I call all of you to witness that this quarrel was forced upon me." "Your pity does you credit," said the hunter, "but it's not needed.
'Twere better, sir, if you have such a large supply of that commodity that you save a little of it for yourself.

And as for your attending to Mr.Lennox afterward, that meeting, I think, will not occur." A long breath came from the crowd.

This strange hunter spoke in a confident tone, and so he must know more than a little of the sword.

De Galisonniere had just come into the garden, and was about to speak, but when he saw that Willet was face to face with Boucher he remained silent.
"Robert," said the hunter, "do you give me full title to this quarrel of yours ?" "Yes, it is yours," replied the youth, knowing that the hunter would not be denied, and having supreme confidence in him.
"And now, Monsieur Boucher," continued Willet, "the quicker the better.
Mr.Lennox will be my second and I recommend that you choose for yours one of three gentlemen, Colonel de Courcelles, Count de Mezy or the Captain de Jumonville, all of whom conspired to lead a boy into this garden and to his death." The faces of the three became livid.
"And," said the hunter, "if any one of the three gentlemen whom I have mentioned should feel the need of satisfaction after I have attended to Monsieur Pierre Boucher, I shall be very glad to satisfy him." De Mezy recovering himself, and assuming a defiant manner, took the part of Boucher's second.

Willet removed his coat and waistcoat and handed them to Robert, beside whom Tayoga was now standing.