“We need a pack mule,” said Butler, turning to the owner. “Can you tell us where we may get one or two?”
“Why, I’ve got just the critters you want. They’re in the yard just back of the stables. Say, Jim, drive out the mules.”
There were five mules in the pack driven out for their examination. These started slowly moving about in a circle with heads well down, trailing each other as if following a regular routine.
“Fine young stock, hardy and true and quick,” said the owner, rubbing his palms together.
55“We don’t want any quick one. We’ve had some experience with the quick kind,” declared Stacy Brown. “They were so quick I couldn’t get out of the way of their heels. No, siree, no quick mules for mine.”
“I don’t think you need worry much about these,” smiled Tad. “How much do you ask for those fellows?”
“How many?”
“Two. I to take my pick.”
“A hundred apiece.”
“I wouldn’t give that for the lot of them,” scoffed Chunky.