The Florence tribune., 1898-12-31


 switched his tail in an appreciative way and looked wise. Alas for the cor poral's f1atteryl It turned the mules head. No sooner had his dignity mounted uPon the lack Of this ''gocd mule" thaa his rear legs went upin the air and Jack landed in . small, muddy Dog hole head first. Of course, the cor poral climhod Out. patted he mule on fHe Eeaa 4aa thankeo nlla lofthe eouF- teous manner in which he had treated him. ITO euss a stubborn mule will make him wuss," an old s0utherner lad told him, and he used all his powers of tact and delicacy to show the conceited beast that he (Jack) was not at all angry with him for upsetting him, con- soling himself with the fact that it must have been the result of a Cuban gnat bite. Once more did the young and brave soldier mount his gallant steed, and turning the long neck towards camp the two trotted off at a lively gait, much to the amusement of the curious crowd left behind who had gathered to see the throw"
 Jack thought his trouble was all over, and joyfully took chew of his weed, recently purchased. At the interseci ton of the Aguadores road, strange fancy took possession of the fine trot- ter" and with triumphant whirl he started of nt dead gallop towards the last scene of the Spanish-American war. In vain did the corporal eogitate with the strong-headed beast. In vain did he remind him that the Cuban sun was sinking fast, and that if they did not return that he (Mr. Mule) would miss his supper, and that he (Jack) would be eourt-nartialed. This only increased tie gait of his noble nibs into a terrific gallop. which obliged Jack to Hay over" and hold fast" on the "starboard side" for fear of keeling" Soldiers at the side of the road hailed the two as they passed. but the mule desregarded their words of passing welcome. Guards with fixed bayonets on their guns had no teTrors for this good mule" and up and down hill and dale they flew as if ! Spanish body of cavalry were pursu- ing them. Jack in his flight was obliged 10 be dragged through a Cuban grave yard. and saw the bodies of persons floating on the tops of the watery graves. The mule did not stop long though, however, to allow him To take tleiE names off the headboards in order to report the matter They were near ing the ocean, and the laundering roar of the breakers could be heard distict- ly. Would that blanl1ety blank mule. never stop?" thought the now terrified Jack.
 Out upon the beach the noble animal rushed, and dashing forward to the edge of the rolling surf, he stopped much in the same manner a street car 1oes when the brakes are applied sud-. denly. Five minutes later there emerged a thoroughbred Baptist from. the ocean in the shape of dripping corporal belonging to the Seventh Massachusetts, with an awful VOW on ais lips to take that d--d mule back to Gen. Dufheld dead or alive. He did; but it was six o'clock next morning when the general, standing in front of his tent, saw coming up the hill de-. iected corporal wearily leading a small gray mule by long rope. Jack sa- uted the general and said in a faint voice: If you please, sir, I brough him. sack" and dropping the rope, he gave ] savage look at the now docile beast and hurried of to his quarters.-Toledo Commercial.