The Marathon Race; or, How Tom Paid Off the Mortgage (1909)
Tom Noble, a college student, is in the gymnasium exercising with several companions. After finishing they adjourn to Tom's room. They are discussing athletics when a messenger enters and hands Tom a note. It is from mother and informs him that unexpected trouble demands his immediate return home. He shows the letter to his chums, who express their sorrow at the unfortunate turn of affairs. At home. Mrs. Noble is sitting in her room perusing a letter as Mr. Grab, a money lender, is announced. After formal greetings, Grab makes an offer of marriage. The widow promptly and emphatically refuses him, whereupon the shylock grows angry, takes a mortgage from his pocket and threatens to foreclose unless she accepts his offer or pays the mortgage. He is ordered from the house and in coming down the steps meets Tom, just returned from college. The young man greets Grab, who does not answer. Tom looks after him in surprise, then enters the house. He finds his mother sitting dejectedly in a chair. He quietly comes from behind, surprises her and, after an affectionate embrace, the widow tells of her trouble. Tom endeavors to comfort her, saying that he will start to work at once. He finds, however, that securing a position is no easy job. At every place he tries for work the same answer, "Nothing doing" is given. He goes to Grab and pleads for leniency, which is mockingly refused. Emerging from the money lender's office, Tom sees a three-sheet announcing a Marathon Race, in which the first prize is $1,000. He determines to try for the prize, enters the official's room, signs his name as a contestant. Three days later the race comes off. Tom and the other runners in costume come to the starting point. They start and Tom is well up among the leaders at different points along the route and, nearing the finish, he puts forth all his reserve force and comes across the line s winner. Rushing home to tell mother of his good fortune he finds Grab there demanding immediate payment or evacuation of the premises. Tom takes the prize money from his pocket, pays Grab, throws him out of the house and tears up the mortgage.
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GenresComedy
Short
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