DUNKEY'S DREAM. AN ATHLETIC STORY.

Otago Witness, Volume 23, Issue 2684, 23 August 1905, Page 54

DUNKEY'S DREAM. AN ATHLETIC STORY.

Bt "Titch."

Dunkey is the most enthusiastic, yet -withal ihe slowest, member of the Civil Service Harriers. But his pace does not in any way lessen his determination to win races. He has been running for two years on end, and with the exception of second place in a sealed handicap, run in connection with his club's cross-country championship, he haa always figured amongst the

"also starteds." Dunkey is the proud possessor of two attendance badges which he received through not having missed a run with his club for two seasons. One cf these badges he has pinned on the front of his cap, which he wears at all times and places. Nevertheless he is very popular amongst the members of the various clubs. Whether it is that he is looked upon by the different clubs as a valuable asset or not it is hard to say. His pet subject of conversation is cross-country running, and if one would only listen to him he would speak fox hours of the advantages to be gained both physically and intellectually by being an active member of a harrier olub. In trying to get fit for a race he has tried every system of dieting, physical culture, and home exercises under the sun. He even turned vegetarian for a time, but iiothing seemed to improve his pace, although, judging by the length of his conversation, the exercises had made Hm sound in his wind, for he is always impressing on his friends the fact that he will some day in the near future win a big orose- | country championship. 1 The olub of which he was proud to be a member of was holding a Three-mile Handicap. Dunkey had entered as usual, and after eeeing the handicaps his chances of success seemed so rosy that on the evening before the race he shouted his particular chum Harry a fish supper. Dunkey ordered grilled steak, underdone, for himself, having heard some time or another that it was good for training on. After supper the couple strolled quietly home to their board-ing-house, where they shared a room. After ' a vigorous rub down at the hands of his mate he retired to rest to sleep the sleep of the just. Poor Dunkey! The fates or the heavy supper were against him. Scarcely had ne 'fallen asleen than he dreamed a dream. The scene was at Wimgatui, and the occasion the Ten-mile Cross-country Championship of Otago. Through some oversight Dunkey had not been entered for it. There was a large attendance of the public, including, a jnumber of the fair .sex. Dunkey was much T>ut out at not being able to show his manly^ form and his ability as a cross-country runner before the public, lie was the only unhappy person on the Wingatui raeeoourse, for the fine weather and the beautiful surroundings had put everybody in a good humour. The - 50 or more starters, including all the club champions, were lined up ready for the start, and at the report of the pistol all went off with a bound around the course for one mile and then to strike off across country. There was soon a good stretch of daylight between the leaders and the lesser lights. . From his seat in the stand Dunkey s eyes were riveted on the runners, and he himself, was with them in spirit. The leaders- had just reached the half-mrle post when • something extraordinary happened. The front -men faltered, and the whole pack almost -came to a standstill like one man, and the pace slackened down to a mere jog. Dunkey took in the situation, in a moment, and, jumuing from his seat,- made a rush, for the' dressing room, and was into his togs (which" he .had fortunately brought with him) in a moment. Wasting- no- time, he was ojjt of the track before the leaders had reached the mile post. Throwing a shilling (his entry money) "to an "official, he said, "I'm off ."—and had gone a good quarter before the astonished spectators had recovered themselves. He saw that something was wrong with the pack, for not a man was running up to form,, and he slowly be<ran to gain on them. Setting hie teeth he plugged along, running as he had never ran before. Passing the stand h© ' received! cheer after cheer, which he hardly heard. Were not his whole thoughts en ' the race? What put new life into him was the fluttei* of a handkerchief which a young lady was frantically waving. That was enough for him— his girl's thoughts were with him, and' he determined to win the race or drop. The pack by this time was well scattered, and the leaders were dropping over the hill towards the Silverstream, -which had- to be crossed near the North Taieri road. Dunkey was already well up amongst the back men, who seemed to be running painfully slow. The front men were still a long way off, and were splashing their way through the Silverstream.-^ There was much speculating among the tired men at the rear as to where he had sprung from and his surprising turn of speed. He heard nothing. On and on he went, regardless of bis torn costume/ and bleeding from cuts^from cruel barb-wire fences. His only thoughts were to catch the front men and hang to them. From the Black (Bridge the course led over the hill to the Mineral Springs, and already half a dozen men were we'll up to the top of the hill. Dunkey was now lying seventh, 400 yards 'still separating: him from Burk, the 'leader, who seemed to be running heavily and listless. At the Mineral Sprinsß he was sixth, with Burk stiiU first; then Melville, Murray, and Bonnin in front. He was only 300 yards behind the leader now. and if his wind would only hold good he felt confident of catching him. Down tho hill he went at a gireat rate, and over the road into a ploughed paddock, which he seemed to cross very easily compared with the men in front. Halfway across he passed Bonnin, and was on Murray's heels, with Burk and Melville trying to recover themselves some diatance in front. He clears the separating fence with a bound, and leaves Murray entangled in the wires. A long stretoh of clear paddock now, and he makes an effort to overhaul the two front men, who already seem to have had enough. On reaching the road Melville is disposed of, but Burk is elill 50 yards ahead, making for the Central railway line, along -which the trail runs. Glancing over his shoulder, Burk notices him, and, knowing his past performances, Jiolds him cheaply, and so makes a fatal mistake. Nearing the railway bridge over the Silverstream Dunkey is on his heels, and, with a great effort, • passes him, and crosses the narrow planking five yards ahead. This seems to give Burk new lease of life, for ho fights every inch of the way along the line until the paddock at the back of the course is reached. Then Dunkey draws gradually away, and enters the racecourse 20 yards ahead. It is all clear running now, and he makes the run of his life for the tape, and wins the Ten mile dosscountry Championship of Obago by 100 yards, all out, and drops insensible at the post. There was a talk of protesting by several of the runners on account of his irregular entry, but after discussion it was decided thait by his sensational and plucky race he fully deserved his win. Dunkejr caxaa ±o Iluj senses, immediately;

immediately;

after the judges had given their decision. People crowded on him from all sides. Springing to his feet he tried to fight his way out of the crowd. But a blow fair in the wind did the trick, for he sat upright in bed, and saw Harry standing in the middle of the room, perspiring after his efforts to hold him down. Then he knew that it was only a dream.