Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1884-04-24
GOING DOWN HILL.

White with an expressive shake OF the
head, as he passed neglected and broken
down fence in one of his daily walks
Bad enough" was the reply of his
companion
" Neighbor Thompson appears to be
running down hill very fast. can re-
member when everything about his place
was trim and tidy" g He always ap-
peared to be a steady, industrious man, :"
rejoined the second speaker. g have a
pair of boots on my feet at this moment,
of his make. and they have done me
good service"
:" / have generally employed him for
myself and family" was the reply, sand
I must confess that he is good work
man; but nevertheless believe that 1
shall step into Jack Smiths this morn
ing, and order pair of boots in which 1
stand in need. always make it rule
never to patronize those who appear to
be running behind hand. There is gen
orally some risk in helping those who
won't help themselves. y
Very true; and as my wife desired
me to look at pair of shoes for her this
morning, will follow your example and
call on Smith. He is no favorite of
mine, however, an idle quarrelsome fel-
low"
"And yet he seems to be getting along
in the world, " answered the farmer and
have an errand at the butchers. Twill
not detain you.n
At the butchers they met the neighbor
who was the subject of their previous
conversation. He certainly presented
rathera shabby appearance, and his choice
of meat here was the observation of Farm
er White. Passing remarks the poor
shoemaker took his departure and the
butcher opened his book account with
an anxious air, saying, as he charged the
bit of meat:
II believe it is time neighbor Thomp-
son and I came to a settlement Short
accounts make long friends"
''No time to lose, should say re-
piled the farmer.
'Indeed have you heard of any trouble;
neighbor White2n
''No, l 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 hill"
"Quite right; and | will send up my
bill this evening. have delayed on ac-
count of the sickness the poor man has
had in the family all winter. 1 suppose
he must have run behind little, but
still must take care Of number one.'
/ Speaking of Thompson, are youG'' OBJ
served bystander, who appeared to take
an interest in the observation. "Going
down hill, is heln l must look out for
myself then. He owes me quite sum
for leather l did intend to give him
another months credit, but on the whole
I guess the money will be safer in my
pocket"
Here the worthless separated, each with
his mind filed with affairs of 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 passing.
II declare" exclaimed Mrs. Bennett,
the dressmaker, to her favorite assistant,
as she hastily withdrew her head from
the window, whence she had been gazing
on the passersby, 'sif there is not Mrs
Thompson, the shoemaker's wife, coming
up the steps with a parcel in her hand.
She wants me to do her work, but l think
it would be venture. Every one says
they are running down hill, and ii is a
chance if ever get my pay.'
''she has always paid US promptly ,
was the reply.
''True; but that was in the days Of he.
prosperity. cannot afford to run any
risk"
The entrance of Mrs. Thompson pre-
vented any further conversation.
She was evidently surprised at the re-
fusal of Mrs. Bennett to do any work for
her; but as great pressure was pleaded
as an excuse, there was nothing to be
said. and she soon took her leave.
Another application proved equally
unsuccessful. 1t was strange how busy
the village dressmakers had suddenly be-
come.
On the way home, the poor shoemaker's
wife met the teacher of small school in
the neighborhood, where two of her
children attended.
.sAhl Mrs Thompson, ] am glad to sec
you,u was the saIutation. 4 was about
calling at your house. Would 1t be con.
yenient to settle our account this after
noon9''
ssOur account r was the surprised re-
ply. Surely the term has not expired. Z
.sOnlv half Of it. but nv present