16. All duels should take place during the forty-eight hours that have succeeded the offence, unless it is otherwise stipulated by the seconds.[25]
17. In a duel with pistol or sabre, two seconds to each combatant are indispensable: one will suffice when the sword is used.
18. It is the duty of the seconds to decide upon the necessity of the duel, and to state their opinions to their principals. After having consulted with them in such a manner as not to allow any chance of avoiding a duel to escape, they must again meet, and exert their best endeavours to settle the business amicably. If they fail in this attempt, they must then decide upon arms, time, place, distance, and mode of fighting; and at the same time they must endeavour to come to some arrangement regarding any difficulties that might arise, when the parties are on the ground.
19. Seconds are not witnesses; and each second should have a witness.[26]
20. No second, or witness, shall become a principal on the spot. Any insult received by them constitutes a fresh offence.
21. The seconds should not remain more than ten minutes on the ground without a combat.
22. The seconds in a duel with swords, may request that the offended party shall be allowed to ward off a lounge with the left hand. This, however, may be refused by the seconds of the aggressor.
23. The seconds of the aggressor may, if they think proper, refuse to fire by signal, if the aggressor had not struck his antagonist.
24. The seconds must determine whether the combatants in sword duels shall be allowed to take breath.
25. The seconds will also decide (without acquainting their principals of this decision), whether the parties are to be separated after the first wound. In this arrangement, they will be guided by the nature of the quarrel.