Everyone craned his or her neck to see.

Hearts beat quicker with eager anticipation.

Which one of the thirty contestants would be the first to appear?
There might be several in a bunch, primed for the final sprint for goal.

The very thought thrilled hearts, and added color to cheeks, as well as made eyes sparkle with anticipation.

Allandale was cheering now; Belleville rooters were strangely quiet; for, so far, the outcome of the great race was still wrapped in mystery; but the solution would soon come, they knew.
Another heavy boom told that a second runner was just around the bend, and when a third discharge quickly followed the crowd knew there was going to be an exciting finish to the Marathon.
Then a plainly audible sigh broke forth as the first runner was seen rounding the bend, and starting on the home stretch, but wabbling badly as he ran, being almost completely exhausted..