Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1870-06-10
S le ct cd Story.
GOING DOWN HILL!
The way OF the world.

e,
with an expressive shake of his head, as he
passed a neglected garden and broken dawn
fence, in one of his daily walks.
"Bad enough" was the reply of his com.
"Neighbor Thompson seems to bo running
down hill pretty fast. can remember when
everything around his ho SC was trim and
tidy"
Gle always appeared to nc a steady, indus
trious man." rcjoincd the sc .ond speaker"
81 have pair of boots on NY feet at this
moment of his make, and they have done nc
good service"
81 have generally employed him for my.
self and family" was the reply, "and [ must
confess that he is good workman but, nov
crtcless, believe I shall step into Jack
Smiths this morning and order pair of boots,
Of which l stand in need always make it
rule never to patronizc those who appear to
be running bchindhand. There is generally
some risk in helping those who won't help
themselves"
every true and, as my wife desired nc to
look at pair Of shoes for her this morning, |
will follow your example and call on Slpith
He is no great friend of mine, howoser-an
idle, quarrclsome fellow"
The world" answered ifc farmer, "and am
willing to give bin a lift. But have an cr-
rand OF the butchers. l will not dctain you."
At the butchers they met tho ncghbor
who was the subject of their conversation
lie certainly presented rather shabby ap
pcarancc, and his choice of meat there was
the observation of farmer White. After a
few passing remarks, the poor shoemaker took
his departure, and the butcher opened his ac.
count book with somewhat anxious air, say
ing, as he charged the bit of meat, "I believe
it is time ncighbor Thompson and | came
to settlement. Short accounts make long
friends"
ono time to loose, ] should say" remark
ed the farmer.
"No, ncighbor White p
Indccd Have you heard Of any troEblc;
| have heard nothing; but man has the use
of his eyes, you know-and never trust
man with money who rs evidently going down
hill"
"Quitc right; and will send in my bill
this cvciing. J. have only delayed On ac-
count of the sickness the poor man has had
in his family all winter | suppose he must
have run behind a little, but still must take
care of No. l."
"Speaking of Thompson, are you 2" OBJ
served a bystandcr, who appeared to take an
interest in the conversation. "Going down
hill, is.hc? must look out for myself, then
He owes me quite snug sum for leather.
did intend to give him another months cred.
it, but on tho whole, guess the money would
be safer in my pocket"
Here the four worthless separated, each
with his mind filled with the affairs of neigh.
Dor Thompson, the probability that hc was
going down hill, and the best way of giving
him push.
In another part of the village similar scenes
were passing.
"I DECLARE" exclaimed Mrs. Bennett the
drcssmakcr, to a favorite assistant, as sho
hastily withdrew her head from tho window,
whence she had been gazing on the passers-
by, eff there is not Mrs Thompson, tho shoe
makers wife, coming up the steps with
parcel in her hand. She wants me to do her
work, suppose, but J. think it would be
venture. Every one says they arc going
down l1ilf, and it's clanco If over get my
pay"
"sho has always paid us promptly" was
the reply.
"Truc but that was in the days Of their
prosperity. l cannot afford to run any
risks"
The entrance Of Mrs Thompson prevented
any further conversation.
She was evidently surprised at the refusal
Of Mrs. Bonnett to do any work for her; but,
as great pressure Of business was pleaded as
an excuse, thore was nothing to bo said. and
she soon took her loavo. Another application
proved equally unsuccessful. It was strange
how busy the village dressmakers had b.
come.
On her way home, Che poor shoemakor's
wife met tho teaoherof a small school in tho
neighborhood, whore owo Of her childrom at
tended.
"Ah, Mrs. ThompsohS T am glad to- SEQ