"I am trying, you see, to obtain a comprehensive view of the manifold
duties of seconds, and to omit none of the minute matters of detail,
which it is their duty to attend to, and which ought to be present to
their minds. Here is another point, which is worthy of their serious
attention.
"When the combatants have taken sword in hand and the blades are
crossed, the seconds should stand within reach, holding a sword or
walking-stick, and ready to stop the fight should any irregularity
occur, or if either of the men should slip, or stumble, or be disarmed,
or wounded. This last case especially requires their utmost vigilance,
for there are two events, both equally disastrous, that may occur.
"Suppose one of the men is wounded. In the natural excitement of the
moment, the man who has delivered the thrust is often unaware that
his point has taken effect. Before he can tell that his opponent is
disabled, perhaps before he can check himself, he may inflict a second
wound, unless the swords are instantly knocked up.
"The wounded man, on the other hand, may not immediately feel the
effect of his wound, and by continuing to fight may run the risk of
being wounded a second time, and that more seriously. It may also
happen, and this is the great danger, that in a fit of blind rage he
will rush madly on his opponent.
"Again, the man who has inflicted a wound and has felt his point go
home, instantly and instinctively stays his hand, and even if his
opponent renews the attack hesitates to strike a second time one who
is already hurt. It is during this juncture of a moment's pause with
a moment's hesitation that the wounded man may make his mad rush, and
either run his opponent through the body, or meet his own destruction,
if his opponent has promptly recovered his guard, and calmly offers him
his point.