“Shall I get him?” cried Hank, throwing the reins on the back of one of his mules, while Josh, in response to a command from Neale, stood upright again.
“No, let him go,” advised Mr. Howbridge. “It is very evident that he had no legal claim to this mule, and he either took him away from the circus himself, or received him from some one who did. Neale, I congratulate you.”
“Thanks. I thought I recognized old Uncle Josh, but the trick proved it. He hasn’t forgotten that or me; have you, old fellow?” he asked as he rubbed the mule’s velvety nose. And the animal seemed glad to be near the boy.
“Pretty slick, I call that,” said Hank admiringly. “Guess you’ll have to teach my mules some trick, Neale.”
“It takes too long!” laughed the lad.
“Is this our mule now?” asked Dot, as she approached the new animal, which was quite gentle and allowed the children to pet him.
“Well, I don’t know just who does own him,” said Mr. Howbridge, not wanting to give a legal opinion which might be wrong. “But he certainly does not belong to that man,” and he looked after the retreating figure, now far down the towpath.
“’Cause if he’s our mule I’d like to give my Alice-doll a ride on his back,” went on Dot.
“I’d like a ride myself!” exclaimed Tess.
“Oh, don’t try that!” sighed Ruth.