The second-year students were hemmed in and gradually forced nearer and nearer to the bank of the river.
"Let up! let up!" yelled several in alarm.

"Don't knock us overboard!" "It's nothing but mud here! I don't want my new suit spoiled!" cried one.
"I can't swim!" added another.
"I've got an idea," whispered Tom to the others near him.

"Shove 'em in the mud and water, or else make 'em promise not to take part in the necktie rush." "That's the talk!" replied Dick.

He caught hold of the sophomore in front of him.

"All shove, fellows!" And the second-year students were gradually forced to the very edge of the river at a point where there was a little water and a good deal of dark, sticky mud.