Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1859-07-23
Miscellaneous.
GOING DOWN HILL.

neglected garden and broken down fence, in one
Of bis daily walks n51lA 1gfa
Bad cnoash,' was the reply Of the companion to
whom the remark was addressed, 'neigh5or
Thompson appears to be running down hill pretty
fast. l can remembe the time when everything
around his little place was prim and tidy
1t is quite contrary now, returned the farmer
House, out-buildings and grounds all show the
want Of the masters care. l am afraid Thomp-
son is in the downward path,
'lle always appeared to be a steady, industri-
Gus man. rejoiued the second speaker I have a
a 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, and ] must confess he is a
good workman, but nevertheless | believe | shall
step into Jack Smiths this morning, and order o
pair Of boots that | need. | always make it a rule
never to patronize those who appear to be running
behind hand. There is generally some risk in
helping those who do not help themselves
Very true and as my wife desired me to SEQ
about q pair Of shoes for her this morning, l will
follow your example and call upon Smith. lie is
no great favorite Vt mine however-an idle quar-
relsome fellow
% No eSSno y Uc betiiHR uueau III tut
world,' answered the farmer, and I am willing to
give him a lift. But | have an errand at the
butoher's-step in with me for a moment, I will
not detain you.'
At the butchers they met the ~neighbor who had
been the subject Of their previous conversation.
lie certainly presented rather a shabby appear
ance, and in his choice Of meat there was o re-
gard of economy, which did not escape the obser-
walton Of farmer White. After a few passing re-
marks, the poor shoemaker took his departure,
and the butcher opened his account book with a
somewhat anxious air, saying as he charged the
bit of meat: -.o
y believe it is time that neighbor Thompson
and | came to O settlement. Short accounts make
long friends
Indeed Have you heard of any trouble, neigh
Dor White p
NO, | have heard nothing; but a man hac 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 l will send in my sill this even
ing. l have only delayed on the account of the
sickness the poor man has had in his family all
winter. l suppose he must have run behind hand
q little, but still I must take care of number one.'
Speaking Of Thompson, are you p observed a
by-starder, who appeared to take an interest. Co.
ing down bill, is he l must look out for myself
then. He owes me quite a snug sum for leather.
l did intend to give him anothers months credit;
but on the whole / guess the money would DO as
safe in my own pocket jas .a5 to l..- VI. i!
~ Here the four WORTHLESS separated, each with
his mind filed with the affairs Of neigh5or Thomp-
son, the probability that he was going down bill,
and the best way of giving him a push.
In another part Of the village similar scenes
were passing.
i declare ! exclaimed Mrs. Bennett, the dress
maker, to s ~favorite. as she hastily withdrew her
head from the window, whence she had been gaz-
ing on the passers-by, IF there is not Mrs. Thomp-
son, the shoemaker's wife, coming up the steps
with q parcel in her hand. She wants to engage
me to do her spring work I suppose, but I think
il: would be a venture. Every one says they are
running down hill, and it's a chance if l ever ge,
my pay
She always has paid US promptly was the re
ply.
True but that was in the days Of her prosper
ity. l cannot afford to run any risks
The entrance of Mrs. Thompson prevented fur
Their conversation. She was evidently surprised
at the refusal of Mrs. Bennett to do any more
work for her, but as great pressure of business
was pleaded as an excuse, there was nothing to
be said. and she soon took her leave. Another
application proved equally unsuccessful. 1t was
strange how busy the village dressmakers had sud
denly become.
On her return home, tho poor shoe-maker's wife
met the teacher of q small school in the neigh
horhaaI -ko.o -
'Ah ! Mrs. Thompson, l am glad to see you,
was the salutation. Il was about calling at your
house. Would it be convenient to settle our little
account this afternoon p
Our account ! was the surprised reply. Sure
iy the term has not yet expiredp
Only half of it, but my present rule is to col
iect my money at that time. 1t is a plan whiel
many teachers have adopted of late.'
i was not aware that there had been any change
IN your rules, and have made arrangements ia
meet the bill at the usual time. l fear it would
not be in my power to do so sooner.
The countenance Of the teacher showed great
disappointment. and as she passed on in o differ
ent direction she muttered to herself,
Just as ! expected. l shall never get a cent
Everybody says they are going down hill. Unjust
get rid OF the children in some way. Perhaps /
may get a pair OF shoes or two in payment for the
quarter. If manage right but il will never do
to go on in this way
A little diseomposed by her interview with the
teacher, Mrs. Thompson stepped into a grocery
store to purchase some triAing articles of family
stores.
have a little account against you. Will it be
convenient for Mr.. Thompson to settle it this ey-
ening 2 asked the civil shop keeper, as he pro-
duced the desired article,
is it his usual time for settling 2 was again the
surprised inquiry.
Well. not exactly. but money is very tight just
now, and | am anxious to get ia all that is due me.
In future intend keeping short accounts. Here
. your little bill. if you would like 60 look at it.
iNiD call around this evening. It's bat q small
s6aisls ls.I ~ 4aea l.3
Thirty dollars is NO small ann m m. mat nov