Old Clinton was one of those sheer and hardened sinners who, without either scruple or remorse, yet think it worth while to keep as good terms with the world as they can, whilst at the same time they laugh and despise in their hearts all that is worthy of honor and respect in it.

His nephew, however, had some positive good, and not a little of that light and reckless profligacy which is often mistaken for heart and spirit.

Hycy and he, though not very long acquainted, were, at the present period of our narrative, on very intimate terms.

They had, it is true, a good many propensities in common, and these were what constituted the bond between them.

They were companions but not friends; and Clinton saw many things in Hycy which disgusted him exceedingly, and scarcely anything more than the contemptuous manner in which he spoke of and treated his parents.