"Why, you talk as if you wanted him to beat!"
"Not much! I would give almost anything to see him beaten at everything he attempts. Don't think for a minute that I am in love with that fellow!"
The tape had been run, and now the announcement was heard:
"Nineteen feet, one inch and one-third."
Rains had beaten Merriwell by two inches on the second jump.
But the contest was not yet over, and there was a chance that Frank would finally redeem himself.
Frank's friends were disappointed. Hodge showed deep chagrin in his face, as he drew Merriwell aside, saying swiftly and guardedly:
"You're making a mistake, old man, if you are holding off for the last jump. The second jump is the one to lay yourself out on always."
"Perhaps I did," smiled Frank.
"What!" gasped Hodge. "And he has beaten you!"