than
many of his more scrupulous competitors. He never misrepresents goods
except by inference, is one of the most affable and likable men in his
city, and throws small bait broadcast.
To
one of this kind, however, there are many who strive to be fair, and
endeavor by fair dealing and moderate profits to secure the confidence
and custom of a loyal clientele. It is not easy, as another actual
occurrence will show. A man came to a diamond dealer in an eastern
city and asked him what the diamond ring he wore was worth. The
jeweler, not wishing to value the jewel, referred him to an importer of
diamonds who was calling on him. This man said to the enquirer, " Have
you bought this ring? " " Yes — bought it of a jeweler in the town
where I live." " Is he a good man — good reputation ? Has he a good
trade and so on ?" " Why, yes, as far as I know. He has been there a
good many years. I don't think he's over rich, but he pays his bills
all right, I guess." " Now, if you bought that ring of a good man that
has lived in a small town a number of years and saved a good
reputation, and is where you can put your finger on him any time,
don't you think you might as well take his say-so as that of a man you
know nothing about and may never see again ? " " Well, looking at it
that way, perhaps I might," said the man, taking his ring and walking
out, evidently somewhat puzzled and only half satisfied. The home
jeweler was paying the penalty of a general distrust created largely by
the sins of the other type.
In examining diamonds, there are a great many unconsidered things which befog the judgment of inex-
