ejaculated Mrs. Moss , whisking up a corner of her apron to wipe her eyes , for the thought of the poor little fellow alone there for two days and nights with no bed but musty straw , no food but the scraps a dog brought him , was too much for her . `` Do you know what I 'm going to do with you ? '' she asked , trying to look calm and cool , with a great tear running down her wholesome red cheek , and a smile trying to break out at the corners of her lips . `` No , ma'am , and I dunno as I care . Only do n't be hard on Sanch ; he 's been real good to me , and we 're fond of one another ; ai n't us , old chap ? '' answered the boy , with his arm around the dog 's neck , and an anxious look which he had not worn for himself . `` I 'm going to take you right home , and wash and feed and put you in a good bed ; and to-morrow , -- well , we 'll see what 'll happen then , '' said Mrs. Moss , not quite sure about it herself . `` You 're very kind , ma'am , I 'll be glad to work for you . Ai n't you got a horse I can see to ? '' asked the boy , eagerly . `` Nothing but hens and a cat . '' Bab and Betty burst out laughing when their mother said that , and Ben gave a faint giggle , as if he would like to join in if he only had the strength to do it . But his legs shook under him , and he felt a queer dizziness ; so he could only hold on to Sancho , and blink at the light like a young owl . `` Come right along , child . Run on , girls , and put the rest of the broth to warming , and fill the kettle . I 'll see to the boy , '' commanded Mrs. Moss , waving off the children , and going up to feel the pulse of her new charge , for it suddenly occurred to her that he might be sick and not safe to take home . The hand he gave her was very thin , but clean and cool , and the black eyes were clear though hollow , for the poor lad was half-starved . `` I 'm awful shabby , but I ai n't dirty . I had a washin ' in the rain last night , and I 've jest about lived on water lately , '' he explained , wondering why she looked at him so hard . `` Put out your tongue . ''
He did so , but took it in again to say quickly , -- `` I ai n't sick , -- I 'm only hungry ; for I have n't had a mite but what Sanch brought , for three XXXXX ; and I always go halves , do n't I , Sanch ? ''
Bab Ben Betty Moss Sanch Sancho days nights right washin