"Is there to be a boys' race?" asked Ben.

"Yes, the boys' race is next in order. You'd better enter."

"I will," said Ben. "What's the prize?"

"Five dollars."

Ben's eyes sparkled.

"If I could only win it," he thought, "it would be equal to a week's pay at the factory."

Chapter IV

The Boys' Race

Ben felt that his chances of winning the prize were very good. Among his schoolmates he was distinguished for his superiority in all athletic sports. He could jump farther and run faster than any of the boys of his age; and this was a ground of hope. On the other hand, he could not tell how many contestants there might be. He had measured himself against the boys of his acquaintance; but there were hundreds of other boys in the city, and among them it was quite possible that there might be one who surpa.s.sed him. However, Ben was always hopeful, and determined to do his best to win.

One of the committee now came forward and announced the boys'

race. The distance was to be the same, the prize five dollars, and there was a limitation of age. No boy over seventeen years of age was permitted to enter.

"Are you going to compete, James?" asked Ben.

"I guess not. I don't stand any chance against you."

"I don't know about that. I might stumble or give out."

"I should like the five dollars well enough."

"Then enter your name."

"Well, I will. I may as well try."

So Ben and James were the first to enter their names.

"Are you coming in, George?" asked Ben of George Herman.

"No; I lamed myself in jumping yesterday, and am not in condition; my brother, Frank, is going to enter. Of course he won't stand any chance, for he is too young."

The next to put down his name was Radford Kelso.

"You can't run, Radford. You're too fat," said George Cormack.

"You're as fat as I am," retorted Radford. "I stand as much chance as you."

Next came Arthur Clark and Frank Jones, both tall and long of limb, and looking as if they might be dangerous rivals. Both were strangers to Ben.

"I am afraid one of those fellows will outrun me," said Ben, aside, to James.

"They are taller, but perhaps they can't hold out as well."

"But the course is only two hundred yards," said Ben; "that is against me."

Just then the announcement was made, on behalf of the committee, that the distance would be increased to three hundred yards, and that there would be a second race of a hundred and fifty yards for boys under fourteen, the prize being two dollars and a half.

"Frank," said George Herman to his brother, "you had better wait and enter the second race."

"I think I will and here is Charlie. He can go in, too."

Edward Kemp, Harry Jones and George Huntingdon next entered their names for the first race. The list was about to be declared complete, when an active, well-made youth advanced, and expressed a wish to compete. He had just reached the grounds, and learned that a race was to be run. He gave his name as John Miles, from Boston.

"Who is he, George? Do you know him?" asked Ben.

"I believe he is visiting some friends in Milltown."

"He looks as if he might run."

"He is well made for running. The question is, has he had any training."

"That's going to decide the matter."

"Take your places, boys!"

At the order, the contestants, whose names have already been given, took their places in line.

John Miles glanced carelessly and rather contemptuously at his rivals.

"I'll show them how to run," he said.

"You are very kind," said Frank Jones, who stood next to him. "We never saw anybody run, you know."

"I have practiced running in a gymnasium," said Miles pompously.

"Running is the same all the world over."

"Perhaps it is; but I run on scientific principles."

Frank Jones laughed.

"You are very condescending to run with us, then."

"Oh, I go in for all the fun I can get."

"I suppose you expect to win the prize?"

"Of course I do. Who is there to prevent? You don't pretend to run, do you?"