Walter Hewlett, whose skating had been strong and steady so far, passed Dick at the turn.
"Hardly fair, after all," murmured several.

"_Of course_, after what he's been through, no matter how much nerve Prescott may have, he can't be anything like up to his usual form." Had Dick heard them he would have smiled.

He knew that the skating was warming him up and taking away whatever of the chill had been left.
As they neared the second turn the distance between Dick and Hewlett was about fifteen yards.

The other freshmen were far enough behind both not to appear to count.
Now Prescott turned on steam.

He reached the second turn only eight yards behind Hewlett, and that latter freshman made the poorer turn.
Down the home stretch now! Dick began to work deep breathing for all he was worth.