"You mean to run it over alone?"
"Yes, sir—unless Flapp will run against me."
"I've won the race and that's all there is to it," grumbled the tall boy doggedly.
"Certainly I'll time you, if you wish it," said Mr. Strong, who saw how disappointed Sam was. "But it won't be a race, you know."
"I don't care—I want to show them what I can do."
"Very well."
Sam drew up to the mark and declared himself ready.
"Shall I run with you?" asked Tom. "Just to urge you on, you know?"
"All right, Tom, come on."
"Go!" cried George Strong, watch in hand and his eye on the second hand.