403. PARRY LEFT a. Execution. (1) If the opponent’s blade is thrust toward the bayonet fighter in a position below the piece of the bayonet fighter, the parry will be to the left. [Illustration: Figure 19.—Parry Right.] (2) From the guard position, step forward about 7 inches with the left foot, using the right foot as a base. Bring the rifle to a vertical position with the right forearm nearly parallel to the deck. (3) Snap the left hand forward to the left and down engaging the opponent’s weapon anywhere between the back of the bayonet and the balance of the bayonet fighter’s piece. The rifle will be nearly horizontal with the operating handle up and the sling pointing toward the opponent. (See fig. 20.) b. Move into the Attack and Recovery. (1) After the parry left, a slash can be delivered by stepping forward with the left foot. A horizontal or vertical butt stroke can be delivered by stepping forward with the right foot. (2) Recover to the guard position as prescribed in section 3. 404. BLOCK AGAINST SLASH a. Execution. (1) From the guard position, thrust the rifle out and up. The weapon stays in the same general position as in the guard position, but the arms are now nearly at full extension. (2) Push the balance of the rifle into the opponent’s rifle. (See fig. 21.) [Illustration: Figure 20.—Parry Left.] b. Move Into the Attack and Recovery. (1) After the opponent’s slash is blocked he is overextended and off balance. (2) Counter with a slash or horizontal butt stroke. (3) Recover to the guard position in the same manner as outlined in section 3. 405. BLOCK AGAINST VERTICAL BUTT STROKE a. Execution (1) From the guard position, extend the arms out and down. (2) The rifle is now nearly horizontal to the deck, and the arms fully extended. (3) Engage the opponent’s stock near the balance of the rifle. (See fig. 22.) b. Move into the Attack and Recovery (1) Counter with a horizontal slash or horizontal butt stroke. (2) Recover to the guard position in the same manner prescribed in section 3. [Illustration: Figure 21.—Block Slash.] [Illustration: Figure 22.—Block Vertical Butt Stroke.] SECTION 5: COMBINATION MOVEMENTS 501. GENERAL