"'Speedy Kate,'" laughed Jo. "That's a good one, Nan. Just fits her."
And by the name of "Speedy Kate" the fair-haired girl was known to the three chums of Woodford from that time on.
The rest of the trip to Waterville, upon which the girls had counted so much, was practically spoiled for them by the persistent company of Kate Speed and her meek little companion.
When the long train journey was nearing its close and they were speeding on to Waterville, the next stop, Nan happened to mention the fact that she played tennis.
"How nice!" cried Kate Speed. "You'll find I have quite a reputation on the courts at Laurel Hall. I'll take you on whenever you say," with a challenging look at Nan, "and wallop you with the greatest of pleasure!"
CHAPTER X
THE CHALLENGE
Nan Harrison met the insolent look of Kate Speed steadily. Presently a smile touched the corners of her mouth.
"All right," she said. "Try to do it!"
Kate might have said more, probably would have done so, had not the train just then slowed down. They were nearing the station at Waterville.