Although the duel was to terminate at the first scratch, without any more serious consequence, the murderous talons, at first folded, open like the leaves of a book, and are extended laterally to protect the long waist and abdomen.

The pose is superb, but less terrific than that assumed when the fight is to be to the death.
Then one of the grappling-hooks with a sudden spring flies out and strikes the rival; with the same suddenness it flies back and assumes a position of guard.

The adversary replies with a riposte.

The fencing reminds one not a little of two cats boxing one another's ears.

At the first sign of blood on the soft abdomen, or even at the slightest wound, one admits herself to be conquered and retires.