Somewhat as prisoners beguile their
days by taming a spider, the reformed drunkard makes an interest out
of abstaining from intoxicating drinks, and may live for that
negation. There is something, at least, NOT TO BE DONE each day; and
a cold triumph awaits him every evening.
We had one on board with us, whom I have already referred to under
the name Mackay, who seemed to me not only a good instance of this
failure in life of which we have been speaking, but a good type of
the intelligence which here surrounded me. Physically he was a small
Scotsman, standing a little back as though he were already carrying
the elements of a corporation, and his looks somewhat marred by the
smallness of his eyes. Mentally, he was endowed above the average.
There were but few subjects on which he could not converse with
understanding and a dash of wit; delivering himself slowly and with
gusto like a man who enjoyed his own sententiousness. He was a dry,
quick, pertinent debater, speaking with a small voice, and swinging
on his heels to launch and emphasise an argument. When he began a
discussion, he could not bear to leave it off, but would pick the
subject to the bone, without once relinquishing a point.
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