Then he drew his sword and balanced it a moment in his hand, before he clasped it lightly but firmly by the hilt.
Another long breath came from the crowd which had increased.

Every man there was aware that something uncommon was afoot.

Who and what Boucher was most of them knew, but the hunter was an unknown quantity, all the more interesting because of the mystery that enshrouded him.

And the interest was deepened when they saw his swift, easy motion, his wonderful lightness for so large a man, and the manner in which the hilt of his sword fitted into his hand, as if they had long been brothers.
"I call you all to witness once again," said Boucher, "that this quarrel was forced upon me, and that I had no wish to slay a wandering hunter of the Bostonnais." Willet made no reply for the present.

He took his position and Boucher took his.