'Who's that extraordinary man? asked Lady Circumference.
'He is the boxing coach and swimming professional, said the Doctor. 'A finely developed figure, don't you think?
'First race, said Paul through the megaphone, 'under sixteen. Quarter‑mile! He read out Grimes's list of starters.
'What's Tangent doin' in this race? said Lady Circumference. 'The boy can't run an inch.
The silver band stopped playing.
'The course, said Paul, 'starts from the pavilion, goes round that clump of elms…
'Beeches, corrected Lady Circumference loudly.
'… and ends in front of the bandstand. Starter, Mr Prendergast; timekeeper, Captain Grimes.
'I shall say, "Are you ready? one, two, three!" and then fire, said Mr Prendergast. 'Are you ready? One' —
there was a terrific report. 'Oh dear! I'm sorry' ‑ but the race had begun. Clearly Tangent was not going to win; he was sitting on the grass crying because he had been wounded in the foot by Mr Prendergast's bullet. Philbrick carried him, wailing dismally, into the refreshment tent, where Dingy helped him off with his shoe. His heel was slightly grazed. Dingy gave him a large slice of cake, and he hobbled out surrounded by a sympathetic crowd.