Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1853-10-10
GOING DOWN HILL.

GOING DOWN HILL.
"That looks bad," exclaimed farmer
White, with an expressive shake of his
head, as he passed a neglected garden and
broken down fence, in one of bis daily
walks.
" Bad enough" was the reply of the
companion to whom the remark was adj
dressed.
Neighbor Thompson appears to be
running down hill pretty fast. can re-
member when every thing around his little
place was trim and tidy"
He always appeared to be steady
industrious man." rejoined the second
speaker. L have pair of boots on my
feet at this moment of his make, and they
have done me good service"
Il have generally employed him for
myself and family" was the reply, " and
| must 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 it rule never to
patronize those who apper to be running
behind hand. There is generally some
risk in helping those who won 'thelp them
selves"
Very true and as my wife desires
me to see about q pair of shoes for her this
morning, will follow your example and
call upon Smith. He is no great favorite
of mine, however-an idle, quarrelsome
fellow
And yet he seems to be getting along
in the world, answered the farmer, q and
[ am willing to give him lift. But
have all errand at the butchers. | will
not detain you"
At the butcher they met the neighbor
who was the subject of their previous
conversation. He certainly presented
rather shabby appearance, and in his
choice of meat there was regard to econ
omy 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
I" l believe it is time neighbor Thomp-
son and | come to a settlement. Short
accounts make long friends
No time to lose, should say" re-
marked the farmer.
Indeed. have you heard of any trou-
bic, neighbor White 2"
No; | have heard nothing: but a
man has the use of his own eyes, you
know; and | never trust anyone with my
money who is evidently going down
hill"
"Quitc right and will send in my
bill this evening. I have only delayed
on account of the sickness the poor man
has had in his family all winter. l sup
pose he must have run behind little,
but still must take care of number one. y
Speaking of Thompson, are you" OBJ
served bystander, who appeared to take
an interest in the conversation. Going
down hill is he! ! must look out for
myself, then. He owes me quite snug
sum for leather. [ 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 filled 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.
g declare" exclaimed Mrs. Bennett,
the drcssmaker, to favoritc assistant, as
she hastily withdrew her head from the
window, whence she had been gazing on
the passers-by: If 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. Ev-
cry one says they are running down hill,
and it is chance if | ever get my pay v
She always has paid us promptly" "
was the reply.
I" True but that was in the days of
her prosperity. | cannot afford to run
any risk"
The entrance of Mrs. Thompson pre-
vented further conversation.
She was evidently surprised at the re-
fusal 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 equal
ly unsuccessful. It was strange how
busy the village dressmakers had sudden
ly become.
! On the way home, the poor shoemaker S
| wife met the teacher of small school IN
the neighborhood, where two of her chill
dren attended.
"Ah, Mrs. Thompson, l am glad to
see you," was the salutation. Il was
about calling at your house. Would it
be convenient to settle our little account
this afternoon !'
''Our account" was the surprised re-
ply. "Surely the term has not yet ex-
pred ~