Dick, who was not in the first heat, took charge of Heathcote's garments, and secretly bade him "put it on." "Toe the line," said Swinstead.

"Are you ready?
Off!" They started.

It was a straggling procession.

Two of the boys could scarcely use their legs, and of the other three Heathcote was the only one who showed any pace, and, greatly to Dick's delight, came in easily first.
Dick's turn came in the second round, and he, greatly to Heathcote's delight, won in a canter.
In the fourth heat Aspinall ran; but he, poor fellow, could scarcely struggle on to the end, and had literally to be driven the last fifty yards.

For no new boy was allowed to shirk his race.
Templeton evinced a more decided interest in the final round.