96.  As satisfactory progress is made the instructor will proceed to the exercises at will, by which is meant assaults between two men, each endeavoring to hit the other and to avoid being hit himself.  Fencing at will should not be allowed to degenerate into random attacks and defenses.

97.  The instructor can supervise but one pair of combatants at a time.  Frequent changes should be made so that the men may earn different methods of attack and defense from each other.

98.  The contest should begin with simple, careful movements, with a view to forming a correct opinion of the adversary; afterwards everything will depend on coolness, rapid and correct execution of the movements, and quick perception of the adversary’s intentions.

99.  Continual retreat from the adversary’s attack and frequent dodging to escape attacks should be avoided.  The offensive should he continually encouraged.

100.  In fencing at will, when no commands are given, opponents facing each other at the position of order arms, salute.  They then immediately and simultaneously assume the position of guard rifles engaged.  Neither man may take the position of guard before his opponent has completed his salute.  The choice of position is decided before the salute.

101.  The opponents being about two paces apart and the fencing salute having been rendered, the instructor commands 1. At will, 2.  ASSAULT, after which either party has the right to attack.  To interrupt the contest the instructor will command HALT, at which the combatants will immediately come to the order.  To terminate the contest, the instructor will command, 1. Halt, 2 SALUTE, at which the combatants will immediately come to the order, salute, and remove their masks.

102.  When men have acquired confidence in fencing at will, one opponent should be required to advance upon the other in quick time at CHARGE BAYONET, from a distance not to exceed 10 yards, and deliver an attack.  As soon as a hit is made by either opponent the instructor commands, HALT, and the assault terminates.  Opponents alternate in assaulting.  The assailant is likewise required to advance at double time from a distance not exceeding 20 yards and at a run from a distance not exceeding 30 yards.

103.  The instructor will closely observe the contest and decide doubtful points.  He will at once stop the contest upon the slightest indication of temper.  After conclusion of the combat he will comment on the action of both parties, point out errors and deficiencies and explain how they may be avoided in the future.

104.  As additional instruction, the men may be permitted to wield the rifle left handed, that is on the left side of the body, left hand at the small of the stock.  Many men will be able to use this method to advantage.  It is also of value in case the left band is wounded.

[Illustration:  Par. 104.]