“Not if we can secure the needed evidence to expose his rascality. What was it you overheard about a jungle in some dead timber and a path over a hill?” “Why, Huntley said he had found a number of short cuts over the course, one of which was through Dead Timber Jungle and the other over Ragged Hill.” “To-morrow, when the course is given out, we’ll go over it and look for these short cuts. True, we may not find them in such short time, but we’ll do our best. Plainly, unless we do find them, Huntley will have a decided advantage.” “No doubt of it.” “Then it is up to us, and may luck be with us.” “But how about their dastardly scheme to destroy your certificate of membership in the Amateur Athletic Union of the United States?” “Leave that matter to me,” smiled Frank. “Don’t worry about it in the least.” “You mean to place the certificate where it cannot be found? Put it into the safe at the hotel, Merry.” “I will take care of it, all right,” was the assurance. -------------- Early the following day a map of the course the runners were to follow was placed on exhibition at the clubhouse. This map was eagerly studied by the contestants who had entered, and it was seen that the course would be a difficult one to traverse, as it led through many wild and rugged sections of the Ashley estate. At five different points along the course watchers were to be stationed to observe and record the passing of the runners. In this manner dishonesty on the part of the contestants in the way of failure to cover the entire distance was to be prevented. Frank and Bart were among the first to examine the map, which was hung on a wall in the reading room of the clubhouse. Merry went over it rapidly, copying it on a sheet of paper, and questioning a man who had been concerned in laying out the course, this man being present for the purpose of answering such questions and giving the runners all needed information in regard to the country. “There is the piece of woods known as Dead Timbers, Frank,” said Hodge, in a low tone, indicating the spot on the map. “I’ve taken note of it,” nodded Merriwell. “And here is Ragged Hill.” “I have that indicated on my copy of the map.” From the main clubhouse the old Fardale rivals and chums proceeded to the smaller house, where the dressing rooms were. Already Merry had been given a locker in one of the dressing rooms, and in this locker he had his running clothes, together with an outfit for Hodge. While they were dressing for the purpose of taking a run over the course, one of the Ashport men came in and busied himself in like manner. Frank looked up and observed the fellow. “Hello, Bramwell,” he said. “Going out to look the course over to see what we’re up against, are you?” “That’s the idea,” laughed Bramwell. “Four fellows have started already. I see you’re going, too.” “Yes. My friend Hodge is coming with me. Won’t you join us?”