Courthon, be so good as to help me on with my boots again." And there was a fresh delay whilst he resumed them.
At last, however, the four men came together, and proceeded to the measurement of swords.

It was found that Sanguinetti's was two inches longer than any of the other three.
"It is the usual length in Italy," said Sanguinetti with a shrug.
"If monsieur had realized that he was no longer in Italy, we might perhaps have been spared this very foolish business," answered Garnache testily.
"But what are we to do ?" cried the perplexed Gaubert.
"Fight," said Garnache impatiently.

"Is there never to be an end to these preliminaries ?" "But I cannot permit you to oppose yourself to a sword two inches longer than your own," cried Gaubert, almost in a temper.
"Why not, if I am satisfied ?" asked Garnache.

"Mine is the longer reach; thus matters will stand equal." "Equal ?" roared Gaubert.

"Your longer reach is an advantage that you had from God, his longer sword is one he had from an armourer.