Fergus was accompanied by Major Kurstad and another officer of the duke's staff, and by the duke's own surgeon.

Formal salutations were exchanged between the seconds.

The duelling swords were examined, and found to be of the same length.
There was no difficulty in choosing the ground, as there was an open space in the centre of the little wood, and the sun had not risen high enough to overtop the trees.

As, therefore, the glade was in shade, there was no advantage, in point of light, to either combatant.
Lord Sackville had the reputation of being a good fencer, but in point of physique there was no comparison between the combatants.
Sackville was a tall and powerfully-built man, but dissipation and good living had rendered his muscles flabby and sapped his strength, although he was still in what should have been his prime.
Fergus, on the other hand, had not a superfluous ounce of flesh.
Constant exercise had hardened every muscle.

He was a picture of health and activity.
The general viewed him with an expression of vindictive animosity; while his face, on the other hand, wore an expression of perfect indifference.