Fred Fenton on the Track; Or, The Athletes of Riverport School by Allen Chapman

“I see you’re limping again, Fred.”
“That’s right, Bristles. I stubbed my toe at the very start of this cross-country run, and that lost me all chance of coming in ahead. That’s why I fell back, and have been loafing for a stretch.”
“And let me catch up with you; eh? Well, I reckon long-legged Colon will have a cinch in this race, Fred.”