He was full of "idees," and his fundamental idea was of course his belief in the equality and universal brotherhood of men.

In theory he recognized no social distinctions.

But the most democratic of democrats in theory is just a little bit of an aristocrat in feeling--he doesn't like to be patted on the back by the hostler; much less does he like to be reprimanded by a stage-driver.

And Charlton was all the more sensitive from a certain vague consciousness that he himself had let down the bars of his dignity by unfolding his theories so gushingly to Whisky Jim.
What did Jim know--what _could_ a man who said "idees" know--about the great world-reforming thoughts that engaged his attention?
But when dignity is once fallen, all the king's oxen and all the king's men can't stand it on its legs again.

In such a strait, one must flee from him who saw the fall.
Albert Charlton therefore determined that he would change to the inside of the coach when an opportunity should offer, and leave the Superior Being to sit "wrapped in the solitude of his own originality.".