256 THE FAT OF THE LAND 
this rate they would be used up completely 
while there were still three or four of the enemy 
on foot. This was when they needed aid, and 
aid came. 
No sooner had Lars found himself at liberty 
and with a club in his hands than he began to 
use it with telling effect. He attacked the outer 
circle, striking every head he could reach, and 
such was his sprightliness that four men fell 
headlong before the others became aware of 
this attack from the rear. This diversion came 
at the right moment, and proved effective. There 
were now but six of the enemy in fighting condi- 
tion, and these six were more demoralized by the 
sudden and unknown element of a rear attack 
than by the loss of their thirteen comrades. They 
hesitated, and half turned to look, and two of 
them fell under the blows of Jack and Jarvis. 
As the rest turned to escape, the Swede’s club 
felled one, and the other three ran for dear life. 
They did not escape, however, for the long legs 
of the young men were after them. Young 
blood is hot, and the savage fight that had been 
forced upon these boys had aroused all that was 
savage in them. In an instant they overtook 
two of the fleeing men, but neither could strike 
an enemy in the back. Throwing aside their 
clubs, each seized his enemy by the shoulder, 
turned him face to face and smote him sore, 
each after his fashion. Then they laughed, took 
hold of hands, and walked wearily back to the 
ee ne 
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