Years ago, there was nobody quite so fine as the donkey. He was a great
swell in those times. No one could express an opinion of anything
without the donkey showing where he was in it. No one could mention the
name of an important personage without the donkey declaring how well he
knew him.

The donkey was, above all things, a proud and aristocratic beast.

One day a party of animals were discussing one thing and another, until
finally the conversation drifted around to mythology.

"I have always admired that giant, Atlas," observed the ox in the course
of the conversation. "It was amazing how he could carry things."

"Oh, yes, Atlas," said the donkey, "I knew him very well. I once met a
man and we got talking of Atlas. I expressed my admiration for the giant
and my desire to meet him some day, if possible. Whereupon the man said
there was nothing quite so easy. He was sure that his dear friend,
Atlas, would be happy to meet so charming a donkey. Was I at leisure
next Monday? Well, then, could I dine with him upon that date? So, you
see, it was all arranged. I found Atlas to be a very pleasant fellow."

"It has always been a wonder to me how he could have carried the earth
on his back," said the horse.

"Oh, my dear sir, nothing is more simple," cried the donkey. "One has
only to make up one's mind to it, and then--do it. That is all. I am
quite sure that if I wished I could carry a range of mountains upon my
back."

All the others said, "Oh, my!"

"Yes, I could," asserted the donkey, stoutly. "It is merely a question
of making up one's mind. I will bet."

"I will wager also," said the horse. "I will wager my ears that you
can't carry a range of mountains upon your back."

"Done," cried the donkey.

Forthwith the party of animals set out for the mountains. Suddenly,
however, the donkey paused and said, "Oh, but look here. Who will place
this range of mountains upon my back? Surely I can not be expected to do
the loading also."

Here was a great question. The party consulted. At length the ox said,
"We will have to ask some men to shovel the mountain upon the donkey's
back."

Most of the others clapped their hoofs or their paws and cried, "Ah,
that is the thing."

The horse, however, shook his head doubtfully. "I don't know about these
men. They are very sly. They will introduce some deviltry into the
affair."

"Why, how silly," said the donkey. "Apparently you do not understand
men. They are the most