The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1857-09-25
Going Down Hill,

|
head, as he passed neglected garden and
broken down fence, in ono OF his daily
walks.
"Bad enough" was the reply of the
companion to whom the remark was ad-
dressed. "NeighLor Thompson appears to
be running down hill pretty fast. 1 can
remember the time when everything around
bis place was trimmed tidy"
"lt is quite contrary now," returned the
farmer. blouse, out-buildings, and grounds,
all show the want Of the masters care. |
am afraid Thompson is in the downward
| path"
"Ile always appeared TO be steady, in
dustrious man," rejoncd the second speaker.
Il have a pair Of boots on my feet at
this moment OF lis make, and they have
done me good service"
81 have generally employed him for my
self and family" WAS the reply, "and must
confess that he is n good workman; but,
nevertheless, believe shall step into Jack
Smiths this morning, and order Il pair of
boots that / need. always make it II rule
never to patronize those who appear to Le
running behind hand. There is generally
some risk i'll helping those who do not help
themselves"
"Very true; and as my wife desired me
to see about pair of shoes for her this
morning, l will follow your example and
call upon Smith. lie is no great favoritc
of mine, however-an idle, quarlcsomc fel-
low"
"And yet he seems to he getting ahead in
the world" answered the former, ''an,l l am
willing to give him a lift. But have an
errand at the butchcr's-stcp in with me
for moment, will not sletain YOU"
At the butchers they met the ncighbor
who had been the subject of their previous
conversation. lie certainly presented rather
shabby appearance, and in his choice of
meat there was a regard to economy which,
did not escape the notice of farmer White.
After a few passing remarks, the poor shoe
maker took his departure. and the butcher
opened his account book with somewhat
anxious air, as he charged the bit of meat.
"IbeIieve it is time that neighbor Thomp-
son and | come to settlement. Short ac
counts make long fric,,ts.''
mo time to lose, should say" remarked
the farmer.
"Indeed have you heard Of any trouble,
neiglbor White 2"
mo, have heard nothing; but man
has the use of his own eyes, you know and
| never trust any one with my money who
is going down hill"
''Quite right; and will send in my Lil
this evening. have only delayed on ac-
count of tlis sickness the poor man has had
in his family all winter. suppose he must
have run behind hand little, but still |
must take care Of number one"
Speaking Of Thompson, are you?" OBJ
served bystander who appeared to take
an interest. "Going down hill, is he? l
must look out for myself, then. lie owes
me quite snug sum for leather. | did in
tend to give him another months credit but
on the whole, guess the money would Le
as safe In my own pocket"
Here the four worthless separated, each
with his mind filled with the affairs Of ncigl-
Dor Thompson, the probability that he was
going down hill, and the best way Of giving
him push.
In another part Of the little village SINH
lar scenes were passing.
II declare" exclaimed Mrs. Burnett, the
dress maker, to favoritc, as she hastily
withdrew her head from the window whence
she had been gazing OIL the passers by, "if
there is not Mrs. Thompson, the shoe-ma-
ker's wife, coming up the steps with parcel
in her hand. SHE wants to engage me to
do her spring work, suppose, but think
it would be venture. Every one says they
are running down hill, and it is chance if
| ever get my pay"
''Shc always has paid us promptly" was
the reply"
TRUE; but that was in the days Of her
prosperity. l cannot afford to run any
risks"
The entrance of Mrs. Thompson preven-
ted further conversation. She WAS evidently
surprised at the refusal of Mrs. Burnett to
do any work for her, but as n great pr. ssure
Of business was pleaded as m excuse. there
was nothing to be said, and she soon took
leave. Another application proved how
busy the village dressnakers had suddenly
become.
"Ah Mrs. Thompson, am glad to see
you," was the salutation. II was about
calling at your house. Would it be conve-
nient to settle our little account this after
noon 2"
"Our account" was the surprised reply.
surely the term has not yet expired"
"Only half of it; but my present rules
is to collect 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 ar
rangemen:s to meet the bill at the usual
time. Ifear it would. not be in my power
| to do 80 sooner"
The countenance Of the teacher showed
great disappointment, and as she passed on
in different direction, she mut.ered to her
self: -. a.<jis
aJust as Iexpscted. I shall never get a
cent Every bcdy says they are going down
Ehill. Ps,paps aay gat . pair Of shoes Q,
e ss ,;a 1l .ee .n. halt |, s ss,s,
/, do Is 20 On inststs way aE
i A Hale daapP PSinted ia her interview
4 tMilIff The TED hIi6s. 1dxa. Ehonnnann stepped