Dick had never beheld a more striking contrast.

The President was elderly, of great height, his head surmounted by a high silk hat which made him look yet taller, while his face was long, melancholy, and wrinkled deeply.

His collar had wilted with the heat and the tails of his long black coat flapped about his legs.
The general was clothed in a brilliant uniform.

He was short and stocky and his head scarcely passed the President's shoulder.

He was redolent of youth and self confidence.