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Page 25
"Where's old Asa? I bet he's having a fit," said Beany, chewing
comfortably.
"Look! Look!" said Beany suddenly, grasping his brother by the
arm. "There at the door!"
Porky looked. "That's Asa," he said. "Who's he going off with--
Beany, it's the Wolf!"
CHAPTER VIII
IN THE POWER OF THE WOLF
The Wolf, walking as though bent entirely on sightseeing, yet
covering ground rapidly, led the way through the busiest part of
the city, and into a quieter residential section, where he sat
down on a bench just within a walled park. The Wolf was not
conscious of his surroundings. He could only dwell on the fact
that the boy at his side had recognized him, was following him.
He did not doubt for an instant that the secret service had made
use of this seemingly innocent and simple tool.
Asa sat silent under the Wolf's hand. He thought of his home. Little
things occurred to him. Once he nearly giggled when he remembered how
the collie played with the cat; and the Wolf, feeling his shoulders
quiver, looked sharply at him. Asa thought of his father and the
little dragged-out mother. He thought of the three thin, silent
little sisters. They would miss him. He was so glad he had kissed
them all that last night at home. It only went to prove what Colonel
Bright had said. You were always glad afterwards. He was glad.
It was very dark as they walked slowly back to the entrance, the
boys still stalking them. Outside the gate, the Wolf hesitated.
As he looked, a small figure slipped from a shadow across the
light, whistled a peculiar bar of music, and sidled up.
"Didn't expect to meet you here, Excellency," said the Weasel.
"What are you doing here?"
"Been working at the ammunition plants," said the little spy.
"Wish you'd give me some money. I'm stone broke. Hello," as he
spied Asa. "Where did you pick this up?"
"I'm taking him to the house," said the Wolf.
"Better let me have him, Excellency. I'll drop him somewhere
where he will be out of the way.
"I'll take care of that," said the Wolf, snarling and sinking his
steel fingers in Asa's shoulder.
The Weasel looked at the man in disgust. "Well, let me have some
money, Excellency."
"What for?" demanded his master.
"I have worked hard all day. I want to have a little fun with
it. I have earned it.
"Not a cent!" rasped the Wolf. "I know you, drinking and
gaming--not a cent! For asking you shall go out and earn your
supper."
The Weasel whirled round at him. "You give me some money!" he
whispered. In the excitement of the moment he seemed to lose his
voice.
He seized the Wolf's arm. With an oath the Wolf flung him away.
He staggered and went headlong. The shock seemed to infuriate
him. He leaped silently at the Wolf. There was a sudden flash
of steel, and the Weasel turned with a spring, whirled, and went
down in a heap. The Wolf, almost before he touched the ground,
tightened his grasp on Asa, and dodged back into the park.
Rapidly, through paths that seemed familiar, he gained another
entrance, and emerged on a quiet street. Down this street he
hurried the exhausted boy, turned suddenly into a basement where
it was pitch dark, and rapped on the door. It was a peculiar
rap, and reminded Asa of telegraphy. In a moment the door swung
open, they entered, the Wolf fastened the door behind him, and
for the first time since he caught Asa, he let go of his
shoulder. He struck a match and let the blaze shine in his face.
There was a queer grunt in the darkness. Without speaking, the
Wolf clutched the boy once more, and led him up three flights of
carpeted stairs, and into a huge room lighted by a couple of
candles. It was the Wolf's den.
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