"Go it, Nan! Go it!" cried her friends from the sidelines, and Nan waved her racket at them cheerfully.
But their pleasure was short-lived. Kate won the next two games swiftly and with apparent ease.
"Game and set!" she cried, and triumphantly flung her racket over the net.
In changing courts it was necessary for Nan to pass close to the spot where Jo and Sadie and Jessie were seated.
"Nan," Jo cried in a pleading voice, "don't let Kate win! You can beat her!"
"Jo," said Nan, turning a set face to her chum, "let me tell you a secret. I'm going to!"
As Nan passed on Jo sank back on her heels again and gripped Sadie's hand hard.
"She's riled, Sade! Watch out now! I bet we see some fireworks!"
And they did!
Nan possessed one great asset, and that was that she played best when losing. Something stubborn and indomitable rose up in her and refused to submit to defeat.