And in the fights it was observable that these lads hacked and slashed with the same tremendous spirit, after they were covered with streaming wounds, which they had shown in the beginning.
The world in general looks upon the college duels as very farcical affairs: true, but considering that the college duel is fought by boys; that the swords are real swords; and that the head and face are exposed, it seems to me that it is a farce which had quite a grave side to it.
People laugh at it mainly because they think the student is so covered up with armor that he cannot be hurt.

But it is not so; his eyes and ears are protected, but the rest of his face and head are bare.

He can not only be badly wounded, but his life is in danger; and he would sometimes lose it but for the interference of the surgeon.

It is not intended that his life shall be endangered.

Fatal accidents are possible, however.