"And if she'll go," said Pete. "Just the same I think your idea's a good one, Jack."
"Well, we can try it, anyhow. It wouldn't take more than a shove to dislodge that trunk, and the way it lies it ought to roll so that its two ends will catch on each end of the trail and connect them."
"By Jee-hos-o-phat, I think it'll work!" exclaimed Pete, warming up to the idea.
As he spoke he got off the mule, who for the last five minutes had had her one good ear and the stump of the other cocked forward, listening intently. Her nostrils and eyes were distended, and as Pete's feet touched the ground she gave a wild scramble in an attempt to climb the bank.
"Whoa, whoa, Maud! what's the matter with you, you one-eared locomotive on four legs," growled Pete.
"She's scared at something!" said Jack, with a worried look, gazing nervously about him.
"Yep, that's right. Wonder what it is."
"Ph-r-r-r-r!"
Maud snorted and plunged about furiously.