“And still you are going to be in the hurdle race! That is remarkable. What do you expect to win?”
“Well, I can’t do worse than get last position,” returned Bart, somewhat sulkily. “I do not expect to beat Wallace Random.”
Frank turned away.
Inza Burrage was present to witness the contests, but Frank could not get a chance to speak to her. Effie Random held several conversations with her brother.
Ephraim Gallup, who happened to pass near them as they were talking, heard a few words from each.
“Beat him if you can,” said Effie, “beat him in both races.”
“I will,” confidently declared Random. “You may be sure of that.”
“You don’t know him, or you would not speak thus confidently. He always wins at everything he tries. I wish to see him defeated.”
“Don’t worry: your wish shall be granted.”
Then Ephraim heard no more.