Year: 1859

cradle importance in his little neighbor-
hood, for not only was he the champion
of every malcontent who braved a quar-
rel, and resolved to fight it out with the
offender, but he had the first and surest
nag, in days when armed men did the
work now performedby rail and telegraph,
and when gossips, bursting with impa-
tience, rushed to the blacksmith's forge to
hear from his lips the last report left be-
hind by some gallopping rider, who had
been detained while his horse was being
shod.


Jefry did not fail to make the most of
such opportunities and at time when
insurrection had disturbed a portion of
the kings dominions, he was in his height
of village popularity, dispensing news
and leading politics, and enjoyed the well
earned distinction of being known as the
best craftsman of his kind, and the most
loyal tory on the great London road.


One dark evening, as usual, the bright
fire from the smithy of Jefry Hayes flung
its ruddy glow across the highway: the
sound of labor had ceased, and several
idle villagers were lounging round their
oracle until be should think proper
TO put out his fre,and adjourn with them
TO the nearest ale house. The smith him
self, was fourishing his great hammer to
the eager narrative ofan angry youth who
was telling an insult he wished to avenge,
and was enlisting the pugnacious sympa-
thies of his athletic friend, who praised
his courage and promised all honored as
sistance on the occasion.


All, was sure you would stand by
me and see justice done,' said the obliged
challenger.


That will l, said Hayes warmly, and
with various oaths. Fix the time and
place. 1 will be there to the minute, if
the high Sheriff on his Majesty's errand,
brought his horse to be shod as no one
but Jeffry Hayes can do it. I'm not the
man as you all know, to desert a friend in
need,no keep out ofthe way when blows
are going. But bark here comes a
horseman and hear by the f0otfallthere's
work to be done yet. Stand by, my lads,
and let the gentleman ride straight in


In a few seconds more a horsemau rode
up and asked if lost shoe could be re-
placed at once.


Just in time, sir, said Jefry, stepping
forward and lifting the hoof, while the ri
der dismOunted, and leaning againt the
door-post surveyed by freight the sever
al persons in the shed.


You have ridden far and hard, sir,
remarked the smith and he proceeded to
work.


Yes and must further still before
rest, replied the stranger.


Important business on had, I suppose,
sir, said Jeffry.


Very; am the Kings messenger,and
must not loiter on the way


If hammer could speak, that of Jefry
Hayes would have borne witness to the
right royal grasp ofits masters powerful
hand, as he swung it with increased We
hemence and precision on hearing this in
telligence.


Good news at court, I hope, SIR said
he pompously.


The very best. A free pardon for all
the rebels


A free pardon exclaimed all at
once. What, after all that they have
done?'


Free, unconditional pardon repeated
the traveller, except it be considered a
condition that they accept it,


They can't surely, but do that ex-
claimed Jefry; the very thought of such
clemency ought to make them lay down
arms and be true subjects all the rest OF
their lives


Yet strange to say, the fact though
quite certain does not do it.


What, are they going on in rebellion
in the face of pardon, and with no hope
Of success to their cause at last?


Even so, excepting here and there
one sees things in better light


We'll, then, they deserve execution
and should not justice take its course 3?
said the blacksmith fercely. Ny opin-
ion is that it's possible to be too lenient,
and royal men look to governments to dc
their duty without fear or favor


you would have me believe you are
notarebel yourself, friend, said the stran-
ger.


q? Yes, l would like to see the man
who dares call me a REBEL said Jefry
Hayes with the voice of a stentor, and
mingling his speech with many terrible