Under the Lilacs Read Free Page B

and ends; then tried to beguile the poor beast in to eat and be comforted.
     But he only came as far as the door, and, sitting up, begged with such imploring eyes that Bab put down the pail and stepped
     back, saying pitifully—
    “The poor thing is starved; let him eat all he wants, and we won’t touch him.”
    The girls drew back with little clucks of interest and compassion; but I regret to say their charity was not rewarded as they
     expected, for, the minute the coast was clear, the dog marched boldly up, seized the handle of the pail in his mouth, and
     was off with it, galloping down the road at a great pace. Shrieks arose from the children, especially Bab and Betty, basely
     bereaved of their new dinner pail; but no one could follow the thief, for the bell rang, and in they went, so much excited
     that the boys rushed tumultuously forth to discover the cause.
    By the time school was over the sun was out, and Bab and Betty hastened home to tell their wrongs and be comforted by mother,
     who did it most effectually.
    “Never mind, dears, I’ll get you another pail, if he doesn’t bring it back as he did before. As it is too wet for you to play
     out, you shall go and see the old coach house as I promised. Keep on your rubbers and come along.”
    This delightful prospect much assuaged their woe, and away they went, skipping gaily down the graveled path, while Mrs. Moss
     followed, with skirts well tucked up, and a great bunch of keys in her hand, for she lived at the Lodge, and had charge of
     the premises.
    The small door of the coach house was fastened inside, but the large one had a padlock on it; and this being quickly unfastened,
     one half swung open, and the little girls ran in, too eager and curious even to cry out when they foundthemselves at last in possession of the long-coveted old carriage. A dusty, musty concern enough; but it had a high seat,
     a door, steps that let down, and many other charms which rendered it most desirable in the eyes of children.
    Bab made straight for the box and Betty for the door; but both came tumbling down faster than they went up, when from the
     gloom of the interior came a shrill bark, and a low voice saying quickly, “Down, Sancho! down!”
    “Who is there?” demanded Mrs. Moss, in a stern tone, backing toward the door with both children clinging to her skirts.
    The well-known curly white head was popped out of the broken window, and a mild whine seemed to say, “Don’t be alarmed, ladies;
     we won’t hurt you.”
    “Come out this minute, or I shall have to come and get you,” called Mrs. Moss, growing very brave all of a sudden as she caught
     sight of a pair of small, dusty shoes under the coach.
    “Yes, ’m, I’m coming as fast as I can,” answered a meek voice, as what appeared to be a bundle of rags leaped out of the dark,
     followed by the poodle, who immediately sat down at the bare feet of his owner with a watchful air, as if ready to assault
     anyone who might approach too near.
    “Now, then, who are you, and how did you get here?” asked Mrs. Moss, trying to speak sternly, though her motherly eyes were
     already full of pity as they rested on the forlorn little figure before her.

Ben
C HAPTER 3
    “P lease, ’m, my name is Ben Brown, and I’m travelin’.”
    “Where are you going?”
    “Anywheres to get work.”
    “What sort of work can you do?”
    “All kinds. I’m used to horses.”
    “Bless me! such a little chap as you?”
    “I’m twelve, ma’am, and can ride anything on four legs”; and the small boy gave a nod that seemed to say, “Bring on your Cruisers.
     I’m ready for ’em.”
    “Haven’t you got any folks?” asked Mrs. Moss, amused but still anxious, for the sunburnt face was very thin, the eyes hollow
     with hunger or pain, and the ragged figure leaned on the wheel as if too weak or weary to stand alone.
    “No, ’m, not of my own; and the people I was left with beat me so, I — run away.” The last words seemed