The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1899-07-12
A NOVEL EXPERIMENT.


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 10 and from his
shop.
He was 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 peo-
ole were careful not to provoke him
to anger.
His wife was his opposite in every
particular, she being a tiny, timid crea-
ture of mild nature and, like Alice
of Ben Bolt fame, "trembled with
fear at his frOwn.
Why she ever chose Parker for a
husband or why he selected her for his
wife was a matter Of comment, as
there seemed TO be no love between
them. Yet Mrs. Parker was a faithful
spouse, and strove TO administer to her
husbands comfort, though she never
received anything but harsh words and
surly looks for her pains.
CHANGING at a clock in shop win
dow. she perceived ii 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 az not seeing her husband
within. The place, however, bore evf-
dence of his recent presence, and
everything indicated that he had taken
a hasty departure. A fire blaZed in
the forge and a horseshoe. which still
retained its warmth, lay upon an anvil.
Mrs. Parker glanced around In hope OF
finding 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.
Upon arriving home, she busted her
self with household affairs as she was
q thrifty housewife, despite any other
shortcomings
That evening, when Parker returned
NOR than usual, and his habitually
scowling countenance was more for
bidding than ever. He hung his din
ner pail upon the table with a crash
which startled his wife into a cry OF
terror. She fully expected the Walls OF
his wrath 10 he 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 toward her but
strobe across the room and, taking n
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
shutting 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 IL. A sigh escaped her as she
discovered a deep dent in the side
which had come In contact with the
table. On removing the lid she per-
ceived that the nice meal she had pre-.
VI
other sigh escaped her as she emptied
the contents of the pail into a recep-
tacle near by.
Presently rat-tat-tat sounded upon
the door, and SIr. Cobb stood without.
Mr.. Cobb was a short, stout individual,
with a bald head and rubicund coun-
tenance. A coroner by occupation. yet,
Notwithstanding the gloomy nature OF
his business. he was jolly chap, and
frequently dropped in to enjoy n 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
unknown to many Of his later acquaint-
ances.
"Oh, good evening, Mr.. Cobb" Mrs.
Parker said. as she perceived her WIS.,
itor. walk right in. James will be
here directly. He has gone to get
cleaned up bit"
Cobb entered the kitchen and took n
seat. Mrs. Parker continued her work.
You are as industrious as ever" he
remarked, glancing at the pail she was
rubbing. 81 don't believe Satan ever
hnds any mischief for your hands
to do"
WELL always find plenty to keep
me busy she replied, smiling at the
implied compliment.
The blacksmiths wife was invaria.
bly, pleased at a tribute to her indus
try. II believe IT," answered Cobb.
"as l never yet have seen you idle.
Oh, hello, Parker"-as the blacksmith
appeared. How are you? I suppose
you have heard Of the murderr"
"I-no," replied Parker, confusedly.
What murderr And as he spoke he
turned toward the mantel shelf ana be-
nan 6l1inU a rfro xr-ftt. toA.o--