The Tale of Mistah Mule

ThereÊwas a great flurry in the farmyard. Old dog Spot was yelping; Henrietta Hen was clucking; Turkey Proudfoot was gobbling; Grunty Pig was squealing.

ÒFor pityÕs sake! What has happened?Ó Miss Kitty Cat asked the old horse Ebenezer, who stood tied to a hitching-post near the woodshed steps.

Ebenezer switched his tail at a fly on his flank before he spoke.

ÒDidnÕt you see what Farmer Green led into the barn a few minutes ago?Ó he inquired.

ÒNo! What was it?Ó Miss Kitty answered eagerly.

The old horse Ebenezer yawned, as if there was something that made him very, very weary.

ÒIt was a most peculiar person,Ó he told Miss Kitty Cat. ÒI made myself known to him; and asked him his name. He said it was ÔMistah Mule.Õ And then what do you think he did?Ó

Miss Kitty couldnÕt guess.

ÒHe tried to kick me,Ó said old Ebenezer in a tone of great disgust.

ÒIs he going to live here? Or is he only a guest?Ó Miss Kitty Cat wanted to know.

ÒHeÕs here to stay until Farmer Green gets tired of him,Ó Ebenezer explained. ÒThe worst of it is, heÕs going to have a stall right next to mine. I know already that I shall not enjoy having him as a next-door neighbor.Ó

All at once there was a great commotion in the barn. First came a thumping, pounding noise. Then Farmer GreenÕs voice rose above the racket. And next followed an odd sound, ÒHee-haw! Hee-haw!Ó

ÒWhatÕs that?Ó Miss Kitty Cat cried.

ÒItÕs Mistah Mule,Ó Ebenezer told her. ÒHeÕs laughing. I wonder what the joke is.Ó

At that moment old dog Spot came scurrying out of the barn. He had his tail tucked between his legs; and his face wore a frightened look.

ÒWhatÕs the joke?Ó the horse Ebenezer called to him.

ÒMistah Mule just kicked Farmer Green,Ó Spot yelped. ÒAnd then Mistah Mule laughed. DidnÕt you hear him?Ó

Ebenezer nodded.

ÒDid Farmer Green laugh at the joke too?Ó asked Miss Kitty Cat.

ÒHe did not,Ó old Spot howled. ÒHe was so angry that he scared me; though goodness knows I had nothing to do with the affair. I was merely an onlooker.Ó

ÒAre you sure you didnÕt nip at Mistah MuleÕs heels?Ó the horse inquired.

ÒNot I!Ó Spot assured him. ÒA good many years ago I went too near a MuleÕs heels down at the village. And IÕve never forgotten what happened.Ó