But no matter, he would always be a hero in the eyes of those who loved him, though he might not decorate the family mantel at home with the prizes he aspired to win.
Hugh had kept fairly quiet after returning from Hackensack, and seeing the hermit once more safe in the charge of his folks.

He knew that he must conserve his strength for the great undertaking that confronted him that afternoon.

Those who had entered for the long-distance race would not be allowed, of course, to participate in any other event; that had been laid down as law by Mr.Leonard when they entered their names on the list of candidates.

They must simply stand around and watch what was going on until the time came for staging the Marathon; when they could take their place in the long string that would await the pistol shot intended to start them on the telling grind.
Horatio and "Just" Smith were on deck, looking fit and eager.

Then, too, there was Nick Lang, with a grin on his heavy face every time he glanced toward the other three fellows.