"Which is as true as gospel," said the mine boss. "Well, the only other thing I can suggest is for you to go into the stable, get the harness that hangs on the peg nearest the door, and put it on him."
Acting upon this hint, Derrick had hardly finished buckling the last strap of the harness when the mule began to move steadily forward of his own accord.
"That's his way," said the mine boss. "In harness he knows that he is expected to work, but without it he thinks he may do as he pleases."
Presently the mule stumbled slightly, and again he stopped and refused to go ahead.
"Do you know what is the matter now, sir?" asked Derrick.
"I think perhaps he wants his lamp lighted," replied the mine boss.
A miner's lamp, attached to a broad piece of leather, hung down in front of the mule from his collar.
The boy lighted this lamp, and immediately the mule began to move on, showing that this was exactly what he had wanted.
"Seems to me he knows almost as much as folks," cried Derrick, highly delighted at this new proof of his mule's intelligence.
"Quite as much as most folks, and more than some," answered his companion, dryly.