There were many places around Sage Bend where a child and a burro could go. Up in the foothills where Hoppy chased the bad men with Biddy and Buck racing along in front of the posse. Or to the caves and arroyos where an ogre or a giant sometimes captured a handsome prince and held him until Biddy and Buck came along to rescue him.
They knew all the fascinating and magical places, these two, and they were now headed for a flat next to King Arthur's castle where there would be jousting that afternoon. Biddy said, "We'll have to hurry, Buck. We mustn't keep Sir Launcelot waiting or he won't toss us his handkerchief as he goes into the lists."
Buck wig-wagged complete understanding with his ears and increased his speed not one iota. But he signified that there was plenty of time and that they would make it.
"It will be a wonderful tourney, Buck. With all the knights and ladies."
Buck agreed as he pattered up the gulch toward the ridges, his absurd little legs twinkling.
"A wonderful day and—wait a minute, Buck."
Buck stopped and flopped his ears while Biddy stared thoughtfully at a ridge.
Biddy stared for quite a while with a little frown between her blue eyes. Then she looked all around as though to reassure herself of her location. "There's a cave up there, Buck."
The news failed to stir any great interest in the burro.