The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1877-09-26
GOING DOWN HILL.
A story for the Times

head, as he passed heSIeSteu S0luon
aud broken down fence, IN one OF his
daily walks.
"Bad enough" was the reply of the
companion to whom the remark was al
dressed. ''Neighbor Thompson appears
to be running down hill pretty fast: L
can remember the time when everything |
around his little place was trim and
tidy"
1T is quite the contrary now, return
ed the farmer. blouse, out-bulldings
and grounds, all show the want OF the
masters care am afraid Thompson Ia
in the downward path"
"He always appeared to be steady,
industrious man." rejoined the second
speaker. 81 have pair of boots, of his
make, on my feet at this moment, and
they have done me good service.
II have generally employed him for
myself and family" was the reply, land
I must confess that he is a good work
man; but, nevertheless, believe L vii!
step into Jack Smiths this morning and
order pair of boots, of which stand IN
need. / always make it rule never to
patronize those who appear to be rnn-
ming behindhand There is generally
some risk in helping those who do not
try to help themselves :,
every true and as my wife desired
me to see about pair of shoes tor her,
will follow your example and call non
Smith. He is no favorite of mine, how
eyer-an idle, quarrelsome fellow.
"And vet he seems to be getting ahead
in the world, answered the farmer, land
| am willing to give him lift But l
have an errand at the butchers. Step
. in with me for moment. L Will not de-
t tain you long"
At the butchers they met the neigh
Dor who had been the subject OF then
nrevious conversation. He certainly
E presented rather shabby appearance
. and in his choice of meat there was re-
+ card for economy which did not escape
the observation of Farmer White.
After a few passing remarks, the poo
V shoemaker took his departure, and th'
. butcher opened his account book with al
. anxious air, saving, as he charged tn
v bit of meat:
! 81 believe it is time that neighbol
). Thompson and | came to setuemeh'
% Short accounts make long friends"
ssNo time to lose 1 should say" re
marked the farmer.
"Indeedl Have you heard OF an
trouble neighbor White?
sNo. have heard nothing; but
,o man has the use of his own eyes, yo
e know; and | never trust any one VII
N nv money who is evidently going dow
ye hill"
20 "Ouite right; and 1 will send in M
al bill this evening. | have only delaye
an doing so on account of the sickness whlc
= the poor man has had in his family
the winter. l suppose he must haV
o. run behind hand little, but still mu
e. take care of number one.
cd Speaking of Thompson, are YOU? II
st ouired bystander, who appeared to tan
an an interest in the conversation. GoIn
n down hill is he, l must look out for IN!
"a. self. then. He owes me quite a snu
NJ sum for leather l did intend to 81,
e. him another months credit; but, on Il
ON whole, guess the money would be sat'
he in my own pocket.
~ Here the four worthless separated, ea'
with his mind filled with the affairs
Neighbor Thompson, the probability tn
~ he was going down hill and the best wf
we of giving him push. =,
In another part of the village slmil
scenes were Transporting.
81 declare !" exclaimed Mrs. Benne
ore the dressmaker, to her favorlte asslstal
as she hastily withdrew her head fro
whence she had been gazing on the pa
in ers bv, eff there is not the shoemake
wife. Mrs. Thompson, coming up I
nod stems with a parcel in her hand
emf wants to engage me to do her spring Sc
md ing. | suppose, but | think it would be
H. venture. Every one says they are II
ots. ming down hill, and it is chance II
ever get my pay.
God "She always has paid US prompt
and was the reply.
I'm "True but that was in the days
ten her prosperity. L cannot afford TO
vice any risks" m
end The entrance Vi MIS-
and vented further conversation
NO. She was evidently surprised by the
rcd. fusal of Mrs Bennett to do any work
i'm her but as a great pressure of busln
and was pleaded as an excuse, there was nc
70 ing to be said and she soon took
nan. leave. Another application pro
Ill equally unsuccessful. 1t was stral
how how very busy the village dressmal
the had suddenly become.
,5ad On her way home the poor shoe
! ftor ker's wife met the teacher of 81
bree school in the neighborhood, where tw
,dia her children attended.
"Ah, Mrs. Thompson, am glad
see you," was the salutation. 81
about calling this afternoon at
house. Would it be convenient to s.
suit. our little account to-day"
/ was ''Our account" was the surprised
which ply. "Surely the term has not yet
h he pired?"
, the "Only half of it, but my present
], and is to collect my money at that time
| this is a plan which many teachers
). So adopted of late"
barge II was not aware that there had
not, any change in your rules, and
o kill made arrangements to meet the bI
aid to the usual time. l fear it will not
me my power to do so sooner.
lid G, The countenance of the teacher sh
i. C, great disappointment, and as she P
It doc on. she mnttered to herself:
lealth. .sJust as / expected | shall nev'
y saw a cent. Everybody says they are
lnmis- down hill. I must get rid of the
Y sick dren in some way. Perhaps l can
ON C; pair of shoes or two in payment TO
rought half quarter, if manage right
of the will never do to go on in this way.
vas en- A little discomposed by her int
nd that with the teacher, Mrs Thompson ct
County into neighboring grocery, to Pu
some triAing articles Of family stOr