Fencing . been killedwith a blow from the fist (and there was one such case atChrist Cliurch, Oxford, within the memory of man), by far themajority have owed their misfortune to right-handed cross-counters coming home on an untrained body, containing per-haps a disordered liver or a diseased heart. The other twocross-counters are less dangerous both to giver and taker. Thehead is ducked to the right, so that the lead-off passes harm-lessly over the left shoulder, and the left fist is brought roundon to the face, as in Fig. XVI., or the body, as in Fig. XI. Inthe latter case, if the mark happen
Fencing . been killedwith a blow from the fist (and there was one such case atChrist Cliurch, Oxford, within the memory of man), by far themajority have owed their misfortune to right-handed cross-counters coming home on an untrained body, containing per-haps a disordered liver or a diseased heart. The other twocross-counters are less dangerous both to giver and taker. Thehead is ducked to the right, so that the lead-off passes harm-lessly over the left shoulder, and the left fist is brought roundon to the face, as in Fig. XVI., or the body, as in Fig. XI. Inthe latter case, if the mark happens to be hit, the blow isoften decisive of a round ; it * takes the wind out of therecipient so effectually that for a few seconds he cannot breatheat all. Only a few more particular points seem to call for notice ina description of this elaborate art, which must be learnt by longpractice, after the elements of style have been fully first of feinting and * drawing. An experienced professor can. n^ure XV.—Cross-co-dnter bodt-blow THE ART OF BOXING f6; always make a fool of his pupil by these devices. A beginnershould resort to them only very sparingly. Nothing is moreabsurd and unwise than to be always dodging about, fidgetingwith the feet and fussing with the arms, in the hope of perplexingthe enemy. Such tactics tire the performer, and, unless he isvery careful, expose him to be caught on the hop as he isshifting ground or changing his attitude. In free play withhis teacher he must, it is true, feint him and draw him, or he willnever get a blow in. But while doing so he must be extrawatchful, and ever prepared for a speedy retreat or a quick-parry. In a set-to with another beginner he should rely muchmore upon the quickness of his lead-off, the accuracy of hiscounters, and the speed of his step-in and recovery. The bestfeint is a pretended lead-off at the head, combined with a realhit at the body. To * draw a man some part of the head or bodyis wilfully left open
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