The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1861-01-30
GOING DOWN HILL.
A "KIcK VS.. A LIFT"

"That looks bad" exclaimed farmer
White with an impassive shake of the
head, as he passed neglected garden
and broken fence in one of his walks.
"Bad enough" was the reply of the
companion to whom the remark was ad-
dressed, neighbor Tompson appears to
be running down hill pretty fast. | can
remember the time when everything
around his place was prim and tidy"
"Its quite contrary now," returned
the farmer. "House, out-buildings show
the want of the masters care. | am
afraid Thompson is in the downward
path"
"He always appeared to be steady,
industrious man." rejoined the second
speaker, Il have pair of his boots on,
and they have done ne good service"
"I have generally employed him for
myself and family" was the reply, "and
l must confess he is good workman,
but nevertheless I believe shall step in
10 Jack Smiths this morning and order
q pair of boots that / need. always
make it rule never to patronize those
who appear to be running behind. There
is generally some risk in helping those
who do not help themselves" ="
"Very true; and rs my wife desired
me to see about pair of shoes for her
this morning, l will follow your example
and call on Smith. He is no favorte OF
mine, however, an idle, quarrelsome fel-
fow."
"And yet he seems to bo getting
ahead in the world" answered the far
mer, "and / am willing to give him q
lift. But | have an errand at the butch
er's-step in with me moment, | will
not detain you."
At the butchers shop they met the
neighbor who had been the subject Of
their previous conversation. He certain
ly presented rather shabby appearance,
and in his choice of meat, there was a
regard to economy, which did not escape
the observation of farmer White. After
few passing remarks, the shoemaker
took his leave, and the butcher opened
his book with an anxious air, saying as
he charged the meat:
"I believe it's time Thompson and
came to settlement. Short accounts
make long friends"
Indeed have you heard of any
troubIe9" asked neighbor White.
"No, 1 have heard nothing; but {
man has the use of his eyes. You know
l never trust any one with money who il
evidently running down hill"
"Quite right, and l will send in my
bill this evening. l have only delayed
on account of the sickness the poor maj
has had in his family all winter. l sup
pose no must have run behind hand {
little, but l must take care Of numbe
one."
Speaking of Thompson, are you9'
observed bystander, who appeared Il
take an interest. Going down hill, j
he? must look out for myself, then
He owes me quite large sum for leath
er l did intend to give him anothe
months credit; but on the whole l CUES
the money would be as safe in my owl
pocket"
Here the four worthless separated, eacl
with his mind filled with the affairs c
neighbor Thompson, the probability Q
his going down hill, and the best way c
giving hi2, push.
In another part of the village simila
scenes were passing.
81 declarel' exclaimed Mrs. Bennett
the dress-maker, to favorite, as sh
hastily drew her head from the window
whence she had been gazing on the pass
ers by, " if there isn't Mrs. Thompson
tho shoemaker's wife, coming up th
steps with parcel in her hand. Sh
wants to engage me to do her sprin
work, suppose, but l think it would b
a venture. Every one says they al
running down hill, and it's a chance if
ever get my pay"
"Shc has always paid you promptly
was the reply.
"True, but that was in the days
her prosperity. ] can't afford to run an
risk"
The entrance of Mrs. Thompson pr
vented further conversation. She W,
evidently surprised at the refusal of Mr.
Bennett to 90 any work for her, but ,
great pressure of business was pleade