human
What do you mean? he cried.
gpt
This mule isn't any trick mule!
human
Oh, isn't he? asked Neale quietly.
gpt
And I suppose he never was in a circus, either?
human
Of course not! declared the man.
gpt
Who are you, anyhow, and what do you mean by talking that way?
human
I advise you to be a little more respectful in tone, said Mr. Howbridge in his suave, lawyer's voice.
gpt
If we do any business at all it will be on this boy's recommendation. He knows about mules. I do not. I shall hear what he and Hank have to say.
human
Well, it's all foolish saying this mule was in a circus, blustered the man.
gpt
I've had him over a year, and I want to sell him now because he hasn't any mate. I can't pull a canal boat with one mule.
human
Especially not a trick mule that never hauled a boat in his life,
gpt
Here! You quit that! What do you mean?
human
I mean just what I said, declared Neale.
gpt
I believe this is a trick mule that used to be in my uncle Bill's show--in Twomley and Sorber's Herculean Circus and Menagerie, to be exact. Of course I may be mistaken, but if not I can easily prove what I say.
human
Huh! I'd like to see you do it!
gpt
All right, I will, and Neale's manner was confident.
human
I recognize this mule, he went on to Mr. Howbridge,
gpt
and he pointed to a bulge on the mule's foot.
human
But of course that may be on another mule, as well as on the one that was in my uncle's circus. However, if I can make this mule do a trick I taught old Josh in the show, that ought to prove what I say, oughtn't it?
gpt
I should think so,
human
You can't make this mule do any tricks, sneered the tramp.
gpt
He's a good mule for pulling canal boats, but he can't do tricks.
human
Oh, can't he? remarked Neale.
gpt
Well, we'll see. Come here, Josh!
human
Anybody could do that!
gpt
Well, can anybody do this? asked the boy.
human
Josh--dead mule!