Though those on the defense were boys, they were boys of good
size, whose muscles had been hardened by regular training, as
well as by grilling work on the football field.

Reade, in his first onset, hit one of the tramps such a blow that
the fellow went to earth, where, though conscious, he preferred
to remain for a while. Then it was five against five. But Dan
soon got in a belt-line blow that put another tramp out of the
fight.

From the road the two scouts ran up. When they saw, however,
how the fight was going, they slunk off.

It was soon all but over. The boss tramp, however, armed with
a club, crept up behind Prescott, aiming a savage blow at his
head.

The blow would have landed, but for a new interruption.

With a cry that was more of a scream of alarm, old Reuben Hinman
threw himself forward into the fray. Both his lean arms were
wrapped around the tramp's legs.

Down came the tramp, just as Dick wheeled, falling heavily across
Reuben Hinman, knocking the breath from the peddler.

Tom and Dave seized the boss tramp, as he tried to get up, hurling
him back to the earth and sitting upon him.