Of course they fought desperately to push the freshmen back, but they were outnumbered, as already told.
"Now, then, every fellow who will promise not to take part in the necktie rush Monday will be allowed to go free," said Dick loudly.
"The others must take their ducking in the water--and mud." "Let me go!" roared Dudd Flockley.

"I'm not going to have this suit ruined!" "I don't want to get these patent leathers wet!" cried Jerry Koswell, who had on a new pair of shiny shoes.
"Then promise!" cried Sam, and "Promise!" "Promise!" came from many others.
Without delay several of the sophomores promised, and they were allowed to depart.

Then the others began to show fight, and three managed to escape, among them being Dudd Flockley.

The others were forced into the water and mud up to their knees.

Then they cried out in alarm, and while two finally escaped, the others also promised to keep out of the necktie contest.
"Just wait!" snarled Jerry Koswell as he at last managed to pull himself out of the sticky mud.