Deft in word and action, acknowledging at all times that Colden was the commander, thus saving the young Philadelphian's pride in the presence of his men, he contrived in an unobtrusive way to direct everything.

Our hosier knight, though deft with needle and keen with lance, has a stammering tongue.

The servant was a crafty fellow, a London rascal, deft at whipping away full bottles.

The motions of Pete Reeve were as fast and as deft as the whiplash striking of a snake.

" "That may be," said the Tinker right sturdily, "but I am more deft than he, for did I not overcome Simon of Ely in a fair bout in the ring at Hertford Town?

There was also an old sailorman who profited by this recreation of the Hill-dwellers; for he was learned in sails and air-currents, and being deft of hand and cunning, he fashioned the best-flying kites that could be obtained.