e freshman. Will did not reply and at once took his place
beside his four competitors.

"On your marks!" called the starter, and the silence that rested over
the field became intense.

"Get set!" A sigh seemed to rise from the assembly and all were
standing.

"Go!" The crack of the pistol was heard and instantly the runners were
speeding down the track.

The day was warm and Will Phelps could feel that his face was as wet as
if he had plunged in the river. Never in all his young life had he
exerted himself as then. The tread of the running feet on the track
seemed almost like that of one man. On and on they sped, no one looking
to the right or left. Whether he was winning or not, Will was unable to
determine. He knew that all five were "bunched," for he could feel and
hear the others near him. The deafening shouts and the shrill calls and
cries sounded faint and dim in his ears. He could see the officials
standing near the end of the course--an end that seemed far away for all
that the runners were so swiftly approaching.

Nearer and nearer the runners drew and the shouts increased in violence.
Every one in the assembly was standing erect and leaning forward,
breathless with interest. Fifteen, ten, then only five yards remained.
With one supreme effort Will darted ahead. He felt the tape, and not
knowing whether he had won or not he plunged into the outstretched arms
of Wagner.

For a moment everything was dim about him and there was a sound as of a
roaring in his ears. Then above the din he heard the wild shout of the
Winthrop boys and he heard Wagner say, "The cup's ours, Phelps! We've
got it! We've won it!"

"Was I first?" inquired Will simply.

"No, second."

"I don't see then. Who did win?"

"Crafts from Tech was first and you were second and the Alden man
third," said Wagner hilariously. "You put us two points ahead of Alden!
You've won your 'W' and we've got the cup!"

Before Will could respond a body of the Winthrop boys made a rush upon
him and lifting him upon their shoulders advanced to the middle of the
field followed by the entire body of their fellow-students. Then in
fantastic steps and winding column they marched about the field, singing
their college songs and uniting in their college yell for the team and
for Phelps again and again. The interested spectators stopped and
watched the proceedings until at last the team returned to their
dressing rooms and the day was done.

On the return