Cinder Path Tales

no CINDER-PATH TALES despite his self-control, he cannot restrain every nowand again thathacking cough. I shall tellthe story, not because I like to, but asa warning to those whoare willingto make a winner, no matter what the risk or cost. Late onan afternoon, just before the inter­ collegiate games of 188-, there sat on the gymnasium stepsa group of college sports, with heavy browsand serious minds. Even the weather was dubious, for the wind had worked round into the east, the clouds weregathering, and the air was damp and dismal. What few men there wereon the trackwore sweaters, and one or two had pulled long trousers over their trunks to keep their legs warm. The elms had got their heads together, as if conspiring mis­ chief, and we had talked ourselves pretty well out, with no good results. We had that day given the team a serious " try out,"and were fairly contented with its showing in all the events but the " half." There wasno question about it, Bates could not call the trick; that is, not with his present showing. We all agreed that he was good enough, but he had no head at all. He ran his second quarter to the " queen's taste," and finished strong and well; but on his first lap