Cooper seems to prize honesty above all other characteristics in a person. Trust is gained only through establishing one's honesty in The Prairie. This is shown when Paul first gains the trust of the trapper. At this time the trapper says, "you have a long, and a happy - ay, and an honest life afore you!" (pg 32). Notice that Cooper places honesty apart from the other characteristics, demonstrating its significance. The importance of honesty to Cooper is also shown in the trapper's attempts to free the party from the friendly (at the time) Siouxes. To do so, the trapper deceives the Indians into believing Dr. Battius is a powerful conjurer. However, he does not do this without misgivings, as he shows when he says, "The Lord will forgive me, for playing with the ignorance of the savage, for he knows I do it in order to save mortal life" (pg 224). Also, when talking with Mahtoree, the trapper says, "Honesty lies deeper than the skin" (pg 282), showing its universal significance. Honesty is necessary in a pharmacist because thousands of drugs are in their control. A pharmacist can only distribute these medications as a doctor prescribes, no matter how persuasive or tempting a customer's offer may be. Also, honesty is an admirable trait, so it can win you lasting customers that add to your business (just as Paul's honesty gained him the friendship of the trapper).