"I like the French, and I know
them to be a brave and honest people. I did not think that in a
gathering of French gentlemen enough could be found to form a
treacherous and murderous conspiracy like this."
Nobody laughed in the dusk. The silence was intense. A cool wind blew
across Robert's face, and he felt anew that an invincible champion stood
by his side. Boucher broke the silence with a contemptuous laugh.
"Out of the way, sir," he said. "The affair does not concern you. If he
does not draw and defend himself I will chastise him with the flat of my
sword."
"You will not," said the hunter, in his cool, measured tones. "You will
fight me, instead."
"My quarrel is not with you."
"But it soon will be."
Near Willet was a rose bush with fresh earth heaped over its roots.
Stooping suddenly he picked up a handful and flung it with force into
the bravo's face. Boucher swore under his breath, stepped back, and
wiped away the earth.
"You've earned the precedence, sir," he said, "though I reserve the
right to attend to Mr.
Pages:
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350