Running Recollections and How to Train

CHAPTER XVI. I MEET BREDIN AT A QUARTER. I DID not meet Bredin in London, but his friend, Mr. Lloyd Roberts, turned up in his stead. After the usual finessing and talk, articles were signed for us to run 440 yards for the Championship of the World (Bredin had previously beaten Mills for the honour)and £100 a side, on a ground and date tobe mutually agreed upon, and failing a selection being madewithin one month, the stakeholders were to appoint the same. Talking aboutsigning articles, reminds me of a funny incident that occurred during this process for my match with Mills. William Mills is very fond of the sound of his own voice, and is never so happy as when he has the chance of talking. Upon this occasion ample scope was afforded "Billy " for the display of his con­ versational powers, and after having had the floorto himself for about half-an-hour, thepaper was pushed across for him to sign. This he did in most laborious fashion, and at length his signature was attached to the agreement. My turn came next, " Billy "watching the proceedings with interest. "Tha' may be a better scholar than me, owd lad," he remarked, " but ahm best runner." "I don't know, 'Billy,'" ventured a bystander; "you ought to be an orator." " I know nowt about orator," replied " Billy," " Ahm champion of England, if that's what ha' means." But to return to our match. Bredin and 1 eventually decided to run upon the Rochdaletrack on May 1st, 1897