Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1874-01-15
SELECT STORY.
GOING D0WAsHill.
By MRS. s. 2. DOUGHTY.

ssThat looks bad" exclaimed farmer
White, with ar expressive shake of the
head, as he passed neglected garden
and broke;l down fences; in one of his
daily walks.
''Bsd enough" was the reply Of the
companion to whom the remark was
addressed. 'Neighbor Thompson ap-
pears to be running down Hill pretty
fast. | can remember the time when
everything about his premises was trim
and tidy
ats quite the contrary nos,' return
ed the farmer. 'sH louise, out-brildings,
and grounds, all show the want of care.
| am afraid Thompson is in the down
ward path. - -,
He always appeared TO be steady,
industrious man" rejo;ned the second
peaker. q have pair of boots on
my feet this moment Of his make and
they have done me good service"
Il have generally employed him for
myself and family" was tie reply, and
| must confess that he is a good work
man; but neve rtheless, / believe shall
step into Jack Smiths this morning
and order a pair Of boots, of which
stand in need. I always make it rule
nev er to paronize those who appear
to be running behind hand There is
generally some risk i'll helping those
who do not try to help themselves.
:" Very true; and as my wife desired
me to see about a pair Of shoes for her
this morning, will follow your exam
pie and call upon Smith. He is no
great favorite OF mine, however an
idle, 9uarrelsome fellow"
''And yet he seems to be getting
ahead in the world answered the far
mer, and | am willing to give him a
lift. But have an e1rand at the butch
ers. Step i'll with me q moment; will
not detain you"
At the butchers they met the negn-
Dor who had been the subject of their
conversation He presented certainly
shabby appearance; and in his choice
OF meat, there was regard to economy
that did not escape the observation OF
farmer White. After few passius re
marks, the poor shoemaker took his
departure, and the butcher opened his
account book with somewhat anxious
air, saying as he charged the bit OF
meat.
81 believe it is time that neighbor
Thompson and | came to a settlement
enc time to lose, should say" re-
marked the farmer.
'lndeed! have you heard of any
trouble, neighhor White 2"
''No, l have heard nothing but a
man has the use of his own eyes, YOU
know; and l never trust anyone with
my money who is going down hill"
"Quite right; and I will send in my
bill this evening. have only delayed
on account of the sickness which the
poor man has had in his family during
the winter. | suppose he must have
run behind hand a little, still l must
take care of number one
Speaking of Thompson, are YOUR
observed bystander, who appeared to
take an interest in the conversation.
'Going down bill, is he? I must look
out for myself, then. did intend to
give him another months credit; but
ON the whole, guess the money would
be as safe in my own pocket.
Here the four worthless separated,
each with his mind filled with the at
fairs Of neighbor Thompson. and the
probability that he was going down hill
and the best way of giving him push.
In another part of the village similar
scenes were passing,
II declare, exclaimed Mrs. Bennett,
the dress maker, to favorite assistant.
as she hastily Withdrew her head from
the window, whence she had been ga
zing on the passers by, s'if there is not
Mrs. Thompson, the shoemaker's wife,
coming up the steps with parcel in
her hand. She wants to engage me to
do her spring work, suppose, but
think it would be venture. Everyone
says they are running down hill, and its
a chance if ! ever get my pay"
''She has always paid US promptly, .