RANDOLPH GETS THE WATCH
"It is true," said the teacher, slowly. "Randolph has won the race."
Randolph's face lighted up with exultation.
"But it is also evident," continued Mr. Hooper, "that he would
not have succeeded but for the unfortunate collision between Luke
Larkin and Tom Harper."
Here some of Luke's friends brightened up.
"I don't know about that," said Randolph. "At any rate, I
came in first."
"I watched the race closely," said the teacher, "and I have
no doubt on the subject. Luke had so great a lead that he would
surely have won the race."
"But he didn't," persisted Randolph, doggedly.
"He did not, as we all know. It is also clear that had he not
stopped to ascertain the extent of Tom's injuries he still might
have won."
"That's so!" said half a dozen boys.
"Therefore I cannot accept the result as indicating the superiority
of the successful contestant."
"I think I am entitled to the prize," said Randolph.
"I concede that; but, under the circumstances, I suggest to you
that it would be graceful and proper to waive your claim and try
the race over again."
The boys applauded, with one or two exceptions.
"I won't consent to that, Mr. Hooper," said Randolph, frowning.
"I've won the prize fairly and I want it."
"I am quite willing Randolph should have it, sir," said Luke. "I
think I should have won it if I had not stopped with Tom, but that
doesn't affect the matter one way or the other. Randolph came in
first, as he says, and I think he is entitled to the watch."
"Then," said Mr. Hooper, gravely, "there is nothing more to be said.
Randolph, come forward and receive the prize."
Randolph obeyed with alacrity, and received the Waterbury watch
from the hands of Mr. Hooper. The boys stood in silence and offered
no congratulations.
"Now, let me say," said the teacher, "that I cannot understand
why there was any collision at all. Tom Harper, why did you get
in Luke's way?"
"Because I was a fool, sir," answered Tom, smarting from his
injuries, and the evident indifference of Randolph, in whose
cause he had incurred them.
"That doesn't answer my question. Why did you act like a fool, as
you expressed it?"
"I thought I could get out of the way in time," stammered Tom, who
did not dare to tell the truth.
"You had no other reason?" asked the teacher, searchingly.
"No, sir. What other reason could I have?" said Tom, but his manner
betrayed confusion.
"Indeed, I don't know," returned the teacher, quietly. "Your
action, however, spoiled Luke's chances and insured the success
of Randolph."
"And got me a broken head," muttered Tom, placing his hand upon the
swelling at the back of his head.
"Yes, you got the worst of it. I advise you to go home and apply
cold water or any other remedy your mother may suggest."
Randolph had already turned away, meaning to return home. Tom joined
him. Randolph would gladly have dispensed with his company, but had
no decent excuse, as Tom's home lay in the same direction as his.
"Well, Randolph, you've won the watch," said Tom, when they were
out of hearing of the other boys.
"Yes," answered Randolph, indifferently. "I don't care so much for
that as for the ten dollars my father is going to give me."
"That's what I thought. You've got another watch, you know--more
valuable."
"Well, what of it?" said Randolph, suspiciously.
"I think you might give me the Waterbury. I haven't got any."
"Why should I give it to you?" answered Randolph, coldly.
"Because but for me you wouldn't have won it, nor the ten
dollars, neither."
"How do you make that out?"
"The teacher said so himself."
"I don't agree to it."
"You can't deny it. Luke was seven or eight rods ahead when
I got in his way."
"Then it was lucky for me."
"It isn't lucky for me. My head hurts awfully."
"I'm very sorry, of course."
"That won't do me any good. Come, Randolph, give me the watch, like
a good fellow."
"Well, you've got cheek, I must say. I want the watch myself."
"And is that all the satisfaction I am to get for my broken head?"
exclaimed Tom, indignantly.
Randolph was a thoroughly mean boy, who, if he had had a dozen
watches, would have wished to keep them all for himself.
"I've a great mind to tell Luke and the teacher of the arrangement
between us."
"There wasn't any arrangement," said Randolph, sharply. "However,
as I'm really sorry for you, I am willing to give you a quarter.
There, now, don't let me hear any more about the matter."
He drew a silver quarter from his vest pocket and tendered it
to Tom.
Tom Harper was not a sensitive boy, but his face flushed with
indignation and shame, and he made no offer to take the money.
"Keep your quarter, Randolph Duncan," he said scornfully. "I think
you're the meanest specimen of a boy that I ever came across. Any
boy is a fool to be your friend. I don't care to keep company with
you any longer."
"This to me!" exclaimed Randolph, angrily. "This is the pay I
get for condescending to let you go with me."
"You needn't condescend any longer," said Tom, curtly, and he
crossed to the other side of the street.
Randolph looked after him rather uneasily. After all, he was
sorry to lose his humble follower.
"He'll be coming round in a day or two to ask me to take him back,"
he reflected. "I would be willing to give him ten cents more, but
as for giving him the watch, he must think me a fool to part with
that."