Boat-races came first in the afternoon , and the girls watched them , sitting luxuriously in the nest , with the ladies and children close by . The sailing-matches were very pretty to see ; but Molly and Jill were more interested in the rowing , for Frank and the bicycle boy pulled one boat , and the friends felt that this one must win . It did , though the race was not very exciting nor the prize of great worth ; but the boys and girls were satisfied , and Jack was much exalted , for he always told Frank he could do great things if he would only drop books and `` go in on his muscle . '' Foot-races followed , and , burning to distinguish himself also , Jack insisted on trying , though his mother warned him that the weak leg might be harmed , and he had his own doubts about it , as he was all out of practice . However , he took his place with a handkerchief tied round his head , red shirt and stockings , and his sleeves rolled up as if he meant business . Jill and Molly could not sit still during this race , and stood on the bank quite trembling with excitement as the half-dozen runners stood in a line at the starting-post waiting for the word `` Go ! '' Off they went at last over the smooth beach to the pole with the flag at the further end , and every one watched them with mingled interest and merriment , for they were a droll set , and the running not at all scientific with most of them . One young fisherman with big boots over his trousers started off at a great pace , pounding along in the most dogged way , while a little chap in a tight bathing-suit with very thin legs skimmed by him , looking so like a sand-piper it was impossible to help laughing at both . Jack 's former training stood him in good stead now ; for he went to work in professional style , and kept a steady trot till the flagpole had been passed , then he put on his speed and shot ahead of all the rest , several of whom broke down and gave up . But Cox and Bacon held on gallantly ; and soon it was evident that the sturdy legs in the knickerbockers were gaining fast , for Jack gave his ankle an ugly wrench on a round pebble , and the weak knee began to fail . He did his best , however , and quite a breeze of enthusiasm stirred the spectators as the three boys came down the course like mettlesome horses , panting , pale , or purple , but each bound to win at any cost . `` Now , Bacon ! '' `` Go it , Minot ! '' `` Hit him up , Cox ! '' `` Jack 's ahead ! '' `` No , he is n't ! '' `` Here they come ! '' `` Bacon 's done it ! '' shouted the other boys , and they were right ; Bacon had won , for the gray legs came in just half a yard ahead of the red ones , and Minot tumbled into his brother 's arms with hardly breath enough left to gasp out , good-humoredly , `` All right , I 'm glad he beat ! '' Then the victor was congratulated and borne off by his friends to refresh himself , while the lookers-on scattered to see a game of tennis and the shooting of the Archery Club up at the hotel .
Jack was soon rested , and , making light of his defeat , insisted on taking the XXXXX to see the fun .
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