A figure appeared before them. It was de Galisonniere, his ruddy face anxious. "I was hoping that we might meet you," said Robert. "What's this I hear about a quarrel between you and de Mezy and a duel in the morning?" "You hear the truth." "But de Mezy, 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. "It's the feeling of a friend, but don't worry. A few of us in the English colonies do know the use of the sword, and at the very head of them I should place David Willet, whom you know and who is with us." "But de Mezy is not going to fight Willet, he is going to fight you." "David Willet has been a father to me, more, in truth, than most fathers are to their sons. I've been with him for years, Captain de Galisonniere, and all the useful arts he knows he has tried long and continuously to teach to me." "Then you mean that the sword you now wear at your thigh is a weapon and not an ornament?" "Primarily, yes, but before we go further into the matter of the sword, I wish to ask you a favor." "Ask a dozen, Lennox. We've been companions of the voyage and your quarrel with de Mezy does not arouse any hostility in me." "I felt that it was so, and for that reason I ask the favor. We are strangers in Quebec. We did not come here to seek trouble with anybody, and so I ask you to be a second for me in this affair with de Mezy. Dave and Tayoga, of course, would act, but at the present juncture, ours being an errand of peace and not of war, I'd prefer Frenchmen." "Gladly I'll serve you, Lennox, since you indicate that you're a swordsman and are not going to certain death, and I'll bring with me in the morning a trusty friend, Armand Glandelet, one of our _honnetes gens_ who likes de Mezy as little as I do." "I thank you much, my good friend. I knew you would accept, and if all are willing I suggest that we go back now to the Inn of the Eagle." "A little trial of the sword in your room would not hurt," said de Galisonniere. "That's a good suggestion," said Willet. "A few turns will show whether your wrists and your arms and your back are all right. You come with us, of course, Captain de Galisonniere."