It occurred to Denry that if mules were so wonderful in the Apennines
the reason must be that there are no policemen in the Apennines. It also
occurred to him that something must be done to this mule.
"Well?" said the Countess, inquiringly.
It was a challenge to him to prove that he and not the mule was in
charge of the expedition.
He briefly explained the mule's idiosyncrasy, as it were apologising for
its bad taste in objecting to public servants whom the Countess
cherished.
"They'll be out of sight in a moment," said the Countess. And both she
and Demo tried to look as if the victoria had stopped in that special
spot for a special reason, and that the mule was a pattern of obedience.
Nevertheless, the little crowd was growing a little larger.
"Now," said the Countess, encouragingly. The tail of the regiment of
policemen had vanished towards the Institute.
"Tchk! Tchk!" Denry persuaded the mule.
No response from those forefeet!
"Perhaps I'd better get out and walk," the Countess suggested. The crowd
was becoming inconvenient, and had even begun to offer unsolicited hints
as to the proper management of mules.
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