“‘Your honor would fail to understand its language,’ replied Tip-Top.
“‘Let it talk and do you tell me what it says.’
“Tip-Top placed his saddle on the carpet and pressed his foot against it until the leather made a creaking noise.
“‘I am waiting,’ said the Mayor. ‘What does the saddle say?’
“‘It says, your honor, that you must call the housemaid.’
“The Mayor, to humor the joke, did so. The housemaid came, grumbling. She looked at the saddle, at Tip-Top, and then at the Mayor.
“‘Now what does the saddle say?’ asked the Mayor.
“‘It says, your honor, that this woman has a brother, who has just returned from a journey in strange lands. The saddle says, your honor, that this woman’s brother has a companion who has long hair and a strong arm.’
“‘Is that all?’ asked the Mayor.
“‘No, your honor, it is not half.’