"Expect me back later on, old fellow! Bye-bye! Don't try to do too much, and hurt yourself worse!" With these words he sprang away.

"Just" Smith gave him a parting cheer, that must have come a bit hard, owing to the pain he suffered, and also the bitter disappointment that wrung his boyish and ambitious heart.
Hugh had but one thought now, which was to speed along at such a clip as to allow him to finally overtake and pass the treacherous Nick, and leave him in the lurch.

The spur of punishing the other for such dastardly conduct was apt to prove an incentive calculated to add considerably to Hugh's running.
Nick had the advantage, since he must be well on the way to the main thoroughfare by now; and once that was gained there was a clear field ahead of him.

But one more registering station remained, and that was at a certain turn on the way home.

Then would come the final three miles, with the pace increasing constantly, as those in the lead vied with each other to get ahead, or to retain that proud position.
Hugh quickly regained the mastery over his aroused feelings.