Jack followed, and they made a half circle, coming around to the ground on the side opposite the hotel.
By the time they arrived there, Hodge and Addison were hard at it, having stripped off their coats and vests. They were striking, grappling, struggling, falling, getting up, breaking away and going at it again. Spencer and Diamond heard the sound of their blows and panting breaths before the fighting lads were seen.
“Let’s keep away,” said Diamond. “I’ll risk Hodge. I haven’t known him long, but he strikes me as a terror.”
The fight lasted some time, and it was fast and furious. At last, it was seen that Hodge was getting the best of it. He would not take a mean advantage of his enemy, but he pressed Addison, who began to weaken. Bart got in some heavy blows, occasionally knocking Addison off his feet.
“Will you give up?” he demanded. “I don’t want to use you too rough. Give up, old fellow—give up!”
Addison made a last spurt of rage, but he was knocked down, and Hodge stood over him, ready to thump him again if he tried to rise.
“Will you give up now?” Bart demanded.
“Yes,” came the reluctant reply. “Don’t strike me again! You are too much for me.”
“That settles it. Get up and we’ll shake hands.”
But Addison refused to shake hands after he got upon his feet.