Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1899-04-08
THE BLACKSMITH.

was hurrying along the street toward
her husbands shop.
II 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 big. burly fellow. with a
scowling countenance and right arm
strong enough To fell an OK. and rs his
disposition was none of the best people
We're careful not 10 provoke him to
anger.
His wife was his opposite in every
particular she being tiny. timid
creature of II 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 selected her for his wife
was IA matter Of comment. as there
seemed to he no love between them.
Yet Mrs. Parker was a faithful spouse
and strove to administer to her hus-
bands comfort. though she never re-
ceived anything but harsh words and
surly looks for her pains.
CHANGING 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. rs the blacksmith
set punctuaiity 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 horse
shoe. which still retained its 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 busted her
self with household affairs. as she was
a 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 co Intenance was more forbid
ding than ever. He flung his dinner
pail upon the table with a crash which
startled his wife into cry of terror.
to be poured npon 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 cf water. began re
moving the traces of toll from his hanGs
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 breathcd more freely as
the door closed sharply behind him,
and she picked mp 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 IA receptacle near by
Presently rattat-tat sounded upon
the door and Mr.. Cobb stood without.
Mr. Cobb was short. stout individual,
with bald head and rubicund counte-
nance. coroner by occupation. yet.
Notwithstanding the gloomy nature Of
his business he was n jolly chap. and
frequently dropped in To enjoy n chat
with the Parkcrs. with whom he had
struck mp sort of friendship. In his
younger DAYS he had been something Of
ventriloquist, hut th,s fact was TN
known To many of his late acquaint-
ances
"Oh. good evening. Mr. Cobb" Mrs
Parker said as she perceived her visitor.
walk right in. James will be here
directly. He has gone 10 get cleaned NJ
IA bit
Cobb entered the kitchen and took II
seat Mrs. Parker continued her work.
lyon 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
We'll. | always find plenty to keer
me husy. she replied. smiling at th,
implied compliment.
The blacksmith : wife was invafi
ably pleased at triLute Ia her indus.
try Il believe it, answered Cohh.
''as | never yet have seen you idle. Oh.
hello Parker as the blacksmith ap-
peared How are ven. | suppose you
have heard If the H. ur,ior?''
Il no. replied Parker confusedly.
What murdei e And as he spoke he
turned toward the maut I-holf and bc-
gan filling pipe with tobacco.