"He is of tougher material than most men, if the heart is not all
taken out of him," I said in speaking of him to a mutual friend.
"And he _is_ of tougher material," was answered, "that is, of finer
material. Brantley is not one of your common men."
"Still, there must be something wrong about him. Some defect of
judgment. He is a good climber; but not sure-footed. Or, it may be
that beyond a certain height his head grows dizzy."
"If one gets too eager in any pursuit, he is almost sure to make
false steps. I think Brantley became too eager. The steadily
widening prospect as he went up, up, up, caused his pulses to move
at a quicker rate."
"Too eager, and less scrupulous," I suggested.
"His honor is unstained," said the friend, with some warmth.
"In the degree that a man grows eager in pursuit, he is apt to grow
blind to things collateral, and less concerned about the principles
involved."
"In some cases that may be true, but is hardly probable in the case
of Brantley. I do not believe that he has swerved from integrity in
anything."
"It is my belief," I answered, "that if he had not swerved, he would
not have fallen. I may be wrong, but cannot help the impression."
"Brantley is an honest man. I will maintain that in the face of
every one," was replied.
"Honest as the world regards honesty. But there are higher than
legal standards. What A and B may consider fair, C may regard as
questionable.
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