Evening star., 1932-09-18


walked from the court with drag
ging feet. They had won the title.
but only after one Of the hardest fought
matches they had ever played.
Their opponents, playing a steady, careful
brand Of tennis, had won the first set, 6-3.
and took 5-3 lead in the second set. Faced
with the possibility of defeat Sissy and Johnny
put everything they had into their game, and
finally won the set, 14-l2. They captured the
third with comparative ease at ca, but their
stubborn opponents carried the fourth set to
10-8 before finally yielding.
DR.. Jim, seated beside the court, enthusiastic
cally congratulated his sister and Johnny.
Great work, both Of you!' he cried. And
after that battle. Johnny, I'm sure Leighton
will consent to put of the singles until to-
morrow. He can't expect you to play again
today"
Greatly relieved Johnny hurried to the locker
room and took q shower. He was just getting
dressed when a ball boy arrived and announced
that they were waiting for him to play the
finals In the mems singles.
Amazed Johnny slipped into his tennis
fit. and hurried to the court There he con-
fronted q Dr. Jim whose face was black with
anger.
You'll have to play Johnny" he said
through clenched teeth. Leighton won't let US
put the match over until tomorrow"
Johnny shrugged his shoulders. He was
- tired and there was no use denying It, The
prospect Of another four Or hve-set battle was
more than he could contemplate with pleasure.
Also, he had hoped with all his heart that he
could beat Mr.. Leighton, and now he must meet
him under . big handicap.
We'll, it can't be helped he said finally.
Then he leaned over, put his lips close to DR..
Jim's ear, and whispered And just for the
heck Of It. I'm going to lick him anyway"
He trotted out on the court to warm up.
HIS shower had refreshed him, and . whole
Summer Of tennis had left him in perfect shape.
If Leighton thought he was taking on . cripple.
he'd soon discover his mistakei
The line judges took their positions. Johnny.
first to serve, waited for his signal. Then he
shot q clean, stinging into the corner Of
the service court.
Fifteen love-" called the judge.
Johnny smiled to himself It was an
suspicious start. His fighting blood was up and
he was determined to give Mr.. Leighton the
game Of his life.
But Mr.. Leighton also had something to fight
for He still harbored deep resentment
against this boy, which had been multiplied .
hundred times when he and Miss Worthington
had been defeated by Johnny and Sissy He
was not only fighting "grudge" fight, but he
was also defending his very tennis reputation
ZACH man won his service in turn until
l. the games were four ALL And then Johnny,
deciding to take a chance rushed to the net
to volley, got three clean kills" and broke Mr..
Leightons service He then went to win
his own and take the set, Ga
Mr.. Leighton didn't like that He bore down
with everything he had, and got So lead
in the second set. Johnny, determined to use
his head as well as his racket, decided to SaCri-
flee the set and save his strength, and Mr..
Leighton won it, GO.
But Johnny wanted that third set. So did
Mr.. Leighton. The spectators, becoming more
and more excited, found difficulty in restrain
ing their enthusiasm as each xlAYer made