His acquaintances were, perhaps, right, for he certainly was obstinate.

He would take no man's advice, he would submit himself to no man, and in the conduct of his own business preferred to trust to his own insight than to the experience of others.

It would sometimes occur that he had to pay heavily for his obstinacy.

But, on the other hand, the lessons which he learned he learned thoroughly.

And he was kept right in his trade by his own indefatigable industry.