ad warning notices printed at the office of the _Weekly
Courier_, notifying all boys who might contemplate playing any sort of
practical joke during the holding of the carnival that Chief Adolph
Wambold, the head of the local police, would have his entire force on
the grounds, and such offenders would be harshly treated, if detected.

The afternoon was well along when Hugh was approached by "Just" Smith,
one of the candidates who meant to try for the Marathon prize.

"Several of the boys are meaning to start off on that seven-mile spin,
Hugh," the other announced as he came up; "and they want you to come
along. We can start together, and then separate, as we feel
disposed;" and, as this suited Hugh, he agreed.

CHAPTER X

WHEN MUSCLES COUNTED

There were four of them who made the start, Hugh, "Just" Smith, Horatio
Juggins, and K.K., the Kinkaid boy. Three of the bunch had been
fielders in the baseball nine that carried off the championship
pennant of the three-town-high-school league the preceding summer;
and, having been known as great runners, it was only natural that
they had felt impelled, to enter for the long-distance race.

An equal number could be expected from both Allandale and Belleville,
so that with others who would feel disposed to, at least, be in at
the start, though calculating to fall out after a few miles had been
run, possibly a full score would toe the string at the time the great
Marathon was called.

In an event of this nature a big "field" adds to the excitement of
the occasion; and it is often noticed that those who have no intention
of finishing usually look the most confident during the preparations
for making the grand start. Well, they have no hope of getting any
fun out of the race after losing sight of the crowd, and so they mean
to take what they can beforehand.

Talking is almost tabooed during such a race, since every breath lost
in useless conversation saps so much energy. Even on a trial run Mr.
Leonard had advised the boys to separate as soon as possible, and keep
some distance apart, mostly to obviate this temptation to exchange
views; so that each candidate could conserve every atom of his powers.

So it came about that by the time two miles had been run Hugh found
himself absolutely alone. Hugh had left the main thoroughfare, and
was passing along a byroad that would take him around through the
hilly country, until the Scranton turnpike was again reached.