The Motor Boys | Page 9

be stuck."
It did not take long to borrow from other cyclists some of the stuff, and
the chains were soon lubricated. The boys still had five minutes before
their race would be called. They spent the time in resting from their
hustling labors. They had fixed things just in time.
In the meantime Noddy had been rather busy about the track. He prided
himself on being a sport and was seeking some one who would lay

wagers with him. He made several on various events, profiting by what
Jack Pender said were sure tips.
"I wonder if we can't bet something on this race we're in?" asked
Noddy of his toady.
"I don't see why not," assented Jack. "I think you have a good chance of
winning, with those three young cubs out."
So Noddy busied himself, putting up what was a large sum even for a
youth whose father kept him liberally supplied with pocket money. As
a matter of fact Noddy went so deep into the betting that he had to lay
considerable of the money on "wind." That is he did not have in his
pocket the money he would have to pay if he lost. But then he did not
think of losing.
His last wager, laid just before the time of the three mile race, was with
Paul Banner. "Polly," the boys called him, for young Banner aspired to
be what, a few years ago, was called a dude. He was fond of dressing in
the height of fashion, and liked to be thought a sport. He had a small
income, did not work, and spent most of his time at the athletic club.
"I'll give you odds of two to one against the favorite in this race," said
Noddy to Paul.
"And who's the favorite?" asked Paul.
"Jerry Hopkins," replied Noddy. "Come, what do you say? Two to one
he doesn't win."
"You're on. For how much?"
"I'll lay you one hundred dollars to fifty dollars," said Noddy.
"Done," assented Paul, and he made a memorandum of the wager.
At last, after several events had been run off, during which our heroes
had been busy undoing the mischief worked to their wheels, the time
came for the race that meant so much to them. The announcer gave the

word. Ned, Bob and Jerry hastened around to the track entrance. Noddy
and Jack, with their wheels, were a few seconds behind them.
"Well, they're on hand, I see," whispered Noddy.
"Yes, they'll start, and that will be about all," replied Jack, with a
meaning smile.
For a few minutes there was considerable work getting the dozen riders
correctly placed. Finally they were all lined up on the white mark, and
the starter raised his revolver.
"Bang!"
Off in the air lazily floated a little puff of smoke. Then the cyclists were
off like the wind. My! how they did go!
Noddy Nixon, who, to give him the credit he deserved, was not a bad
sprinter, was in the lead. He was pedaling at top speed, for he knew
only by acquiring a big lead could he hope to win.
There was an excited shout from the spectators as they saw the start of
the race, and realized that the favorite was left in the lurch. But if Jerry
was disconcerted, or if either Ned or Bob was, not one of them showed
it. After a few seconds Noddy glanced back. He was surprised to see
Jerry rather closer to him than he hoped to find him.
"I thought you said the wheels would lag behind," said Noddy to Jack,
who was riding furiously beside him.
"They must have discovered the trick and fixed things up," panted Jack.
But there was no time to talk. It was to be a race to the finish.
"I'll fix them, though," muttered Jack, letting up on his speed, which
had kept him beside Noddy, and dropping back a little to the rear.
Aside from the three chums, and Noddy and Jack, there was no interest
in the race, for the other seven contestants were hopelessly in the rear.

Bob and Ned were on even terms, with Jerry somewhat ahead of them.
"Go on, Jerry!" called Ned. "Beat the big bully!"
"Don't either of you fellows drop out!" pleaded Jerry. "Try to win.
You've as good a chance as I."
And then Jerry gave his attention to the task before him. It was no light
one. However, he, as did the other two boys, felt the bicycles to be in
good order in spite of the attempts at foul play. They were all riding
well.
Noddy's advantage in age, his better muscular development, gave him a
big lead, however, and for the first mile the gap between him and Jerry
was scarcely