Cinder Path Tales

122 CINDER-PATH TALES fellow in a sweater, evidently a dead game sport already, and a chip of the old block, for his face is red with excitement, and his eyes like saucers with enthusiasm, I was taking my eyes away to look at the men, when they fastened on a figure a few rows from the top. It was that of one of the most striking girls I have ever seen, as perfect ablonde as even Old England could show, andwith a very British air of reserve, despite theexcitement around her. She was a marvel, — tall and well-developed, groomed and gowned to the dot. I could seeshe was looking straight at Teddy in the calmest style imaginable, but still rather surprised that he did not return her glance. But Teddy had for the moment quite forgotten her. He was bent over his mark, his eyes straight ahead, ready for the first sound of the pistol,for his instructions were to take the lead from the beginning. There wasa strapping fieldof a dozen or more, but most of the others wereprepared to take the customary start for a "half" — easy away, and fast work when heart and lungs hadworked up to it. "Marks! Set! " the crack of the pistol, and Teddy shot out asif for a sprint,slowing immediately, however, when he had taken his place.