I had nearly shot my bolt, and you had scarcely begun.
"I own myself a convert.

Your attitude is better than ours--that is, when the hand is skilful enough to defend the body.

The fatigue of holding the arm extended, as I do, is much greater than it is as you stand; and in the long run you must get the better of anyone who is not sufficiently skilful to slay you before his arm becomes fatigued.
"What do you think, Maitre Charles?
My cousin is two years younger than I am, and yet his wrist and arm are stronger than mine, as I could feel every time he put aside my attacks." "Is that so ?" the maitre d'armes said, in surprise.

"I had taken him for your senior.

He will be a famous man-at-arms, when he attains his full age.