When Robert stood in his shirt sleeves he noted his powerful chest and shoulders and arms, and then his eyes traveling to the marvelous wrists were arrested there.

He drew in his breath as he saw, from the way in which Robert flexed them for a moment or two that they were like wrought steel.
"If this lad has been taught as they indicate he has, our ruffling bully, Jean de Mezy, is in for a bad half hour," he said to himself.
Then he looked at Willet, built heavily, with great shoulders and chest, but with all the spring and activity of a young man.

His glance passed on to Tayoga, the young Onondaga, in all the splendor of his forest attire, standing by the wall, his eyes calm and fathomless.

It occurred all at once to Captain de Galisonniere that he was in the presence of an extraordinary three, each remarkable in his own way, and, liking the unusual, his interest in them deepened.

It did not matter that they were his official enemies, because on the other hand they were his personal friends.
"Now, Robert," said Willet, "watch my eye, because I'm going to put you to a severe test.