Montgomery County sentinel., 1931-05-08
Most Artistic Job
He Ever Had
By CHARLES SLOAN REID

fwNU servce.1
ELLERY MARTIN pottered about
II the little smithy, salvaging bolts,
scraps of iron plat and other odds
and ends from the Ieavings of many
jobs done for the farmers and VII
layers of the community in which he
lived Occasionally he glanced from
the doorway, looking both ways along
the village street. Not a patron was
in sight. After an hour of work he
paused and pricked up his ears. He
hurried to the door again. man
reined in q weather-beaten sorrel mare
which was hitched to little buggy
that had seen long service.
'Want 'er shod, Jenkins?'' asked
Ellery in hopeful tone.
"Reckon not. Ellery." said jenkins.
"Jest stopped to sec eff yuh knowed
of anybody as wanted a hossf Got to
sell mine. Got to buy a autimobile, |
reckon-to keep peace in the family"
81 reckon. Jenkins-l reckon. It
pears as bosses is goin' out Martins
hands fell Imply to his sides. and he
shook his head mournfully "Been
shoein horses for nigh fifty year. Jen-
kins; an | reckon as how yuh'd say
| was the best shoer in the countryT
"No mistake about tibet. Ellery."
"They ain't many hosses comes now.
Git few plows to sharpen-thet's
about all"
"Well. eff yuh ee anybody wantin' a
hoss wished yuh'd send 'em to me-"
"Yeah: all right. Ienkins-Tll do it."
Jenkins drove away. Ellery waited
half an hour for another patron. but
none came Behind the shop was
little trail that led to small cottage
in the rear where EIlery and his wife
made their home Martin slowly
walked down the trail, paused in front
Of the cottage. with his head bowed.
Absent -mindedly his hand crept to
the doorknoh and closed upon II.
"Aethy." he said when finally he
stood in the open doorway, whatever
air we agoin to do?"
"Ain't had no jobs this mornin', El-
lery?"
Marry nor none yesterday. 'cept
sharpenin' three plows. Them tractors
they 20 to usin' hes run out the mules;
an the nutimobiles hes run out the
bosses. Hrs a bad case, A,ethy."
~ grant hit is. Ellery. Lord. I reck-
on we've lived too long,"
There was silence for some mo-
ments. Presently the stiffness was in
terrupted by a sharp call from the
shop.
"HelIo Blacksmith !" came the call.
AT the front door stood man in
knickers and riding boots. Beyond him
in the street was a shiny little road
cart Harnessed to the cart in bright
tan.leather trappings stood the most
beautiful mare that Ellery Martin ever
had seen The old mans gaze Travelled
quickly to the animals shapely hoofs
Instantly he discovered a bare hoof,
and his blood coursed quickly through
his veins in anticipation not only Of a
job, hut of such n job, shoeing such
a mare
81 was told" began the visitor, that
I would find a horse-shoer here"
"They ain't no better hoss-shoer than
what be, stranger" declared Ellery
with emphasis.
"AI right. friend; let me see what
you can do for my mare. Pull the
other shoes and give me a four-full
job. am going down the street a lit
tie way. BE back. time you get the
mare shOd."
Elery Martin rubbed his hands to-
gether gleefuly as he turned about
for his kit
Forty minutes later the owner of
the mare returned. to find the animal
ready for the road. Walking around
her. one after the other he pulled up
each hoof. inspecting the Job critical
ly. while EIIery stood by watching his
movements Presently the stranger
turned to Martin, with a smile.
"The most artistic job I ever have
had friend!" exclai led the man with
enthusiasm "How much do owe
vou?" t
''Dollar and half" said Martin
prosprctively.
''DoIlar-iifty?' There was q slight
infection In the mans voice.
"Maybe hit sounds leetle high
=" EIlery began to stammer.
"Hlgh? Man. that job is worth five
dollars to me--and here Is your
money"
Ellery Martin looked at the bill in
amazement
"And by the way, Horse-shoer, do
you get mach work hereT
"NO What wi the autImobIles an
the tractors. I'm jest about done for"
Good Then I'll tell you what I'll
do Crl give you fifty dollars a month,
with house rent ard water and lights
free. TO move to =. stables and shoe
horses for me--nO mules--no rips
Just thornughbre. horscsT'
Elery Martin ~ red al the man a
moment and tears came into his eyes
~ aln't drenmin' don't reckon.
MisterY he asked
The man laughed No Old man
the bargain NiIl np mine
LORD. got 10 ~ tell Alethy."
Exclfedy he burst In upon his wife
at the cottage. "Alethy, oh Lethy---"
The old man choked; and. pointing to.
ward the stranger standing In the
rear doorway Of the shop. he man.
aged 10 stnmner
ASK him Ilnney-ask himp
-