But generally the shock resulted in one of the men being sent staggering backwards, and the other getting the _kick_.
When the two were pretty equally matched, both were usually, as they expressed it, "brought up all standing," in which case a short scuffle ensued, as each endeavoured to trip up the heels of his adversary.

To prevent undue violence in such struggles, a rule was laid down that hands were not to be used on any account.

They might use their feet, legs, shoulders, and elbows, but not their hands.
In such rough play the men were more equally matched than might have been expected, for the want of weight among the smaller men was often more than counterbalanced by their activity, and frequently a sturdy little fellow launched himself so vigorously against a heavy tar as to send him rolling head over heels on the ice.

This was not always the case, however, and few ventured to come into collision with Peter Grim, whose activity was on a par with his immense size.

Buzzby contented himself with galloping on the outskirts of the fight, and putting in a kick when fortune sent the ball in his way.