Halfway to the finish
from the turning point Dick and Fred began to crawl up, until they
were less than a yard behind him, one at either hand.
"Go it, Mumps! They are catching you!"
Mumps did try to increase his speed, but hits wind was gone and he
could hardly strike out. The finish was now in sight, and the
boys began to shout on every side:
"Go it, every one of you!"
"Hurrah! Mumps, Dick, and Fred are a tie!"
It was true the three boys were side by side. But presently both
Dick and Fred made extra efforts and forged ahead.
"It's your race, Fred!"
"It's yours, Dick!"
But it was neither's race -- for with a shout both whizzed over
the line at the same instant.
"A tie!"
"And Mumps ain't in it!"
"Three cheers for Dick and Fred!" shouted Frank Harrington, and
the cheers were given with a will. By this time the play hour was
over, and all of the skaters rushed back to the Hall, to get ready
for the drill previous to supper. It is needless to add that each
lad brought an extra big appetite with him.
All of the Royer boys noticed that Dan Baxter did not turn up at
roll call, nor did the bully put in an appearance that night.
"Got a day off," said Mumps, but that was all he could tell.
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