This would be a very sad thing to befall a young mail who wanted to perform a great many brave deeds , and to enjoy a great deal of happiness , in this bright and beautiful world . So disconsolate did these thoughts make him , that Perseus could not bear to tell his another what he had undertaken to do . He therefore took his shield , girded on his sword , and crossed over from the island to the mainland , where he sat down in a solitary place , and hardly refrained from shedding tears . But , while he was in this sorrowful mood , he heard a voice close beside him . `` Perseus , '' said the voice , `` why are you sad ? '' He lifted his head from his hands , in which he had hidden it , and , behold ! all alone as Perseus had supposed himself to be , there was a stranger in the solitary place . It was a brisk , intelligent , and remarkably shrewd-looking young man , with a cloak over his shoulders , an odd sort of cap on his head , a strangely twisted staff in his hand , and a short and very crooked sword hanging by his side . He was exceedingly light and active in his figure , like a person much accustomed to gymnastic exercises , and well able to leap or run . Above all , the stranger had such a cheerful , knowing , and helpful aspect -LRB- though it was certainly a little mischievous , into the bargain -RRB- , that Perseus could not help feeling his spirits grow livelier , as he gazed at him . Besides , being really a courageous youth , he felt greatly ashamed that anybody should have found him with tears in his eyes , like a timid little school-boy , when , after all , there might be no occasion for despair . So Perseus wiped his eyes , and answered the stranger pretty briskly , putting on as brave a look as he could . `` I am not so very sad , '' said he ; `` only thoughtful about an adventure that I have undertaken . '' `` Oho ! '' answered the stranger . `` Well , tell me all about it , and possibly I may be of service to you . I have helped a good many young men through adventures that looked difficult enough beforehand . Perhaps you may have heard of me . I have more names than one ; but the name of Quicksilver suits me as well as any other . Tell me what your trouble is , and we will talk the matter over , and see what can be done . ''
The stranger 's words and manner put Perseus XXXXX quite a different mood from his former one .
Besides at from in into of over than though while