CHAPTER LIV.
EXPLOITS OF FODDER.
Ralph looked from the donkey to Mr.Jinks, and from Mr.Jinks to the donkey; then he laughed.
"I say, my dear fellow," he observed, "you wanted a horse, did'nt you ?" "I did, sir," said Mr.Jinks.
"What do you say to a donkey ?" Mr.Jinks appeared thoughtful, and gazing at the sky, as though the clouds interested him, replied: "I have no objection to the animal, sir.

It was in former times, I am assured, the animal used by kings, and even emperors.

Far be it from me, therefore, to feel any pride--or look down on the donkey." "You'll have to," said Ralph.
"Have to what, sir ?" "Look down on Fodder here--we call him Fodder at the farm, because the rascal won't eat thistles." "Fodder, sir ?" said Mr.Jinks, gazing along the road, as though in search of some wagon, laden with cornstalks.
"The donkey!" "Ah ?--yes--true--the donkey! Really, a very handsome animal," said Mr.
Jinks, appearing to be aware of the existence of Fodder for the first time.
"I asked you how you would like a donkey, instead of a horse, meaning, in fact, to ask if Fodder would, for the time, answer your warlike and gallant purposes?
If so, my dear fellow, I'll lend him to you--Tom can go back to the farm in the wagon--it comes and goes every day." Tom looked at Mr.Jinks' legs, scratched his head, and grinning from ear to ear, added the assurance that he was rather pleased to get rid of Fodder, who was too small for a man of his weight.
Mr.Jinks received these propositions and assurances, at first, with a shake of the head: he really could not deprive, etc.; then he looked dubious; then he regarded Fodder with admiration and affection; then he assented to Ralph's arrangement, and put his arm affectionately around Fodder's neck.
"I love that animal already!" cried the enthusiastic Mr.Jinks.
Ralph turned aside to laugh.
"That is highly honorable, Jinks, my boy," he said; "there's no trait of character more characteristic of a great and exalted intellect, than kindness to animals." "You flatter me, sir." "Never--I never flatter.

Now, Tom," continued Ralph to the negro," return homeward, and inform my dear old Governor that, next week, I shall return, temporarily, to make preparations for my marriage.
Further, relate to him the fate of Fodder--go, sir." And throwing Tom, who grinned and laughed, a piece of silver, Ralph turned again to Jinks.
"Do you like Fodder ?" he said.
"I consider him the paragon of donkeys," returned Mr.Jinks.
And, hugging the donkey's neck--"Eh, Fodder ?" said Jinks.
Fodder turned a sleepy looking eye, which was covered with the broad, square leather of the wagon-bridle, toward Mr.Jinks, and regarded that gentleman with manifest curiosity.

Then shaking his head, lowered it again, remonstrating with his huge ears against the assaults of the flies.
"He likes you already! he admires and respects you, Jinks!" cried Ralph, bursting into a roar of laughter; "a ride! a ride! mount, sir!" "Is he vicious ?" asked Mr.Jinks.
"Hum! he _has_ been known to--to--do dreadful things!" said Ralph, choking.
Mr.Jinks drew back.
"But he won't hurt you--just try." "Hum! I'd rather test his character first," said Mr.Jinks; "of course I'm not afraid; it would be unnecessary for me to prove that, sir--I wear a sword--" "Oh, yes ?" "But dangerous accidents have frequently resulted from--" "Donkeys?
you are right.