The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1853-12-08

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 ne
charged the bit of meat
4 believe it is time that neighbor
Thompson and come to settlement
Short accounts make long friends.
no time to lose; l should say re-
marked the farmer.
Indeed! have you heard of any trouble,
neighbor White!
No; / have heard nothing; but a man
has the use of his own eyes, you know;
and | never trust any one with my mo-
ney who is evidently going down hill
Quite right; and will send in my bill
this evening. 1 have only delayed on ac-
count of the sickness the poor man has
had in his family all winter. suppose
he must have run behind little, but still
must take care of number one.
Speaking of Thompson are YOU OBJ
served bystander, who appeared to take
an interest in the conversation. Going
down hill, is he? l 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 l 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 OF
his going down hill, and the best way OF
giving him push.
In another part of the little village
similar scenes were passing.
Il declare, exclaimed Mrs. Bennett, the
dress-maker, to favorite assistant, as
she hastily withdrew her head from the
window, whence she had been gazing on
the passers by; if there is not Mrs Thomp.
son, the shoemaker's wife coming up the
steps with a parcel in her hand. She
wants me to do her work, [ suppose, but
think it would be venture. Every
one says they are running down hili, and
it is chance if ever. get my pay
'She always has paid US promptly was
the reply.
sTrue; but that was in the days of hel
prosperity. | cannot afford to run any
risk The entrance of Mrs. Thompson
prevented further conversation.
She was evidently surprised at the re-
fusal of Mrs. Bennett to do any work fol
her; but as great pressure of business
was pleaded as an excuse, there was moth
ling to be said, and she soon took her
leave. Another application proved e.
qually unsuccessful. 1t was strange how
busy the village dress makers had sud
denly become.
On the way home, the poor shoema
Iker's wife met the teacher of small
school in the neighborhood, where two O
her children attended.
'Ah, Mrs Thompson, | am glad to see
Iyou' was the salutation 1 was abou
calling at your house. Would it be con
venient to settle our little account this af
ternoon'
'Our account was the surprised reply
Surely the term has not yet expired!
! only half of it; but my present rule i
to collect my money at that time. 1t i
a plan which many teachers have adopted
of late
was not aware that there had beel
any change in your rules. | have mad
calculation to meet your bill at the usua
time. I fear that it will not be IN m.
power to do sooner
The countenance Of the teacher showed
great disappointment, and as she passes
on in different direction, she muttere'
to herself
Just as I expected. never shall &c
cent. Everybody says they are goinI
down hill. I must get rid of the chlldre
in some way. Perhaps | may get pal
of shoes or two for payment for the hal
quarter, if l manage right; but it vii
never do to 60 on in this way
A little discomposed by her interview
J with the teacher, Mrs. Thompson steppe
into neighboring grocery to purchas
some trifing articles of family stores.
Il have little account against you.--
Will it be convenient for Mr.. Thompso
to settle it this evening?' asked the polit
shopkeeper as he produced the desire
artile'
is it his usual time for settling? wa
again the surprised inquiry.
well, not exactly; but money is yer
tight lust now, and [ am anxious to &c
ali that is due me- In future | intend t
!. keep short accounts. There is little bill
+ if you would like to look at it. l WI
call around this evening. 1t is but
small affair."
Thirty dollars is no small sum to u
Just now, thought Mrs. Thompson, a
she thoughtfully pursued her way towar'
home.
1T seems strange that all these pay
ments must be met just now, while W
are struggling to recover from the heav
! expenses of the winter. cannot under
:, stand it.
Her perplexity was increased by find
t ing her husband with two bills in hi
: hand and a countenance expressive
onx;ntv and concern