To hit hard, to rush in and throw his enemy, was all he had of the tactics of offence.

The younger lad, untouched, light on his feet, was continually shifting his ground; then at last he struck right and left.

He had not weight enough to knock down his foe, but as Tom staggered, John leaped aside and felt the joy of battle as he got in a blow under the ear and Tom fell.
"Get on him--hit him," cried the boys.

"By George, if he ain't licked!" John stood still.

Tom rose, and as he made a furious rush at the victor, a loud voice called out, "Halloa! quit that." Both boys stood still as Mark Rivers climbed over the fence and stood between them.