He walked toward his home slowly and sadly. Just as he passed the blacksmith shop, three horseman galloped up to the door.
"Where is the blacksmith?" asked one.
"He and all the men and boys have gone to join the army," said Nahum. "There isn't a man or a boy in town except me. I wouldn't be here if I were not lame."
"We cannot have this horse shod," said the rider to the others. "We shall not reach there in time."
"Why, I can set a shoe," said Nahum.
"Then it is lucky you are left behind," said the man. "Light up the forge and set the shoe."
Nahum lighted the fire, blew the coals with the bellows, and soon put on the shoe.
"You have done a great deed to-day, my boy," said the rider as he thanked Nahum and rode away.