Asa woke up. It felt to the tortured boy as though some cord in
his heart or soul suddenly snapped and left him free. Asa, who
had been always afraid to speak, was afraid no longer. Asa, who
found speech difficult, spoke rapidly and violently.

"No, I ain't," he shrilled. "I ain't goin' to tell a word about
nuthin'. And when I get out of here, I'm goin' to tell the first
policeman I see about that little thin man you stuck the knife
into. And I ain't afraid of you. Not a mite! I don't care what
you do to me, I ain't goin' to tell!"

The scar stood out white as chalk.

"No?" said the Wolf. He took another drink, then with a sudden
motion hurled Asa back in his chair and tied him there. Round
and round the thin figure he twisted the rope, until Asa could
not move a muscle. The Wolf propped the boy's feet up on a box,
and took off his shoes. Asa watched him curiously. He
remembered the wild Indian stories he had read. Was this going
to be a trial by fire, he wondered. The Wolf lighted a huge
cigar and smoked it until the end glowed red. Then he drew his
chair close to Asa's feet. He showed him the cigar.

"That would hurt on your bare feet, wouldn't?" he asked silkily.
"So much pain--and all because you want to be stubborn! Well, I
have taught stubborn boys--and men--many times many times! So
you had better tell me who suspects the Wolf."

A sound at the door caused him to turn. Ledermann entered.