In all affairs of honour his opinion was a veritable canon to the _jeunesse doree_ of the day.

The other second, Conrad, was an herculean, athletic-looking fellow, whom, on that very account, every challenger tried to secure in those cases when a little judicious bullying might be necessary.

This swash-buckler had, moreover, a most imposing countenance, and a voice capable of frightening even a bear back into its den.
These two estimable gentlemen then, having, _pro superabundante_, written out the challenge, in case the Philistine should deny himself or hide away from them, sought out the house of Mr.Boltay and made their way into his workroom.
The master was not at home.

He had got into a cart very early in the morning with Teresa and Fanny, and from the nature of his arrangements there was reason to suspect that he would be absent for some time.
Alone in the room sat Alexander drawing patterns on a piece of paper fastened to the table.
The two gentlemen wished him _bon jour_.

He responded in a similar strain, and, approaching, asked them what were their commands.
"Hem! young man!" began Conrad, in a thunderous voice, "is this Master Boltay's house ?" "It is," replied Alexander.