Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1853-11-20
Going Down Hill.

Going Down Hill.
That looks bad" exclaimed farmer White witt
an expressive shake of his head, as he passed neg
ected garden and broken down fence, in one Of hi.
daily walks
"Bad enough" was the reply of the companion
to whom the remark was addressed. f
"Neighbor Thompson appears to be running
down hin pretty fast. I can remember when every
thing around his little place was trim and tidy"
"He always appeared to be steady, industrious
man" rejoined the second speaker. 81 have pair
of boots on my feet at this moment of his make
and they have done me good service
| 81 have generally employed him for myself and
family" was the reply, 'and | must confess that he
is good workman but, nevertheless, believe l
shall step into Jack Smiths this morning, and or
der pair of boots, of which / stand in need. l
always make it rule never to patronize those who
| appear to be running behind hand. There is gen
orally some risk in helping those won't help them
selves"
Every true land as my wife desires me to see
about pair of shoes for her this morning, l will
follow your example and call upon Smith. He is
relsome fellow
"And yet he seems to be getting along in the
world" answered the farmer, land l am willing to
give him lift. But have an errand at the butch
er's. 1 viii not detain you"
AT the butchers they met tae neighbor who was
the subject of their previous conversation. He
certainly presented rather shabby appearance,
al; =, -
economy which did not escape the observation of
farmer White. After passing remarks, the poor
shoemaker took his departure, and the butcher
opened his account book with somewhat anxious
air, saying, as he charged the bit of meat
Il believe it is time neighbor Thompson and l
come to settlement. Short accounts make long
friends"
mo time to lose, 1 should say" remarked the
farmer.
"Indeed have you heard of any trouble, neigh
Dor White?"
mo; have heard nothing; but man has the
use of his own eyes, you know; and L never trust
any one with my money who is evidently going
down hill"
Quite right; and will send in my bill this eve
ming. have only delayed on account of the sick
ness the poor man has had in his family all winter
suppose he must have run behind little but still
l must take care of number one"
Speaking of Thompson, are your" observed a
bystander, who appeared to take an interest in the
conversation. "GOing down Hill is he? l must
look out for myself, then. He owes me quite snug
sum for leather. l did intend to give him another
months credit, but on the whole guess the money
would be safer in my own pocket"
Here the four worthless separated, each with his
mind filed with the affairs of neighbor Thompson,
the probability that he was going down hill, and
the best way of giving him push.
In another part of the little village similar scenes
were passing.
81 declare" exclaimed Mrs. Bennett the dress
maker to favorite assistant as she hastily with
drew her head from the window, whence she had
been gazing on the passersby off there is not Mrs
Thompson, the shoemaker's wife, coming up the
steps with parcel in her hand. She wants me to
do her work, suppose, but think it would be
venture. Every one says they are running down
hill, and it is chance if l ever get my pay
"She always has paid US promptly" was the re-
ply.
True; but that was in the days of her prosper
ity. l cannot afford to run any risk
The entrace of Mrs. Thompson prevented furth-
er conversation.
She was evidently surprised at the refusal Of
Mrs. Bennett to do any work for her; but as great
pressure of business was pleaded as an excuse there
was nothing to be said, and she soon took her
leave Another application proved equally unsuc-
cessfu 1t was strange how busy the village dress
makers had suddenly become.
On the way home, the poor shoemaker's wife met
the teacher of a small school in the neighborhood,
where two Of her children attended
"Ah, Mrs. Thompson / am glad to see YOU"
was the sautation. 81 was about calling at your
house. Would it be convenient to settle our little
account this afternoon
"Our account was the surprised reply. "Sure-
" the term has not yet expired !"
"Only half of it; but my present rule is to col
lect my money at that time. 1t is plan which
many teachers have adopted of late"
II was not aware that there had been any change
in your rules, and | have made arrangements to
meet your bill at the usual time. I fear that it
will not be in my power to do so sooner"
The countenanee of the teacher showed great
disappointment. and she passed on in different di
reetion, he muttered TO himself I'd.
"Just as expected. shall never see a cent.
Everybody says they are going down hill. 1 must
Of rid of the children in some way. Perhaps 1