“I passed Coddling first of all,” the other remarked. “I think he made some sort of sarcastic remark; but then that was only what you’d expect.”
“And Parker?” persisted Frank.
“He looked back just then,” Lanky remarked. “P’raps he heard Coddling call out; but all I know is he turned his head and saw me. And Frank, he looked like he was too mad for anything. I knew he wouldn’t let me pass him if he could help it. And I just remembered all you’d said about what I must do.”
“Yes, go on, Lanky,” urged Frank; while even the police officers listened with apparent interest as the boy told his story of how the long run was made.
“I kept getting closer and closer to Parker,” Lanky continued. “He was doing all he knew how just then to hold his own; but, Frank, I was feeling that frisky I reckon I c’d ’a’ drawn circles around that dub if I tried.”
“But you didn’t go to all that trouble, Lanky?” remarked Frank, laughing at the way the other put it.
“When I was just back of him I kept my eyes open for any of his little tricks,” the tall boy explained. “You see, I didn’t want to get hit by any stone that might just take a notion to fly up from his feet, and get in my way, like poor old Bones. And I was watchin’ for a chance to flip past Parker when he didn’t expect it.”
“Which I take it you did after a little?” Frank suggested, to hurry Lanky on; for they were even then drawing near the camp of the Romany tribe.
“Yes, I saw him make a movement of some sort; and thinkin’ he was goin’ to drop something in front of me, I just skipped across to the other side of the road in great shape, and then lit out for all I was worth. Heard him tryin’ to say somethin’ or other, but he was too late; because, you see, I was ahead. And after that I could give Larry the grand laugh. I just romped in, with him fifty yards behind, and Coddling picking up on him fast; because, you see, the wonder was played out. That’s all. I tried to duck when the boys made a grab for me; but they insisted on carryin’ me around the field on their shoulders, while they roared our school song. And there’s the camp, Frank!”
“I’m going to look at your watch later on, Lanky; but it sure gives me great pleasure to see you wearing it,” Frank remarked.