Now he was striking out lustily for the other side.

In case the horse was started Holmes would be there, with a handful of stones with which to bombard the fugitives in passing.
"You fellers quit throwing stones, or you're going to get hurt!" But the pause had accomplished the very thing for which Dick had waited.
"Throw another stone," repeated the tramp, "and you'll get-----" "Oh, tell it to the Senate!" broke in Tom Reade, climbing into the wagon and seizing the speaker.

Dave, who had crept up with him, had gripped the other tramp by the collar.
Both tramps were thrown from the seat.

Ere they could recover from their astonishment, Reade and Darrin had leaped down upon their tormentors.
"In with them!" ordered Dick.
Two splashes, occurring almost in the same second, testified to the tackling skill that Reade and Darrin had acquired on the gridiron.
Dick and his friends stood by to rescue the tramps, in case either of them could not swim.
Both could, however, and struck out for the shore, abusing the boys roundly as they swam.
Dave had seized the horse's bridle, and was now turning the animal about.

Tom walked on the other side of the wagon.
"Look out, Greg!" called Dick suddenly, as the tramps, gaining the opposite shore, made a sudden rush at Holmes, who stood alone.
"I can take care of myself!" chuckled Greg gleefully, as dodging backward, he poised his right hand to throw a stone.