20 THE STRIKE AT SIMILE'S, 



*'No," said the mule, *'if farmer Shaae had to do 

 without you for a while he would perhaps begin to 

 appreciate your services, and would come to his senses 

 and treat you better.'* 



After some further discussion this plan grew in 

 favor and was adopted, and the mule which had been 

 in the street car strike gave them full instructions how 

 to proceed. 



"I'll not do another day's work,' said Dick, "and 

 I'll kick everything to pieces they hitch me to." 



"Hold on there," said the mule, "no violence to 

 persons or property. That was the rule in the street 

 car strike. Just quit work and let farmer Shane get 

 along the best he can." 



"That's right," said Dobbin, "no \dolence in this 

 strike." 



"Well, I'll do the best I can to keep cool," said 

 Dick, "but they mustn't push me too far." 



"Now, we will hear from each member as to the 

 course they intend to pursue," said Dobbin. 



"As for my part," said Dick, who was highly 

 delighted with the plan, "I shall pretend to be very 

 lame, and stiff in my shoulders." 



"Considering your high temper," said the mule, 

 "perhaps it would be better for you to locate your 

 lameness in your hind legs." 



"Not much," said Dick, "I may have occasion to 

 use my heels before I get through this if they use me 

 too severely." 



" I shall stay in the farthest corner of the pasture, 



