bruising given him by Captain Luke Snider.  On approaching the closet door, it was found to be locked, and the landlord declared there was no space for one so stout within its bounds.  Deeming it prudent, however, the lock was turned, to the great delight and relief of the major, who came forth like an half roasted rhinoceros, heaved a sigh, and swore by no less than three saints, as soon as he gained the use of his tongue, that the fellow who turned the key on him was no friend.

“I am marvelously fond of retirement, I would have you know,” he spoke, with an air of much concern, “but I choose not to sacrifice my life in this way, for it is a device of the devil, and those in league with him.”  He emerged from the rubbish half dead with fear, and continued for some minutes proclaiming the baseness and treachery of the act.  Then clasping the landlord by the hand, he besought him to be his friend while he took revenge of the enemies who had played this trick upon him.

“Pray be comforted, sir, for these things are mere trifles, and a great man is never so great as when he forgets his misfortunes,” said he, “and heaven knows it has all gone wrong with me.  You, sir, have a position I lay no claim to.”

“Ah!” replied the major, “it is because I have a position, and think of it, that aggravates my misery.  And though I am ready to confess that I owe my deliverance to your wisdom and prudence, I begin to think that power is most to be feared when entrusted to men who have been brought up in servitude; for among their many accomplishments they do not include that which teacheth every man who would take care of the nation, to bear in mind, that he serves her best who thinks least of himself.  A mule may bray, but it takes an ass to be an ass.  I have been these twenty years, sir, serving my country; and I take to myself no little credit that I have served it as well as any of them, of which my secretary can bear testimony.”  Here the major turned to me for a word of approval.  The landlord now put several questions to him concerning his adventures in Mexico and elsewhere, to all of which he gave such extraordinary answers, that he felt assured that whatever eccentricities he might be guilty of at times, he had at least a vigorous understanding, and was as great a man as had come that way for many a day.  And so completely did the landlord, who appreciated genius of the highest order, when it did not conflict with his interests, fall in with all the major’s crotchets, that he would have written sonnets in his praise, but for the danger of entering upon so hazardous an occupation.  He now condoled him for having fallen into the hands of such political vagabonds as had brought disgrace upon his house, and who he swore would bring disgrace upon any house that had doors open to them.

After a moment of deep thought, the major turned to the landlord, and with great earnestness of manner, said:  “Since, sir, I have suffered no loss, let us think no more of these little distresses, for they so discipline a man, that if he have a heart it must be made capable of overcoming those obstacles all great men find in their way.  We both agree on this point, Mr. Landlord.  And since that matter is settled, if you have no objection, I will join you at breakfast, where we will debate several little matters concerning my mission.”