A word, in passing, to describe this remarkable old man.

He was tall and thin, and strangely erect for one of his years.

His gaunt, seamed face was beardless and almost repellent in its severity.

In his deep-set, piercing eyes lurked all the pains of a lifetime.

He had been a strong, robust man; the framework was all that remained of the staunch house in which his being had dwelt for so long.