The Londoner quickly takes in the situation, but evidently doesn't quite know whether to keep up to Ashley or lie up like the others.

If he does the latter, the chances are the fresh man may get ahead beyond catching, and possibly win the race; and if he does the former--well, has he the wind to hold out when the other two begin to "put it on"?
He thinks he has, so he keeps close up to Ashley.
The cheers, of course, all round the field are tremendous, and nowhere more exciting than where Telson and Parson are located.

As the runners pass them at the end of the first lap the excitement of these youths breaks forth into terrific shouts.
"Well run, Ashley; keep it up! He's blowing! Put it on there, Wyndham; now's your time, Bloomfield!" And before the cries have left their lips the procession has passed, and the second lap has begun.
Towards the end of the second lap Ashley shows signs of flagging, and Bloomfield is quickening his pace.
"Huzza!" yells Parson; "Bloomfield's going to take it up now.

Jolly well-planned cut-out, eh, Telson ?" "Rather!" shrieks Telson.

"Here they come! Whiskers is ahead.