“Mr. Musgrove, I am a comparative stranger to you, and you are to me; but I am always concerned for the welfare of honest and good citizens. Now, I would like you to succeed in trade as well as anybody else, and I hope you will; but you know it is difficult for a man in your business to get along if it is ever rumoured that he makes short weight and measure, and takes advantage of children and ignorant persons.”
“What do you mean, Mr. Eadie?” inquired Mr. Musgrove, as though he understood the remark to apply to himself.
“I will tell you, Mr. Musgrove. Now, I hope you will not think that I am the inventor of what I am about to tell you, or that I even believe it, for I have no reason for doing so.”
“What is it, Mr. Eadie? What is it?”
“I would not dream of telling you, if I did not desire that you might stand well before the public and your customers in particular.”
“That is what I am anxious to do; and what I am always studying to do; and I never yet had any fears about the matter.”
“Nor have I, Mr. Musgrove; but it is said that you make short weight and measure.”
“This is the first time that ever anything of the kind came to my ears since I have been in business,” said Mr. Musgrove, with considerable feeling.
“The thing has been told me by several individuals; and I fear the report is going the round of the village, much to your injury.”
“I am exceedingly sorry for it. But, Mr. Eadie, I must know the name of the party who has thus suffered from my dishonesty. I must trace this matter out, for my honour and happiness are dependent upon it. I scorn such a thing in the very thought.”