The Beast by R.L. Stine

Author:R.L. Stine
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon Pulse

15

“P.D.?” Ashley’s voice sank.

The white-haired man spun around. His dark eyes glanced back at us through heavy black-rimmed glasses. He held a stubby black pipe in his teeth. No beard.

Ashley and I both saw at once that it wasn’t P.D.

The man turned to his wife and pointed at us. I guessed he was commenting on our weird outfits.

Ashley sighed and shook her head.

“Keep searching,” I said. “We’ll find him.”

We walked past a small square park. A crowd had gathered in front of a white bandstand. On the low stage a quartet wearing straw hats and red- and white-striped shirts was singing a slow song.

“It’s a barbershop quartet,” Ashley said.

“Well, I could tell it wasn’t a rap group!” I exclaimed sarcastically.

We stopped for a moment to search the crowd. No sign of P.D.

The four singers leaned close together. They were singing something about an old Kentucky home.

Ashley and I started walking again. A strong breeze came up, making the torch flames flutter. Our shadows grew longer.

We passed a small food stand selling Coney Island dogs. In the far distance I could see a Ferris wheel, dark against the purple sky.

The wind fluttered Ashley’s hair. She didn’t seem to notice. Her eyes were narrowed, searching for P.D.

An idea popped into my head. “Hey—I bet he’s waiting for us back at The Beast,” I said.

“Maybe,” Ashley replied. The wind blew her hair over her forehead. She pushed it back with both hands.

“Which way is The Beast?” I asked. “I’m all turned around.”

“Let’s ask that guard,” Ashley said.

Across the walkway, a guard in a blue uniform leaned against a narrow wooden booth. It looked like those photo-developing booths they have in malls, except it was painted blue.

We jogged over to him. “Which way is The Beast?” Ashley asked eagerly.

He stared back at us with cold brown eyes. He adjusted his blue cap as he studied us.

“Which way is The Beast?” Ashley repeated.

He frowned. “What’s The Beast?”

“You know. The roller coaster,” Ashley repeated impatiently.

“You mean the Shoot-the-Chute? It’s over there.” He pointed.

“No. It’s called The Beast,” I said. “It’s back in the woods. But we lost our way and—”

“I see you lost your clothes, too,” the guard said sternly.

“Can you tell us where The Beast is?” I asked.

He shook his head. “Try the wild animal show. They’ve got the only beasts I’ve ever heard of.”

“But—but—” I stammered.

The guard narrowed his eyes at Ashley. “I’m sorry, miss. But I really can’t allow you to walk around in your underwear like that.”

Ashley’s mouth dropped open. “Huh? My underwear?”

“An undershirt and shorts are not proper attire,” the guard said. “Are your parents in the park?”

“No,” Ashley muttered.

“Well, wait right here. I’ll get someone to take you to the office. You can call them to come pick you up.”

Ashley and I exchanged glances. “That would be a real long distance call!” Ashley told the guard.

The guard scowled. “I can’t let you walk around like that. Just wait here.”

“No way!” Ashley cried.

She wheeled around and started to run. I was a few steps behind her.

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