"While we are on this point," remarked one of my friends, "there are
two questions I should like to ask you."
"I will do my best to answer them," I replied, "for--as my lawyer would
put it--I may say, that I am thoroughly acquainted with all the leading
cases."
"Well, is it allowable to use a fencing glove?"
"It is usual. But custom is not always right, and though many men
suppose that they are entitled to it as a matter of course, they cannot
strictly speaking claim it. Generally the parties agree beforehand
whether fencing gloves shall be used or not. It nearly always happens
that both sides prefer to use them, for with the help of a fencing
glove you get a firmer and more confident grip of the sword, and are
less likely to be disarmed. Besides, the hilt of a sword is hard;
it tires and bruises the hand; the fingers in contact with it are
jarred at every parry that is at all strong, or whenever the blades
meet sharply. On these grounds fencing gloves are generally allowed.
However, if the seconds of one side object, the seconds of the other
side cannot either require them to use a fencing glove or claim the
right for their own principal.
"For instance, the objection may be raised that the use of a fencing
glove is familiar to a man accustomed to fencing, but unfamiliar and of
no value to one who has never fenced. True, this objection is seldom
raised, because, as I pointed out just now, the man who is not used
to fencing is of all men the one who finds a serious difficulty in
handling the rough hilt of a sword, and who has everything to gain by
using a padded glove.
"In any case you are at liberty to wear an ordinary leather glove,
whether your opponent chooses to do so or not. Or you may wrap a
handkerchief round your hand, to give you a firmer grip of the sword,
provided you are careful not to leave a hanging end, which may dangle
loose, and hinder the action of your opponent's point."