The Van Buren press., 1870-09-27
MISCELLANY.
The Way of the World.

with an expressive shake Of his head, as
he passed neglected garden and broken
down fence, in one of his daily walks.
Bad enough" was the reply of his
companion.
Neighbor Thompson appears to be
rnnning down hill very fast. ] can re
member when everything around his
place was trim and tidy"
He always appeared to be steady,
industrious man" rejoined the second
speaker. :" have pair of boots on
my feet of his make, and they have done
me good service"
~ have generally employed him for
myself and family" was the reply, "and
| must confess that he is a workman :;
but, nevertheless, believe | shall step
into Jack Smiths this morning, and or
der q pair of boots og, syliich | stand in
nl - mit'x-' 80 a~--...-.-.....
patronizc those who appear to be run
ming behind hand. There is generally
some risk in helping those who won't
help themselves
"Very true; and as my wife desired
me to look at pair of shoes for her this
morning, ] will follow your example,and
call upon Smith. He is no great favor
te of mine, however---an idle, quarrel
some fellow"
And yet he seems to be getting along
in the world,' answered the former
d" and | am willing to give him lift
But | have an errand at the butchers
| will not detain YOU
At the butchers they met the neigh
Dor who was the subject Of their previous
conversation. lie certainly presented
a rather shabby appearance, and in the
choice Of his meat there was the observa-
ton of farmer White. After passing re-
marks the poor shoemaker took his de-
parture, and the butcher opened his &C
countbook with a somewhat anxious air,
saying, rs he charged the bit Of beat, i
believe it is time neighbor Thompson
and come to settlement Short ac-
counts make long friends"
No time to lose, | should say" re-
piled the farmer.
"lndeed have you heard of any trou-
bic, neighbor White Y
"No | have heard nothing; but man
has the use Of his eyes, you know; and |
never trust any one with money, who is
evidently going down bill"
"Qutc right; and will send in my
bill this evening. | have only delayed
on account of sickness the poor man has
had in his family all winter. ! suppose
he must have run behind little, but still
must take care Of number one
"Spcaking of Thompson, are you 2
observed bystander, who appeared to
take An interest in the conversation.
" Going down hill. is heg | must look
ouc for myself, then. | did intend to
give him another months credit; but,
on the whole, | guess the money would
be safer in my own pocket.
Here the four worthies separated, each
with his mind filed with the affairs ofhis
neighbor Thompson-the probability
that he was going down hill, and the best
way to give him push. In another part
of the village similar scenes were pas s.
ing.
IL declare" exclaimed Mrs. Bennett,
the dress. maker, to a favorite assistant,
as she hastily withdrew her head from
the window whence she had been gaz-
ing on the passers-by, " if there is not
Mrs Thompson. the shoemaker's wife
coming up the steps with parcel in heI
! hand. She wants me to do her work
but think it would be venture. Every
one says they are going down hill, and
it's chance if ever ! get my pay"
"She always paid US promptly, was
the reply.
True; but that was in the days Of heI
prosperity. cannot afford to run any
risk =
The entrance Of Mrs. Thompson pre-
vented further conversation.
She was evidently surprised at the re
/ fusal of Mrs. Bennett to do any work iol
her; but as great pressure OF business
was pleaded as an excuse, there was no
thing to be said, aud she soon took he
leave. Another application proved equal
lly unsuccessful. 1t was strange how bus,
the village dressmakers had suddenly be
come,
On the way home the poor shoema
ker's wife met the teacher OF smal
Al, <vhoro twl