Ashtabula weekly telegraph. [volume] (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1853-1873, 1860-05-05
Going Down HIII.
A "krcK" vs. A "LrTf.

That looks bad exclaimed farmer White
with an impressive 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 com.
| panion TO whom the remark was addressed,
ncighbor Thompson appears to be rnuning
down hill pretty fast. can remember the
time when everything around his little place
was prim and ;idy.'
1T is quite contrary now returned the
farmer. House, out-budiugs, and grounds
all show the want of the masters care. |
am afraid Thompson is in the downward
path
He always appeared to he a steady, in.
dustrions man., replied the second speaker.
L have pair Of his boots on, and they
have done me good service.'
Il have generally employed him for my.
self and fnmily,' was the reply and must
confess he is good workman, but never
theless | believe ! shall step into Jack
Smiths this morning aud order a pair of
boots that | need. ! always 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
themselves
Very true and as my wife desired me
to see about pair of shoes for her this
morning, | will follow your example and
call upon Smith. He is no great favorite
of mine, howeyer-an idle, quarrelsome fell
low
And yet he seems to be getting AHEAD
in the world answered the farmer, and l
am willing to give him lift. But have
an errand at the butcher's-step in with
me for a moment ! will not detain vou.'
At tue butchers they met the neghbOr
who had been the subject of their previous
conversation He certainly presented ra-
ther a shabby appearance, and in his choice
Of meat there was a regard for economy,
which did not escape the observation of
farmer White. After a few passing re-
marks, the poor shoemaker took his depar.
ture, aud the butcher opened his account
book with a somewhat anxious air, saying
as he charged the hit of meat
4 believe it is time neighbor Thompson
| you and | came to a settlement. Short
accounts make long friends
Indeed Have you heard of any trou-
bic, neighbor White p
No, | have heard nothing but a man
has the use Of his eyes, you know l never
trust any one with money who is evidently
running down hill
'Qnite right, and will send in my bill
this evening. have only delayed on ac-
count Of sickness the poor man has had in
his family all winter. | suppose he must
have run behind hand a little, but l must
look out for number one
Speaking Of Thompson, are you' observ.
ed bystander, who appeared to take an
interest. Going down hill, is he? must
look out for myself. then. He owes me
quite a large sum for leather | did in
tend to give him another months credit
but on the whole l guess the money would
be as safe in my own pocket
Here the four worthies separated, each
with his mind filed with the affairs of neigh
Dor Thompson, and the probability of his
going down hill, and the best way of Civ.
ing him push.
In another part of the village similar
scenes were passing.
Il declare exclaimed Mrs Bennett, the
dressmaker, to favorte, as she hastily
drew her head from the window, whence
she had been gazing on the passers.by, ii
there is not Mrs. Thompson, the shoema
ker's wife, coming up the steps with par
eel in her hand. She wants to engage
me to do her spring work, l suppose, but
think it would be a venture. Every ont
says they are running down hill, and its {
chance if | ever get my pay
She has always paid up promptly wa
the reply.
True, but that was in the days of be
prosperity. can't afford to run au.
risks
The entrance of Mrs. Thompson prevent
ed further conversation. She was evident
ly surprised at the refusal of Mrs Bennet
to do any work for her but as great pres
sure of business was pleaded as an excuse
there was nothing to be said. and she too
her leave. Another application prove
equally as unsuccessful. 1t was strang
how busy the village dress-makers had sue
denly become.
On her return home the poor shoemo
ker's wife met the teacher of a small schoC
in the neighborhood, where two of he
children attended.
'Ah Mrs. Thompson, am glad to Sc
you,' was the salutation. Il was abor
calling at your house. Would it be convt
nient to settle our little account this aftel
noon p
Our account ? was the surprising rC
! ply. Surely the term has not yet expiT
; ed 7
Only half of it, but my present rule
, to collect my money at that time. 1t is
? plan which many teachers have adopted {
late
5 Il was not aware that there had been
change in your rules, and have made a
rangements to meet the bill at the usul
| time. / fear it would not be in my pow
. er to do so sooner
, The countenance Of the teacher shove
great disappointment as she passed on in
different direction, mutterug to herself
/. Just as expected. / shall never g
r cent. Every body says they are goln
= down hill. | must get rid of the childre
/ in some way. Perhaps | may get pa
! of shoes or two for payment for the qua
ter, if | manage right ; but it will not d
to go on in this way
A