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The youth with him had shown himself to be a fine swordsman, as Count Jean de Mézy could testify, but the elder man, who had appeared to be a hunter, and who claimed to be one, was such a master of the weapon as had never before appeared in New France. And it was said by the French officers that his equal could not be found in old France either.
They had their gay blades in New York and Albany and even a few in Boston of the Puritans, but he had not seen anybody like de Mézy. "It is such as he who are pulling down New France," murmured Father Drouillard. A moment or two later the priest said farewell and departed in the direction of the cathedral. "There goes a man," said Willet, as he looked after the tall figure in the black robe.
They pushed across the Marne to a depth of some three miles between Mezy and Dormans, and in three days advanced up it past Châtillon towards Épernay as far as Rueil. Similar progress was made eastwards on the line between the Marne and Vrigny.
"I will meet you tomorrow morning just after sunrise with the small sword, and my seconds will confer with yours tonight." He stood up that they might see his size. Although only a boy in years, he was as large and strong as de Mézy, and his eyes were clearer and his muscles much firmer.
Lennox's surpassing skill with the sword, and of his success with Count Jean de Mézy, who wielded a good blade himself. But neither the Intendant nor those associated with him bore any ill will. It was well known that Mr.
Well for de Mézy that he had made the offer that morning to substitute Willet for Lennox, since youth, with the hot blood of battle pulsing in its veins, may think too late of mercy. But Robert remembered. His revenge was already complete. All had seen the pallid face of de Mézy, and all, whether they knew anything of the sword or not, knew that he lay at the mercy of his foe.
"What's this I hear about a quarrel between you and de Mézy and a duel in the morning?" "You hear the truth." "But de Mézy, though he is no friend of mine, is a swordsman, and has had plenty of experience. You English, or at least you English in your colonies, know nothing about the sword, except to wear it as a decoration!" Robert laughed. "I appreciate your anxiety for me," he said.
Robert and Tayoga did not pay the slightest attention to them, concentrating their whole attention upon the sport, but Willet said quietly: "I've seen wise chiefs play it for hours, and the great men of the Hodenosaunee would be great men anywhere." Angry words gathered on the lips of de Mézy, but they were not spoken.
Is it not so, de Mézy?" "Yes," said de Mézy, the purple spots in his face deepening. "Then," said the Intendant, "I see nothing left to do but bury Boucher. He was but a quarrelsome fellow with none too good a record in France. And keep it from the ladies at present." He returned with his courtiers to the house, and the dancing continued, but Robert felt that he could not stay any longer.
In strength you are superior to de Mézy, and in wind far better. You should have no trouble with him. Watch his eye and stand for a while on the defensive. One of his habits, will soon wear himself down, and then he will be at your mercy." "You are a wonderful swordsman, Mr. Willet," said de Galisonnière, frank in his admiration.
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