He felt it a strange chance that such an affair should be forced upon him, and yet this was a dueling city.

The hot young spirits of France had brought their customs with them into the North American wilderness, and perhaps the unsought chance, if he used it as he thought he could, would not serve him so ill after all.
De Mezy, with his seconds, Nemours and Le Moyne, was approaching among the trees.

It appeared that the seconds for both had arranged everything at a meeting the night before, and nothing was left for the two principals but to fight.

Robert saw at a single glance that de Mezy's head was clear.

Some of the mottled color had left his cheeks, but the effect was an improvement, and he bore himself like a man who was strong and confident.