“It lies between Harvey and Basil. See, Jim Harper is ’way behind,” exclaimed Walter. “Basil is gaining.”
“Yes, he is! he is! There! he has passed Harvey. No! Yes, he has! Oh, Basil, keep ahead! do! do!” And Persis clasped her hands excitedly.
“Phillips! Phillips!” rang out from all sides. “Dana! Dana!” came a second encouraging shout.
Steadily Basil gained, and at last Persis drew a sigh of relief. “Oh, I can’t wait for the third heat,” she said. “The next thing is that throwing of weights, and I don’t care much about it. Isn’t it exciting to have Basil and Mr. Dana so close? Oh, dear, I’m afraid I shall be very much disappointed if Basil comes in second. I wish I could take things more calmly.”
Mr. Danforth smiled at the girl’s excitement. “Don’t try to outgrow your enthusiasm,” he said. “The more appreciation the more enjoyment.”
Persis made no reply, for the final trial of speed for Basil was about to be made. The eyes of the two lads measured each other as they stepped into the ring, and Persis nervously settled herself in the best position to catch sight of every movement of the runners. Off they go, heads up, shoulders back, neck to neck. Harvey is ahead, Basil gaining. One quick glance behind causes Harvey to lose ground, and Basil, seeing his advantage, darts ahead with a sudden spurt. Faster! faster! faster! There is no hope for Harvey; he has used his best strength too soon. On, on goes the winner, until with one last effort he reaches the goal, passes beyond, and drops exhausted.
Then a mighty cheer goes up, led by the little company of his nearest friends. “Hurrah for Phillips! Baz! Baz! Baz!” Persis, hardly knowing what she is doing, fairly shouts the triumph she feels, standing up, waving hat, handkerchief, even carriage whip. Quiet Annis, too, is borne away by the excitement, and snatching from her belt the roses she wears, tosses them to the victorious lad as he passes the carriage on his way inside. A bright smile answers the girls’ enthusiastic cries of congratulation, and Persis sinks down on her seat, with cheeks scarlet from excitement, saying, “Oh, Annis, why didn’t I think to throw him my flowers. Never mind, he shall have them when he comes out. Isn’t it fine to have such a champion runner for a brother. I love, I just love to see all this, and soon it will be over.”
It was a merry crowd which met at the Inn, for the Holmes party was not the only one which went there from the athletic grounds for supper. Audrey Vane, Kitty Carew, Margaret Greene, Harvey Dana, the Toad, and the Grasshopper were all there before them.
“Isn’t this jolly?” cried Kitty, as she greeted Basil’s company. “Oh, you have that quiet Mr. Danforth with you. Is there any fun in him?” she whispered to Persis.
“Lots,” returned Persis; “just get him started, and you’ll see.”