Page:Shen of the Sea.pdf/57

 that. No—he hadn't seen the wolf, but most certainly he had heard it. Perhaps the beast was hiding in the thicket. Then hunt for it. That would prevent suspicion.

The villagers came up to find Meng Hu bravely poking with his staff in the bushes. Oh, but they praised him. "See," said the villagers, "brave Meng Hu all alone hunts the wolf. How courageous is Meng Hu. His heart is as bold as the heart of Mi Tze—he who pulled the King's beard. Valiant Meng Hu is an added honor to the Village of Two Roads Meeting—renowned for its heroic men."

Meng Hu said nothing—just then. When alone, he brayed like a donkey. It was so funny, so laughably ridiculous. He had fooled the wisest men of Two Roads Meeting Village.

For the next several days Meng gave the villagers plenty of violent exercise. He had them come puffing up the hill at all hours. "Ow-w-w-w-w-w-wh." One long-drawn-out howl was sufficient to set scythes and spears in motion.