What do you do best--shoot or fence ?" "Shoot, although I am hardly an expert at either." "Le Gaire will name swords," he said soberly.

"He's a fine swordsman, and probably the only question is how badly he'll try to hurt you." "A pleasant prospect surely." "For him, yes, but as your second I propose impressing Captain Bell, when he arrives, with the idea that you are particularly expert with the sabre, which happens to be the only sword weapon present.

If I succeed he may decide that pistols will be better." I stared at him with full appreciation, realizing the man was really seeking to serve me.
"May make it too," he went on calmly.

"You're a stronger man than Le Gaire, and that means something with the sabre.

If I can convince Bell, he'll make Le Gaire decide in favor of the gun.