Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1860-08-15
Gboite Eiteraturt.
GOING DOWN HILL.

That looks bad exclaimed farmer White,
with an impressive shake of the head, as be
passed neglected garden and broken down
fence, in one of bis daily walks.
Bad enough was the reply of the compan-
ion 10 whom the remark was addressed,
'neighbor Thompson appears to be running
down hill pretty fast. can remember the
time when every thing around his place was
prim and tidy
1T is quite the contrary now,' returned the
farmer House, outbuildings and grounds,
all show the want of the masters care. |
am afraid that Thompson is in the down.
ward path
He always appeared to be steady, indus
trious man. replied the second speaker.
have pair Of his boots on, and they have
done me good service
i have generally employed him for my
self and family was the reply, and | must
corfess he is good workman, but neverthe-
less believe | shall step into Jack Smiths
this morning and order a pair of boots that
reed. / 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 help themselves.
Very true ; and as my wife desired me to
see about a pair of shoes for her this morn
ing, l will follow your example and call up
on Smith. He is no great favorite Of mine,
however-an idle, quarrelsome fellow.
And yet he seems to be getting ahead in
the world answered the farmer, and | am
willing to give him lift But have an err
rand at the butcher's-step in with me for a
moment I will not detain you
At the butchers they met the neighbo,
who had been the subject of their previous
conversation. He certainly presented rather
a shabby appearance and in his choice q
meat there was a regard for economy, Which
did not escape the observation of farmer
White After few passing remarks, tht
poor shoemaker took his departure, and thu
butcher opened his account-book with a SOM
what anxious air, saying as be charged bi
of meat:
Il believe it is time neighbor Thompson
and come to a settlement. Short account
max e long friends
Indeed Haye you heard of any troubl
neighbor WhiteG
No, l have heard nothing but man ha
the use of bis eyes; you know never trus
any one with money who is evidently dow
hill'
'Qaite right and will send in my bill thi
evening. have only delayed on account {
sickness the poor man has had in his fawi
all winter. | suppose he must have run bi
hind hand little, but still must. look OF
for number one
Speaking of Thompson are youY observe
abystander, who appeared to take an inter
est. Going down hill is he !? must loo
out for myself then. He owes me quite
large sum for leather. ! did intend to ei'
him another months credit; but on the who
1 guess the money would DC safe in my ow
pocket
Here the four WORTHLESS separated, eaC
with his mind filed with the aifrirs Of neig
Dor Thompson, the probability of going dow
hill and the best way Of giving him push
In another part Of the village similar seen
were passing.
L deearep exclaimed Mrs. Bennett, t
dressmaker, to a favorite as she hastily wit
drew her hand from the window, from when
she had been gazing on the passers by,
there is not Mrs Thompson, the sl0emakci
wife, coming up the steps with bundle
her hand. She wants me to engage to
her spring work, | suppose, but think
would be a venture. Every one says tn
are running down Hill, and its chance il
ever get my pay
she has always paid up promptly VI
the rep,y.
True, but that was in the days Of prospe
tv. / cant afford to run any risks
The entrance of Mrs Thompson prevent
y
prised at the refusal Of Mrs Bennett to do a
work for her; but as a great pressure of
siness was pleaded as an excuse, there Y
nothing to he said and she took her lea
Another application proved equally unsuccs
fal.
On her return home the poor shoemak'
wife met the teacher of small school in
neighborhood, where TWO of her child
went
'Ah Mrs. Thompson, am glad to
you,' was the salutatiOn. 4 was about C
ing at your house. Would it be convent
to settle our little account this afternoon
Our accountv was the surprised reply
Surely the term has not expiredn
N0nly one half of it, but my present rul
TO collect my money at that time. 1t
plan which many Of the teachers have ac
ted Of late
Il was not aware that there had been
change in your rules and have made arrai
ments to meet the bill at the usual time.
fear it would not be in my power to d.
sooner
The countenance of the teacher sho
great disappointment as she passed on
different direction mutiering to herself: :.
as | had expected. | shall never get c
Every body says they are going down hi
/ must get rid Of the children in some '
feThaPs may SeL paH OF StlOeS OF t"u
payment for the quarter, if | manage Ri
but it will never do to go on in this way.
A little troubled by her interview with
teacher, Mrs. Thompson stepped into
cery shop to purchase some trihing artic
family stores.
4 have little account against you. !
it be convenient for Mr.. Thompson to S
it this evening? asked the civil shopket
as he produced the desired articles.
is it not an unusual time for settli
was again the surprised inquiry.
We'll. not exactly; but money is
tight just now, and Pm anxious TO get all
is due me. In future intend keeping
accounts. Here is your bill ifyou wou.t
to look at it. giu call around this eve
It's but small affair
Thirty dollars is no small sum to US
now, thought Mrs. Thompson, as she
sued her way toward home. 1t seems sti
that all these payments must be met