A blacksmith creates items from iron or steel by heating the metal and using tools to hammer, bend, or cut it into shape. The blacksmith was a necessary part of a community in earlier times. He made such things as tools, nails, farm implements, weapons, kitchen items, rails, decorative objects, etc.
“This place is called ‘Tucker’s
Barn,’” Papa said. “I guess the barn’s the biggest thing here, but the guy in
the store said there was a blacksmith who might take a look at the wheel.”
Papa pulled the wagon to the shop,
which turned out to be a stable of sorts, too.
“I broke a wheel on the trip here,”
Papa told the brawny man who came up, “and I was wondering if it could be fixed
or if I need a new one.”
“Abel Bush, here,” the man put out
his hand. “Where’re you headed?”
“I’m Lester Cagle, and this here’s
my family.” Papa shook the man’s hand. We’re going up the mountains to my
brother’s place near the Linville River.”
“Getting up the mountain will be
hard,” Mr. Bush shook his head. “It’ll take a toll on your mules and your
wagon. I’d get anything new I could, if I were you. Actually, I’d get a whole
new wagon and team.” He grinned. “But, I’ll look over everything for you and
tell you what I think. I won’t charge you for the advice.”
“I’d appreciate that. Do you have
any work I could do to pay for what we need?”
“Well, I don’t know about that. Let
me see what I think first.”
(As with all my novels, my profits go to a scholarship fund for missionary children.)
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