"You can't run, Radford. You're too fat," said George Cormack. "You're as fat as I am," retorted Radford. "I stand as much chance as you." Next came Arthur Clark and Frank Jones, both tall and long of limb, and looking as if they might be dangerous rivals. Both were strangers to Ben. "I am afraid one of those fellows will outrun me," said Ben, aside, to James. "They are taller, but perhaps they can't hold out as well." "But the course is only two hundred yards," said Ben; "that is against me." Just then the announcement was made, on behalf of the committee, that the distance would be increased to three hundred yards, and that there would be a second race of a hundred and fifty yards for boys under fourteen, the prize being two dollars and a half. "Frank," said George Herman to his brother, "you had better wait and enter the second race." "I think I will and here is Charlie. He can go in, too." Edward Kemp, Harry Jones and George Huntingdon next entered their names for the first race. The list was about to be declared complete, when an active, well-made youth advanced, and expressed a wish to compete. He had just reached the grounds, and learned that a race was to be run. He gave his name as John Miles, from Boston. "Who is he, George? Do you know him?" asked Ben. "I believe he is visiting some friends in Milltown." "He looks as if he might run." "He is well made for running. The question is, has he had any training." "That's going to decide the matter." "Take your places, boys!" At the order, the contestants, whose names have already been given, took their places in line. John Miles glanced carelessly and rather contemptuously at his rivals. "I'll show them how to run," he said. "You are very kind," said Frank Jones, who stood next to him. "We never saw anybody run, you know." "I have practiced running in a gymnasium," said Miles pompously. "Running is the same all the world over." "Perhaps it is; but I run on scientific principles." Frank Jones laughed. "You are very condescending to run with us, then." "Oh, I go in for all the fun I can get." "I suppose you expect to win the prize?" "Of course I do. Who is there to prevent? You don't pretend to run, do you?" "Well, I've always supposed I could run a little, though I have never run in a gymnasium; but there are better runners here than I. That boy"--pointing to Ben--"is said to be a good runner." "He!" said John Miles contemptuously. "Why, I'm a head taller than he. He's a mere baby." "Well, we shall see." Time was called, and the signal to start was given. The boys started almost simultaneously; Arthur Clark was fastening a girdle about his waist, and that delayed him a little. For a few rods all the boys kept pretty well together. Then three gradually drew away from the rest. These three were John Miles, Frank Jones, and Ben Bradford. Arthur Clark was just behind, but his loss at the start put him at a disadvantage.