Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1853-10-27
GOING DOWN HILL.

That looks bad exclaimed farmer
White, with an expressive shake of the
head, as he passed neglected garden
aud broken down fence. in one of his
daily walks. aaaassea s.aa
Bad enough was the reply of The
companion to whom the remark was ad.
dressed. ..
'Neighbor Thompson appears to be
running down hill pretty fast. can re
member when everything around his liz
tie place was trim and tidy
'He always appeared to be steady,
industrious man. rejoined the second
speaker. i have pair of boots on my
feet NJ this moment of his make, and
they have done me good services
Il have generally employed him for
myself and family was the replv, and
| mus, confess that he is a good work.
man; but, nevertheless, believe | shall
step into Jack Smiths this morning and
order pair of boots, of which stand
in need. ! always make il rule never
to pa;ronize those who appear to be run
ming behindhand. There is generally a
risk in helping those who won't help
themselves Haa a
Very true; and as my wife desires
me to see abou. pair Of shoes for her
this mprning, | will follow your exam
pie and call upon Smith. He is no fa-
vorite Of mine, howeyer--an idle. quar-
relsome fellow -
.And yet he seems to be getting ahead
in the world answered the farmer, 'and l
am willing to give him lift. But I've
an elrand at the butchers. | will not
de,ain > ou.'
At the butchers they met the neigh
Dor who was The subject Of their pre-
vious conversation. He certainly pre-.
sensed rather shabby appearance, and
in his choice Of meat there was regard
TO economy which did not escape the
observation of farmer White. After
passing remarks, the poor shoemaker
took his departure, and the butcher look
e6 at his accouns.book with somewhat
anxious air, saying. as he charged the
Bit Of meat
i believe il is time that Thompson and
come TO settlement. Short accounts
make long friends
No time TO lose, ! should say re-
marked the farmer.
Indeed! Have you heard Of any
trouble. neighbor Whiie!'
mo; l have heard nothing; but man
has the use of his own eyes. you know;
and never trus. any one with my mon.
ey who is evidently going down hill.'
Quite right; and will send in my &C.
count this evening. Ihave only delayed
on accoun. Of the sickness the poor man
has had in his family all winter. sup
pose he must have run behind little,
but still must take care of number one.
| Speaking of Thompson, are your
observed bystander, who appeared to
take an interest in the conversation. -
Going down hill, is he! | must look
out for myself, then. He owes ne quite
snug sum for leather. ! did intend to
give him another months credit, but Oh
the whole Iguess the money would be
safer in my own pocket . s 2
Here the four worthless separated. each
with his mind filed with the affairs oi
neighbor Thompson. the probability .ha,
he was gong down hill. and the best way
Of giving him push.
In another part Of the little village
similar scenes were passing.
i Declare exclaimed Mrs. Bennett
the dressmaker. TO favorite assistant
as she hastily Withdrew her bead from
the window, whence she had been gazing
on the passers-by; ii there 10 not Mrs.
Thompson, the shoemaker's wife. CON.
ing up The steps with parcel in hsI
hand. She wants mo 70 do her work,