But logic was not predominant in Mutimer's constitution.

So far from contemplating treason with the calm intelligence which demands judgment on other grounds than the common, he was in reality possessed by a spirit of perturbation.

Such reason as he could command bade him look up and view with scorn the ragged defenders of the forts; but whence came this hail of missiles which kept him so sore?
Clearly there was some element of his nature which eluded grasp and definition, a misty influence making itself felt here and there.

To none of the sources upon which I have touched was it clearly traceable; in truth, it arose from them all.

The man had never in his life been guilty of offence against his graver conscience; he had the sensation of being about to plunge from firm footing into untried depths.