at the second bend, and could be
expected shortly to come into view at the head of the last half-mile
strip of road leading to the goal.

Once an engine on the railroad not far away gave a sharp whistle that
thrilled everybody, and numberless eyes were glued on the point up
the road where the first runner must appear. Then a general laugh
ran around because of the false alarm.

But everything must have an end, and that keen anxiety finally met
with its reward. Plainly came the heavy boom of the waiting gun.
Everyone craned his or her neck to see. Hearts beat quicker with
eager anticipation. Which one of the thirty contestants would be the
first to appear? There might be several in a bunch, primed for the
final sprint for goal. The very thought thrilled hearts, and added
color to cheeks, as well as made eyes sparkle with anticipation.
Allandale was not cheering now; Belleville rooters were strangely
quiet; for, so far, the outcome of the great race was still wrapped
in mystery; but the solution would soon come, they knew.

Another heavy boom told that a second runner was just around the
bend, and when a third discharge quickly followed the crowd knew
there was going to be an exciting finish to the Marathon.

Then a plainly audible sigh broke forth as the first runner was seen
rounding the bend, and starting on the home stretch, but wabbling
badly as he ran, being almost completely exhausted.

CHAPTER XIX

ON THE FINAL MILE OF THE COURSE

Meanwhile, in order to understand certain important events that came
about, it is necessary that we follow the runners, and devote this
chapter to what occurred up to the time that first fellow came
lunging around the final bend, having covered the whole course up to
the final lap.

For a mile or so along the road there were bunches of schoolboys and
girls waiting to give some of the contestants a cheering word as they
flashed past. The enthusiasts, however, would not linger long, for
they likely enough wished to see the comical part of the programme
carried out. Besides, once the runners had straggled past their
posts the only interest remaining for them in the race was its
conclusion. So they would want to get back to the grounds, and
secure positions along the line to the first bend, where they could
greet each contestant as he appeared, and cheer him on; for he would
probably need encouragement, being near the point of exhaustion.

Hugh had figured things