In this way he had acquired a certain amount of
dexterity in "tripping up." John, on the contrary, was
unpractised. His quick temper was so easily roused that other
boys had declined engaging in friendly contests with him, knowing
that in most cases they would degenerate into a fight.
John rushed forward, and attempted to throw Frank by the strength
of his arms alone. Frank eluded his grasp, and, getting one of
his legs around John's, with a quick movement tripped him up. He
fell heavily upon his back.
"This is all foolish, John," said Frank, bending over his fallen
foe. "What are you fighting for? The privilege of savagely
whipping a poor little fellow less than half your age?"
"I care more about whipping you, a cursed sight!" said John,
taking advantage of Frank's withdrawing his pressure to spring to
his feet. "You first, and him afterward!"
Again he threw himself upon Frank; but again coolness and
practice prevailed against blind fury and untaught strength, and
again he lay prostrate.
Pages:
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112