d
nothing but the best will do the day appearingly."

With that Black Duncan took place for his throw. One--twice--thrice he
swung the great hammer about his head, then sent it whirling into the
air. Again a mighty shout announced a great throw and again a dead
silence waited for the measurement.

"One hundred and fourteen feet!"

"Aha!" said Black Duncan, and stepped back apparently well satisfied.

It was again Mack's turn.

"You have the privilege of allowing your first throw to stand," said Dr.
Kane.

"Best let it stand, lad, till it iss beat," advised Black Duncan kindly.
"It iss a noble throw."

"He can do better, though," said Cameron.

"Very well, very well!" said Duncan. "Let him try."

But Mack's success had keyed him up to the highest pitch. Every nerve
was tingling, every muscle taut. His first throw he had taken without
strain, being mainly anxious, under Cameron's coaching, to get the
swing, but under the excitement incident to the contest he had put more
strength into the throw than appeared either to himself or to his coach.
Now, however, with nerves and muscles taut, he was eager to increase
his distance, too eager it seemed, for his second throw measured only
eighty-nine feet.

A silence fell upon his friends and Cameron began to chide him.

"You went right back to your old style, Mack. There wasn't the sign of a
swing."

"I will get it yet, or bust!" said big Mack between his teeth.

McGee's second throw went one hundred and seventeen feet. A cheer arose
from his backers, for it was a great throw and within five feet of
his record. Undoubtedly McGee was in great form and he might well be
expected to measure up to his best to-day.

Black Duncan's second throw measured one hundred and nineteen feet
seven, which was fifteen feet short of his record and showed him to be
climbing steadily upward.

Once more the turn came to Mack, and once more, with almost savage
eagerness, he seized the hammer preparatory to his throw.

"Now, Mack, for heaven's sake go easy!" said Cameron. "Take your swing
easy and slow."

But Mack heeded him not. "I can beat it!" he muttered between his shut
teeth, "and I will." So, with every nerve taut and every muscle strained
to its limit, he made his third attempt. It was in vain. The measure
showed ninety-seven feet six. A suppressed groan rose from the Maplehill
folk.

"A grand throw, lad, for a beginner," said Black Duncan.

The excitement now became int