And then , too , when Perseus looked sideways at him , out of the corner of his eye , he seemed to see wings on the side of his head ; although , if he turned a full gaze , there were no such things to be perceived , but only an odd kind of cap . But , at all events , the twisted staff was evidently a great convenience to Quicksilver , and enabled him to proceed so fast , that Perseus , though a remarkably active young man , began to be out of breath . `` Here ! '' cried Quicksilver , at last , -- for he knew well enough , rogue that he was , how hard Perseus found it to keep pace with him , -- `` take you the staff , for you need it a great deal more than I. Are there no better walkers than yourself , in the island of Seriphus ? '' `` I could walk pretty well , '' said Perseus , glancing slyly at his companion 's feet , `` if I had only a pair of winged shoes . '' `` We must see about getting you a pair , '' answered Quicksilver . But the staff helped Perseus along so bravely , that he no longer felt the slightest weariness . In fact , the stick seemed to be alive in his hand , and to lend some of its life to Perseus . He and Quicksilver now walked onward at their ease , talking very sociably together ; and Quicksilver told so many pleasant stories about his former adventures , and how well his wits had served him on various occasions , that Perseus began to think him a very wonderful person . He evidently knew the world ; and nobody is so charming to a young man as a friend who has that kind of knowledge . Perseus listened the more eagerly , in the hope of brightening his own wits by what he heard . At last , he happened to recollect that Quicksilver had spoken of a sister , who was to lend her assistance in the adventure which they were now bound upon . `` Where is she ? '' he inquired . `` Shall we not meet her soon ? '' `` All at the proper time , '' said his companion . `` But this sister of mine , you must understand , is quite a different sort of character from myself . She is very grave and prudent , seldom smiles , never laughs , and makes it a rule not to utter a word unless she has something particularly profound to say . Neither will she listen to any but the wisest conversation . '' `` Dear me ! ''
ejaculated Perseus ; `` I shall be afraid XXXXX say a syllable . ''
about along as at by for if in though to