in advance.

"Boston, will win this time," said Arthur Clark. "See how much Miles
leads."

"I am not so sure of that," said George Herman. "I know Ben
Bradford. He is very strong, and can hold out well. Miles is using
himself up. Do you see how he is panting?"

This was true. In spite of all his training, John Miles had never been
able to overcome a shortness of breath which was constitutional with
him. It was telling upon him now.

Foot by foot Ben gained upon him. It was the first race over again.
Toward the finish he overtook him, and a final spurt won the
race--with John Miles full ten feet behind.

"Have I won fairly?" asked our her, turning to John.

"That confounded cramp caught me again," said John sullenly. "If it
hadn't been for that, you couldn't have beaten me."

"That was unlucky for you."

"I could beat you by twenty-five yards if I felt all right."

"Boasting is easy," thought Ben, but he did not say it. He felt in too
good humor over his second victory.

"We may have a chance to run again some time when you are in
better condition," he said cheerfully.

"Maybe so," answered John dubiously. He felt that he had had
enough of running against Ben.

Ben's acquaintances gathered about him, and congratulated him
over his double victory. Boys whom he did not know sought an
introduction, and he found himself quite a lion.

John Miles returned to the two boys who had accompanied him,
and began to apologize for his want of success.

"I was awfully unlucky," he said. "I suppose that fellow thinks,
because he has beaten me twice when I had the cramp, that he is
a better runner than I am. Just see those fellows crowding
around him! I suppose he will strut like a turkey-cock."

But this was doing injustice to Ben. He certainly had reason to feel
pleased with his success; for it not only brought him a sum equal to
two weeks' wages at the factory, but he received the congratulations
of the boys so modestly that he won the good opinion of many who
had hitherto been strangers to him.

"By George, Ben, you've done well," said James Watson. "I just wish
I were in your place."

"I owe my good luck to you, James."

"How is that?"

"You invited me to come here. I shouldn't have come but for you."

"I am glad of it, Ben. From what you tell me, the money'll come in
handy."

"Indeed it will, James."

"It would come in handy to me, too, but you need it more."

Ben was summoned befo