CONTENTS
I。THEWATERGOATS
II。MR。BILLINGS’SPOCKETS
III。OURFIRSTBURGLAR
I
THEWATERGOATS
"Andthen，"saidthelandscapegardener，combinghissilky，pointedbeardgentlywithhislong，artisticfingers，"inthelakeyoumighthaveacoupleofgondolas。Twowouldbesufficientforalakeofthissize；amplysufficient。Yes，"hesaidfirmly，"Iwouldcertainlyadvisegondolas。Theylookwell，andthechildrenliketorideonthem。Andsodotheadults。Iwouldhavetwogondolasinthelake。"
MayorDuganandtheCityCouncil，meetingasacommitteeofthewholetoreceivethereportofthelandscapegardenerandhisplanforthenewpublicpark，noddedtheirheadssagely。
"Sure！"saidMayorDugan。"Wewanttwoofthim——ofthimgon——
thimgon——"
"Gondolas，"saidthelandscapegardener。"Sure！"saidMayorDugan，"wewanttwoofthim。Remimberth’gondolas，Toole。"
"Ihavethimfastinmemind，"saidToole。"Iwillnotletthimgitaway，Dugan。"
Thelandscapegardenerstoodaminuteindeepthought，lookingattheceiling。
"Yes，thatisall！"hesaid。"Myreport，andtheplan，andwhatIhavementioned，willbeallyouneed。"
ThenheshookhandswiththemayorandwithallthecitycouncilmenandleftJeffersonvilleforever，goingbacktoNewYorkwherelandscapegardenersgrow，andthedoorswereopenedandthecommitteeofthewholebecameoncemoretheregularmeetingoftheCityCouncil。
Theappropriationforthenewparkwasrushedthroughintwentyminutes，passingthesecondandthirdreadingsbythereadingofthetitleunderasuspensionoftheby-laws，andbeingunanimouslyadopted。ItwasamatteroflifeanddeathwithMayorDuganandhisring。Jeffersonvillewasgettingtiredofthejoyfulgrafters，andmurmursofdiscontentwereconcentratingintothreatsofareformpartytoturnthecheerfulrascalsout。
Thenewparkwastobeasopthrowntothepopulace——somethingtomakethecityproudofitselfandgratefultoitsmayorandcouncil。ItwasmorethanapetschemeofMayorDugan，itwasalifeboatforthering。Inhalfanhourthecommitteeshadbeenappointed，andthemayorturnedtotheregularbusiness。ThenfromhisseatattheleftofthelastrowlittleAldermanToolearose。
"MistherMayor，"hesaid，"howaboutthim——thimdon——thimdon——
"Golas！"whisperedAldermanGrevemeyerhoarsely，"dongolas。"
"Howaboutthimdongolas，MistherMayor？"askedAldermanToole。
"Sure！"saidthemayor。"Willannyonemovethatwegittwodongolast’putinth’lakeforth’kidst’rideon？WillannyonemovethatAldermanToolebeaconmitteeofwant’gittwodongolast’putinth’lake？"
"Imakedotmotions，"saidAldermanGreveneyer，halfraisinghisgreatbulkfromhisseatandsinkingbackwithagrunt。
"Sicondth’motion，"saidAldermanToole。
"Movedandsiconded，"saidthemayor，"thatAldermanToolebeacommitteet’buytwodongolast’putinth’lakeforth’kidst’
rideon。Yehaveheardth’motion。"
Themotionwasunanimouslycarried。ThatwasthekindofCityCouncilMayorDuganhadchosen。
WhenlittleAldermanTooledroppedintoCasey’ssaloonthatnightonhiswayhomehedidnotslipmeeklytothefarendofthebar，asheusuallydid。Forthefirsttimeinhisaldermaniccareerhehadbeenputonacommitteewherehewouldreallyhavesomethingtodo，andhefeltthehonour。HeboldlytookaplacebetweenthebigmayorandAldermanGrevemeyer，andsaid："Oneofth’same，Casey，"withtheairofamanwhohasmattersofimportanceonhismind。Hefeltthatthingswerecominghisway。
Eventhebigmayorseemedtoappreciateit，forheputhishandaffectionatelyonToole’sshoulder。
"Mike，"saidthemayor，"aboutthimdongolas，now；haveyethoughtannyaboutwhereyewouldbegettin’thim？"
"Ihavenot，"saidToole。"Iwasthinkin’’twouldbegoodt’
thinkitoverabit，Dugan。Mebby’twouldbebestt’gitthimatChicagy。"Helookedanxiouslyatthemayor’sface，hopingforsomesignofapprovalordisapproval，butthemayor’sfacewasnoncommittal。"Butmebbyitwouldn’t，"concludedToole。Asafeelerheadded："Wouldyebewantin’met’havethimmadehere，Dugan？"
ThebigmayorpattedTooleontheshoulderindulgently。
"It’supt’you，Mike，"hesaid。"Yeknowth’wayDugandoesthings，an’th’wayhelikesthimdone。ItrustthimthatIkintrust，an’whinIputamanoncommitteeI’mdonewidth’thing。
Ofcoorse，"headded，puttinghismouthclosetoToole’sear，andwinkingatGrevemeyer，"yewillseethatthereisarake-offformean’th’byes。"
"Sure！"saidToole。
Thebigmayorturnedbacktothebarandtookadrinkfromhisglass。Grevemeyertookadrinkfromhisglass，also。SodidToole，gravely。DuganwipedhismouthonthebackofhishandandturnedtoTooleagain。
"Mike，"hesaid，"whatdoyethink？Mebby’twoulddoaswellt’
gitacoupleofsicond-handdongolasan’havethimpaintedup。Iftheywasinpurtygoodshapenowanwouldknowth’difference，an’’twouldmakeabitmorerake-offferth’byes，mebby。"
"Th’samewordwasonth’indo’metongue，Dugan，"saidToole，noddinghisheadslowly。"Iwasconsiderin’thisveryminutewhereIcouldlaymehandonacoupleofpurtygooddongolasthathasnotbeenusedmuch。Flannagancouldpaintthimupfine！"
"OrStoltzenaucoulddosuchpaintings，"interposedGrevemeyer。
"Sure！"agreedthebigmayor。Hetoyedwithhisglassamoment。
"Mike，"hesaidsuddenly，"whatth’divilisadongola，anyhow？"
MikeToolewasjustraisinghisglasstohislipswiththemovementsofoneaccustomedtoholdconversationwiththemayor。
Hislefthandrestedonhiship，withhisarmakimbo，andhishatwastippedcarelesslytothebackofhishead。Thehandraisinghisglassstoppedshortwhereitwaswhenheheardthemayor’squestion。Hefrownedattheglass——scowledatitangrily。
"Adongola，Dugan"——hesaidslowly，andstopped。"Adongola"——
herepeated。"Adongola——didyeaskmewhatadongolamightbe，Dugan？"
Thebigmayornodded，andGrevemeyerleanedforwardtocatchtheanswer。Casey，too，leanedonhisbarandlistened。AldermanTooleraisedhisglasstohislipsandfilledhismouthwiththeliquor。Instantlyhedashedtheglassfuriouslytothefloor。Hejerkedoffhishatandcastitintoafarcornerandpulledoffhiscoat，throwingitafterhishat。HewasclimbingontothebarwhenthebigmayorandGrevemeyerlaidtheirhandsonthelittlemanandheldhimtightly。Thebigmayorshookhimonceandsethimonthefloor。
"Mike！"saidthebigmayor。"What’sth’matterwidye？Whatareyegoin’aftherCaseythatwayfor？Isitcrazyyeare？Orhaveyegoneinsane？"
"Knock-outdrops！"shoutedToole，shakinghisfistatCasey，wholookeddownathiminastonishment。"Knock-outdrops！Iwillhaveth’lawonye，Casey。Iwillhaveth’jointclosed！I’llteachyet’begivin’knock-outdropst’th’alderminofth’
city！"
"Mike！"criedthebigmayor，givinghimanothervigorousshake。
"Shutupwidye！Caseywouldn’tbegivin’yeannythingthatwasn’tgoodforye。Caseywouldn’tbegivin’yeknock-outdrops。"
"No？"whisperedMikeangrily。"No？Wouldn’the，Dugan？An’whathashedonet’memimory，then，Dugan？Whathasheputinth’
drinkt’robmeofmemimory？WanminuteagoIknewaswellannyothermanwhatadongolaislike，an’nowIhavenomimoryofannydongolasatall。WanminuteagoIcouldhavetoldyeth’
wholehistoryofdongolas，fromth’timeofAdamuptillnow，an’
havedrawedapictureofwanthatannywancouldrecognize——an’
nowIwouldn’tknowwanifyewasshowitt’me！Iwasaboutt’
tellyeth’wholehistoryofdongolas，Dugan；’twasonth’indofmetonguet’giveyeatalkondongolas，whinItookadrink。Yesawmetakeadrink，Grevemeyer？"
"Ya！"saidGrevemeyer。noddinghisheadsolemnly。"Youtooksuchadrink！"
"Sure，"saidToole，arranginghisvest。"Grevemeyersawmetaketh’drink——annowIhavenomimoryofdongolasatall。Ifyewast’showmeachromoofwanIwouldn’tknowwasitadongolaorwhat。I’mashamedofye，Casey！"
"Ifyedoneit，Casey，yehadn’thaveoughtt’havedoneit，"
saidDuganreprovingly。"Th’mindofhimmightberuinedintirely。"
"Stop，Dugan！"saidToolehastily。"Iforgivehim。Memindwilllikelybeallrightbymornin’。’Tispurtygoodyit，ixciptonth’subjictofdongolas。I’mtimporarilyoutofremimbrancewhatdongolasis。’Tisoddhowthimknock-outdropsworks，Grevemeyer。"
"Ya！"saidthealdermanunsuspectingly，"gifingsuchaforgetfulnessonsucheasythingsasdongolas。"
"Sure！YoutellDuganwhatdongolasis，Grevemeyer，"saidToolequickly。
Grevemeyerlookedathisglassthoughtfully。Hismindworkedslowlyalways，buthesawthatitwouldnotdoforhimtohaveknock-outdropssosoonafterToole。
"Ach！"heexclaimedangrily。"YouareinsultingtomemitsuchquestionsToole。SomuchwillItellyou——neveraskGermanswhatisdongolas。ItisnotforGermanstotalkaboutsuchthings。
AskCasey。"
Caseyscratchedhisheadthoughtfully。
"Dongolas？"herepeated。"Ihaveheardth’word，Grevemeyer。
Waitabit！’Tissomethingaboutshoes。Sure！Iremimber，now！
’Twasdongolashoeswanofmekidshad，lastwinter，an’nogoodtheywere，too。Dongolasisshoes，Grevemeyer——lacedshoes——
dongolasislacedshoes。"
Thebigmayorleanedhisheadfarbackandlaughedlongandloud。Hepoundedonthebarwithhisfist，andslappedTooleontheback。
"Lacedshoes！"hecried，wipinghiseyes，andthenhebecamesuddenlyserious。"’Twouldnotbeshoes，Casey，"hesaidgravely。
"Thimdongolaswasricommindedbyth’landscape-gardenerfromNewYorrk。’Twouldnotbesinsiblet’ricommindusputapairoflacedshoesinth’parklakeferth’kidst’rideon。"
"’Twouldnotseemso，"saidToole，shakinghisheadwisely。"I
wishtmemindwaslikeitalwaysis。’Tisapity——"
"Stop！"criedCasey。"Ihaveit！Thimwaskidshoes。Thimdongolaswaskidshoes。"
"Sosaid，Casey，"saidDuo’an"Forth’kid。"
"No，"saidCasey，"ofth’kid。"
"Sure！"saidGravemeyer。Soitis——theshoesofthechild。"
"Rightferye！"exclaimedCasey。"Th’kidshoesofth’kid。
’Twaskidleathertheyweremadeoutof，Dugan。Th’dongolaissomefancykindofagoat。Likebox-calfisth’skinofth’calfofth’box-cow。Th’dongolaissomeforeignkindofagoat，Dugan。"
"Ho，ho-o-o！"criedToole，suddenly，knockingonhisforeheadwiththeknucklesofhisfist。Thethreementurnedtheireyesuponhimandstared。
"Whatailsyenow，Mike？"askedDugan，disgustedly。
"Ho-o-o！"hecriedagain，slappinghimselfonthetopofhishead。"Memindiscomm’backt’me，Dugan！Th’effectsofth’
knock-outdropsiswearin’off！Irecallnowthatth’dongolaissomefancykindofagoat。’Twillallcomebackt’mesoon。
"Goalongwidye！"exclaimedDugan。"Wouldyebeputtin’agoatinth’lakeforth’kidst’rideon？"
"Sure！"saidTooleenthusiastically。"SureIwould，Dugan。Notth’commongoatIwouldn’t。ButdongolagoatsIwould。Haveyeheardofdongolawatergoats，Casey？Wasthimdongolagoatskinshoeswarrantedt’bewater-proof？"
Caseywrinkledhisbrow。
"’Tisliketheywas，Toole，"hesaiddoubtfully。"’Tisliketheywaswarrantedt’be，buttheywasn’t。"
"Sure！"criedToolejoyously。"’Tiswater-proofth’skinofth’dongolawatergoatsis，liketh’skinofth’duck。An’swim？
Aduckisn’tinitwidawatergoat。Iremimberseein’thiminouldIrelandwhinIwasabye，Dugan，swimmininth’lakeofKillarney。Ah，’twasapurtypicture。"
"Iseemt’remimberthimmesilf，"hesaid。"Notclear，butabit。"
"Sureyedo！"criedToole。"Many’sthetimeIhaverodeacrossth’lakeonth’backofadongola。Meownfather，whowasabigmaninth’ouldcountry，usedt’keepapairofthimforuschilder。’TwashimselffetchedthimfromDonnegal，Dugan。’TwasfromDonnegaltheygotth’nameofthim，an’’twasth’nameyegivethimthatmisledme。Donnegoraswaswhatwecalledthiminth’ouldcounry——donnegorasfromDonnegal。Iremimberth’twoofthimIhadwhinIwasakid，Dugan——wanwasaNanny，an’wanwasaBilly，an’——"
"Goonhome，Mike，"saidDugan。"Goonhomean’sleepitoff！"
andthelittlealdermanfromtheFourthWardpickeduphishatandcoat，andobeyedhisorders。
Institutinganewpublicparkandseeingthatineverypurchaseandeverycontractthereisarake-offfortheringisabigjob，andbetweenthisandthefightagainsttherapidlyincreasingstrengthofthereformparty，MayorDuganhadhishandsmorethanfull。Hehadnotimetothinkofdongolas，andhedidnotwanttothinkofthem——Toolewasthecommitteeondongolas，anditwashisdutytothinkofthem，andtoworryaboutthem，ifanyworrywasnecessary。ButTooledidnotworry。HesatdownandwrotealettertohiscousinDennis，officialkeeperofthezooinIdlewildParkatFranklin，Iowa。
"DearDennis，"hewrote。"HaveyouanydongolagoatsinyourmenageryforIwanttworightawaygoodstrongonesanswerrightawayyouraffectionatecousinaldermanMichaelToole。"
"Psmonnynoobject。"
WhenDennisToolereceivedthisletterhewalkedthroughhiszooandconsideredhisanimalsthoughtfully。Theshop-wornbrownbearwouldnotdotofillcousinMike’sorder；neitherwouldtheweather-wornreddeernorthefamilyofvariegatedtamerabbits。
ThezooofIdlewildParkatFranklinwaswoefullyshortofdongolagoats——infact，toanybutthemostimaginativeandeasilypleasedchild，itwaslackinginnearlyeverythingthatmakesazooacongressoftheworld’smostrareandthrillingcreatures。Afterall，thenearestthingtoagoatwasagoat，andgoatswereplentyinFranklin。DennisfeltanirresistiblelongingtoaidMike——thelongingthatcomestoanyhealthymanwhenarequestisaccompaniedbythelegend"Moneynoobject。"HewrotethateveningtoMike。
"DearMike，"hewrote。"I’vegottwogoodstrongdongolagoatsIcanletyouhavecheap。I’moverstockedwithdongolasto-day。I
wanttogetridoftwo。ZooisgettingtoocrowdedwithallkindsofanimalsandIdon’tneedsomanydongolagoats。Iwillsellyoutwoforfiftydollars。Apiece。Whatdoyouwantthemfor？
Youraffectionatecousin，DennisToole，Zookeeper。PS。Cratesextra。"
"Casey，"saidMiketohisfriendthesaloonkeeperwhenhereceivedthiscommunication，"’tisjustasItoldye——dongolasisgoats。Ihavebeencorrispondin’withwanofth’celibratedanimalmenregardin’th’dongolawatergoat，an’Ihavemeeyeontwoofthimthisveryminute。But’twillbeixpinsive，Casey，mightyixpinsive。Th’dongolawatergoatisararebirrd，Casey。
Theyhavebecomeextinctinth’lakesofIreland，an’whatfewofthimisleftinth’worrldisheldatoutrajeousprices。Inth’
letterIhavefromth’animalman，Casey，hewantstwohundreddollarsapieceforeachdongolawatergoat，an’’twillbenoeasythingforhimt’gitthim。"
"Hasn’thethiminhisshop，Mike？"askedCasey。
"Hehasnot，Casey，"saidthelittlealderman。"Hehasnoplaceforthim。Cageshehas，an’globesforgoldfish，an’birrdcages，butth’sizeofth’shopl’avesnoroomforanaquarium，Casey。
Hehasnotankforthepreservationofwatergoats。
Hippopotamusesan’alligatorsan’crocodilesan’dongolawatergoatsan’sealionshedoesnotkeepinstock，Casey，butsindsoutan’catchesthimwhinordered。Hewritesthathisagintshastheireyesontwofinedongolas，an’hehastiligraphedthimt’
catchthim。"
"Aretheynearby，Mike？"askedCasey，muchinterested。
"Naw，"saidToole。"’TwillbesometimetillIgitthim。Th’
lastheheardofthimtheywereswimmin’inth’LakeofGeneva。"
"Isitfar，th’lake？"askedCasey。
"Idisremimberhowfar，"saidToole。"’TisinAfricaorAsia，ormebby’tisinConstantinople。Wanofthimcountriesitis，annyhow。"
ButtohiscousinDennishewrote：
"DearDennis——Iwilltakethemtwodongolas。Cratethemgoodandsolid。DonotsendthemtillItellyou。Sendthebilltome。
YouraffectionatecousinaldermanMichaelToole。PsMakebillfortwohundreddollarsapiece。Businessisbusiness。Thisisbetweenustwo。M。T。"
AKeeperoftheWaterGoatshadbeenselectedwiththeutmostcare，combininginthechoicepracticalpoliticswithasenseoffitness。TimothyFaganwasusedtoanimals——foryearshehaddrivenadumpcart。Hewasusedtochildren——hehadtenorelevenofhisown。AndhecontrolledseveralvotesintheFourthWard。
Hiselevationfromthedump-cartofthestreetcleaningdepartmenttothehighofficeofKeeperoftheWaterGoatswasonethatDuganbelievedwouldgivegeneralsatisfaction。
WhenthegoatsarrivedinJeffersonvillethetwoheavycrateswerehauledtoAldermanToole’sbackyardtoawaittheopeningofthepark，andthereMayorDuganandGoatKeeperFagancametoinspectthem。AldermanTooleledthewaytothemwithpride，andMayorDugan’screasedbrowalmostuncreasedashebentdownandpeeredbetweenthebarsofthecrates。Theywerefinegoats。
Perhapstheylookedsomewhatmoredejectedthanagoatusuallylooks——moredirtyanddownattheheelsthanagoatoftenlooks——
buttheywereundoubtedlygoats。AsspecimensofordinaryIrishgoatstheymightnothavepassedmusterwithacarefulbuyer，butnodoubttheywereexcellentexamplesofthedongola。
"Yehavedonegood，Mike，"saidthemayor。"Yehavedonegood！
Butain’ttheymebbyabitofftheirfeed——orsomething？"
"Offtheirfeed！"saidToole。"An’whowouldn’tbe，poorthings？Mindye，Dugan，thimisnotcommongoats——thimisdongolas——an’usedtobein’inth’wathercon-continuousfrommornin’tillnight。’Tissufferin’foraswimtheybe，pooranimals。Wanceletthimgitinth’lakean’yewillseeth’
difference，Dugan。’Twillmakeallth’differenceinth’worrldt’thim。’Tisdyin’foraswimtheyare。"
"Sure！"saidtheKeeperoftheWaterGoats。"Yehavedonegood，Mike，"saidthemayoragain。"Thimdongolaswillbeabigsurpriseforth’people。"
Theywere。TheysurprisedtheKeeperoftheGoatsfirstofall。
Thedaybeforetheparkwastobeopenedtothepublicthegoatsweretakentotheparkandturnedovertotheirofficialkeeper。
Ateleveno’clockthatmorningAldermanToolewasleaningagainstCasey’sbar，confidentiallypouringintohisearthestoryofhowthedongolashadgiventheircaptorsaworldoftrouble，swimmingviolentlytothefarreachesofLakeGenevaandhidingamongthebulrushesandreeds，whentheswingingdoorofthesaloonwasbangedopenandTimFaganrushedin。Hewasmad。
Hewasverymad，buthewasagreatdealwetterthanmad。Helookedasifhehadbeensoakedinwaterovernight，andnotwrungoutinthemorning。
"Mike！"hewhisperedhoarsely，graspingthelittlealdermanbythearm。"Iwantye！Iwantyedownatth’park。"
AchilloffearpassedoverAldermanToole。HeturnedhisfacetoFaganandlaidhishandonhisshoulder。
"Tim，"hedemanded，"hasannythinghappenedt’th’dongolas？"
"Isannythinghappenedt’th’dongolas！"exclaimedFagansarcastically。"Isannythingwrongwiththimwatergoats？Oh，no，Toole！Nawthin’hasgonewrongwiththim！Onlytheywon’tgointoth’wather，Mike！Isannythinggonewrongwiththim，didyesay？
Nawthin’！Theybeingoodhealth，buttheyarenotcrazyt’beswimmin’。Th’waytheydonothankert’dashintoth’waterismarvellous，Mike。Nowaterforthim！"
"Hist！"saidTooleuneasily，glancingaroundtoseethatnoonebutCaseywasinhearing。"Mebbyyehavenotstartedthimright，Tim。"
"Mebbynot，"saidFaganangrily。"MebbyIdonotknowhowt’
startth’watergoat，Toole！Mebbythereisonewayunbeknownstt’me。Ifso，Ihavenottriedit。Butth’forty-sivinotherwaysIhavetried，an’th’goatswillnotswim。Ihavestartedthimbackwardsan’Ihavestartedthimfrontwards，an’Ihavetookthiminbyth’hornsan’givethimlessonst’swim，an’theywillnotswim！Ihavedonemedutybythim，Mike，an’Ihavewrastledwiththim，an’rolledinth’lakewiththim。Wasitt’beswimmin’teachert’watergoatsyegotmethisjobfor？"
"Hist！"saidTooleagain。"Notsoloud，Tim！Yehaven’ttoldDuganhaveye？"
"Ihavenot！"saidTim，withanger。"Ihavenottoldannybodyannythingexciptthimgoatsan’whatItoldthimisnotdacinthearin’。Ihaveconversedwiththiminstronglanguage，an’itdonenogood。Noswimmin’forthim！Comeondownan’haveachatwiththimyersilf，Toole。Comeondownan’arguewiththim，anpersuadethimwithth’softsoundofyervoicet’swim。Comeondownan’gitthimwatergoatsusedt’th’water。"
"Yedon’tunderstandth’watergoat，Tim，"saidTooleingentlereproof。"Iwillshowyehowt’handlehim，"andhewentout，followedbythewetKeeperoftheWaterGoats。
Thetwowatergoatsstoodatthesideofthelake，wetandmournful，tiedtotwostrongstakes。Theylookedwearyandmeek，fortheyhadhadahardmorning，butassoonastheysawTimFagantheybrightenedup。Theyarosesimultaneouslyontheirhindlegsandtheireyesglitteredwithdeadlyhatred。Theystrainedattheirropes，andthen，suddenly，panic-stricken，theyturnedandran，bringingupattheendsoftheirropeswithashockthatbentthestoutstakestowhichtheywerefastened。Theystoodstillandcowered，trembling。
"Layhold！"commandedToole。"Layholdofahornofth’brutetillIshowyehowt’makehimswim。"
Throughthefreshgravelofthebeachthefourfeetofthereluctantgoatplougheddeepfurrows。Itshookitsheadfromsidetoside，butTooleandFaganhelditfast，andintothewateritwent。"
"Now！"criedAldermanToole。"Gitbehindan’push，Tim！Wan！
Two！Three！Push！"
AldermanToolereleasedhisholdandKeeperoftheWaterGoatsFaganpushed。Thentheytriedtheothergoat。Itwaseasiertotrytheotherwatergoatthantowastetimehuntinguptheonetheyhadjusttried，forithadgoneaway。AssoonasAldermanTooleletitgo，itwent。Itseemedtowanttogettotheotherendoftheparkassoonaspossible，butitdidnottaketheshortcutacrossthelake——itwentaround。Butitdidnotmindtravel——itwenttothefarthestpartofthepark，anditwouldhavegonefartherifitcould。SoAldermanTooleandKeeperFagantriedtheotherwatergoat。Thatonewentstraighttotheotherendofthepark。Itswervedfromastraightlinebutonce，andthatwaswhenitshiedatapailofwaterthatwasintheway。Itdidnotseemtolikewater。
IntheFranklinZooDennisToolehadjustremovedthelidofhistinlunch-pailwhenthetelegraphboyhandedhimtheyellowenvelope。Heturneditoverandover，studyingitsexterior，whiletheboywenttolookattheshop-wornbrownbear。Thezookeeperdecidedthattherewasnowaytofindoutwhatwasinsideoftheenvelopebuttoopenit。Hewasreadyfortheworst。Hewondered，unthinkingly，whichoneofhisfortyormorecousinswasdead，andopenedtheenvelope。
"DennisToole，FranklinZoo，"heread，"Dongolaswon’tswim。
Howdoyoumakethemswim？Telegraphatonce。MichaelToole。"
Helaidthetelegramacrosshiskneesandlookedatitasifitwassomestrangecommunicationfromanothersphere。Hepushedhishattoonesideofhisheadandscratchedthetuftofredhairthusbared。
"’Dongolaswon’tswim！"’herepeatedslowly。"An’howdoImakethimswim？IwonderdoesCousinMiketaketh’goatt’beafish，orwhat？Iwonderdoeshetakeswimmin’tobewanofth’
accomplishmentsofth’goat？"Heshookhisheadinpuzzlement，andfrownedatthetelegram。"Wouldhebehavin’agoatregatta，Iwonder，orwasheexpectin’th’goatt’beaweb-footedanimal？
’Won’tswim！’herepeatedangrily。’Won’tswim！’An’whatisittomeiftheywon’tswim？NaytherwouldIswimifIwasagoat。
’Tisnoneofmeaffairiftheywillnotswim。Therewasnawthin’
saidabout’swimmin’goats。’GoatsIcangivehim，an’dongolagoatsIcangivehim，anjumpin’goats，an’climbin’goats，an’
walkin’goats，but’tisnotinmelinet’furnishsubmarinegoats。
No，norgoatst’flyupinth’air！Wouldannyone，"hesaidwithexasperation，"wouldannyonethatgotaplainorderforgoatsixpictt’havet’furnishgoatsthatwouldhopupoffth’earthan’makeaballoonascension？’TisnofaultofDennisToole’sthimgoatswon’tswim。WhatwillMikebetelegraphin’menixt，I
wonder？’DearDennis：Th’goatswon’tlayeggs。Howdoyemakethim？’Bye，haveyeapieceofpapert’writeananswert’mecousinMikeon？"
TheKeeperoftheWaterGoatsandAldermanTooleweresittingonarusticbenchlookingsadlyatthewatergoatswhentheJeffersonvilletelegraphmessengerbroughtthemDennisToole’sanswer。AldermanToolegraspedtheenvelopeeagerlyandtoreitopen，andFaganleanedoverhisshoulderashereadit：
"MichaelToole，Alderman，Jeffersonville，"theyread。"Puttheminthewaterandseeiftheywillswim。DennisToole。"
"Putthiminth’wather！"exclaimedAldermanTooleangrily。
"Whydon’tyeputthiminth’wather，Fagan？Whydidyenotthinkt’putthiminth’wather？"Helookeddownathissoakingclothes，andhisangerincreased。"Whyhaveyebeentryin’t’
makethimdongolasswimonland，Fagan？"heaskedsarcastically。
"Orhaveyebeenthrowin’thimupinth’airt’seethimswim？
Whydon’tyeputthiminth’wather？Whydon’tyefollowth’
instructionsofth’expertdongolawatergoatmanan’putthiminth’watherifyewantthimt’swim？"
Faganlookedattheangryalderman。Helookedatthedrippinggoats。
"SoIdid，Mike，"hesaidseriously。"Webothofusdid。"
"An’didwe！"criedAldermanTooleinmocksurprise。"Isitpossiblewethoughtt’putthiminth’watherwhinwewantedthimt’swim？Itwasinmemindthatwetiedthimtoatreean’playedring-around-a-rosywiththimt’inducethimt’swim！Where’sapencil？Where’sapieceofpaper？"hecried。
Hejerkedthemfromthehandofthemessengerboy。Theafternoonwashalfwornaway。Everyminutewasprecious。Hewrotehastilyandhandedthemessagetothemessengerboy。
"Fagan，"hesaid，astheboydisappeareddownthepathatarun，"raiseupyerspiritsancomean’giveth’watergoatssomemoreinstructionsinth’ginteelartofswimmin’inth’wather。"
Fagansighedandarose。Hewalkedtowardthedejectedwatergoats，and，takingthenearestonebythehornsyankedittowardthelake。Thegoatwastooweaktodomorethanholdbackfeeblyandbleatitsdisapprovalofanotherbath。Themorelessonsinswimmingitreceivedthelessitseemedtoliketoswim。Ithaddevelopedapositivehatredofswimming。
DennisToolereceivedthesecondtelegramwithasavagegrin。
Hehadexpectedit。Heopeneditwithmaliciousslowness。
"DennisToole，FranklinZoo，"heread。"WheredoyouthinkI
putthemtomakethemswim？Theywon’tswiminthelake。Itwon’tdonogoodtousforthemtoswimondryland。Nofooling，now，howdoyoumakethemdongolasswim？Answerquick。
MichaelToole。"
Hedidnothavetostudyouthisreply，forhehadbeenconsideringiteversincehehadsenttheothertelegram。Hetookablankfromtheboyandwrotetheanswer。ThesunwassettingwhentheJeffersonvillemessengerdeliveredittoAldermanToole。
"MikeToole，Jeffersonville，"itsaid。"Quitfooling，yourself。
Don’tyouknowyoungdongolasarealwayswater-shyatfirst？Tietheminthelakeandletthemsoak，andtheywilllearntoswimfastenough。IfIdidn’tknowanymoreaboutdongolasthanyoudoIwouldkeepclearofthem。DennisToole。"
"Listentothatnow，"saidAldermanToole，asmilespreadingoverhisface。"An’whoeversaidIknewannythingaboutwatergoats，annyhow？Th’naturalhistoryofth’watergoatisnotwanofthethingsusuallyconsideredpartofth’iducationofth’
aldermanfromth’FourthWard，Fagan，but’tissurprisedIamthatyedidnotknowth’goatisliketh’soupbean，an’hast’
besoakedbeforeusin’。Th’Keeperofth’WaterGoatshouldknowth’habitsofth’animal，Fagan。Whydidyenotputthimintosoakinth’firstplace？Iamsurprisedatye！"
"Itescapedmemind，"saidFagan。"Iwasthinkin’thesewasbroket’swimmin’an’didnotneedt’besoaked。Iwonderhowlongtheyshouldbesoaked，Mike？"
"’Twilldonoharrmt’soakthimovernight，annyhow，"saidToole。"Overnightisth’usualsoakgivent’th’soup-beanan’
th’saltmackerel，t’saynawthin’ofth’codfishan’othersofth’water-goatfamily。Letth’watergoatssoakovernight，Fagan，anbymornin’theywillbereadyt’swimlikeatrout。Wewillanchorthiminth’lake，Fagan——an’wewillsaynawthin’t’
Dugan。’Twouldbeablowt’Duganwashet’learnth’dongolasprovidedferth’parkwasyoungan’wather-shy。"
Theyanchoredthewatergoatsfirmlyinthelake，andleftthemtheretoovercometheirshyness，whichseemed，asFaganandTooleleftthem，tobeasgreatasever。Thegoatsgazedsadly，andbleatedlongingly，afterthetwomenastheydisappearedinthedusk，andwhenthemenhadpassedentirelyoutofsight，thegoatslookedateachotherandcomplainedbitterly。
AldermanToolethoughtfullychangedhiswetclothesfordryonesbeforehewenttoCasey’sthatevening，forhethoughtDuganmightbethere，andhewas。HewastherewhenToolearrived，andhisbrowwasblack。Hehadhadabaddayofit。Everythinghadgonewrongwithhimandhisaffairs。Alargelumpofhisadherentshadsloughedofffromhispartyandhadaffiliatedwithhisopponents，andtheeveningoppositionpaperhadcomeoutwithared-hotarticlecondemningtheadministrationforrecklessextravagance。IthadespeciallycondemnedDuganforburdeningthecitywithnewbondstocreateanunneededpark，andthewholethinghadendedwithascreechofironiclaughteroverthe——sotheeditorcalledit——fittingcapstoneofthewholebusiness，thepurchaseoftwodongolagoatsatperfectlyextravagantprices。
"Mike，"saidthebigmayorseverely，whenthelittlealdermanhadofferedhisgreetings，"thereisthedivilan’allt’payaboutthimdongolas。Th’Newsisfullofthim。’Twillbeth’indofusalliftheydonotpanoutwell。Haveyetriedthiminth’
wateryet？"
"Sure！"exclaimedthelittlealdermanwithaheartinesshedidnotfeel。"Whathasmean’Faganbeendoin’alldaybuttryin’
thim？Havenofearofth’wathergoats，Dugan。"
"Dotheyswimwell，Mike？"askedthebigmayorkindly，butwithawearyheavinesshedidnottrytoconceal。
"Swim！"exclaimedToole。"Didyesayswim，Dugan？Swimisnonameforth’waytheyripthro’thewather！’Twasmarvelloust’
seethim。Ah，thimdongolasiswonderfulanimals！Doyethinkwecouldpersuadethimt’comeoutwhinwewantedt’comehome？Notthim，Dugan！’Twasallmean’Fagancoulddot’pullthimoutbymainforce，an’th’minuteweletgoofthim，backtheywintintoth’wather。’Twaspitifult’hearth’waytheybleatedt’beletbackintoth’watheragin，Dugan，soweletthimstayinforth’
night。"
"Yedidnotletthimlooseinth’lake，Mike？"exclaimedthebigmayor。"Yedidnotletthimbesotheycouldgitaway？"
"No，"saidToole。"No！They’llnotgitaway，Dugan。Weanchoredthimfast。"
"Yedonegood，Mike，"saidthebigmayor。
ThenextmorningKeeperoftheWaterGoatsFaganwasdownsufficientlyearlytodragthebodiesofthegoatsoutofthelakelongbeforeeventhefirstcitizenwasadmittedtothepark。
Alone，andhastilyhehidtheminthelittletoolhouse，andlockedthedooronthem。ThenhewenttofindAldermanToole。Hefoundhiminthemayor’soffice，andbeckonedhimtooneside。Inhot，quickaccentshetoldhimtheuntimelyfateofthedongolawatergoats，andthemayor——withaneyeforeverythingonthatimportantday——sawtheredfaceofAldermanToolegrowlongerandredder；sawthelookofpainandhorrorthatoverspreadit。A
chillingfeargrippedhisownheart。
"Mike，"hesaid。"What’sth’matterwithth’dongolas？"
ItwasFaganwhospoke，whilethelittlealdermanfromtheFourthWardstoodbereftofspeechinthisawfulmoment。
"Dugan，"hesaid，"Ihavenothadmuchixperiencewithth’
dongolawathergoat，an’th’waysan’habitsofthimisstranget’me，butifIwast’saywhatIthink，Iwouldsaytheywasover-soaked。"
"Over-soaked，Fagan？"saidthemayorcrossly。"Talksense，willye？"
"Sure！"saidFagan。"An’over-soakediswhatIsay。Thimwatergoatshasallth’looksofbein’soakedtoolong。Iwouldnotsaypositive，YerHonour，butthatisth’looksofthim。Ifmeownmotherwast’askmeIwouldsayth’same，Dugan。’Soakin’toolongdoneit，’iswhatIwouldsay。"
"Youareafool，Fagan！"exclaimedthebigmayor。
"Well，"saidFaganmildly，"Ihavenothadmuchixperienceinsoakin’dongolas，ifyemeanthat，Dugan。Idonotsetupt’beanexpertdongolasoaker。Idonotknowth’rulest’goby。Somemaylikethimsoakedlongan’somemaylikethimsoakednotsolong，butifIwastosay，Iwouldsaythimtwodongolasatth’
parkhasbeensoakedadangsighttoolong。Th’swimhasbeensoakedcleanoutofthim。"
"Aretheysick？"askedthebigmayor。"Whatisth’matterwiththim？"
"Theydolooksick，"agreedFagan，breakingthebadnewsgently。"Ishouldsaytheylookmightysick，Dugan。Iftheylookedannysicker，Iwouldbeaftherlookin’foraplacet’burythimin。An’Iamlookin’forth’placenow。"
Asthetruthdawnedonthemindofthebigmayor，helosthisfirmlookandsankintoachair。Thiswasthelastbrickpulledfromunderhisstructureofhopes。Hisheadsankuponhisbreastandformanyminuteshewassilent，whilehisaidesstoodabashedandillatease。AtlastheraisedhisheadandstaredatToole，moreinsorrowthaninresentfulness。
"Mike，"hesaid，"MikeToole！Whatinth’worrldmadeyesoakthimdongolas？"
"Dugan，"pleadedToole，layinghishandonthebigmayor’sarm。
"Dugan，oldman，don’tlookatmethatway。Therewasnawthin’
elset’dobutsoakthimdongolas。Many’sth’timeIhaveseenmeoldfathersoakin’th’youngdongolast’limberthimupforswimmin’。’Ifiveryehavetodowithdongolas，Mike，’heusedt’
sayt’me，’soakthimwellfirrst。’SoIsoakedthim，an’’tisnoneofmefault，norFagan’seither，thattheysoakedfullo’
wather。First-classdongolasiswather-proof，asiveryoneknows，Dugan，an’howwaswet’knowthimtwowasnot？Howwasmean’
Fagant’knowtheirskinswouldsoakinwatherlikeapillowcase？Smallblametous，Dugan。"
Thebigmayortookhisheadbetweenhishandsandstaredmoodilyatthefloor。
"Goawnaway！"hesaidafterawhile。"Yehavedoneformean’
th’byes，Toole。Yehavesoakedusoutofoffice，wanan’allofus。Iwantt’bealone。Itisalloverwithus。Goawnaway。"
TooleandtheKeeperoftheWaterGoatsstolesilentlyfromtheroomandoutintothestreet。Faganwasthefirsttospeak。
"Howwaswet’knowthimdongolaswouldsoakinwatherthatway，Toole？"hesaiddefensively。"Howwaswet’knowtheywasnotth’wather-proofkindofdongolas？"
ThelittlealdermanfromtheFourthWardwalkedsilentlybytheKeeper’sside。Hisheadwasdowncastandhishandswereclaspedbeneaththetailsofhiscoat。SuddenlyhelookedFaganfullintheface。
"’Twasourfault，Fagan，"hesaid。"’Twasallourfault。Ifwedidn’tknowthimdongolaswaswather-proofweshouldhavevarnishedthimbeforeweputthiminth’laket’soak。Idon’tblameyou，Fagan，foryedidnotknowannybetter，butIblamemesilf。ForIcallt’mindnowthatmefatheralwaysvarnishedth’dongolasbeforehesoakedthimovernight。’Takenochances，Mike，’heusedt’sayt’me，’alwaysvarnishthimfirrst。Someofthimisrubberyan’willnotsoakupwather，butsomeisspongy，an’’tisbestt’varnishonean’allofthim。"’
"Thinkofthatnow！"exclaimedFaganwithadmiration。"Sure，butthisnaturalhistoryisawonderfulscience，Toole！Tothinkthatthimanimalswasth’spongyhideddongolawatergoatsofforeignlands，an’usedt’bein’varnishedbeforeeachan’everybath！An’t’metheylookednodifferentfromth’goatsofmebyehood！Iwasnevercutoutforagoatkeeper，Mike。An’mejobonth’dump-cartisgone，too。’TwillbehardtimesforFagan。"
"’TwillbehardtimesforToole，too，"saidthelittlealderman，andtheywalkedonwithoutspeakinguntilFaganreachedhisgate。
"Well，annyhow，"hesaidwithcheerfulphilosophy，"’tisbettert’beusthantobethimdongolawatergoats——deadoralive。’TisnottoooftenItakeabath，Mike，butifIwaswanofthimspongy-hideddongolasan’hadt’bevarnishedeachtimeI
gotinmebathtub，Iwouldstopbathin’forgoodan’all。"
Helookedtowardthehouse。
"I’llnotworry，"hesaid。"Maggiewillbesadt’hearth’jobisgone，butshewouldhavetookithardert’knowherTimwaswastin’histimevarnishin’th’slabsideofaspongygoat。"
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