It would save the Frenchman some of his blood, but Nemours and de Galisonniere were now choosing the positions in such a manner that neither would have the sun in his eyes but merely his shoulder against the disc.

Robert took off his coat and waistcoat and Willet folded them over his own arm.

De Mezy prepared in like manner.

Nemours gazed at young Lennox's shoulders and arms, and the muscles swelling beneath his thin shirt, and he was not quite so sure of his principal's victory as he had been.
Then the two faced each other and Robert looked straight into his opponent's eyes, reading there the proof that while outwardly de Mezy might now show no signs of dissipation, yet drink and lost hours had struck a blow at the vital organism of the human machine.

He was more confident than ever, and he repeated to himself Willet's advice to be cautious and slow at first.
"Your positions, gentlemen!" said de Galisonniere, and they stood face to face.