The complete answer word to this flat has seven letters, 

numbered here as _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

                             1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

 

Fill in the first two sets of blanks with shorter words contained in the complete word, using the letters that correspond to the numbers. The last set of blanks is the complete word.

 

He started to _ _ _  _ by the _ _ _ of the race.

                      1 5 6 7            2 3 4

His breathing was  labored, sweat poured from his face.

But it was all worth it, though he looked a wreck,

When they hung a gold _ _ _ _ _ _ _ around his wet neck.

                                      1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Answer:

 

He started to PANT by the END of the race.

......................

When they hung a gold PENDANT around his wet neck.

 

Credit: 

The Enigma 

May, 2022

COUSIN JOE