Sam grinned and nodded.
“P. Earlington Disbrow is one of the greatest tennis players in the world, champion of all England and half of the United States. Now do you get me?”
“I do,” answered Sam, nodding understandingly. “This Disbrow fellow is an Englishman—from England—and you’ve sent for him to come all the way over the ocean to——”
“Will you be quiet? No! He already is over the ocean. He is in New York, and I’ve wired him to come along a-whooping.”
“Is he going to whoop for us at the tournament?” questioned Jane.
“He may, though he isn’t of the whooping kind,” replied the captain in a slightly modified tone. “I have sent for him to come here to teach you girls to play tennis. If he can’t do it, no other person on earth can. Listen, and I’ll read the item from the newspaper: ‘P. Earlington Disbrow, the well-known tennis champion, arrived in New York on the “Caledonian” yesterday. When interviewed as to the purpose of his visit to America, he denied that he had come here for the purpose of arranging any matches. Mr. Disbrow announces his intention of visiting old friends, but wishes to witness the mid-season tournaments, for most of which he is ineligible.’ That is the whole story,” finished George. “Are there any other questions you wish to ask?”
“Yes; I’d like to ask how you happen to have such a pull with this fellow?” questioned Sam. “Is it a real drag or are you doing it on your nerve?”
“I have an idea that Captain George knew what he was doing when he sent that telegram,” spoke up Miss Elting.
“Thank you, Miss Elting. I am pleased that some one takes me seriously. It is what Sam calls ‘a real drag.’ I didn’t wish to say anything about it. Two years ago I had the good luck to be at Newport and to drag P. E. ashore unconscious. A floating spar had hit him on the head while he was swimming in the surf. But I wasn’t far away, so I just swam over and dragged him ashore. That’s the kind of a drag it is, Samuel. P. E. naturally was grateful. This is what he said: ‘George, if you ever need me, your Uncle Disbrow is at your command no matter where he may be at the time. You send for me and I’ll be there as fast as steam and lightning will take me.’ Not much of a drag, eh?” chuckled George.
“I didn’t think it was so strong as that,” muttered Sam.