Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1858-07-30
VOL. XII.
GOING DOWN HILL
PY nRs. naHGHTY

s.That looks bad exclaimed Farmer
as he passed neglected garden and broken
down fences, in one of his daily walks.
"Bad enough was the reply of the com.
paRioR to whom the remark was addressed
"Neighbor Thompson appears to be running
down hill pretty fast. I can remember wher
everything about his little place was trim
and tidy"
'eIt is quite the contrary How,'' returned
the farmer. s'House, outbuidngs, anC
grounds, all show the want Of a masters
care. am afraid Thompson is in the down
ward path"
"He always appeared to be steady, in
dustrious man." rejoined the second speaker
81 have q pair of boots on my feet at this
moment of his make, ard they have done
me good service.1
'sI have generally employed him for my
self and family was the reply, "ard must
confess that he is good workman; but ney-
ertheless, believe I'll step into Jack Smith,
and order pair of boots, of W hich / stand in
need. always make it rule never TO pat
ronize those who appear to be running be-
hind hand. There is generally some risk
in helping those who do not try to help them
selves.''
avery true, and as my wife desired me to
see about pair of sf'oes for hef this morn
ing viii follow your example, and call up
On Smith. He IS no great favorite of mine
howeyer-en idle, quarrelscme fellow"
"And yet be seems to be gathering ahead
in the world" answered the farmer, 'fand
am willing to give him lift. But 1 have
an errand at the butchers. Step in with
me moment. I will not detain you."
At the butchers they met the neighbor
who had been the subject of their previous
conversation. He certainly presented
rather shabby appearance, and in his choice
of meat there was a regard to economy
which did not escape the observation of far
mer White.
After few passing remarks, the poor shoe
maker TOOK his dePaftbfe, and the butcher
opened his account book with somewhat of
an anxious air, saying, as he charged the bit
of meat:
Il believe it is time that neighbor Thomp-
son and came to Settlement. Short
counts make long fffehds."
mo time to lose l should say" remarked
the farmer.
"Indeed! have you heard of any trouble.
neishbor Whte,''
mo. have heard rolling, bot man
has the use of his eyes you know5 end
never trust any one with my money who is
evidently going down triti.''
"Quite right; and will send in my bill
this evening. | have only delayed on ac-
count of The sfrkness which tire poor man
has had in his family all winter. l suppose
he must have run behind hand little, but
stin must take care OF nambef one"
'tSpeaking of Thompson are you!'' observ
ed bystanders, who appeared to take an in
terest in the conversation. "Going down
hill, is he! | must look out for myself then
He owes me quite shm for leather. did
intend to give him another months credit;
but on the whole, guess the money would
be safer in my pocket
Here the four worthless separated, each
with his mind filled with the affairs OF neigh
Dor Thompson, the probability that he was
going down hill. and the best way to give
him push.
In another parts of the village similar
scenes were passing.
81 decIare!'' exclaimed Mrs. Bennett, the
dressmaker, to favorite assistant, as she
withdrew her head from The window whence
sife had been gazing on the passers by, "Ff
there is not Mrs. Thompson, the shoema-
ker's wife, coming up with parcel in her
hand: She wants to engage me TO do her
spring work, suppose. l think it would be
u yent0re. Every one say they are running
down hill, and it is chance il ever get my
pay"
s.she has always paid Us promptly was
lie reply!
sTrue; htit that was iii The days of her PROS
perits. | cannot afford to run any risks"
The entrance of Mrs. Thompson prevent
ed further CONVERSATION.
She was evidently surprised at tie fefbsai
of Mrs. Bennett TO do any work for her, but
as great pressure of business was pleaded as
an excuse, there was nothing saidI and she
soon took her leave. Another application
proved equally unsuccessful. It was strange
how busy the village dress makers had SID
denly become.
On her way home, the poor shoemaker's
wife met the teacher of small school in
the neighborhood where two of her children
attended.
"Ah. Mrs. Thompson I am glad to see
you," was the salutation. 81 was about cal
ling at your house. Would it be conyen-
lent to settle our little account this after
neonf''
"Our account" was the surprised reply.
"Surely, the term has not yet expired"
"Only half of it, but the present rule is to
collect my money at that time. II is plan
which many teachers have adopted of late" /"
81 was not aware that there had been
any change in your rules, and l had made
arrangements to meet the bill at the usual
time. / fearit will not be in my power to
do SO sooner"
The countenance of the teacher showed
great disappointment, and as she passed on
in different direction, she muttered to her.
self:
aJust as expected. | shall never get
cent. Everybody says that they are going
down bill. ] must get rid of the children in
some ay, Perhaps | may get pair of
shoes or two for the half quarter, if man
age right, bgtit will never do to go on in this
way:'9
A little discomposed by her interview
with the teacher, Mrs. Thompson stepped
into neighboring grocery to purchase some
trifing articles OF family stores:
81 have a little account against you
Will it be convenient for Mr.. Thompson to
settle it this evening!" asked the civil shop
keeper as he produced the article.
.Is it his usual time for setiling!" was a.
gain the surprised inquiry.
"Well not exactly, but money is very
tight just now, and am anxious to get all
| that is due me. in future intend to keep
short accounts. There is your little bill if
you want to look at it. ! will call around
this evening. 1t is but small affair.""
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