Consternation followed and the threatened strike was broken.
I have had many incidents, such as that of the blacksmith, in my life.
Slight attentions or a kind word to the humble often bring back reward as great as it is unlooked for.

No kind action is ever lost.

Even to this day I occasionally meet men whom I had forgotten, who recall some trifling attention I have been able to pay them, especially when in charge at Washington of government railways and telegraphs during the Civil War, when I could pass people within the lines--a father helped to reach a wounded or sick son at the front, or enabled to bring home his remains, or some similar service.

I am indebted to these trifles for some of the happiest attentions and the most pleasing incidents of my life.

And there is this about such actions: they are disinterested, and the reward is sweet in proportion to the humbleness of the individual whom you have obliged.