Each was to stand at his own line, and advance as he pleased when the seconds gave the word.
"Do we take off our coats ?" said Philippe to his adversary coldly.
"Of course," answered Maxence, with the assumption of a bully.
They did so; the rosy tints of their skin appearing through the cambric of their shirts.

Each, armed with a cavalry sabre selected of equal weight, about three pounds, and equal length, three feet, placed himself at his own line, the point of his weapon on the ground, awaiting the signal.

Both were so calm that, in spite of the cold, their muscles quivered no more than if they had been made of iron.

Goddet, the four seconds, and the two soldiers felt an involuntary admiration.
"They are a proud pair!" The exclamation came from Potel.
Just as the signal was given, Max caught sight of Fario's sinister face looking at them through the hole which the Knights of Idleness had made for the pigeons in the roof of the church.

Those eyes, which sent forth streams of fire, hatred, and revenge, dazzled Max for a moment.