If I don't choose to get into any scrape with them, I have a right to keep out.
That's all I've got to say." "But what are you going to do, Shuffles?
Our fellows will want to know." "I'm going to do my duty," replied the third lieutenant as he walked away, regardless of the efforts of his companion to detain him.
Shuffles was experiencing the truth of the old maxim, that honesty is the best policy.

It is to be regretted that his present devotion to duty had no higher incentive than mere policy; but it may be hoped of those who do their duty from low motives, that they may gather inspiration even from their politic fidelity to obey its behests from higher motives.

The third lieutenant of the Young America intended to keep the promise he had made in accepting his office, simply because it would pay best.
Wilton and his confederates had no difficulty in making up the required number of discontents and malcontents before six o'clock, which was the time fixed for carrying out the enterprise they had planned.

Some of the recruits joined because they anticipated a good time in the city in celebrating the Fourth, and others from a mere love of mischief and excitement.

The details of the scheme had been carefully elaborated by Monroe and Wilton, after the ranks of the conspirators were full.