Cinder Path Tales

124 CINDER-PATH TALES Then the unexpected happened. Bates began to show signs of tiring, fell back inch by inch, and the tall outsider came up at the same rate. Just before the lower turn they got together, and there was a short struggle; but Bateswas as arrant a cur as ever wore a shoe, and he yielded the place, though he had strength enough to run another lap,had he the heart togo with it. Teddy was,perhaps, five yards to he good when he swung into the stretch, and looked over his shoulder, expecting to see his col­ lege mate close up and ready to take up the running. Instead, he saw an unexpected contestant, coming fast, and Bates was full five yards behind, slowing,and evidently out of it. Now Atherton was, of course, well-nigh spent; he had followed instructions to the dot, and was not expected to finish. There wasa half-second's hesitation and a look of fear; but as quick as he realized the conditions, the little fellow swung his face to the front and set his teeth with the evident determination of making a fight for the race. A mighty cheer went up from the specta­ tors, for Teddy had many friends, and the whole collegeknew under what circumstances he was running; but I doubt if he heard any­ thing but the crunch, crunch, crunchof the