Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-09-17

din They were standing. blazing Ike
demons, their eyes riveted on the rec-lot
iron that they were shaping. and their
heavy thoughts rose and fell In unison
with their hammers.
Simon entered unnoticed and. softly
slipping up 70 his friend. pulled him by
the sleeve. Philip turned. Suddenly work
ceased all the men were watching atten-
lively. Then in the midst of the unac-
customed silence. SimOn's little frail voice
was heard: Say Philip Michaud boy
just told me that you were not my papa
at all. "Why not2' demanded the work
man. The child replied with all a child
naivete: Because you are not mamma
husband" No one laughed. Philip re-
NAMED standing, his forehead resting on
the back of the large hands holding the
handle OF the hammer, which stood on
the anvil He WAS dreaming. His four
companions kept their eyes on him. and
Simon. so tiny among those giants wa
anxiOusly listening TO what one OF smiths.
the spokesman for the rest, was saying 10
Philip.
"All the same she's a good, honest girl
I nlucky and steady. I'm spite Of her mis-
| lortune-shed be a good wife for an hon
est man"
Eyes. that's true" chimed in the three
others. The man continued: rs Il her
fault il she tripped once? lie had pro-
missed 20 marry her, and l know moro
than one that's done the same thing ana
Eyes. that's true" the chorus took I'D
the refrain.
He went on: "God only knows wh1t
the poor thing has put up with to bring
up her boy. and how she's cried since
she left or going anywhere but %
church"
'Jrs all true" said the others
Then nothing was heard but the blow
ing Of the bellows. Philip bent swiftly
over Simon. Tell your mamma im
going 10 have a talk with her ibis
ring" Then he pushed the child on, ~
the shoulders.
He returned to his work. ana with oas
accord the five hammers fell again on no
anyls So they beat away q, me h'A
till nightfall, strong. powerful Ga...
But as on a feast-day. the great p'A ,t
a cathedral sounds above the peal OF O.'
other bells, go Philips hammer, oop
mating the blows OF his comrades, d
every other second with dsafening tuuo,
ana he himself. his eyes ahame, wrought
impassioned amid the sparks.
The sky was studded with stars when
he knocked at Blanchotte'S door. lie
had his Sunday blouse on, iresh shlIt'
and his beard trimmed. The young Wo,,
man appeared on the threshold, ana faid
with a sad face: 1T is not kind OF you
10 come here after dark Mr.. Philip
lie wished 20 say something. but only
stammered and grew confused under nor
She continued: you understand that
] must be careful. 50 that heuceforth 10
one can say a word about me. -
Then he flashed out, what OF tHat *
you will be my wfe?'
No voice answered him. but he thought
ne heard I'm the darkness within tho noise
Of a falling body. He entered qulckyi
and Simon. who was I'm bed. distinguished
the sound OF n kiss and some words That
his mother was murmurlng. Ihen sn
AT once ne felt himself lifted IN his
friends hands. and Philip. holding tho
child I'm his herculean arms, exclaimed!
You can tell your comrades that yonr
papa f. Philip Remy. the blacksmith, ana
that he'll slit the ears OF any one VINO
hurts you"
The next day. as school was about 70
begin. little Simon rose, pale. and win
trembling lips: MY papa" he said, n
clear voice, lis Philip Remy, the BLACK
smith. and he has promised 10 SIT ina
ears OF any one who hurts me.
That time no one laughed, for they
knew Philip Remy the blacksmith, aud
he was a papa 70 be proud Of.