Nothing in Randolph's
character granted such a hope, for he was by no means generous
or openhanded, but each thought that he might open his heart
on this occasion. Indeed, Tom ventured to hint as much.
"I suppose, Randolph," he said, "if you win the watch you
will give it to me?"
"Why should I?" asked Randolph, surveying Tom with a
cold glance.
"You've got a nice silver watch yourself, you know."
"I might like to have two watches."
"You'll have the ten dollars your father promised you."
"What if I have? What claim have you on me?"
Tom drew near and whispered something in Randolph's ear.
"I'll see about it," said Randolph, nodding.
"Are you ready?" asked the teacher, once more.
"Aye, aye!" responded the boys.
"One--two--three--go!"
The boys darted off like arrows from a bow. Luke made
a late start, but before they were half across the pond he was
even with Randolph, and both were leading. Randolph looked
sidewise, and shut his mouth tight as he saw his hated rival on
equal terms with him and threatening to pass him. It would be
humiliating in the extreme, he thought, to be beaten by such a boy.
But beaten he seemed likely to be, for Luke was soon a rod
in advance and slowly gaining.
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