For some moments, Mr. Grant hung his head in painful confusion. Then, looking up, he said—
"It was his own fault."
"How so?" was inquired.
"He would not pay the price for a solid ring, and I could not give him my work for nothing."
"Did you ask him a fair price?"
"Yes; and he answered, that my neighbour over the way had offered to make him a solid ring, for just one dollar less. I knew exactly what kind of a ring Martin could and would furnish for that money, and made him one just like it. I gave him his money's worth, and a little over. He was not cheated."
"But he was deceived. How you could have done such a thing, brother Grant, is more than I can understand."
"I had to do it in self-defence; and this very Martin, who has been so ready to expose the little deception, made the act necessary."
"I'm sorry you should have done so. It was wrong," said Mr. Harrison.
"I'm ready to acknowledge that. But it's too late, now, to repair the error. I wish I'd had nothing to do with the matter."