2o6 IN SUMMER. 



reaches an independent conclusion, nor thinks 

 for a moment that error may have crept in when 

 the past is discussed. The noble three were 

 never known to admit their ignorance ; and never, 

 during their joint reign, have their decisions been 

 disputed. Of course, the inhabitants of Small- 

 town see as through a glass, darkly ; for who 

 such disseminators of untruth as those who lay 

 claim to universal knowledge? May a recent 

 ray of light that recently penetrated their dark- 

 ness tend toward their awakening ! It happened 

 not long since that the blacksmith fell ill, and a 

 stranger took his place at the forge. This new- 

 comer had been taught his trade, and rightfully 

 prided himself that he thoroughly understood it. 

 Such independence nettled the village clergyman, 

 and, when that worthy came to have his horse 

 shod, there was not a paring of the hoof, driving 

 of a nail, or stroke of the hammer, but under his 

 explicit direction. The smith was patient, silent, 

 and obedient, but all the while there was a dan- 

 gerous glitter in his eyes. The horse went lame 

 directly, and " That fellow is an ignorant bun- 

 gler," was the minister's outspoken decision. 



That was Monday, and Smalltown moved 

 with the monotony of the old hall clock's pendu- 

 lum until Sunday morning. Then the quiet 

 blacksmith took his seat in church near the door 

 and sat through the service. In due course the 



