Instead of a puffy face, his cheek-bones and jaw stood out hard and sharp, and in place of his former pasty colour his complexion had the clear glow of health.

I saw now that he was a splendid figure of a man, and when he got to his feet every movement had the suppleness of an athlete in training.

In that moment I realized that my serious business had now begun.

My senses suddenly seemed quicker, my nerves tenser, my brain more active.

The big game had started, and he and I were playing it together.
I watched him with strained attention.