.

The Captain.
The fair complexion of the Captain's youthful days had been darkened by exposure to hard weather and extreme climates.

His smooth face of twenty years since was scored by the telltale marks of care; his dark beard was beginning to present variety of color by means of streaks of gray; and his hair was in course of undisguised retreat from his strong broad forehead.

Not rising above the middle height, the Captain's spare figure was well preserved.

It revealed power and activity, severely tested perhaps at some former time, but capable even yet of endurance under trial.