"The Count de Mezy credits me with too much knowledge of the sword." "No," said Bigot, laughing, "Jean wouldn't do that.

He'd credit you with all you have, and no more.

Jean, like the rest of us, doesn't relish a defeat, do you, Jean ?" De Mezy reddened, but he forced a laugh.
"I suppose that nobody does!" he replied, "but when I suffer one I try to make the best of it." "That's an honest confession, Jean," said Bigot, "and you'll feel better for making it." He seemed now to Robert bluff, genial, all good nature, and the youth stood on one side, while Willet and Tayoga were presented in their turn.
Bigot looked very keenly at the Onondaga, and the answering gaze was fierce and challenging.

Robert saw that Tayoga was not moved by the splendor, the music and the perfumed air, and that he did not forget for an instant that this gay Quebec of the French was the Stadacona of the Mohawks, a great brother nation of the Hodenosaunee.
Bigot's countenance fell a little as he met the intensely hostile gaze, but in a moment he recovered himself and began to pay compliments to Willet and the Iroquois.

Robert felt the charm of his manner and saw why he was so strong with a great body of the French in New France.