‘Unless you join blades, how am I to fence?’
‘That is your look-out.’
‘But you must join blades.’
‘Why must I? My only object, I assure you, is to endeavour, as well as I am able, to disconcert my opponent, and as I find that this plan disconcerts you considerably, I see all the more reason why I should continue to employ it.’
‘That may be,’ rejoined the other sticking to his point, ‘but if you do not join blades, it is not fencing.’
‘Well,’ said my friend, ‘let us try for a moment to discuss the matter. Tell me, are my hits improperly delivered?’
‘Oh, no.’
‘Did I stab, or come in with a round-arm?’
‘Certainly not’