The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1853-10-11
Misfftlaneoas.
Going Down Hill.

passed q neglected garden and broken down
fence, in one of his daily walks.
..sBad enough" was the reply of the COM
panionsto whom the remark was addressed.
Neighbor Thompson appears to be running
down hill pretty, fast. can, remember when
everything around his little place was trim and
tidy ~ - -..~,
He alwaJs appeared to be steady, indus
trious man, !" rejoined the -sccoud speaker: 81
have pair of boots on my feet atthis moment
osbis make, aud they have done me. good ser
vice."
I'll have generally employed him for myself
and Eamily,n was the reply, !" and,I must cen
fess that be is a good workman; ; but, neverthe.
less; Ebeliere shalt step into Jack Smiths this
lnenring, and order a pair Of boots, Of which |
stand in need. I always make it arule never to
patronize those who appear to he running be-
hind hand. There is; generally some risk III
helping those who won't help themselves"
,Nery true; and as MY wife desires me to
see, about pair of shoes for her this morning,
Twill follow your exalnplesand cali upcn Smith.
He is no great favorite~of mine, however--an
idle, quarrelsome fellow" -
And yet he seems to be getting ahead in
thezwofld,"; answered the farmer, S" an, willing
to give him lift. ButsL have an erralil at the
Lntehef's II will mot detain you" - '.' -
AT the butchers they met the neiglbor who
was the subject of their previous conversation.
He certainly presented rather q shabby appear
;uce, and in bis choice Of meat there Y;ss re-
gard to economy which did not escape the OBJ
servation Of farmer White. After passing re-
marks, the poor shoemaker took his departure,
aid the butcher opened his account book with a
somewhat anxious air, saying, as he charged the
bit of meat
"I believe it is time that neighbor Thompson
and come to a settlement Short accounts
make long friends"
E,"No time to lose, should saw remarked the
farmer.
Indeed! Have you heard Of. any trouble
noighbor White =
zsNo; i have heard nothing; but "a man has
the use of his own eyes, you know; and l new
er trust any one with my money ~ho is evident
" going down hilt" &c.
,"Quae right; aud will send in my bill this
esening. have oaly delayed on account of the
sickness the poor maa, hasshad in his family all
winter suppose he must have run behind a
little, but spll must take care Of number one.
q Speaking Of Thompson, are you observed
a1sstander, who appeared to take an iuteress in
the conversation. "Going down'hill, is lie? |
mpst look out fer myself then. H owes me
quite snug sum for leather. | did intend to
give him auother moatlfs credit, but on the
whole guess the money would be safer in my
own pocket" -.
Here the four worthless separated, eacl, with
alisnind filed with the affairs Of neighbor Thomp-
son, the probability that lie was going down hill,
and the best way Of giving him push.
In aaot&er part of the little village similar
scenes were passing.
@IdecIare," exclaimed Mrs. Bennett, the dress
nsaker to faSerite assistant, as she hastily with
drew her head from the window, whence she
had been gazing Oh the passers-bv,; If there is
mot Mrs Thompson, the shoelnakers wife, coming
up the steps with parcel in her hand She
wants me to do her work, l suppose, but l think
it would be venture. Every one says they are
runn;ag down hill, and it is Il chance if ever
get nay pay"
She always has paid us promptly" was the
reply:
@True; but that was in the days of her pros.
perity. Icannot afford to run any risk"
The entrance of Mrs. Thompson prevented
further 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 ex-
cuse there was nothing to be said, and she soon
took her leave Another application proved
equally unsuccessful. 1t was strange how busy
the village dressn,akers had suddenly become.
On the way home, the poor shoemaker's wife
met the teacher of small school in the neigh.
borhood, where two Of her children attended.
"Ah, Mrs. Thompson, Lam glad to see you,'
was the Sanitation. 81 was about calling at
your house. Would il be convenient to settle
our little account this afternoon %
"Our account was the surprised reply.
"Surely the term has not yet expired!"
"Only half it; but my present rule is to col,
lect my money at that time. 1t is a plan which
many teachers have adopted of late"
II was not aware that there had been any
change in your rules, and have made arrange
ments to meet your bill at the usual time
fear that it will not be in my power to do so
sooner"
The countenance of the teacher showed great
disappointment, and as she passed on in a diff,
fereEt direction, she muttered to herself
"Just as expected. I never shall see cent
Everybody says they are going down hill.
must get rid Of the children in some way. Per.
haps may get pair of shoes or two for pay
ment for the half quarter, If manage right
but it will never do to 90 on in this way
A little discomposed by her interview will
the teacher, Mrs. Thompson stepped into neigh