We found him most starved in the coach-house , and he 's been here ever since , '' answered Bab , comprehensively . `` Tell me about it . I like tramps , too , '' and the man looked as if he did very much , as Bab told the little story in a few childish words that were better than a much more elegant account . `` You were very good to the little feller , '' was all the man said when she ended her somewhat confused tale , in which she had jumbled the old coach and Miss Celia , dinner-pails and nutting , Sancho and circuses . '' ` Course we were ! He 's a nice boy and we are fond of him , and he likes us , '' said Bab , heartily . '' ` Specially me , '' put in Betty , quite at ease now , for the black eyes had softened wonderfully , and the brown face was smiling all over . `` Do n't wonder a mite . You are the nicest pair of little girls I 've seen this long time , '' and the man put a hand on either side of them , as if he wanted to hug the chubby children . But he did n't do it ; he merely smiled and stood there asking questions till the two chatterboxes had told him every thing there was to tell in the most confiding manner , for he very soon ceased to seem like a stranger , and looked so familiar that Bab , growing inquisitive in her turn , suddenly said , -- `` Have n't you ever been here before ? It seems as if I 'd seen you . '' `` Never in my life . Guess you 've seen somebody that looks like me , '' and the black eyes twinkled for a minute as they looked into the puzzled little faces before him , then he said , soberly , -- `` I 'm looking round for a likely boy ; do n't you think this Ben would suite me ? I want just such a lively sort of chap . '' `` Are you a circus man ? '' asked Bab , quickly . `` Well , no , not now . I 'm in better business . '' `` I 'm glad of it -- we do n't approve of 'em ; but I do think they 're splendid ! '' Bab began by gravely quoting Miss Celia , and ended with an irrepressible burst of admiration which contrasted drolly with her first remark .
Betty added , anxiously : `` We ca n't let XXXXX go any way .
Bab Ben Celia Sancho chatterboxes coach-house dinner-pails first minute tramps