on. It was black and
sleek and swift, and fairly flew from a clump of willows by the wayside,
up the trail toward a cabin on the edge of town; and after it flew Spot,
all eagerness for the chase.

Dan's team, as indifferent to the fascination of swift, sleek cats as
only dogs of "Scotty's" training could be, were pursuing the even tenor
of their way in no wise excited by the episode.

When the cat darted out of sight to safety George's dogs were almost at
the starting point and the crowds had hurried to meet them; keeping free
only a narrow passage down which they dashed with unabated speed. For
while they were tired, and home and rest were near, the cheers and
applause of the people egged them on till they crossed the line, where
George was greeted as Winner of the First Annual, Juvenile Race of Nome.

He had covered the course of seven miles in thirty minutes and six
seconds, while two minutes behind came Dan, just in time to offer loyal
homage on the altar of friendship and success. There was a warm clasp of
the hand, and a sincere if brief tribute. "You are some swell racer,
George," and, as one making a vow, "you can bet I'll never throw rocks
at another black cat so long as I live."

Shortly Bob and Bill arrived, well pleased that they were so close to
the Victor--but there was no sign of Jim; whereupon Mr. Kelly delivered
himself of a scathing comment. "I guess next time Jim 'd better enter
the High School Girls' Handicap; these real races ain't any place for
him."

The presentation of the tiny Trophy Cup was a formal function. George,
held up in the Judge's arms that he might be seen as he received it, was
filled not only with present pride, but also with an inward
determination to devote the rest of his existence to the high calling of
dog racing; with perhaps an occasional descent into the lower realms of
school affairs and business, as a concession to the wishes of his
parents and in deference to their age and old-fashioned ideas.

His happiness in the accomplishment of his dogs was complete. His hard
work in their training had been fully repaid; for Spot had not only
proved his cleverness as a leader, but Queen had been no worse than he
had anticipated, and Baldy had faithfully performed his duty as a
wheeler in keeping the trail when it was most necessary.

It was a triumph worth while for the boy and the team.

That night at a full meeting of the "Bow-Wow Wonder Workers," the
exciting affairs of t