But he seemed for an instant to be on the threshold of something beyond his understanding; and yet he had lived, almost day and night, for some months with Barebone.

Since the beginning--that far-off beginning at Farlingford--their respective positions had been quite clearly defined.

Colville, the elder by nearly twenty years, had always been the guide and mentor and friend--the compulsory pilot he had gaily called himself.

He had a vast experience of the world.

He had always moved in the best French society.