"Do you like Fodder?" he said.
"I consider him the paragon of donkeys," returned Mr. Jinks.
And, hugging the donkey's neck—"Eh, Fodder?" said Jinks.
Fodder turned a sleepy looking eye, which was covered with the broad, square leather of the wagon-bridle, toward Mr. Jinks, and regarded that gentleman with manifest curiosity. Then shaking his head, lowered it again, remonstrating with his huge ears against the assaults of the flies.
"He likes you already! he admires and respects you, Jinks!" cried
Ralph, bursting into a roar of laughter; "a ride! a ride! mount, sir!"
"Is he vicious?" asked Mr. Jinks.
"Hum! he has been known to—to—do dreadful things!" said Ralph, choking.
Mr. Jinks drew back.
"But he won't hurt you—just try."
"Hum! I'd rather test his character first," said Mr. Jinks; "of course I'm not afraid; it would be unnecessary for me to prove that, sir—I wear a sword—"