There was not the sensationalism about the running broad jump that there had been about the mile run, but to a lover of games there was much of interest in it. There were some good, clean jumpers, too, and Randall’s lads were not a whit behind their opponents.
In turn the representatives of Fairview and Boxer Hall made their trials. There were two of each, and Sid came fifth, the first one to try for Randall.
“You’ve got to beat nineteen feet, eight inches,” said Kindlings to his chum. “Can you do it?”
“I’ve done nineteen, seven—that’s the best,” was the low answer, “but I’ll try.”
Sid gathered himself for the run, and took-off beautifully. He came down a good two inches beyond the best previous mark, and there was a shout of delight as this was noted.
“I claim a foul!” was the sudden remark of an Exter player. “Henderson overstepped the take-off mark.”
At once there was a storm of protest, and some acquiescing voices. Holly and Kindlings insisted that Sid had not fouled, and, after some delay, and not a little disputing, in which hard words were passed, it was agreed that Sid might try again, after the last contestant.
The cheers that had sprung up when it was rumored that Sid had won, were hushed, and in tense silence the Randallites awaited the final outcome.
An Exter lad had covered an even twenty feet, and this was by far the best record for that event in the league. Already Exter was cheering in anticipation of victory. But Sid had another chance.
“Can you do it?” asked Holly.