As he rose to a great height, the owner said, “thank ’e, Jim!’ and slapped a shilling down on the side of the forge.
The Duke went out into the road to where Valora was standing holding both Samson and Mercury.
“Your prayers are very efficacious,” he said. “We have not only found a blacksmith, but he is free to fix Mercury’s shoe. It should not take long.”
Valora smiled at him, as he took Mercury from her and led him into the forge.
Mercury was a little nervous, but the Duke handled him expertly and, as he had often been shoed before, after a moment or so he was still.
Outside Valora was aware that a Service was taking place in the Church and she thought it must be a wedding. She could hear the music of an organ and boys’ voices singing a hymn that was one commonly sung at weddings.
