He was content that it should be so. And in times to come he would never envy Lanky that splendid timepiece, which was to be the reward of his pluck and running ability.
Still, he deemed it wise to hold back as much as he could, and not allow this impetuous comrade his head. Letting the two who led the run set the pace, was the wisest thing that could be done. They were apt to vie with each other in little spurts that were calculated to exhaust their vim; while those behind could continue to push steadily along in a grinding, irresistible way, always keeping a certain amount of reserve speed on tap for an emergency.
It was about this time that the runners entered upon the gloomiest part of the entire course. Frank remembered the stretch of dense woods full well. He had even hunted for gray squirrels here, more than a few times; though as a rule the boys of Columbia seldom came this way, when the river offered them such a field for most of their sports, summer and winter.
The trees were of unusual size, and grew so thickly that there was always an aspect of gloom hanging over the district. It had rather a bad name, too, on account of a peddler having met with his death here years back; and though the authorities had done their duty as well as possible, the tramp who undoubtedly was responsible for the forest tragedy had never been apprehended.
Still, there did not seem to be any chance for even a schemer such as Frank believed Larry Parker to be to play any trick upon his opponents. He could not slacken his own pace; and it was altogether unlikely that he would influence any Clifford comrade to lie in wait, so as to trip the runners, or in some other way bring them to a stop.
Besides, just then Parker was in the lead, and could not know what a surprise was in store for him when Lanky Wallace broke loose. He seemed to have only the wily Bellport runner, Coddling, to fear. And that fellow was too smart, Frank believed, to give his rival any chance to come in contact with him.
Four miles more to run!
How slowly time seemed to pass! Why, it was as though an age had elapsed since the pistol cracked that sent the contestants flying like the wind on their way.
“Can’t we go a little faster, Frank?” Lanky asked, as they struck the big woods; and the look he turned on his chum was more expressive than even his words.
Frank shook his head in the negative. Knowing the impulsive nature of the tall Columbia student, Roderick Seymour in the beginning had given Lanky to understand that he must govern his actions by those of Frank Allen. If the other gave him the word to let himself out at any time, then he could start on his own responsibility. For it was understood before the race started, that the contestants of each school could assist one another by advice, or in any other legitimate way, while endeavoring to land the prize.