With the speed of a fawn, Frank came down the run, reached the mark, shot like a leopard into the air, sailed like a soaring bird, and landed safely far beyond Rains' best mark—so far, indeed, that the crowd was too astonished to make a sound, but stood staring as the tape was laid.
"Twenty-one feet and two inches!" came the electrifying announcement.
Then, for all of rules, for all of Professor Rhynas, Frank's friends made the air ring with their wild shouts of applause.
CHAPTER XX.
BASCOMB'S MISTAKE.
Paul Rains was struck with dismay and confusion, which threatened to turn to anger.
He saw the crowd gathering round Frank, and congratulating him. Paul was left quite alone. Not even Bascomb approached him, for the big plebe was too dismayed to say anything or do anything.
Wat Snell simply muttered:
"I knew it!"