common-sense where you are going, I have made a precious bad
choice of an agent."

"See how men misconstrue their own natures!" exclaimed Classon, with a
sort of fervor. "If any one had asked me what gift I laid especial claim
to possess, I protest I should have said 'common-sense;' a little more
common-sense than any one else I ever met."

"You are modest too."

"Becomingly so, I hope and believe."

"Have you any other remarkable traits that you might desire to record?"

"A few, and a very few," said Paul, with a well-assumed air of humility.
"Nature has blessed me with the very best of tempers. I am never rash,
hasty, or impetuous; I accept the rubs of life with submission; I think
well of every one."

"Do you, faith!" exclaimed Davis, with a scornful laugh.

"Knowing well that we are all slaves of circumstances, I take motives
where others demand actions, just as I would take a bill at three months
from him who has no cash. It may be paid, or it may not."

"You'd have passed it ere it became due, eh, Master Paul?"

"Such is possible; I make no claims above human frailty."

"Is sobriety amongst your other virtues?"

"I rarely transgress its limits, save when alone. It is in the solitary
retirement where I seek reflection that I occasionally indulge. There I
am, so to say, 'Classo cum Classone.' I offer no example to others,--I
shock no outward decorum. If the instinctive appreciation of my
character--which I highly possess--passes that of most men, I owe it to
those undisguised moments when I stand revealed to myself. Wine keeps no
secrets; and Paul Classon drunk appeals to Paul Classon sober. Believe
me, Kit, when I tell you no man knows half the excellent things in his
own heart till he has got tipsy by himself!"

"I wish I had never thought of you for this affair," said Davis,
angrily.

"Pitt made the same speech to Wolfe, and yet that young general
afterwards took Quebec."

"What do I care about Wolfe or Quebec? I want a particular service that
a man of moderate brains and a firm purpose can accomplish."

"And for which Paul Classon pledges himself with his head? Ay, Grog
Davis, that is my bond."

"The day you come back to me with proof of success, I hand you five
hundred pounds."

"Cash?"

"Cash,--and more, if all be done to our entire satisfaction. _He_--"
here he jerked up his thumb towards Beecher's room--"_he_ sha'n't forget
you."

Paul closed his eyes, and muttered something to hims