They were like the posts of the prize ring supporting the rope; that is to say, the less important sailors who sat between them.

Each of the four was a man of mark.
Facing Harrigan were Jacob Flint and Sam Hall.

The former was a little man, who might have lived unnoticed forever had it not been for a terrible scar which deformed his face.

It was a cut received in a knife fight at a Chinese port.

The white, gleaming line ran from the top of his temple, across the side of his right eye, and down to the cheekbone.