He was a sensitive rather than a proud man, and his seemingly impending failure cut him to the quick.

Mr.McManus and Mr.Baird, partners in the enterprise, also soon passed away.

These two men were manufacturers like myself and in no position to engage in railway construction.
[Footnote 32: Died May 21, 1881.] The business man has no rock more dangerous to encounter in his career than this very one of endorsing commercial paper.

It can easily be avoided if he asks himself two questions: Have I surplus means for all possible requirements which will enable me to pay without inconvenience the utmost sum for which I am liable under this endorsement?
Secondly: Am I willing to lose this sum for the friend for whom I endorse?
If these two questions can be answered in the affirmative he may be permitted to oblige his friend, but not otherwise, if he be a wise man.

And if he can answer the first question in the affirmative it will be well for him to consider whether it would not be better then and there to pay the entire sum for which his name is asked.