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 into quite a different mood from his former one . He resolved to tell Quicksilver all his difficulties , since he could not easily be worse off than he already was , and , very possibly , his new friend might give him some advice that would turn out well in the end . So he let the stranger know , in few words , precisely what the case was ; -- how that King Polydeetes wanted the head of Medusa with the snaky locks as a bridal gift for the beautiful Princess Hippodamia , and how that he had undertaken to get it for him , but was afraid of being turned into stone . `` And that would be a great pity , '' said Quicksilver , with his mischievous smile . `` You would make a very handsome marble statue , it is true , and it would be a considerable number of centuries before you crumbled away ; but , on the whole , one would rather be a young man for a few years , than a stone image for a great many . '' `` O , far rather ! ''
exclaimed Perseus , XXXXX the tears again standing in his eyes .
Besides So about from in of that though through with