Then his beard was of a reddish hue, and his complexion warm and sanguine.

Those who had seen him slumbering, averred that he slept with his eyes open.

But this might be merely a figurative mode of describing his customary vigilance.

Certain it was, that the slightest sound aroused him.

This astute personage was somewhat under the middle size, but fairly proportioned, inclining rather to strength than symmetry, and abounding more in muscle than in flesh.
It would seem, from the attention which he evidently bestowed upon the hidden and complex machinery of the grand system of villany at work around him, that his chief object in taking up his quarters in the Mint, must have been to obtain some private information respecting the habits and practices of its inhabitants, to be turned to account hereafter.
Advancing towards Wood, Jonathan fixed his keen gray eyes upon him, and demanded, in a stern tone whether the persons who had taken refuge in the adjoining house, were bailiffs.
"Not that I know of," replied the carpenter, who had in some degree recovered his confidence.
"Then I presume you've not been arrested ?" "I have not," answered Wood firmly.
"I guessed as much.