On and on rushed the hurdle racers, panting, fighting for every inch, taking magnificent leaps, to clear the obstacles, covering yard after yard in long strides.
“Jerry’s ahead! Jerry’s ahead!” yelled Tom, dancing about, and clapping Phil on the back until his chum cried for mercy.
“Hey! Let up, will you?” Phil begged. “I want to live to see the finish.”
“Sid’s falling back,” announced Holly, gloomily, as he watched the contestants. “But Joe Jackson is pulling up.”
“There goes Lem Sellig!” cried Tom, as that lad tripped on a hurdle and fell heavily. Several of his friends rushed out and picked him up.
“Go on Sid! Go on!” fairly howled Tom.
“Three cheers for Fairview!” came a shrill cry in girls’ voices, and Tom knew that Madge and her chums were rallying their representatives.
Close behind Jerry came George Birch of Exter. On he raced, magnificently, with a burst of speed.
“Look out, Jerry!” warned Holly, but it was too late.
With a leap George passed his competitor, and forged to the front. Even then Jerry might have caught him had it not been for a slight accident.