it to the crowded stands, where purple and blue

pennants made spots of color in the hot sunlight, and for a moment wished himself far away. Then the names were being called for the first heat and he forgot the watchers. To his relief, he was not summoned. Neither was Lanny. Kirke and Soper were on the track with three Springdale runners when the whistle was blown. There was a minute of silence. Then the starter's voice sounded crisply.

"Ready!. . . Set!. . ."

The pistol barked.