“So much the worse for him; it is not my fault,” said Antragues.
CHAPTER XCVI.
THE COMBAT.
The place where this terrible combat was to take place was sequestered and shaded by trees. It was generally frequented only by children, who came to play there during the day, or by drunkards or robbers, who made a sleeping-place of it by night.
Chicot, his heart palpitating, although he was not of a very tender nature, seated himself before the lackeys and pages, on a wooden balustrade.
He did not love the Angevins, and detested the minions, but they were all brave young men, and in their veins flowed a generous blood, which he was probably destined to see flow before long.
D’Epernon made a last bravado, “What! you are all afraid of me?” he cried.
“Hold your tongue,” said Antragues.
“Come away, bravest of the brave,” said Chicot, “or else you will lose another pair of shoes.”