“I’ll take that later,” said the hobo. “Had enough already. Mebbe I’ll want it after I put this gent on his back.”
“If you wait until you put me on my back,” said Billings, “you’ll never take another drink. Come on!”
A moment later they clinched.
If any one present expected to see Skip Billings down the stranger he was disappointed.
Although Billings seemed to obtain the best hold and made an effort to hurl the tramp over his hip, the strength and skill of the hobo enabled him to avoid a fall.
“Go on, Skip!” cried several. “Pile him up! Down him!”
“Down he goes!” panted Billings, as he back-locked his antagonist.
While they were falling the stranger seemed to fetch a remarkable writhing twist in the air, and when they struck heavily on the floor a shout of surprise went up, for Billings was underneath and flat on his back.
Billings himself was astounded, for until he landed on the floor he had fancied himself the victor. How he had been brought underneath while falling he could not conceive.
“What’s dis?” shouted McCord, in great astonishment. “Did he t’row you, Skip? What’s de matter wid yer?”