The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1853-04-28
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Written for Gleason's Pictorial
& DIN G DO W N HILL L
BY MRS. s. P. DOUGHTY.

THAT looks bad, exclaimed farmer
White, with an expressive shake of the
head, as he passed neglected garden
and broken down fences, in one of his
daily walks.
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 remember the time when everything
around his little place was trim and tidy
tits quite the contrary now,' returned
the farmer. House, buildings, and
grounds, all show the want of the masters
care. I am afraid Thompson is in the
downward path.
He always appeared to be a steady,
industrious man. rejoined the first speak
err. Il have a 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 good work
man; but nevertheless, believe shall
step into Jack Smiths this morning, and
order pair of boots, of which stand
in need. l always make it rule never
to patronize those who appear to be run
ming behind hand There is generally
some risk in helping those who do not try
to help themselves
Very true, and as my wife desired me
to see about q pair of shoes for her this
morning, will follow your example, and
call upon Smith. He is no great favor
ite of mine, howeyer-an idle, quarrel
some fellow
And yet he seems to ba getting ahead
of the world, answered the farmer, 'anc
/ am willing to give him lift. But
have an errand at the butchers. Step II
with me for moment. will not detalr
you
At the butchers, they met the neigh
Dor who had been the subject of thei
previous conversation. He certainly pre-
sented rather shabby appearance, ant
in bis choice OF meat there was regart
to economy, which did not escape the OBJ
SerVatlon OF farmer Whlte.
After few passing remarks, the poo
shoemaker took his departure, and th'
butcher opened his account book with
somewhat anxious air, saying as he chsrg
ed the bit of meat;
Il believe it is time that neighbo
Thompson and I came to a settlement
Short accounts make long friends.
No time to lose, l should say, remark
ed the farmer
Indeed! Have you heard Of an.
trouble, neighbor White?'
No, | have heard nothing; but mai
has the use of his own eyes, you know
and never trust any one with my none,
who is evidently going down hill
Quite right; and 1 will send in my bill
this evening. have only delayed on ac
count of the sickness which the poor MAJ
has had in his family all winter. sup
Dose he musthave run behind a little, bu
still must take care of number one
Speaking of Thompson, are your oh
served bystander, who appeared t
take an interestin in the conversation. 'Gc
ing down hill, is he? Imust look out TO
myself then. He owes me quite snu
sum for leather. | did intend to CIV
him another months credit; but on tn
whole, guess the money would be safe
in my own pocket
Here the four worthless separated, eac
with his mind filed with the affairs
neighbor Thompson, the probability thu
he was going down hill, and the best wa
of giving him apush, -
In another part of the little village
similar scenes were passing.
Il declared exclaimed Mrs Bennett
the dress.maker, to favorite asslstan
as she hastily withdrew her head from tn
window whence she had been gazing.
the passers by. If there is not Mr.
Thompson, the shoemaker wife, comm
up the steps with parcel in her hand
She wants to engage me to do her sprlT
work, suppose, but think it would
a venture. Every one says they are rul
ming down hill, and it isa chance if ev
get my pay
She alwayshas paid us promptly, W
the reply. ,
True, but that was in the days OF h
prosperity. cannot afford to run al
risks
The entrance of Mrs, Thompson pr
vented farther conversation
She was evidently surprised at the
fusal of Mrs. Bennett to do any WORK
her, but as great pressure OF buslnt
was pleaded as an excuse, there was mol
ing 10 be said, and she soon took lea
Another application proved equally y
successful II was strange how busy