Year: 1861

neighbor going down hill, their first tho't
is whether 1t will hurt 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 APP
pearances-show no signs Of going be-
hind hand, and all will go well with
you.' t a3'


Very true, Uncle Joshua; but how
is this to be donel Bills which did not
expect 10 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 am
on the brink of ruin, and nothing but
miracle can save me-"


GA mirale which is very easy done,
then, / imagine, my good friend. What
is the amount of those debts which press
so heavily upon you, and how soon, in the
common course of events could you dis
charge thcm."


"They do not exceed a hundred dol
lars" said the shoemaker, "and with my
usual run of custom, could make it all
right in three months"


"We will say SIX" was the answer,
~ will advance you one hundred aud fif-
ty dollars for six months, Pay every
cent you owe, and with the remainder of
the money make some slight additional
Improvements in your shop, and every
thing about the ground in the usual good
order. Try this plan for few weeks,
and we will see what effect it will have
upon our worthy neighbors. No, no, nev-
er mind thanking me. l am only trying
little experiment upon human nature,
l know you OF ola, and have no doubt
my money is safe in your hands,"


Weeks passed. The advice of Uncle
Joshua had been followed, the change in
the shoemaker's prospects was indeed
wonderful. He was spoken of as one Of
the most thriving men in the village, and
marvellous stories were told to account fol
the sudden alteration in his affairs. II
was generally agreed that rich relation
had bequeathed to him legacy, which
had entirely relieved him of his pecuni
ary difficulties.


Old customers and new ones crowded
in upon him. They had never before re.
allied the beauty and durability of his
work. The butcher selected the best
piece of meat for his inspection, as he en-
tered, and was Indifferent rs TO time and
payment. The dealer in leather called to
inform him that his best hides awaited bis
orders. The teacher accompanied the
children home to tea, and spoke in high
terms of their improvement, pronouncing
them among her best scholars.


The dress maker suddenly found her
self free from the great press of work, and
in note expressed her desire to oblgC
Mrs. Thompson in any way in her power


"Just as | expected exclaimed Uncle
Joshua, raising his hands exultingly,as the
grateful man poured out his thanks and
refunded the money which had been loan
ed to him in bis hour of need. "Just n.
| expected. This is strange world
They are ready TO help man up the bill
if he seems to be ascending, and just a.
ready to push him down if his face il
turned that way. In future, Mr.. Tomp
son, let every thing wear an appearance
of prosperity, and you will be sure L
prosper"


With a cheerful air, Uncle Joshu,
placed the money in his pocket book
ready 10 meet some other claim upon hi
benevolence, whilst he whom he had be
friended, with light step and Cheerful
countenance, returned to his now happ,
home.