"Now the trick!" cried Ezra, who had been hopping from foot to foot during his aunt's long speech. "Have I not been teaching him for more than a week? Say thy lesson well, little donkey! Stand here before him, Naomi!"
Samuel placed Naomi in position.
"Thy donkey's name, Naomi," went on Ezra, "is Michmash, because he comes from the town of that name. Now place thy hands upon the tips of his ears. Do not pinch or he will kick. I know."
Samuel guided the little girl's hands until they rested upon the tips of the long gray ears.
"Now say his name slowly," instructed Ezra, his face aglow.
"Mich," said Naomi, and down came a furry ear, "mash," and down came the other.
Then the little donkey winked both ears violently, and turned a patient eye upon his young teacher as if asking praise.
"He did it! He did it!" cried the teacher. "He did not forget his lesson and he will do it every time. Michmash!" And as the long ears fell again, Ezra threw his arms about Naomi and hugged her close.
"Wilt thou come for a ride with me now?" he whispered. "The sun shines and the wind blows and it will be pleasant out upon the hills."