sy third, and Arthur Clark ranked fourth.

"I congratulate you," said Frank to Ben, who stood, flushed and
pleased, at the goal. "You've won the prize fairly."

John Miles stood by, mortified and sullen.

"Better luck next time!" said Frank Jones. "You see we know a little
about running."

"I should have won easily enough if I hadn't had a sudden attack of
cramp," said John grumbling.

"You didn't run as if you had the cramp."

"You say so, because you don't know how fast I can run. I didn't
run at all this morning."

"That's unlucky. I wanted to see some real running."

"I should like to run the race over again," said John.

"Of course, you can't for the prize has been won."

"I don't care about the prize. I've got money enough."

"I haven't," said Ben; "I care more for the money than the victory."

"Look here!" said John. "I'll put up five dollars myself, if you'll run
with me again."

"You will?" exclaimed Ben, his eyes sparkling.

"Yes, I will."

"And you won't ask me to put up anything?"

"No."

"Then I'll run if the committee will let me."

A ready permission was obtained from the committee; but it was
stipulated that the younger boys should have their race first. To this
both contestants readily agreed, since it would give them a chance to
recover from the fatigue of the race they had just engaged in.

Chapter V

Ben Wins Again

"I am very glad you won," said Frank Jones, in a low voice.

"Thank you; so am I," answered Ben, smiling.

"Of course I should have preferred to win myself," continued Frank
candidly; "but, as I saw that it lay between you and John Miles, I
sided with you."

"Do you know Miles?"

"No, but I spoke with him just as the race began. I saw that he felt
sure of winning. He boasted that he had practiced running at a
gymnasium in Boston."

"Then I wonder he didn't beat me."

"He would on a short race; but your wind is better."

"I am glad to win, for the sake of the money," said Ben. "I have lost
my place at the factory, and my aunt depends on my earnings."

"Then I am glad for you," said Frank. "I didn't need the money
myself. If I had won, I would have given it to you, knowing your
circumstances."

"You are very kind," said Ben gratefully.

"You may win another five dollars. I hope you will."

"It will be rather hard on John Miles to lose two races and his
money, too."

"You needn't consider that. If I judge him rightly, he has