The Pedestrian's Record

12 the pedestrian's record. and ten miles. Previously to this period, George had beaten record after record at various long dis­ tances, and was considered by the amateur world a champion of champions, and he certainly was one of the greatest pedestrians England has ever owned, and the result of his race for the mile with Cummings, in 4 minutes i2~ seconds, stamped him as the facile princeps of runners; those sportsmen who did not witness this contest have much toregret. George told us that knowing Cummings to be a very good runner he wished to try conclusions with him, and sought permission of the A. A. A., but in vain ; he was told he would cease to be an amateur if he joined in a race with a professional ; but the love of sport was too strong for him, he threw aside the toga virilis which had so long decked his amateur form, and toed the mark at Lillie Bridge by the side of Cummings as a professional: and thus one of the finest amateur pedestrians was banished a mensd et toro of amateurs. There is no disgrace in running for money ; singers sport their voices for a salary; actorsplay to obtain a living, racing men race their horses for the love of gain ; and running men, whether amateurs or profes­ sionals, compete for a stake, or its equivalent in the shape of silver cups, etc. Neither the one nor the other would prepare themselves for athletic contests unless they beheld glittering in the distance some possibly to be obtained prize. Honour and the love of gain go hand in hand, and equally affect all sorts and conditions of the human family, from the prince to the