The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1903-08-21
THE MILE RUN.
By Leslie N. QuirK.


his running mate would break the
tape, we'll In advance OF the others.
Next the two runners OF the other
team, completely exhausted, would fail
across the Hne into the arms Of their
comrades. And last, far to the rear,
he would straggle on the finish, too
tired TO hear the laughs and taunts Of
those who did not recognize the sacri-
fee.
But It was not alone the thought Of
the crowds verdict that hurt him; he
was willing to make the sacrifice for
his university. But he had trained
long and faithfully with the hope of
winning, and the thought that he
might be dabarred from even trying
to do so had not entered his head.
His father had written that he would
come down to see him run, and had
told him with gruff kindness that he
was a "plucky boy" At home his
friends would hear Of the race and
chuckle knowingly; for they had
laughed at him when he spoke of try
ing athletics. and had smiled from SUI
perior head on his 1870 pounds of
weight. What could a boy of his size
do? they asked.
He had meant to show them his
worth some day, and had thought the
time at hand Now, however, there
was nothing to do but to forget his
ambitions and help win the race for
his university. So he wrote to his
father explaining the circumstances
and suggesting that it would hardly
be worth his while to 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, land under the circumstances
would prefer having your team win
the meet than seeing you get a first in
that race. You have the true college
spirit, my boy, which is an important
element in a higher education. l 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 it's men frantically.
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 lounged 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.
1t was, as usual, a full half-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 off 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
ords Of the contestants, and each saw
his prophecies, one by one, fulfilled.
Almost before he knew it, 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
Denly was on the outer edge Of the
track, smiling and confident, one
Of the other teams men was on each
side of him. Elton looked curiously al
them, and wondered if they would be
fooled by the simple game he was tC
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 a long
measured stride, For a time they raT
together, with feet that touched thu
cinders underneath in perfect unison
After a moment, Elton, almost afraid
took little longer step, and quick
ened his stride. For a minute hi
feared the change in the pace was
, enough to be noticed but a quick sidc
glance showed the other runners at hi
elbow So bit by bit he increased hi
speed until he knew he must be set
ting a pace that would soon tire The