nell's ear. "This is right where
Merriwell loses some of his glory. Rains has beaten him."

"This time, perhaps," admitted Snell; "but there is another jump to
follow, and the best score made is the one that decides the contest.
You will find Merriwell is not beaten yet."

"Why, you talk as if you wanted him to beat!"

"Not much! I would give almost anything to see him beaten at
everything he attempts. Don't think for a minute that I am in love
with that fellow!"

The tape had been run, and now the announcement was heard:

"Nineteen feet, one inch and one-third."

Rains had beaten Merriwell by two inches on the second jump.

But the contest was not yet over, and there was a chance that Frank
would finally redeem himself.

Frank's friends were disappointed. Hodge showed deep chagrin in his
face, as he drew Merriwell aside, saying swiftly and guardedly:

"You're making a mistake, old man, if you are holding off for the last
jump. The second jump is the one to lay yourself out on always."

"Perhaps I did," smiled Frank.

"What!" gasped Hodge. "And he has beaten you!"

"It looks that way, doesn't it?"

"But--but--I--I won't believe it! You can do better--you must do
better! Why, old man, you will lose your grip if you don't beat him!"

"You do not expect impossibilities, do you?"

"No, but----"

"Would you go back on me if I lost this match?"

"You know better, Frank! I would stick by you under any circumstances!"

"Then I shall not feel so bad about losing it."

Hodge gasped and clutched the arm of his roommate.

"For gracious sake, you don't mean to say he had set you a stint you
cannot beat? You mustn't lose--you shan't lose! Do brace up, old man!
Why, think how those fellows who are envious of you will rejoice if
Rains comes out on top! You must win!"

"Well, I will do my best on the next. There goes Rains for the last
jump."

With the ghost of a triumphant mile on his face, Paul again took his
place at the starting point. The smile vanished, and a look of
resolution took its place.

"He is going to try to beat your other jump!" said Bascomb.

"He can't do it," declared Snell.

"Wait and see."

Paul had really resolved to beat his last jump. As he ran, he gathered
momentum, gauging the distance carefully, and reaching the mark
exactly. The jump was a splendid one, and it was instantly seen that
he had actually beaten his former record.

Quickly and carefully the tape w