( There is a moment, ill measured, when Mr. Briggs appears sufficiently at a loss for words that he might take it upon himself to combust.

Only, he opts differently: to find and gaze in the terrible lad's eyes, to hold his glance, to challenge him fairly: )

Many of them have spoiled their eyes on telescopes or drink. ( Both, as it happens, the fine risks that accompany their profession. ) Would you rather have had to describe the picture in granular detail?

( ...Mr. Briggs rather thinks there is a forgiving ambiguity to the written word that having to ad lib a description lacks, formidably. )