the meets within the limits of the five
years.

Will Phelps was keenly excited although his movements were very
deliberate as he walked about the field clad in his running suit, over
which he was wearing his bath robe. His desire to secure a place on the
team was so strong that he hardly dared face the possibility of a
failure. The disappointments of the year would in a measure be atoned
for if only he might win the coveted honor. He had carefully followed
the instructions of Wagner, the captain of the team, who though, by his
physician's orders was not to compete, was nevertheless deeply
interested and for some reason had taken an especially strong liking to
Will Phelps. Upon his advice Will had retired early the preceding night
and had secured a rest that made him now feel that if ever he was to
win, the present opportunity was the supreme one.

"Don't do your best in the heats, unless you have to," said Wagner as he
approached Will on the field and stopped for a moment to chat with him.
"Save your strength for the finals."

Will smiled but did not reply. In his present state of mind he was
wondering if he could run at any pace that was not his best. The events
were being run off now and he was striving to become interested in them.
Anything that would call his thoughts away from himself and his own
contest was to be desired, he thought. Foster had tried and failed to
win a place and Peter John Schenck too had not been successful. Was his
own chance better than theirs? He could hardly believe that it was, and
yet if determination could aid he knew that his lack, if he should be
found wanting, would not be due to that cause.

At last the supreme moment arrived and the call for the first heat in
the hundred yards dash was heard. Will's heart was beating furiously
when he cast aside his bath robe and tossed it to Foster who was waiting
to receive it. His room-mate smiled encouragingly but was too wise to
speak and Will advanced to the line. He perceived that three others were
with him in the heat, but Mott, whom he most feared, was not among the
number. That was a source of some consolation, and his hope increased
that he might at least win a place in the finals.

As the pistol was fired, Will darted forward from the line, but in a
moment the runners were recalled and Will was penalized a yard for his
undue eagerness. Grimly he took his place this time a yard behind the
line and when the start was again made he sped