"Colonel Marion," said he, pressing the tobacco in his pipe at the same time, "can you answer me ONE question?"
"Most gladly, general, and a THOUSAND if I can!"
"Thank you, colonel, but ONE will do."
"Be pleased then, sir, to say on."
"Well, colonel, can you tell me how old I am?"
"That's a tough question, general."
"TOUGH, colonel! pray how do you make that out?"
"Why, sir, there is a strange January and May sort of contrast between your locks and your looks that quite confuses me. By your locks you seem to be in the winter, by your looks in the summer of your days."
"Well but, colonel, striking the balance between the two, whereabouts do you take me to be?"
"Why, sir, in the spring and prime of life; about forty."