"If only the folks will be willing," exclaimed Violet, looking worried."Mother is funny about letting me go anywhere away from homewithout her."

"I guess all our parents are," exclaimed Billie, then added, with a suddeninspiration: "I tell you what! Let's all go together and ask them. Threeare always stronger than one."

"You do have a good idea once in awhile, Billie!" exclaimed Laura,jumping out of the swing and holding out a hand to each of them. "Comeon, we can't afford to waste any time."

"Where shall we go first?" asked Violet.

"To Laura's," Billie decided. "If we can get her mother and father toconsent and then can get Mrs. Gilligan to go with us as chaperone, we'llhave a beautiful good quarrel to give our folks. Eh, what?"

Gaily the girls set off to win Laura's parents over to their side, andthey were lucky enough to find Mrs. Jordon at home. Also Teddy was there,sitting beside her on the veranda. At sight of Billie the kid jumped tohis feet and came running down to her.

"Hello," he cried. "I was just coming over your way, to see if Chetdidn't want to fight out our singles tournament. He's two sets in front ofme now, and I'm thirsting for r-revenge."

"I think he'll give it to you all right," laughed Billie, as Violet andLaura ran up the steps in front of them. "I've never seen the time yetwhen Chet refused a tennis game."