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“That has got
to be the biggest mule I have ever seen.”
“Stupidest, is more like it.”
Red Hartley had stopped to pass the time with Wilbur Hanks.
Wilbur had a mule that was, to say the least, unique. It had a definite
personality; perhaps even a sense of humor.
When it came time to be hitched to a wagon or a plow, that
mule would make itself scarce. It worked well enough when in the harness—it
just liked to play hard to get.
A new horseless carriage went sputtering past. In the pasture
the horses all snorted in fear and ran away in panic. The mule stood at the
fence, ears slanted forward.
“Looks like your mule is curious, Wilbur. ‘Course, I am
too when it comes to these horseless carriages. I don't think they'll ever
catch on out here.”
“Er, no, probably not,” replied a hesitant Wilbur.
“What's with you? You don't mean to tell me….”
“Yep. Tried one out at the fair, and I aim to have one.
I've already ordered it, and it will be in town tomorrow.”
“Like I said, I'm curious. I'll ride along with you and
check it out.”
Red and Wilbur had forgotten one thing. When they hitched a
ride on a neighbor's wagon they never thought of rain. At this time of year a
storm could brew up on the mountains and roll through whenever.
The two men were just leaving the town of Burnt Oak when the
rain started.
The dry earth sucked up moisture like a sponge. Before they
had traveled five miles the road was muddy.
“How are these things in mud?” queried Red.
“Don't know, but it looks like we might find out.”
As if in answer, lightning began to flash.
Just before Wilbur's ranch was a streambed the road went
through. A foot of water was flowing through it. When the automobile was halfway across, the right side tires dropped into a mud hole.
“Just what I need—a brand new machine about to get
ruined in the water.”
“Don't give up yet, Old Boy. I'll fetch a team and have
us out in a jiffy.”
“Fat chance—at the first crash of lightning those
horses hightailed it.”
Red scanned the pasture. “That mule doesn't seem to mind.
Look at how he's watching us. I'll give him a try.”
“Might be worth a try,” said Wilbur doubtfully.
Instead of hiding, the mule met Red at the gate, eager for the
harness. Quickly they hooked onto the horseless carriage. When Red said “Hie,”
the mule strained until the muscles of his shoulders and flanks rippled. Being
new to the controls, Wilbur did little more than spin the tires.
A roar like a speeding train filled their ears as they gave
it one more go. The auto rocked back, then pulled free. Red and the mule kept
moving until the carriage was well clear of the stream.
They had been just in time! A wall of water four feet deep
rolled through the bed. Anyone caught there would have been a goner.
When they got to the ranch yard, Red turned to Wilbur.
“What did you say this mule was?”
“That is the smartest animal on the whole ranch,
myself included.”
©2004 StoriesByEmail.com
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