Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1884-05-23


Just as I expected; shall never see
cent. Everybody says they are going
down hill. must get rid of the children
some way. Perhaps may get a pair of
shoes or two in payment of the half quar-
ter, if manage it right; but it will never
do to go on this way"
A little discomposed by her interview
with the teacher, Mrs. Thompson stepped
into neighboring grocery to purchase
some trifling articles of family stores.
II have little account against you,
and would it be convenient for Thomp-
son to settle it this EVENING"" asked the
polite shopkeepef as be produced the de-
sired article.
"Is it his usual time for settlingp" was
again the surprised question.
"Well not exactly; but money is very
tight, just now, and am anxious to get
all that Is due me. In future l intend to
keep short accounts. There is the little
bill if you would like to look at it. [ will
call around this evening. 1t Is but very
small affair."
Thirty dollars is no small sum to US
just now," thought Mrs. Thompson as she
pursued her way towards home musing
ly. ut seems strange that all these pay
ments must be met just now while we are
pense Of the winter. cannot understand
it."
Her perplexity was increased by finding
her husband with two bills in his hand,
and a countenance expressive Of anxiety
and concern.
Look, Mary" he said as she entered,
there are two unexpected calls for mon
ey-one from the doctor, and the other
from the dealer in leather of whom pur-
chased my late stock. They are both very
urgent for immediate payment, although
they have always been willing to wait a
few months until could make arrange
ments to meet their claims. But misfor-
tunes never come singly, and if man
gets little behind hand trouble seems to
pour in upon him."
''Just 500 replied the wife; "the neigh
bors think we are going down hill, and
every one is ready to give US push. Here
are two more bills for you, one from the
grocer and one from the teacher.
Reply was prevented by knock at the
door and the appearance of lad who
presented a neatly folded paper and disap-
peared.
"The butchers bill, as true as live !"
exclaimed the astonished shoemaker.
''What is to done, Mary2 So much mon
ey to be paid out and very little coming
in, for some Of my best customers have
left me, although my work has given sat-
isfaction. If I could only have as much
employment as usual. and the usual cred
it allowed me, I could satisfy these claims,
but to meet them now is impossible. and
the acknowledgement of my inability
would send us further on the downward
path"
1--WE must 90 our best and trust in
Providence" was the consoling remark of
his wife as second knock at the door
aroused the fear that another claimant
was about to appear.
But the benevolent countenance of I'm.
Gle Joshua, rare but welcome visitor
presented itself. Seating himself in the
comfortable chair which Mary FASTENED
to hand him, be said in his eccentric but
friendly manner:
"Well, good folks, I understand the
world does not 60 on as we'll with you as
formerly. What is the trouble 20
"There need be no trouble" was the
reply, "if men would not try to add to the
Affections which the Almighty sees to be
necessary for us. The winter was try
ing one. We met with sickness and mis-
fortune which we endeavor to bear with
patience.-Ail would now go well if those
around us were not determined to push us
in the downward path"
"And there lies the difficulty, friend
Thompson. This is a selfish world. Every
body, or at least great majority, care
only for number one. If they see a poor
neighbor going down hill their very first
thought is whether it will affect their own
interest, and provided they can secure
themselves they care not how soon he goes
to the bottom. The only way is to keep
up appearances. Show signs of being be-
hind hand and all will not be we'll with
you"
"Tery true, Uncle Joshua, but how is
this to be done? Bills which I did not
expect to be called upon to meet for the
next three months are pouring in upon
me. My best customers are leaving me
for more fortunate rival. In short, l
am on the brink OF ruin. and naught but
miracle will save me -
IA miracle which is very easily wrought,
then, imagine, my good friend. What
is the amount OF your debts which now
press so heavily upon you, and how soon
in the coming course of events could you
discharge them 7"
They do not exceed one hundred dol.
lars" replied the shoem aker; land with
my usual run of work 1 could make it all
right in three or four months
"We will say six. was the answer. ST
will advance you one hundred and fifty
. dollars. Pay every cent you owe and
make some slight addition or improve
ment in your shop or house, and put
everything around the grounds in its
usual neat order. Try this plan for few
weeks and we will see what effect it has
upon our worthy neighbors. No, no, new
er mind thanking me; am only trying a
little experiment on human nature. l
know you of old, and haNe no doubt that
my money Is safe in your hands,"
Weeks passed. The advice of Uncle
Joshua had been strictly followed, and
/ the change in the shoemaker's prospects
: were indeed wonderful. He was now spo