126 THE HORSEMAN. 



second guard, hand a little higher than the head, arm to 

 the full extent and to the left front, and point of the 

 blade dropped, eyeing your adversary under the sword 

 arm. 



The reader will bear in mind that the hanging guards 

 (numbers two and three) are formed to the right and left, 

 and the point of the sabre raised or lowered according to 

 the manner and force of the cut. If the cuts are made 

 diagonally downwards, or horizontally, the point of the 

 blade should be raised ; but, if diagonally upwards, the 

 point must be dropped. 



ATTACK. 



Cut Two. At the word two, step out, as in cut one, 

 and cut two at your adversary's right cheek, point of the 

 blade, hand and shoulder horizontal.* 



DEFENCE. 



Third Guard. At this command, draw back the right 

 foot (as explained in second guard) and form the third 

 guard to the right front, hand higher than the head, arm 

 extended, and point of the blade out. 



As this guard (protecting against cut two) constrains 

 the body somewhat, the first guard, carried a little to the 

 right, is preferable ; and from this position, cuts four and 



* When the file is in the attitude of cutting or thrusting 

 (the right foot advanced), the leg, from the knee down, should be 

 straight. 



