"He did that three days ago, and he tried to do it again this morning, only I was too quick for him." "Haugh! haugh-h-haugh!" sighed Solomon in a most dismal tone.
"Says he's sorry for it!" cried Tom, grinning.
"Oh, very well then, I'm sorry I hit him with the pitchfork handle.

I say, Tom, I gave him such a whop!" "Where did you hit him ?" "Where I could.

You can't pick your place when you try to hit Solomon.
You must look sharp or you'll get it first." "But he wouldn't be so disagreeable if you were kind to him," said Tom.
"Poor old Sol, then!" There was a sharp twist of the donkey's neck, and, quick as lightning, the fierce little animal made a grab at Tom.

Fortunately he missed his shoulder, but he got tightly hold of the sleeve of his coat, and held on till Dick gave him a furious kick, when he let go.
"Kick him again, Dick!" cried Tom, who looked very pale.

"Ugh! the treacherous beast!" "It's his nature," said Dick coolly, as he resumed his position and leaned over the donkey's back.