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 girls to see the fun . So they drove up in the old omnibus , and enjoyed the pretty sight very much ; for the young ladies were in uniform , and the broad green ribbons over the white dresses , the gay quivers , long bows , and big targets , made a lively scene . The shooting was good ; a handsome damsel got the prize of a dozen arrows , and every one clapped in the most enthusiastic manner . Molly and Jill did not care about tennis , so they went home to rest and dress for the evening , because to their minds the dancing , the illumination , and the fireworks were the best fun of all . Jill 's white bunting with cherry ribbons was very becoming , and the lively feet in the new slippers patted the floor impatiently as the sound of dance music came down to the Willows after tea , and the other girls waltzed on the wide piazza because they could not keep still . `` No dancing for me , but Molly must have a good time . You 'll see that she does , wo n't you , boys ? ''
said XXXXX , who knew that her share of the fun would be lying on a settee and watching the rest enjoy her favorite pastime .
Bacon Club Cox Jill Molly bathing-suit bunting evening knickerbockers omnibus