The mule moved his big ears forward, as though to make sure of the voice, and then, looking at Neale, slowly approached him.
“Anybody could do that!” exclaimed the man disdainfully.
“Well, can anybody do this?” asked the boy. “Josh—dead mule!” he suddenly cried. And, to the surprise of all, the mule dropped to the towpath, stretched out his legs stiffly and lay on his side with every appearance of having departed this life.
“There!” exclaimed Neale. “That’s the trick I taught him in the show, before I left it.”
The other mules were sniffing at their prostrate companion.
“Oh, isn’t he funny!” cried Dot, as Josh opened one eye and looked straight at her.
“I’d rather have a mule than Billy Bumps for a pet!” declared Tess.
“Did you really make him do it, Neale?” asked Ruth.
“Yes, and I can do it again!” declared the lad. “Up, Josh!” he commanded, and the mule scrambled to his feet. “Dead mule—Josh!” cried Neale again, and down the animal went a second time.
“Well, what have you to say to that?” the boy turned to ask the tramp. But the man did not stay to answer. Off he ran, down the towpath, at top speed.