Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1857-09-02
g Giit6c- -Hil;e storg~
GOING DOW II HILL.
RY SOLOMON EOWET7

mThat looks bad" exclaimed farmer White
with an expressive shake of the head, as he
passed neglected garden and broken down
fence, in one Of his daily walks.
Bad enough" was the reply OF the com
pauion to whom the remark was addressed
s.Neighhor Thompson appears to be running
down hill pretty fast. can remember the
time when everything around his little place
was trimmed tidy
alt is quite contrary now returned the
farmer. House, out-builliuGs, and grounds.
all show the want Of the masters care. | am
afraid Thompson is in the downward path.
"He always appeared to be steady, indus
trio,s man." rejoined the second speaker. 81
have pair of boots on my feet at this moment
of his make, and they have done Ire good ser
vice.
"I have generally employed him for myself
and famy,n was the reply, "and must confess
that he is good workman but, nevertheless,
believe shall step into Jack Smiths this
morning, and order pair Of boots that need.
| always make it rule never to patronlZe
those who appear to be running behind hand
There is generally some risk in helping those
who do not help themselves"
GVery true and as my wife desired me to
see about pair of shoes for her tins morning
I will follow your example and call upon Smith,
He is no great favorite Of mine, howevcr-ah
idle, quarrelsome fellow"
"And yet he seems to be getting ahead in
the world" answered the former, "and am
willing to give him lift. But have an er-
rand at the butcher's-step in with me Tor q
moment, will not detain YOU"
At tic butchcr's they met the neishbor who
had been the subject OF their previous CONVEX
sation. 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 few passing
remarks, the puor shoemaker took his departure,
and the butcher opened his account book with
q somewhat anxious air, as he charged the bit
Of meat.
81 believe it is time that neighbor Thompson
and CAME to q settlement. Short accounts
make long friends"
.:No time to lose, Should say" remarked
the larlnrr.
"Iniccd! have you heard of any trouble,
ncig;.bcr White @
40, have heard nothing but man has
the use of his own eyes, you know; and
never trust any one with my money who Is evl-
IDENTIFY going down hill"
Quite right and | will send in my bill
this evening. have only delayed ON account
OF the ickneSs the poor man has had i'll his
family all winter. I suppose he must have run
behind hand little, BAT still must take c;irc
of number one
"Speak- OF Thompson, are you g obServ-
cd bv->tander who appeared to take ali inter
.st. Going down hill, is he ? must look
out for myself, then. lie owes me quite a
snug srm for leather. did intend to give him
another months credit, but OIL the whole, |
guess the money would be as safe in my own
pocket"
Here the four worthics separated, each with
lis mind filled with the affairs Of ne'ghbor
Thompson, the probability that he WAS going
down iIi!l, and tie best way Of giving him
push. ~ -,
In another part Of the little village similar
scenes were passing
81 declare! !" exclaimed AIRS. Burnett, the
dress maker, to i;lvorlte, i, she hastily with
drew her head from the window whence ~ist
had been gazing on the paSSers hE, III there
is not Mrs. Thompson, the shoc-lnakcr's Wiir
coming up the steps with parcel in her llalih
She wants to engage me to do her spring work
7 SUPPOSE, but | t.nk it would be venture
Every one says they are running 'own I'LL, aM
it is chance if | ever get my pay"
She always has paid II, promptly, was ti'
reply: ,,
':'rruc; but that was in the days of her pros
perity. | cannot afford to run any risks.
The entrance of Mrs. TompSon prevented
further conversation. She was evidently sur
prised at the refusal Of Mrs. Burnett to do any
work for her, but as a great pressure Of bIls
ness was pleaded as an excuse, there was moth