He estimated everybody and everything instinctively and solely from the standpoint of advantage to himself.

Such people, if they have the intelligence to hide themselves under a pleasing surface, and the wisdom to plan, and the energy to execute, always get just about what they want; for intelligence and energy are invincible weapons, whether the end be worthy or not.

As soon, however, as he was in the road up to the Bluffs, deserted at that hour, his body relaxed, his arms and hands dropped from the correct angle for driving, the reins lay loose upon the horse's back, and he gave himself to dejection.

He had thought--at Windrift--that, once he was free from the engagement which was no longer to his interest, he would feel buoyant, elated.

Instead, he was mentally even more downcast a figure than his relaxed attitude and gloomy face made him physically.