The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1865-05-03
GOING Down HILL.
BY MRS. S. P. DouaHERrY.

neau, as ne pasSeu neglected Saruen
and broken down fences, 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. I
can remember the time when everything
around his little place was trim and tidy
ait is quite the contrary now, re-
turned the farmer. " The house, out
buildings and grounds all show the want
of the masters care / am afraid Thcmp-
son is in the downward path" 2a7
He always appeared to be steady,
industrious man." rejoined the second
speaker. az have pair of boots on my
feet at this moment of his make, and they
have done nae good service. ~
2 ,"I 1 have generally employed him for
myself and family" was the reply, /" and
I must confess he is a good workman
but, nevertheless, believe l shall step
into Jack Smiths this morning and order
pair of boots, of which stand in need.
| always make it a rule never to patron
ize those who are running behindhand.
There is generally some risk in helping
those who do not try to help themselves"
&c Very true; and, as my wife desired
me to see about a pair of shoes for her
this morning. l will follow your example,
and call upon Jack Smith. He is no
great favorite of mine, hewever-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 l
have an errand at the butchers. Step in
with me for moment. i will not detain
you" -
At the butchers they met the neigh
Dor who had been the subject of their
previous conversation. He certainly pre-
sented a rather shabby appearance, and
in his choice Of meat there was regard to
economy which did not escape the obser-
vation of farmer White.
After few passing remarks the poor
shoemaker took his departure, and the
butcher opened his account book with a
somewhata anxious air, saying, as he charg-
the bit of meat
t'I believe it is time that neighbor
Thompson and 1 came to settlement
Short accounts make long friends"
No time to lose, l should say" re-
marked the farmer.
. Tndeedl Have you heard of any
trouble, neighbor White?"
mo, have heard nothing; but a man
has the use of his own eyes, you know,
and never trust any one with my money
who is evidently going down hill"
"Quite right; and | will send in my
bill this evening. | have only delayed
on account of the sickness which the poor
man has had in his family all winter. |
suppose he has run behindhand little,
but Still I must take care of number
one."
@Speaking Of Mr.. Thompson, are you?'
\ observed a bystander, who appeared tc
take an interest in the Conversation
tstGoing down hill, is he? l must look
out for myself, then, He owes me quite
a sum for leather. did intend to give
him another months credit but, on the
4 whole, guess the money would be safer
i III my own pocket" s.
Here the four worthless separated, eacl
with his mind filed with the affairs O
4 neighbor Thompson, the probability tha
q he was going down hill, and the best wa,
), of giving him push. ..t' ~ a
+ In another part Of the little villag
similar scenes were passing.
81 declared exclaimed Mrs. Benne
: the dressmaker, to favorite assistant, a
she hastily Withdrew her head from tn
s window, whence she had been gazing o
1.-THE passers-by, /" if there is not Mr.
Thompson, the shoemaker wife, comm
n up the steps with parcel in her hand
g She wants to engage me to do her sprin
y work, suppose; but think it would /
: a venture Every one says they are rur
; ming down hill, and it is chance if ev,
: ] getsmy pay"
G She has always paid up promptly
:, was the reply.
= 'tTrue but that was in the days
: her prosperity. can not afford to ri
. lany risk"
y The entrance of Mrs. Thompson pr
- vented further conversation.
- She was evidently surprised at the r
Il Ifusal of Mrs. Bennett to do any work t
ar her; but, as great pressure of busine
y was pleaded as an excuse, there was not
er ing to be said, and she soon took leave.
st Another application proved equally u
ar successful. Itwas strange how busy t
he Village dressmakers had suddenly
e, come.
Ir- On her way heme the poor shoemake
Iat wife met the teacher of a small school
Id, the neishborhood, where two of her cf
he dren attended. 4.el
ri "Ah! Mrs. Thompson. am glad
ch see you,' was the salutation. '
ed about calling at your house. Woule
on be convenient to settle our little acco,
lin this evening ?"
Ten !" Our account!' was the surprised
do ply. Surely, the term has not yet
ith fpired l''''
YER "Only half Of it; but my present r
is to collect my money at that time.
lis plan that many teachers have ado
IA ed Of late.
al was not aware that there had b
3 any change in your rules, and b
'm-i made arrangements to meet the bill at
oor usual time. / fear it will not be in
lre power to do it sooner. ''.tss 9sss
IAN The countenance of the teacher sho'
'ek great disappointment, and, as soon as
npt had passed on In different direction
. L