The other fellows had the option of doing as Hugh did, or they could
continue on further, and, perhaps, get a lift back home on some
farmer's wagon, or possibly a car bound for Scranton. Hugh had an
idea, however, that one of them was coming along the same road a mile
or more behind, and that it would turn out to be "Just" Smith. Some
words the other chap had uttered when they were together before
starting forth on the run gave Hugh this impression, though he could
not be positive about it.

At the time, it gave him little concern; but then he could not look
into the immediate future, and see what it held for him. The coming
of "Just" Smith would yet turn out to be an event of the first magnitude
in Hugh's humble opinion; as the reader will soon learn.

Hugh was jogging along nicely, and had long ago caught his second wind.
He kept "tabs" upon himself, in order to know just how his energy held
out, and if he was likely to be in condition for the gruelling finish
that might become necessary, over the last half mile of the long course,
could a visiting runner threaten to head the list with the goal in sight,
and the thousands of eager spectators bursting out with cheers
calculated to thrill the heart, and give fresh impetus to wearied boys.

On the whole, Hugh felt fairly well satisfied with himself. He knew
he had gone about as fast as ordinary runners would care to travel,
who wished to conserve their strength toward the close of the race;
and that he was holding back a good reserve stock of energy. Yes,
he believed he was at his best, and if he failed to land the prize it
as because some fellow was a better runner than he could ever hope to be.

Just then he heard a sound that gave him a sudden thrill. It was like
a faint human cry for help, uttered in a weak voice, and seemed to come
from his right.

Hugh stopped short.

His first inclination was to instantly dash from the road and endeavor
to discover what caused that cry. Then he had a wave of suspicion
dart over him. Could this be a sly trick on the part of some enemy,
meant to lure him into the brush and rocks, where he could, perhaps,
be overpowered? But Nick, as well as his two satellites, Leon Disney
and Tip Slavin, had been on the grounds at the time Hugh started
his run, for he had taken particular notice of this fact; consequently,
it was hardly likely that they could be concerned in any practical
joke; and certainly no other fellow would be