Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-09-28
MISC ELL A n Y.
GOING DOWv HILL.
A DOMESTIC SKETCH.

THAT looks bad" exclaimed farmer White,
with an expressive shake Of the head, as he pass
ed neglected garden, and b oxen down fence, in
one OF his daily walks.
bad enough" was the reply Of the companion
u whom the remark was addressed.
"Neighbor Thompson appears to be running
down hill pretty fast. | can remember the time
when everything around his little lOt was trim and
tidy
.'He always appeared to be steady, industrious
ma,. .'rejoined the s3cold speaker. have par
of boots OH my feet at this moment. OF hls make
and they have done me good service"
II have generally employed him fur myself and
fsmily," was the reply. land must confess that
he il a good workman but nevertheless,l believe
| shall step into Jack Smiths this morning and
order pair of boots, of which stand in need
I always make it rule never 10 pa,ronize those
who appear to be running behind hand. There s
generally some risk in helping those who wont
help themselves"
VERY true, and Iny wife desires me to see a
bout pair of shoes tor her this morning, will
follow your example aud call upon Smith, He is
no great tavorite Of mine however--an idle, quar-
relsome fellow"
.'And yet he seems to be getting ahead in the
world, )" answered the farmer, "and | am willing
to give him lift. But have an errand at the
butcher's-l will not detain you.'
At the butchers they met the ueighbor who
was the subject Of their previous conversation
He certainly presented rather shabby appear
ance ,and in his choice of meat there was regard
10 economy which did not escape the observation
of farmer White. After passing remarks, the poor
shoemaker took his departure, and the butcher o.
pened his account book with somewhat anxious
look SAYING as he charged the bit of meat
al believe it is time that neighbor Thompson
and come to 4 settlement. Short accounts make
long friends"
s:No time to loose should say" remarked the
far ner.
"Indeed have you heard Of any trouble, neigh
bor White 90
''No, have heard Of nothing but 4 man has
the use of his own eyes. YOU know and never
trust any one with my money whU is evidently
going down hill"
"Quite right and | will send in my bill this E.
yeninp. have only delayed ON account Of the
sickness which the poor man has had in his fam
ily all winter. ] suppose he must have run be
hind little, but still must take care of number
one"
Speaking OF Thompson, are you Z" observed a
bysiander, who appeared to take an interest in the
conversation. "Going down hill, is he!" must
look out for myself then. He owes me quite a
snug sum for leather, did intend to give him an
other 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 filled with the affairs of ueighbor Thomp
son-the probability that he was going down hill
and the best way of giving him push.
In another part Ct the village. similar scenes
we're passing.
II declared" exclaimed Mrs. Bennett, The
dressmaker, to favorie assistant, as she hastily
withdrew her head from the window, where shC
had been gazing on the passer-by IF there i
not Mrs Thompson, the shoemaker's wife, com
ing up the steps with parcel in her hand. She
wants to engage me to do her work, suppose
but think it would be venture. Every one
says they are running down hill, ,and 1t sa chance
If ever get my pay"
'She always has paid us promptly" was the
reply:
True. but that was in the days OF her pros
perity. cannot afford to run any risk"
The entrance of Mrs. Thompson prevented FAR
ther conversation.
She was evidently surprised at the refusal o
Mrs. Bennett To do any work for her but as grea
pressure Of business was pleaded as an excuse
there was nothing to be said. and she soon took
her leave. Another application proved equally
unsuccessful. IL was strange how busy the vii
lsge dressDakers had suddcnIy become.