busy" she replied. smiling at tht implied compliment.
 The blacksmith's wife was invari- ably pleased at a tribute to her indus try. "I believe it, answered Cobb ''as never yet have seen you idle. Oh, hello, Parker"-as the blacksmith ap peared "How are youf suppose you have heard of the murder2' "I-no," replied Parker confusedly 'What murder2' And as he spoke ht turned toward the mantelshef and be @an filing nipe with tobacco.