It was a greater undertaking than he had anticipated.

He shook, and bit, and hauled, and howled.

He wanted to get out of the fight, but found that more difficult than to get in.
Now, if there is anything I like, it is fair play.

I said, "Count me in!" and with stick and other missiles I came in like Blucher at nightfall.

Nick saw me and plucked up courage, and we gave it to them right and left, till our opponents went scampering down the hill, and I laid down the weapons of conflict and resumed my profession as a minister, and gave the mortified dog some good advice on keeping out of scrapes, which homily had its proper effect, for with head down and penitent look, he jogged back with me to the city.
Lesson for dogs and men: Keep out of fights.