The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-10-20
GOING DOWN HILL.

passed a neglected garden and broken-dow
fence, in one of his daily walks.
bad enough was the reply of the compar
ion to whom the remark was addressed
"Neighbof Thomp1on appears to be runnin
down the hill pretty fast | Can remember tn
time when everything around his little plac
was trim and tidy"
at is quite the contrary now" returned thu
farmer. House, outbuildingS and grounds
all show the want of the masters care | an
afraid Thompson is III the downward path"
"He always appeared to be steady, indus
trious man" reioincd the second speaker 81
have pair of boots Of his make on my fee
ut this moment, and they have done me GOOD
Serv lce.'
II have generally employed him for myself
and family was the reply, land must con
TESS that he Is a good wO. kman but, never
theless, believe will step into Jake Smiths
this morning and order pair of boots, OF
which 1 sand in need. / always make it a
rule never 10 patfoniZe those who appear to be
running behindhand. There is generally some
risk in helping those who do not hy to help
themselves"
very true; and as my wife desired me to
see about pair of shoes for her, will follow
your example and call upon Smith. He is no
tavorite Of mine, however-an idle, quarrel
some fellow"
"And yet he seems to be getting ahead in the
world" answered the farmer, "and am will
ing to give him lift. But have an GRAND
at the butchers stop in with me for II mo-
ment. | will not dctain you long"
At the butchers they met the neighbor who
had been the subject Of their previous CONVEX
sati0n He certainly presented rather shah
by appearance, and in his choice of meat there
was a regard Tor economy which did not cs
cape the observation of Farmer White
After "a few passing remarks, the poor shoe
maker took his departure, and the butcher
opened his account book with an anxious air
saying as he charged the bit of meat:
II believe it is time that neighbor Thomp-
son and came to n settlement. Short accounts
make lolg friends"
No time 10 lose, should say" remarked
the farmer.
"Indeedl Have you heard Of any trouble,
neighbor Whitey"
mo, | have heard nothing; but man has
the use Of his own eyes, you know; and nev-
er trust any one with my money who is cvi-
IDENTIFY going down hill"
"Quite ..ght and will send in my bill
this evening. | have only delayed doing so on
account of the sickness which the poor man
has had in his family all winter. | supposed
ile must have run bchindhand "A little, but still
| must lakc care OF number one
Speaking of Thompson, are you 2" inquired
bysandcr, who appeared to take an interest
in the conversation. "Going down the hill is !
he? | must look out for myself, then. Hell
owes me quite a snug sum for leather. 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 worthless separated, each with
his mind filled with the affairs of neiphbor
Thompson, the probability that he was goinp
down hill, and the best way Of giving him a |
push.
In another part Of the village similar scenes
were transpiring. ,..a
II declared exclaimed Mrs. Bennett, the
dressmaker, to her favoritc assistant, as she
hastily withdrew her head from whence she
had been gazing on the passers by, "if there is |
not the shoenlakers wife, Mrs. Thompson,
coming up the steps with parcel in her hand.
She wants TO engage me to do her spring sew.
ing, | suppose; but think it would be a ven. |
ture. Every one says they are running down
hill, and 1t is slim chance if | ever ret nv
pay"
She always has paid up promptly" was the
reply,
True, but that was in the days of her pros.
perity | cannot afford to run any risks
The entrance of Mrs. Thompson prevented
further conversation
She was evidently surprised by the refusal
of Mrs Bennett TO do any work for her. but |
as great pressure Of business was pleaded ~
an excuse there was nothing to be said. and
she soon took her leave. Another application
proved equally unsuccessful 1t was STRANGE
BOW very busy the village dressmakers had |
suddenly become
On her way home, the poor shoemaker
wife mel the teacher A N
neighborhood, where two of her children nj,
tended - w
"Ah, Mrs. Thompson, am glad TO see Won 4"
was the salutation. 81 was about caling this
afternoon at your house Would il be conycn
lent to settle our little account todayyn
Our ACCOUNT was the SURPRISED renl,, |
Surely the term has not yet expiredy"
only half of 1t, but my present rule il IN
collect my money at that time II is n nlan
which many teachers have adopted of late"
Il was not aware that there had becn any
change in your rules, and I have made mr.
engagements to meet the bill at the usual time
sooner" my
The countenancc of the teacher showed urea,
disappointment and us she passed on she mur.
INJURED To herself:
Jusl ~ l expected. ! shall never get n
cent. Everybody says they are going down
mil must get rid Of the children in some
way. Perhaps ! can get pair of shoes ar
TWO In payment for the quarter. if | MANAGE
right; but IT will never do TO go ON in Ills
way" "''N
A little discomposcd by her interview with
the teacher, Mrs. Thompson stepped into a
neighboring grocery to purchase some triaing
articles Of family stores. ''""s
Il have a little account against Won WIN
il be convenient for Mr.. Thompson IN se,,Ie !,
this evening" asked the civil shopkeeper rs
he produced the desired articles
the surprised inquiry. again
well, not exactly, but money is very ,;nh,
Just now. and am anxious 10 ret in an . s.sn'
due to me. In future ! intend 10 keen sha,.
accounts There is your little hin. II Won
would like 10 look at IT, | will call 1911
his eye.lne IL Il hut a small .Hai- , Ou4u