At one time he had formed the habit of being robbed, and later on he was drugged; but no one could conjecture what he would next add to his repertory.

His troubles were amusing, his difficulties were humorous, his failures were laughable, and his sorrows were the cause for jest.
He had a growing paunch, and when he stood he leaned back slightly as though his rotund front found ease in exhibition.

As a law student he had aimed a severe blow at justice, and failing as an attorney, he had served his country a good turn.

As a reporter he wrote with a torch, and wrote well.

All his utterances were declamatory; and he had a set of scallopy gestures that were far beyond the successful mimicry of his fellows.