Indeed, in certain respects, he was far more popular; for, though perhaps not so adroit in his profession, nor so well fitted for its command, he was possessed of many of those qualities which are apt to be taking with "the fierce democratic!" He was a prince of hail fellows--was thoroughly versed in low jest and scurvy anecdote--could play at pushpins, and drink at every point in the game; and, strange to say, though always drinking, was never drunk.

Nor, though thus accomplished, and thus prone to these accomplishments, did he ever neglect those duties which he assumed to perform.

No indulgence led him away from his post, and, on the other hand, no post compelled or constrained him into gravity.

He was a careless, reckless blade, indifferent alike, it would seem, to sun and storm--and making of life a circle, that would not inaptly have illustrated the favorite text of Sardanapalus.
He arrived at the cave, as we have said just as the day was breaking.

A shrill whistle along the ridges of wood and rock as he passed them, denoted the various stations of the sentinels, as studiously strewed along the paths by which their place of refuge might be assailed, as if they were already beleaguered by an assailing army.