The lads leaned forward over the scratch in the dirt, which had been drawn by somebody's heel.
"Go!"
Away shot the rivals like leaping fawns. They seemed like two foxes, and the crowd of lads who broke away in pursuit resembled a pack of hounds.
It was a hot dash, and, for some time, the boys were running side by side, neither seeming to have an advantage.
"Wait a bit," panted Emery, at Diamond's side; "you'll soon see Yates spurt and leave Merriwell."
"What do you think Merriwell will be doing while Yates is spurting?" asked Jack, sarcastically.
"He'll seem to be standing still."
"Will he? Wait and see!"
The rivals were drawing near the station, and still it seemed that they were keeping side by side.
"Now they are spurting!"