At wrist and neck there showed a touch of white, and a bit of white appeared protruding at the bosom of his coat.

His tread was supple and easy as that of a boy of twenty.

"Ned, me boy," he whispered to his companion as they entered, "I'm feelin' fine the night; and as for yerself, ye're fit for the court o' St.James at a diplomats' ball." Franklin, indeed, deserved somewhat of the compliment.

He was of that rare figure of man which looks well whether clad for the gymnasium or the ball, upon which clothing does not merely hang, but which fills out and dignifies the apparel that may be worn.

In height the ex-captain was just below the six-foot mark which so often means stature but not strength, and he carried every inch of his size with proportions which indicated vigour and activity.