I was not surprised, therefore, when the former made his way towards me through the press which filled the antechamber, and with a lowering brow requested a word with me.
'Certainly,' I said, watching him narrowly, for I knew him to be both treacherous and a bully.

'Speak on, sir.' 'You have balked me once and again,' he rejoined, in a voice which shook a little, as did the fingers with which he stroked his waxed moustache.
'There is no need of words between us.

I, with one sword besides, will to-morrow at noon keep the bridge at Chaverny, a league from here.

It is an open country.

Possibly your pleasure may lead you to ride that way with a friend ?' 'You may depend upon me, sir,' I answered, bowing low, and feeling thankful that the matter was at length to be brought to a fair and open arbitration.