"But I don't b'lieve there is such a s'ciety; leastway, I've allers used my critters as I pleased 'nd nobody's meddled before."
"Exactly, and that is the reason the society has been founded; there are too many like you who use dumb animals as if they were made of granite instead of flesh and blood like ourselves. However, if you don't believe what I say I will prove its truth at once."
"Wall, you look like a man as knows what he's talkin' about; anyway it's kind of you to tuck that fine handkerchief in there. I'll promise."
"Keep the handkerchief as a sign of your promise," said Master; "now, boys, let's all lend a hand."
It only took a few minutes to get the cart to the top of the up-grade, and after that the mule walked slowly but readily off. Master kept him in sight, however, until he saw him unhitched and led away.
Another day we met a man driving a horse that limped very badly. Master pulled up and spoke to him. The fellow was about half drunk and very ugly.
"Mind your own business; this brute belongs to me," was the leering answer.
"No matter who it belongs to, it is unfit for travel. You can either drive at once to No. 12 T—— alley, where a veterinary will examine it free of charge, or you will be arrested on charge of cruelty to animals."
The man began to curse and whip the horse.
"Hold on, sir, every blow you strike will increase your fine or term of imprisonment."