The Florence daily tribune., 1899-03-15
THE BLACKSMITH.

years u carry MN MS Hpouudy iutdl,
as Parker declared too much time was
consumed in going to and from his shop,
He was big, burly fellow, with a
scowling countenance and a right arm
strong enough 30 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 mild nature and like
Alice of "Ben Bolt fame "trembled
with fear at his frown. -
Why she ever chose Parker as a hus-
band or why he selected her for his wife
was matter Of comment as there
seemed TO be no love between them.
Yet Mrs. Parker was faithful spouse
and strove to administer to her bus
bands comfort, though she never re-
ceived anything but harsh words and
surly looks for her pains,
Glancing at clock in 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 his re
cent presence, and everything indicated
that he had taken hasty departure A
fire blazed in the forge, and a horse
shoe, which still retained its warmth,
lay upon the anvil Mrs. Parker glanced
in of ftnh Ia
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 busted 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 crash which
startled his wife into cry of terror.
She fully expected the vials of his wrath
to he poured upon her, as railing ut his
wife was Pnrker's chief occupation
when at home. But, strange to say, on
this occasion he never even glanced to,
ward her, hut strobe across the room
and, taking basin ct 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 a receptacle near by
Presently rat-tat-tat sounded upon
the door and Mr. Cobb stood without
Mr.. Cobb was short. stout individual.
with bald head and rubicund counte-
nance, a coroner by occupation, yet,
notwithstanding the gloomy nature of
his business, he was jolly chap, and
frequently dropped in to enjoy chat
with the Parkers, with whom he had
struck up "A sort of friendship. In his
younger days he had been. something of
ventriloquist, but this fact WAS TN
known TO many of his late acquaint-
ances.
''Oh, good evening Mr.. Cohbl" Mrs
Parker said as she perceived her visitor
walk right in. James will ke here
directly. He has gone to get cleaned up
n 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 was
rubbing. Il don't believe satan ever
finds any mischief for your hands to
do.
well. always find plenty to keep
me busy, she replied, smiling at the
implied compliment
The blacksmith's wife was invari-
ably pleased at a tribute to her indus
try. II believe it. answered Cobb.
''as never yet have seen you idle oh.
hello, Parker as the blacksmith ap-
peared How are your l suppose you
have heard of the murderG''
'l-no, replied Parker confusedly.
What murder p And as he spoke he
turned toward the manteishelf and be-
gan filling pipe with tobacco
II supposed every one in town had
heard of it by this time;" said Cobb.
news travels so fast "
II have no time for gossip" said
Parker, with frown.
Certainly not. But one cannot al.
rays avoid hearing of certain happen
ings- Well old man Jenkins was found
dead in his barn this afternoon
Mrs Parker clasped her hands to-
gether in speechless horror.
How do You know it was murder2 p
queried the blacksmith, sitting down
near his visitor. but not looking at him.
ut seems like it. answered Cobb.
crossing one leg over the other. as he
Sputp ed bimSplf mora c.,nfnrf J,lx- HI,