Cinder Path Tales

A VIRGINIA JUMPER 159 look, and several backward glances delayed his sufficiently leisurelyfootsteps. There was another delay on account of the ground; for, as frequently happens, the soil in the boxwhere themen landed was so soft that it broke back several inches. Seever was the first man, andI did not want him to throw away a single chance. A spade was sent for and the loose earth flattened down a bit, but it took considerable time. The clerk, measurer, and almost every one else were put outbut Dick, who had thrown him­ self full length on the soft turf by the side of the path, andbore thedelay withextreme fortitude. Most of the othercontestants had taken a trial jump or two to get their strides and make their marks, butDick waited content­ edly for his number to be called, andwould have been just as well satisfied if he had been skipped altogether. Seever was the first of a large field, and when his number was announced he threw off his wrap and walkeddown the path. He was one of the most awkward men I ever saw, but as honest as he was homely. All his opponents wished him well, and several of them, as they sprawled around on the grass, had a joke or a bit of chaff for him as he left them. I always like to see the first