"Suppose, added my friend, that the question is discussed by the
seconds before the fight begins. One side might say:--'If our man is
tired or blown, you will have no objection, we presume, to allowing a
short interval?' 'We cannot agree to that,' the other side would reply.
'The only chance we have of making an even fight of it is that our man
should outstay yours.'
"If they insist, the answer is this:--'Your man has every acquired
advantage, ours has only the one advantage of superior physique. If
we are to give up our points, you must forfeit yours, and how can
you?'--Some arguments are so one-sided.
"In conclusion, I think that such questions may very properly be
debated between the seconds, but that they ought never to come to the
ears of the principals, for one of them might seem to be asking a
favour, which the other would have a perfect right to refuse.
"I feel that I have dwelt on this matter at great length, but I was
anxious to sift it thoroughly, because it is of vital importance and
has often given rise to a serious conflict of opinions. I have tried
to give you the rights of the case in a strictly impartial spirit.
Exceptional cases may occur, to which the rule cannot be applied
without hardship, but such circumstances, as for example the bad health
or feeble constitution of one of the combatants, should be provided for
by arrangement."