Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-06-20
THE MILE RUN.
H leslie n. QuirK.
n leslie n. QuirK.

time at hand. Now, however, tnere
was nothing to do but To forget his
ambitions and help win the race for
his university. So he wrote to his
rather explaining the circumstances
and suggesting that it would hardly
be worth his while 10 come TO the
meet. But his father. who was an old
college man himself. answered his let
ter in a way that made Elton'S heart
leap.
Il am proud of you" the father
wrote. and under tho circumstances
would prefer having your team win
the meet than seeing you get first in
that race. You have the true college
spirit. my boy. which is an important
element in a higher education. | shall
come TO see you lose the race, and
shall be glad when you do it,"
The day of the dual track meet came
almost before Elton realized it. The
air was heavy with the soft laziness
of early spring, yet there was cool
ness in the atmosphere that foretold
fast races.
Both universities had a large fol-
lowing. Each was confident of win
ming; each cheered its men fraatical!y.
Followers of college athletes were on
the field in large numbers. for the meet
was practically to decide the cham
pionship of the west.
Down under the grand stand, in the
dressing rooms. the members of the
track team lounced about in luxurious
idleness The coaches. judges. time
keepers and other officials rushed here
and there in greatest haste. endeavor-
ing to get the great athletic meet start
ed on time.
II was, as usual. n full haif-hour af-
ter the advertised time when the first
event occurred. But from that mo-
ment there was no hitch, and slowly
the spectators checked of their pro-
grams as each race was ended. For
the coaches there were no surprises.
Each had figured out the results of the
various events from the previous rec
o-ds of the contestants. and each saw
mis- prophecies. one by one. fulfilled.
Almost before he knew II. Elton had
laid down on the great bare table. and
had his muscles loosened by careful
rubbing and kneading. and then had
slipped on his running suit and taken
his place on the cinder track.
AS he waited for the signel he re-
membered the coach's last advice. He
looked now at the three other runners.
ha al of
track. smiling and confident. one
of the other teams men was on each
side of him. Elton looked curiously at
them. and wondered if they would be
fooled by the simple game he was to
play. He doubted it. but he deter
mined to do his best TO draw them on.
Then came the sharp commands of
the starter, the pistol shot and they
were off, each running with long,
measured stride. For time they ran
together, with feet that touched the
cinders underneath in perfect unison.
After a moment, Elton. almost afraid.
took a little longer step, and quick
ened his stride. For a minute he
feared the change in the pace was
enough TO be noticed. but a quick side
glance showed the other runners at his
elbow. So bit by bit he increased his
speed until he knew he must be set
ting a pace that would soon tire the
others. And still they chung TO his
side.
At the second lap OF the quarter
mile track, when the race was half
ended, Elton was full so yards ahead of
the nearest man. The runners of the
other team had by this time discov-
cred the attempt to tire them at the
start. and had dropped back until they
were midway between Elton and
Denly.
Just how we'll the plan had worked
could not be decided until the last
Jap. when the critical sprint at the
finish took place. 1t seemed to Ell
ton. however. that the two other run
ners must be much more exhausted
than Denty. Elton himself was
breathing hard. and keeping step only
in a mechanical way. He was glad
he was not expected TO sprint the last
few yards.
AS he rounded the curve of the track
at the finish of the last lap but one.
Elton took quick glance back at the
other runners. Then he gasped sud-
denly, lost step and nearly fell. He
could not see Denty.
There was a blurred sight of the two
other runners. already beginning 10
gain upon him. but back of them.
where Denly had been a moment be-
fore, the track lay black and deserted.
Had he fallen? Had he given up the
race? There was no time. however.
for conjectures. But one thought was
in Elton's mind; Denly was gone: he
must win the race himself
He crossed the line and started on
the last lap. Well in the rear, the
two other runners quickened their
pace. and began TO draw nearer and
nearer. Up in the grand stand some
one yelled a word OF encouragement
and Elton tried to move his legs a
little faster. His breath was coming
in queer. choking gasps now. and his
lips were burning hot and dry.
Halfway round the track he STUN
bled from sheer exhaustion. and lost
a yard or two. BY the time he had
forced his legs into the stride again
he could hear the labored breathing
of some other runner close behind
With desperate energy he dug the
spikes OF his running shoes into the
cinder track. and leaped ahead as he