His old stage horses could tell you tales of that! It was a distinct comedown, buying burros for his venture.

That took straight, native optimism and the courage to make the best of things.

But he hadn't the price of a Ford, and Casey abhors debt; so he reminded himself cheerfully that many a millionaire would still be poor if he had turned up his nose at burros, sour-dough cans and the business end of pick and shovel, and made the deal.
At that, he was better off than most prospectors, he told himself on the night of his purchase.

He had the mule, William, to ride.

The prospector had assured Casey over and over that William was saddle broke.