"We have now reached a point from which we may survey the thrilling
spectacle of the assault, as fencers call the mimic combat, in which
desperate and brutal fighting is controlled by skill, the hazardous
duel, full of fire and fury, between two combatants, who summon to
their aid all that they know or all that they think they know.
"I can say with literal truth, that I have never taken a foil in my
hand for a serious assault without feeling a real tremor, and most
fencers have experienced and indeed are generally conscious of the same
sensation.
"You have listened so kindly to my rough attempt to put together an
extemporary course of instruction, that I can confidently claim your
attention now; for we are about to find in this great arena the rival
systems face to face. I shall put before you and examine at no great
length the various situations which are likely to occur.
"Our imaginary pupil has now become a fencer. He will no longer lunge
merely at the master's pad, henceforward he will cover his manly face
with a mask. Shall we follow him in his career?"
"We will"; replied my host in tragic tones. "The standard of revolt is
raised. Lead on, and we will follow you."
"'Tis well," I answered in the same spirit. "The tryst is here, at the
same hour,--to-morrow."
[Illustration: _A Parry of Prime._]