Though it seemed hours and hours until the hands of the clock approached the “two” mark, they did eventually. Shortly before one o’clock, however, the boys were at the track. Old Pete Bumps was there ahead of them, having been sent over by Mr. Baker.
“Here we all be, happy and free,” said Pete, as he greeted the boys.
“Here, just stay near the machines,” said Bob. “And mind, don’t go away from them, no matter if some one offers you a pipe, cigars, tobacco and matches.”
“That I will not, I will stay on the spot,” said Pete, gravely.
“My, what a crowd!” exclaimed Ned.
And indeed there was a big gathering. The grand stand was almost filled, and the bleachers completely, while hundreds stood up all the way around the oval track. There were many ladies and gentlemen, club members and citizens of Cresville, besides any number of boys and girls.
The Cresville Athletic Club was a well known one, and the big prizes offered for the motor-cycle race had attracted riders from all over the state. There were thirty starters, and, as the track was not wide enough for them all to line up at once it had been decided to get them away in three batches of ten each, the second squad to start off after the first finished, and the third after the second.
The boys made quick work of getting into their racing togs. Then, with fifteen minutes to spare before the five minute warning gun would send all practicers from the course, they went out on the track. They found their machines were working to perfection, and each one, in his secret heart, hoped he would win the coveted first prize.
It seemed no more than a few minutes before a gun went off, and a man with a megaphone began shouting to have the track cleared. People scurried for their seats, and there was a tense feeling in the air, that always precedes a test of strength and endurance. Riders hurried from the course to give a last drop of oil to their machines. Late coming contestants were busy pinning their numbers on their shirts, and, altogether there was a scene of confusion.
Though it was the largest race the three chums had ever been in, they kept cool. They had all their arrangements made, and soon, with all the other riders they were called to the judges’ stand. They were briefly told of the rules, and then lots were drawn to determine in what squad the riders were to start off.