Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1884-10-03


head, as lie passed Il neglected and broken
down fence iii one of his daily walks.
"Bad enough" was the reply OF his
companion.
"Neighbor Thompson appears to be run
ming down hill very fast. can remember
when everything about his place was trim
and tidy "Hc always appeared to be
steady, industrious man." rejoined the
second speaker. 81 have pair OF boots
OH NV feet at this moment of his make,
and they have done me good service"
81 have GENERALLY employed him for
myself and family" was the reply, "and
| must confess lie is 4 good workman; but
nevertheless | believe tha: l shall step
into Jack Smiths this morning, aud order
\ pair of boots of which l stand in need.
| always make it a rule never to patronize
those who appear to be running behind
hand. There is generally some risk III
helping those who won't help them
selves"
every true; and rs my wife desired me
to look ut pair of shoes for her TINS
morning, will follow your example and
call OH Smith He is no favOrite of nine,
however, an idle, quarrelsome fellow"
"And yet he seems to be getting along
in the world, ;" answered the farmer, "and
l will not detain you"
At the butchers they met the nelghDor
who was the subject of their previous con-
yersation. lie certainly presented rather
Il shabby appearance and his choice OF
meat here was the observation of Farmer
White. Passing remarks, the poor shoe
maker took his departure and the butcher
opened his book account with an anxious
air, saying, as he charged the bit OF meat:
81 believe it is time ncighbor Thompson
and came 10 settlement. Short ac-
counts make long friends"
"No time to lose, should say" said the
farmer.
"Indeed have you heard Of any trouble,
neighbor White?"
"No, have heard nothing, but man
has the use of his eyes, you know and l
never trust any one who is evidently go
ing 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 Lis family all winter. I suppose
he must have run behind little, but still
| must take care of number one"
"Speaking Of Thompson are you?" OBJ
served bystandrr, who appeared to be
interested in the conversation. "Going
down hill, is he! must look out for my
self then. He owes me quite sum for
leather. did intend to give him another
moath's credit, but on the whole ] guess
the money will be safer in my pocket"
Here the WORTHLESS separated, each filled
with affairs of neighbor Thompson, the
probability that he was going down hill,
and the best way to give him a push.
In another part OF the village similar
scenes were passing.
81 DECLARE" exclaimed Mrs. Bennett,
the dresgmakcr, to her favorite assistant,
rs she hastily withdrew her head from
the window, whence she had been gazing
on the passersby, "if there is not Mrs.
Thompson, the shoemaker's wife, coming
up the steps with Il parcel in her hand.
She wants me to do her work, but | think
it would be venture. Every one says
they are running down hill and it is
chance if ever set my pay"
"Shc has always paid US promptly"
was the reply.
'True; but that was in the days Of her
prosperity. | cannot afford to run any
risk"
The entrance of Mrs. Thompson pre-
vented 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 un-
successful. 1t was strange how busy the
village dressmakers had suddenly become.
On the way home, tile poor shoemaker's
wife met the teacher of a small school in
the ncighborhood, where two of her chill
drcn attended.
"Ah. Mrs. Thompson, am glad to see
vou." was the salutation. IL was about
calling at your house. Would it be con-
venicnt to settle our account this after
noon?'
"Our account" was the surprised re-
ply. "Surely the term has not expired"
"Only half of ii, but my present rulcis
to collect money at any time. It's plan
which many teachers have adopted of
late"
al was not aware that there had been
any changcin in your rules, and have made
arrangements to meet your bill at the
usual time. fear that it will not be in
my power to do 30 sooner"
The countcnance of the teacher showed
great disappointment, and as he passed on
in different direction he mu.tered to
himself:
"Just as / expected. shall never sec
4 cent. Everybody says they are going
down hill. ! must get rid OF the children
some way. Perhaps 1 may get a pair Of
shoes or two in payment Of the half quar-
ter, if manage it right; bait it Will never
,Io To 90 on this WaVv
a little discompOsed by her interview
with the teacher, Airs. Thompson stepped
Into a neigbboring grocery to purchase
some trifling articles Of family stores.