His complexion had got pale: his face, at the lower part was covered, to my great surprise and disappointment, with a curly brown beard and mustachios.

He had a lively touch-and-go way with him, very pleasant and engaging, I admit; but nothing to compare with his free-and-easy manners of other times.

To make matters worse, he had promised to be tall, and had not kept his promise.

He was neat, and slim, and well made; but he wasn't by an inch or two up to the middle height.

In short, he baffled me altogether.