The Denison review., 1899-06-16
A NOVEL EXPERIMENT.


A NOVEL EXPERIMENT.
Mrs. Parker. the blacksmith's wife,
was hurrying along the street toward
her husbands 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 HE
shop. $50
He was big, bt,rly fellow with .
scowling countenance and right arm
strong enough to fell an OK, and as his
disposition was none Of the best peo-
ple were careful not to provoke him
to anger.
His wife was his opposite in every
particular, she being tiny, timid crea-
ture Of a mild nature and, like "Alice"
of "Ben Bolt'' fame. ''trembled with
fear at his frown. s9ai
Why she ever chose Parker for
husband or why he selected her for his
wife was matter Of comment, AZ
there seemed to be no love between
them. Yet Mrs. Parker was faithful
spouse, and strove to administer to her
husbands comfort, though she never
received anything but harsh words and
surly looks for her pains.
Glancing at a clock In shop win
dow, she perceivedit 1t was past the din
ner hour and her heart sunk 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 great
" relieved at not seeing her husband
within. The place, however, bore evi-
dence Of his recent presence, and
everything indicated that he had taken
q fasty departure "A FIRE blazedi III
the forge and horseshoe, which still
retained Its warmth, lay upon an anvil
Mrs. Parker. glanced around In hope Of
finding "a suitable spot on which to
PLACE the dinner pail, but, seeing moth
ing more convenient than the anvil.
deposited the pail beside the horseshoe
and took her departure. ~ r :
Upon arriving home, she busied her
self with household affairs. as she was
b thrifty housewife, despite any other
shortcomings. ~ a.Jta stll nisg
That when Parker returned
from his work., he was In q worse hu-
NOR than. usual; and his habitually
scpwling countenance was more for
bidding than ever. He, hung his din
ner pail upon the table with crash
which startled his wife into a cry Of
terror" She fully expected the vialj II
bis wrath to be poured upon her, as
railing at his wifeswas Parker's chief
! nccupation 81 when at home. .iBut,
strange to say, ,on this occasion he
neNer even glanced toward her. but
strobe across the room and, taking a
basin of water, began, removing the
traces Of toll from his hands and face.
After which he made his way into an
adjoining room for the purpose OF sub
stituting fresh garments for His grimy
bnes!! !liA s:,jct al ii .j!asii y fs sui
Mrs. Parker breathed more freely as
the door closed sharply behind, him,
and she picked, up the pail and exam
inedi ,itn A sigh escaped, her. AZ she
discovered 2 deep dent in the side
which had come, in contact with the
table. On removing the lid she per.
,ceivved that the nice meal she had BE BE.
pared had been scarcely y tasted. An.
other Sigh escaped lhet as She emptieu
the contents of the pail Into a reeep-
taele near by..'I' a pAp' j,,se
Presently a rat-tat-tati sounded upon
the door, and Mr.. Cobb stood, without
Mn Cobb was short stout individual
with a. bald head and rubicund, coun.
tena4ce. A coroner, py 9scccppation, yet
Notwithstanding the gloomy nature !oi
his business, he was a Jolly chap, and
frequently dropped in to enjoy a cha,
with the Pdrkers, With whom he had
struck up a sort OF friendship In Ills
younger Jays he had been something
of a. ventriloquist,, but this fact was
unknown to many.of his later, acQuaint
ances.
"Oh, good evening, Mr.. iCobb," Mrs
Parker said, as she perceived her Wis
tor. walk right in. James will, be
here directly. He. has gone. to-, ge,
cleaned up bit.". ) .es. ~
/ CODD entered lne Kl{cnen ana took q
seat Mrs. Parker continued her work
You are as industrious as ever" he
remarked, glancing at the pail she was
rubbing. II don't believe Satan ever
dnds any mischief for your hands
to do" eai y iapd
"Well, always find plenty to -keer
| me busy" she replied, smiling at the
implied compliment. 'il'.'s
4 The blacksmith's wife was invaria
bly, pleased at a tribute to her indus
try. II believe It," answered Cobb
'"as I never yet have seen you idle
oh, hello, Parker''-as the blacksmith
appeared. "How are your suppos,
you have heard Of the murder?"
''I-no,' replied Parker, confusedly
"What murderw And as he spoke hi