This was to be the supreme test, and on it depended much, for the winner of this race would add a goodly number of points to his college’s total.
They lined up, a throbbing, eager batch of lads, with ears on the alert for the sound of the pistol that was to send them off.
Crack! it came with startling suddenness, and they all sprang forward.
“Now, boys, the ‘Conquer or Die,’ song!” yelled Bean, and the Latin song, which had helped win many a victory under the banners of Randall filled the air. It came at a time when the other college cheering crowds were silent, and produced an unusual effect.
On and on rushed the hurdle racers, panting, fighting for every inch, taking magnificent leaps, to clear the obstacles, covering yard after yard in long strides.
“Jerry’s ahead! Jerry’s ahead!” yelled Tom, dancing about, and clapping Phil on the back until his chum cried for mercy.
“Hey! Let up, will you?” Phil begged. “I want to live to see the finish.”
“Sid’s falling back,” announced Holly, gloomily, as he watched the contestants. “But Joe Jackson is pulling up.”
“There goes Lem Sellig!” cried Tom, as that lad tripped on a hurdle and fell heavily. Several of his friends rushed out and picked him up.
“Three cheers for Fairview!” came a shrill cry in girls’ voices, and Tom knew that Madge and her chums were rallying their representatives.
Close behind Jerry came George Birch of Exter. On he raced, magnificently, with a burst of speed.
“Look out, Jerry!” warned Holly, but it was too late.
With a leap George passed his competitor, and forged to the front. Even then Jerry might have caught him had it not been for a slight accident.
There was a cinder sticking up, dislodged from the smooth track by some previous runner, and not before noticed. Jerry trod on it, and his foot gave a twinge. He hesitated a moment, before a hurdle, and the hesitation was fatal to his chances.
He did not clear the barrier, but, though he knocked it over he himself did not fall. But he could not get into his stride again, and, a moment later, he was passed by several others.
“Oh Sid! Sid! It’s up to you!” yelled Phil, but it was not to be. Sid, well to the fore, was doing his best, but he had been depending on Jerry, and it was too late now to make the needful spurt.