They were both a little pale and nervous with the excitement of opening the ball, and looked round wistfully, first at Railsford, then at Smedley, where he stood, watch in hand, at the winning-post, and then up at the ladies' stand.
"Now, youngsters," said Railsford, "do your very best.

You ought both of you to run it under twenty seconds.

Are you ready now?
Off!" The flood-gates were opened now; and from this moment till the end of the sports Railsford's kept up a continual roar.

Both Bateson and Jukes had little difficulty in registering a double victory for their house.
Bateson covered the ground in nineteen seconds and Jukes in twenty-one.
While the cheers for this initial victory were in full cry, the third of that morning's apparitions came upon the scene.

This was no other than Mr Bickers, at sight of whom a chill fell upon the assembly.