Lane Culotte

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He passed by, making his light, small donkey steps echo on the stones of the bridge. The baskets swaying on his back were filled to the brim with flowering branches of argelas. This plant, which blooms in February, resembles a spiny broom. I was astonished by the donkey's load and followed him from a distance. He headed straight for the rectory. Surely he was expected there, as Father Chichambre immediately emerged and carried the argelas into the church. Afterward, he spoke a few kind words to the donkey Culotte and gave him a pat on the hindquarters. The donkey turned around and set off back toward the mountain.