The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1940-08-29

Lefevre sensed the change in Len,
Len also sensed the change in his
opponent. The French-man had
frightened up, was pressing, trying
too hard.
There was no stopping Len. He
| swept through Lefevre in that
third set with relentless and de-
vastating accuracy. There was &C
claim from the boxes as the re-
fierce made the announcement:
Monsieur Rollins wins the third
set 6-3. Score in sets now is two
to one in favor of Monsieur Le-
fevre." He caught faint ray of
hope shining in Swanstrom's eyes
when their glances met over the
sunbaked marquee as he and Lee
fevre left the court.
When he returned to the court
following the rest period Len
sensed the change in the specta-
tors, the ball boys, the linesmen,
even the referee. There was a
lack of confidence in their god
Lefevre. At first the change was
slight, then marked and complete.
An easy one-sided victory was
turning into a brilliant and SEN
sational uphill struggle.
'Monsieur Rollins game; Mon
sieur Rollins leads in the fourth
set, two-love."
The flicker of a frown creased
Lefevre's forehead. The French
Davis Cup star broke Lens SER
vice for two successive points, but
undaunted, Len smashed his way
to lead of three games with bull
let-like aces and phenomenal net
play.
And now Lefevre was plainly
worried. He fretted about a peb-
BILE that had become uprooted on
the court. It was necessary for
him to tighten the laces of his
shoes. And once he glared at a
linesman who called in favor of
the American shot which nicked
the side-line. Len was making
splendid use of his height now by
the net at a time when Lefevre's
stroking had weakened in streng-
tn and accuracy. Kill followed
kill for telling points. Lefevre
then tried to drive him back into
the deep court with long, floating
lobs and passing shots, but his
efforts were futile. Len Rollins
was not to be stopped.
Len noticed, and it was the first
genuine thrill he had experienced
since he began the all-important
match, Clark's hand digging into
Wheatley's shoulder, yet Wheat
ley did not seem to notice. And
Swanstrom and Hughes sat for
ward, staring, breaking unevent-
ly as if they themselves were
playing. Len was serving again,
and if he won this game it would
square the match. If he could take
this game and set, it might crush
Lefevre's spirit.
ling ling ling went the
ball. Crunching of rubbersoled
shoes over clay. Swishing of flan-
mel as legs darted here, there.
Cries of "Out!" "Good!" "Fault!"
in excited French from the lines
men and referee. The deadly
quiet of the stands except at the
conclusion of volleys which won
applause. And finally, tonelessly
from the referees chair: ''Mon-
sieur Rollins wins the fourth set
GO. The match stands squared at
two sets all"
The sun had dropped some in
the sky and it was little cool
er when the players returned to
the court. But it was a resolute
Lefevre Len faced now. Not the
unsettled >one of the last two.
Rather "a man who realized his
danger. His face was grim with
determination.
But Len did not fear him.
The Frenchman won the first
game and they changed courts.
Len noticed the set expression on
the faces of his teammates. He
himself felt no strain. He would
win because he had to win.
that gave him strength.
The fourth game and the fifth
were over; they changed again.
Racquets flashed, feet scurried
over clay; there were cries from !
the linesmen, bursts of applause
from the crowded stands.
onsieur Rollins game;
games are three all in the fifth |
set
Len smiled, and winked at a
linesman as he went by.
Another game. Lefevre was
playing as if inspired, but the
inspiration sprane