"If it is important, as I have just now pointed out, to avoid engaging
blades when you are acting on the defensive, in order to protect
yourself from what may be called attacks on the sword, it is obviously
of equal importance never to attack without first attempting to master
your opponent's _fort_.
"Eschew feints;--I have shown you how dangerous they are--therefore
be content with direct attacks, prefacing them with an engagement in
_carte_ or _tierce_, or with a pressure, or a beat, light or heavy,
accordingly as you wish to draw your opponent to one line or another.
Your object will be gained more easily, if he is willing to join blades.
"If on the other hand he is unwilling to do so, you must by force or
fraud bring him to an engagement, and you should never finish your
attack until you have succeeded in finding his blade; unless in his
efforts to elude you he leaves himself completely exposed. When that
happens a straight thrust is a certainty.
"What you have most to fear is a stop thrust, the straightening of your
opponent's arm on your preparation or advance. This is generally a
favourite stroke with those who deliberately stand on the defensive.
"In nine cases out of ten the refusal to join blades may be successfully
met by a simulated attack, if it is well marked. Either your opponent
attempts to parry, or he straightens his arm; whereupon you immediately
engage his blade, and drive your attack home, without quitting his
blade, and above all without any feint.