Huntley looked back and saw the two pursuers. He tried to spurt, but his knees seemed weak beneath him. However, he held on grimly.
Down at the far end of the people who lined the road cheering rose. They could see the runners.
“Come on, Merry—come on!” whispered Hodge. “You can do it yet!”
Huntley reached the road. His strength seemed renewed. The cheers of his friends braced him wonderfully. It was but half a mile to the finish, and he let himself out. But he was in distress, and occasionally he lifted his clenched hands and pressed them to his breast.
Bramwell continued to gain. He struck the road and came after Huntley in a manner that threatened to do the work in a hurry.
Then came Frank.
“Look at Merriwell!”
“He’s running like a man in a hundred yards dash!”
“He’s closing the gap!”
“He’ll pass them both!”