The whole of this duel-suit is calculated for a man of ordinary size,
and therefore little fellows often cut a very laughable figure in it.
They are more protected in it than larger persons, but at the same
time are more encumbered. The second clothes himself in similar
duel-trousers, and puts on a cap with a large front, or a hat, and the
large leather _stulp-glove_ covers his arm. The witness requires only a
leathern glove on one hand, to enable him, if the sword of the
combatant gets bent during the fight, to straighten it out again for
him.
When the two duellists are equipped, they are conducted into the hall,
and whilst the remaining particulars are adjusted, they walk up and
down, each supporting the arm which has to wield the sword on his
witness. The seconds now measure out the distance, and determine it by
two lines of chalk. Within these two lines the combatants must fight,
and behind which they are not allowed to retreat. If either of them
does this three times, he is dismissed from the contest with shame and
insult. The second of the person challenged has the right to choose the
umpire, the second of the challenger commands. Now first has the
challenger to declare in what manner he will fight; but till we have
said a few explanatory words, must the antagonists restrain their
impetuosity.
The different sorts of the duel progress, from the mildest to the most
severe, in this order:
1. Twelve rounds with the great cap.
(_a_) With a conclusive wound.
(_b_) Without a conclusive wound.
2. Twelve rounds with the small cap.
(_a_) With, etc. (_b_) Without, etc.
3. Twenty-four rounds with the great cap.
(_a_) With, etc. (_b_) Without, etc.
4. Twenty-four rounds with the small cap.
(_a_) With, etc. (_b_) Without, etc.
5. One round with (_a_) (_b_)
6. A round without cravat or bandage.
Before we proceed to the explanation of these terms, we may remark,
that the same rules apply to the crooked sabre, but if it be used, the
combatants generally fight what is called the single round, and that
duels with pistols are conducted in the different modes in which other
people fight those duels. The students commonly fire at twenty paces
distance; the exchange of shots takes place at the word of the
commanding second, and in such a manner that the antagonists can only
at the moment that the command reaches the final word "three!" catch
sight of each other. One exchange of shots is generally held
satisfactory.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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