CHAPTER XXV

SPRINGDALE LEADS

"Go it, Kirke!"

Perry turned to find Lanny at his elbow, Lanny enveloped in a brown bath-robe and minus his crutch. Then the shouts of the crowd at the finish drew Perry's gaze down the track again as the flying figures crossed the line. From back there it was hard to say who had been placed, but presently, as the sprinters returned, Lanny hurried stiffly to meet Kirke.

"All right, Orson?" called Lanny. Kirke shook his head, smiling and panting.

"I'm out," he answered. "Soper's placed, though. I was fourth."

"Hard luck," said Lanny. "You'll make it in the two-twenty, though." He returned to where Perry was standing. "Funny that Kirke let Soper beat him," he said. "He's been finishing ahead of Soper right along, hasn't he?"

"Yes, but I think Kirke's better in the two-twenty. Are you going to run, Lanny?"