"Well, let's have it," he demanded.
"That's a funny guy," said Asa, twirling his Scout hat rapidly in his pale bands. "I did just what you said. I went in, and I said, 'Morning!' at all. He just looked at me until I felt like I wasn't there at all; and he smiled softer than anything I ever see except, some one—I can't think who it was. Well, I did what you said, and he said—"
"What did you do that I said?" said Beany anxiously.
"Why, nothing," said Asa. "Just stood; and he said, 'Come here, boy,' and I went closer and he said, 'So you were here yesterday,' and I said, 'Oh, yes.' And then he says, 'Well, what do you think of a Swiss Captain's uniform—pretty fine, eh?" I says, 'Oh, yes,' and he says, ''Specially the boots?' and gimlets his eyes right into me. I wanted to say I'd never seen no Swiss Captain's boots, but I remembered what you told me, so I looked back at him and didn't say anything. And then he laughed and said, 'All that scare for nothing! My boy, you are a refreshing draught. Thank you for coming. I am so glad to know just what you are like that I will tell you a great truth. Remember it. It is this: all women are fools."
"Well, go on!" demanded Beany. "What did you say to that?"
"I remembered what you said," smiled Asa, "and I just said, 'Oh, yes.'"
Beany, in spite of his anxiety, howled until he fell off the bench.
"What did he say!" he asked as soon as he could speak.
"Why, he laughed too," said Asa, with a puzzled look, and he said, "Such wisdom in one so young!' Then I came out. Darned if I didn't think part of the time he was kiddin' me!"
"Well, I got to find Porky and go on guard at the Administration
Building!" said Beany. "Where you going?"