Meigs County telegraph. [volume] (Pomeroy [Ohio]) 1848-1859, 1858-09-21

"Taat looks bad" exclaimed farmer
White, with an expressive shake of the
head, as he passed a neglected garden and
broken-down fence, in one of his daily
walks.
"Bad enough" was the reply of the
companion TO whom the remark was ad-
dressed; "neighbor Thompson appears to
be running down hill pretty fast. l can
remember the time when everything
around his little place was trimmed tidy"
"It is quite contrary now," returned
the farmer. blouse, out buildings and
grounds all show the want of the mas
!er's care. l am afraid Thompson is in
the downward path"
"He always appeared to be steady, in
dustrious man." rejoined the second
speaker. 81 have pair of boots on my
feet at this moment of his make, and they
have done me good service"
Il have generally employed him for
myself and family" was the reply, land
must confess that he is a good work
man; but, nevertheless, l believe | shall
step into Jack Smlth's, this morning, and
order pair of boots that need l al
ways make it rule never to patronize
those who appear to be running behind
hand. There, is generally some risk in
helping those who do not help them
selves" . .........
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. He is no great favorite
Of mine, however--an idle, quarrelsome
fellow" ....
"And yet he seems to be getting ahead
In the world" answe; ed the farmer, and l
am willing TO give him lift. But l have
an errand at the butchers step in with
me for moment, | will not detain YOU"
AT the butchers they met the neighbor
who had been the subject of their previ-
Gus conversation. He certainly presented
rather shabby appearance, and in his
choice OF meat there was a regerd to
economy, which did not escape the obser-
walton of farmer White. After a few
passing remarks, the poor shoemaker took
his departure, and the butcher opened his
account with a somewhat anxious
air. saying, as he charged the bit of meat
81 believe it is time that neighhor
Thompson and came to a settlement
Short accounts make long friends
"No time to lose, should say" re-
marked the farmer.
"lndeeI! Have you heard of any trou-
BILE, neighbor White?''
"No, l have heard nothing; but man
has the use of his own eyes, you know;
and never trust any one with my money
who is evidently running down hill"
Quite right: and 1 will send in my
bill this evening. 1 have only delayed on
account Of the sickness the poor man has
had Ill his family all winter l suppose
he must have run behind hand little, but
still must take care of number one."
'Speaking of Thompson, are you?" OBJ
served by-stander, who appeared to take
an interest. "Going down hill, is he? 1
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, / guess the money
would be as safe in my own pocket"
Here the four worthless separated, each
with his mind filed with the affairs of
neighbor Thompson, the probability that
he was going down hill, and the best way
Of giving him push.
In another part of the village similar
scenes were passing.
81 declared exclaimed Mrs. Bennett,
the dressmaker, to favorite, as she hastily
withdrew her head from the window,
whtnce she had been gazing Oh the pass
ers-by, ''if there ie not Mrs. Thompson,
the shoemaker's wife. coming up the steps
with parcel in her hand. She wants TO
engage me to do her spring work, sup
pose. but / think it would be venture
Every one says they are running down bill.
and it's chance II / ever get my pay"
"she always has paid us promptly"
was the reply. fa ~
"True; but thot was in the days of her
prosperity. I cannot afford 10 run any