MANUAL POR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 85 



man's enorjries will be directed toward gettinj? past the bayo- 

 net. Attack him witli short, stnbbing thrusts and keep him 

 beyond stril^inj; distance of liis weapon. 



57. The adversary may attempt a greater extension in the 

 thrust and lunge by quitting the grasp of his piece with the 

 left hand and advancing the right as far as possible. When 

 this is done, a sharp parry may cause him to lose control of 

 his rifle, leaving him exposed to a counter attack, which should 

 follow promptly. 



58. Against odds a small number of men can fight to best 

 advantage by grouping themselves so as to prevent their being 

 attacked from behind. 



59. In fighting a mounted man armed with a saber every 

 effort must be made to get on his near, or left, side, because 

 here his reach is much shorter and his parries much weaker. 

 If not possible to disable such an enemy, attack his horse and 

 then renew the attack on the horseman. 



60. In receiving night attacks the assailant's movements can 

 be best observed from the kneeling or prone position, as his 

 approach generally brings him against the sky line. When he 

 arrives within attacking distance rise quickly and lunge well 

 forward at the middle of his body. 



VI. FENCING EXERCISES. 



61. Fencing exercises in two lines consist of combinations 

 of thrusts, parries, and foot movements executed at command 

 or at will, the opponent replying with suitable parries and 

 returns. 



62. The Instructor will inspect the entire fencing equipment 

 before the exercise begins and assure himself that everything 

 is in such condition as will prevent accidents. 



63. The men equip themselves and form in two lines at the 

 order, facing each other, with intervals of about 4 paces be- 

 tween files and a distance of about 2 paces between lines. 

 One line is designated as number 1; the other, number 2. 

 Also as attack and defense. 



64. The opponents being at the order facing each other, the 

 instructor commands : SALUTE. 



Each man, with eyes on his opponent, carries the left hand 

 smartly to the right side, palm of the hand down, thumb and 



