When he thinks that the runners want greasing he takes a candle, lays it down on the road in front of one of the runners, and lets this pass over it.

This greases it sufficiently, and it glides along over the stones almost as smoothly as if passing over ice." Frank thoroughly enjoyed his run on shore, but was surprised at the air of listlessness which pervaded the inhabitants.

Every one moved about in the most dawdling fashion.

The shopkeepers looked out from their doors as if it were a matter of perfect indifference to them whether customers called or not.

The few soldiers in Portuguese uniform looked as if they had never done a day's drill since they left home.