de Montrevel and myself rely entirely upon you." M.de Valensolle staked a second cane at the fortieth pace.
"Gentlemen," said he, "when you are ready." Roland's adversary was already at his post, hat and cloak removed.
The surgeon and the two seconds stood aside.

The spot had been so well chosen that neither had any advantage of sun or ground.

Roland tossed off hat and coat, stationed himself forty paces from M.de Barjols, facing him.

Both, one to right the other to the left, cast a glance at the same horizon.

The aspect harmonized with the terrible solemnity of the scene about to take place.
Nothing was visible to Roland's right and to M.de Barjols' left, except the mountain's swift incline and gigantic peak.