He was anxious for an opportunity of seeing just what sort of stuff the king of the sophomores was made of, and this was his chance.
Finding that they could not hold the freshmen back, the sophs had each singled out a man, and the contest became hand to hand.
In a few moments several parties were down, and some of them rolled from the sidewalk into the street.
Now that they had been forced to do battle, the sophs were desperate, and they sailed in like a lot of tigers.
Rattleton found himself pitted against Andy Emery, and Emery had the reputation of being as full of grit as a bulldog.

He was on the 'Varsity crew, and he had a back and shoulders which were the admiration of those who had seen him strip to the buff.
Emery had a quick temper and a strong arm.

He grappled with Harry, lifted him off his feet and tried to throw him, but the freshman came down on his feet like a cat.
A second later Emery was astonished to feel his own feet flung into the air, and he could not help falling, but he clung to his antagonist and they went down together.
Over and over they rolled, each striving to get on top.

They were soon off the sidewalk and into the street.
Emery was furious, for he felt that his dress suit was the same as ruined, and he uttered some very savage language.
"That's right," chuckled Harry.

"Cuss a little--it may help you." It seemed to, for Emery finally succeeded in getting astride Rattleton and holding him down for a few moments.