“If he could play half as well as he can talk about it, he’d be the champion player of the United States,” declared Dill.
They began another game, Jane taking Harriet’s place this time. Jane was fully as awkward as Harriet had been, but she made a somewhat better showing, playing to better advantage. Hazel and Tommy played the same awkward game that had marked Harriet Burrell’s exhibition. One after another took her place on the service line, over and over again, this continuing all through the forenoon until half-past eleven, when George announced that they must go back to camp and get their noon meal. They declined to stay to luncheon with the girls. Besides, George said Fred Avery had gone to town to bring some supplies that were needed and they were to meet him at the camp.
George was gloomy all the way back to camp. He did not speak a word to his companions, but tramped along looking deeply dejected.
“Well, what do you think of it?” demanded Dill quizzically.
“What do I think of it? Hopeless—utterly hopeless!” groaned Captain George. “Did you ever see such work in all your life?”
“I never did,” agreed Dill. “It was bad.”
“Then you don’t think they stand any show to win any of the prizes in the tournament?” questioned Dodd.
“None at all. The way they play they couldn’t win a game from a team of six-year-old boys. And what is worse, they don’t realize what a spectacle they are making of themselves trying to play. But they’re plucky. We all knew they were. They will keep on fighting, and in the end we shall have to tell them there isn’t the least show. I’ll have to go to Herrington, after all, and tell him that they can’t enter the tournament.”
“If we had some one who knew something to teach them how to play, things might be different,” declared Sam Crocker maliciously. “Maybe a miracle will happen.”
“Miracles don’t happen in these woods. And what’s more, I want you to understand that I know how to play tennis fully as well as you do. It’s hopeless, though. I wonder why Fred hasn’t got back yet? Go on and get your luncheon ready. I don’t want anything to eat.”