With his usual show of importance, the Donkey took entire charge of the expedition to The Well.
“To begin with,” said he, “we need a guide.”
“Oho!” cried the Rabbit. “I thought you knew the way.”
“We need a guide,” repeated the Donkey, calmly, “not to show the way;—I’ll attend to that,—but to tell stories; that’s what guides are for. Now, then, whom can we get?”
“The ’Possum tells the best stories,” said the Yellow Dog; “but he’s fat and he’s slow.”
“That doesn’t matter,” said the Donkey. “Go and hire him. And—stop a minute. Can you get this check cashed for me?”
“I can try the Pine-Tree,” said Colonel. “That’s the only bank around here.”
“Pine-Tree shillings are rather heavy, but they’ll have to do,” said the Donkey. “In all exploring expeditions,” he went on, as the Yellow Dog departed on his errands, “the question of funds is of first importance. And now,”—to the Rabbit,—“in what direction is The Well?”
“I don’t know,” replied the Rabbit, a little sulkily. “According to my map—”
“Pooh!” said the Donkey. “According to your target it’s north, east, south and west. Shoot such a map! However, we’ll soon find out.” He turned to Buddie. “Will you kindly break off a branch from that witch-hazel bush? Get the straightest one, and trim off the leaves and twigs. There! Now stand it on end, and when it is perfectly balanced take your hand away.”