Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1858-06-23

nos ehO uSS VI MO JSS W. ANO"' ~
never trust any one with my money who
is evidently going down hill"
"Quite right; and 1 will send in my
!, bill this evening. l have only delayed
on account of the sickness which the
a poor man has had in his family all win
: ter. suppose he must have run behind
hand little, but still l must take care
of number one."
Speaking of Thompson, are you?'
observed bystander, who appeared TO
take as interest in the conversation
"Going down hill, is he! 1 must look
out for myself, then. He owes me quite
snug sum for leather. 1 did intend to
give him another months credit; but on
the whole, 1 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
that he was going down hill, and the
best way to give him push
In another part of the village, similar
scenes were passing.
81 declared" exclaimed Mrs. Bennett,
the dressmaker, 10 a favorite assistant,
as she withdrew her head from the win
dow 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 TO engage me TO do her spring
work, l suppose but 1 think it would be
venture. Every one says they are
running down hill, and it is chance if 1
ever get my pay"
"She has always 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 pre-
vented further conversation.
! She was evidently surprised at the re-
fusal of Mrs. Bennett TO do any work for
her, but as great pressure Of business
was pleaded as an excuse, there was
nothing to be said, and she soon took
leave. Another application proved
equally unsuccessful. 1t was strange
how busy the village dressmakers had
suddenly become.
On her way home, the poor shoemak-
er's wife met the teacher of small
school in the neighborhood where two of
her children attended.
"Ah! Mrs. Thompson, | am glad to
see you," was the salutation. 81 was
about calling at your house. Would il
be convenient TO settle our little account
this afternoon!"
"Our account" was the surprised re-
ply. "Surely, the term is not yet ex
piredl"
"Only half of it. but the present rule |
is to collect my money at that time. 1t
is plan which many teachers have
adopted of late"
"I was not aware that there had been
any change in your rules, and l have
made arrangements TO meet the bill at
the usual time. l fear it will not be in
my power TO do SO sooner" |
The countenance of the teacher show
ed great disappointment, and as she
passed on in a different direction, she
muttered to herself:
"Just as l expected. 1 shall never
get cent. Every body says that they
are going down hill. must get rid of
the children in some way. Perhaps 1
may get pair of shoes or two for the
half quarter. if I manage right, but it
will never do to go on in this way
A little discomposed by herinterview
with the teacher, Mrs. Thompson step
ped into neighbOring grocery to pur-
chase some trihing article of family
stores.
81 have little account against you,
Will it be convenient for Mr.. Thompson
to settle it this EVENING"" asked the civil
shopkeeper as he produced the article.
"Is it his usual time for settling?" was
again the surprised inquiry.
"Wel, not exactly, but money is very
tight Just now, and am anxious TO get
in all that is due me. In future l in-
tend to keep short accounts. There is
your little bill, if you would like to look
at it. l will call around this evening
1t is but small affair.""
Thirty dollars is no small sum TO us
Just now," thought Mrs. Thompson as
she thoughtfulIy pursued her way to-
wards home 1t seems strange that all
these payments must be met just now,
while we are struggling to recover from
the heavy expenses of the winter. I can
not understand it."
Her perplexity was increased upon
finding her husband with two bills in his
hand, and countenance expressive of
anxiety and concern.
"Look, Mary" he said as she enter
ed. "Here are two unexpected calls for
money-one from the doctor, and the
othes from the dealer in leather from
whom l purchased my last stock. They
are both urgent for immediate payment,
although they have always been willing