think I've drawn the fangs of the wolf, K. K. Thank you again."




CHAPTER VIII

THAD MAKES A DISCOVERY

When Hugh, on his way home, came in sight of the Stevens place, he was
quite surprised to discover his chum Thad seated on one of the low gate
posts, and apparently waiting for him to pass along.

"Why, hello! what does this mean, I'd like to know?" burst out Hugh.
"After being honored with summons to come out and start practice at
baseball, you run home to get on your togs and then forget all about
it. But, joking aside, what really did happen to you, Thad, tell me?"

Thad was looking unusually serious, Hugh thought. Evidently something
quite out of the usual line must have occurred to detain him; and Hugh,
on his part, would not have been a natural boy had he not felt more or
less curiosity concerning its nature.

"Oh! that was only an accident," the other commenced saying. "I
begrudged losing my first chance to get limbered up; but so far as that
goes, there'll be plenty of occasions later on. You see, I had to go
on an important errand for my mother."

"It must have taken you out of town, then," remarked Hugh; "or else
you'd have showed up at the athletic grounds later on."