Allan began to feel it at the turn, and when they swung into the home-stretch and the pace, instead of settling down to a steady finish, grew faster and faster, he came to the unwelcome conclusion that he was not in the same class with the other two. Rindgely, in spite of all Allan could do, lengthened the space between them. Hooker, seeing that Allan was out of it, passed him fifty yards from the mark and strove to overhaul the leader. But Rindgely was never headed, and finished several yards in front of Hooker and at least thirty ahead of Allan. When they turned and jogged back to the trainer, the latter was slipping his watch into his pocket. “What’s the good of doing that, Larry?” he asked, disgustedly. “That wasn’t a race.” “Oh, I just wanted to liven it up a bit,” answered Rindgely, grinning. “What time did I make, Billy?” “I didn’t take you,” answered the trainer, shortly. “That’s enough for to-day.” Allan turned away with the others, but Billy called him back. “What was the matter?” he asked. “Pace too hot for you?” “I suppose so; I couldn’t stand that spurt.” “Well, that was some of Larry’s nonsense; he’d no business cutting up tricks.” He was silent a moment, looking across to where the second eleven was trying vainly to keep the varsity from pushing over her goal-line. Then, “Ever try the two miles?” he asked. Allan shook his head. “I don’t believe I’d be any good at it,” he answered. “Not that I’m any good at the mile, either,” he added, somewhat discouraged at the outcome of the trial. “What’s the best you ever did at the mile?” “About four minutes forty-five seconds.” “You did it inside of forty, Friday.” “I did?” Allan looked his surprise. “Oh, but I ran a hundred and twenty yards short.” “I allowed for that,” answered Billy, quietly. “Now, look here, Ware; you’ve got it in you all right, but you don’t make the most of yourself. You let your feet drag back badly, and you’ve been trying after too long a stride. You make that shorter by six inches and you’ll cut off another second after a while. And to-morrow I’ll show you what I mean about the stride. There’s plenty of time before the dual meet in the spring, and by then we’ll have you doing things right. The only thing is,” he added, thoughtfully, “whether you wouldn’t do better at the two miles. What do you think?” “I really don’t know,” answered Allan, doubtfully, “but I’d like to try it.” “Well, there’s lots of time. The indoor meet in Boston comes along in February; we’ll have you in shape for that, and you can go in for the mile and the two miles. Meanwhile, you’d better come out with the other men while the decent weather lasts.” “Do you think I can make the team?” Allan asked, hopefully. “Easy; but they don’t take new men on till after the trials in the spring.” “Oh!” said Allan, a trifle disappointed.