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

GOING DOWN HILL.
"That looks bad," exclaimed Farmer
White with an expressive shake CT the
head, as he passed neglected and brok-
en- down fence on one of his daily walks.
"Bad enough" was the reply of his
companion.
''Neighbor Thompson appears to be run
ming down hill very fast. I can remem-
Der when everything about his place was
trim and tidy" tile always appeared to
be steady, Industrious man," rejoined
the second speaker. II have a pair of
boots on my feet at this moment, of his
make, and they have done me good SER
vice."
81 have generally employed him for my.
self and family" was the reply. land
must confess that he is good workman;
but nevertheless believe that shall step
into Jack Smiths this morning, and order
pair of boots of which stand in need.
I always make it rule never to patronize
those who appear to be running behind
hand. There is generally some risk in
helping those who won't help themsel-
ves."
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 fellow"
''And yet he seems to be getting along
in the world" answered the farmer, GAS
I have an errand at the Butchers. I will
not detain you.''
At the butchers they met the neigh
Dor who was the subject Of their previous
conversation. He certainly presented
rather shabby appearance, and his
choice of meat here was the observation
of Farmer White. Passing remarks the
poor shoemak 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 came to settlement. Short
accounts make long friends"
mo time to lose, I should say" re-
piled the farmer.
"Tndeei have you heard of any trouble
neighbor White?"
mo, 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 acco uni
of the sickness the poor man has had ir
the family all winter. suppose he mus
have run behind little, but must tax,
care of number one'
speaking of Thorn pson, are your" OBJ
served bystander. W no appeared to TAKE
an interest in the observation. Coins
down hill, is he?'' II must look out fol
myself then. He owes me quite sum
for leather. 1 did intend to give hin
another months credit, but on the whole
1 guess the money will be safer in my
pocket"
Here the worthless separated, each with
his mind filled with the affairs of neighbol
Thompson, the probability that he was
going down hill, and the best way was tc
give him push.
In another part of the village similar
scenes were passing.
81 Declare" exclaimed Mrs. Bennett,
the dress-maker. to her favorite assistant
as she hastily withdrew her head from the
window whence she had been gazing OF
the passers-by, ''if there is not Mrs
Thompson, the shoemaker's wife, cominl
up the steps with parcel in her hand
She wants me to do her work, but thini
it would be a venture. Every one say
they are running down hill, and it is {
chance if ever get my pay.''
"She has always paid US promptly, ;" wa
the reply.
"True; but that was in the days of he
prosperity. cannot afford to run an,
risk
The entrance of Mrs. Thompson pre-
vented any further conversation.
She was evidently surprised at the refu
sal OF Mrs. Bennett to do any work TO
her; but as great pressure was pleaded a
an excuse there was nothing to be said
! and she soon took her leave.
Another application proved equally I'm
successful. 1t was strange how busy tn
village dress makers had suddenly be
come.
o. the way home the poor shoem
wife met the teacher of small school il
the neighborhood, where two of her chill
dren attended.
"Ah! Mis-. Thompson, am glad to se
YOU" was the salutation. II was abou
calling at your house. Would it be con
venient to settle our account this after
noon?"
! "Our account" was the surprised reply
ssSurely the term has not expired
"Only half Of it. but my present rule i
to collect money at any time. It's plal
which many teachers have adopted 0
late.'
81 was not aware that there had beer
any change in your rules, and I hay