Page:The Rival Pitchers.djvu/78

68 gathered the sophomores and on the other the freshmen.

"My, there are a lot of 'em," remarked Phil Clinton. "I shouldn't wonder but they've rung in some seniors on us.'

"No, they wouldn't do that," declared Sid. "They're a big class."

Langridge and some others were going about selecting the men who were to form the first circle about the pole. Tom and Phil, who were both sturdy lads, were chosen for this honor.

"In place! in place!" cried the impatient sophomores.

"Line up! line up, fellows!" shouted Langridge.

Tom and his chums took their positions. The protectors formed about them.

"Hold fast, everybody!" cautioned Phil as he grasped Tom's arm.

"Here they come! here they come!" was the warning cry, and with a rush the sophomores hurled themselves against the mass of lads about the pole.