"Surround it," ordered Wagner. "Here, you stand aside. The boy I've been looking for all day is in that tent. I want him."
"Hold on," retorted Marco. "This is private circus property."
"Yes, and I'm a public officer, I'd have you know!" said Wagner. "No use. Don't interfere with the course of justice, or you'll get into trouble."
There was no light in the tent. The many flaring gasoline torches outside, however, cast a radiance that enabled Andy to pretty accurately make out the situation.
He traced two shadowy figures making a circuit of the tent. He could see
Marco push back Wagner.
The latter was unsteady of gait and voice. Andy theorized that he had been commissioned by his aunt to pursue him.
Wagner had come down to Centreville with two assistants. Their expenses were probably paid in advance, and they had made a kind of individual celebration of the trip.
"I've been looking for that boy all day," now spoke Wagner.
"I know you have," answered Marco, standing like a statue at the door of the tent.
"He's a fugitive from justice. I'm bound to have him. I'm an arm of the law."