He and John Chamberlin were close friends.

Once when he was breakfasting with John a mutual friend came in.

He was in doubt what to order.

Tom suggested beefsteak and onions.
"But," objected the newcomer, "I am about to call on some ladies, and the smell of onions on my breath, you know!" "Don't let that trouble you," said Tom; "you have the steak and onions and when you get your bill that will take your breath away!" Under an unpromising exterior--a stocky build and fiery red head--there glowed a brave, generous and tender spirit.

The man was a _preux chevalier_.