These were dangerous words that might affect the sale, so Grain-of-Salt thought he ought to say something.
"He's the cleverest donkey that ever was!" he cried. "He knows he's going to be sold, and he's doin' this 'cause he loves us and don't want ter leave us!"
"Are you so sure of that, Grain-of-Salt?" called out a voice in the crowd.
"Zooks! who knows my name here?" cried the one addressed.
"Don't you recognize La Rouquerie?"
"My faith, that's so," he cried, as the speaker came forward. They shook hands.
"That donkey yours?"
"No; it belongs to this little gal."
"Do you know anything about it?"
"We've had more than one glass together, and if you want a good donkey I'll speak for him."