why did you neatly untie that knot and trot away to confer with the disreputable bull-dog who stood in the entrance beckoning with friendly wavings of an abbreviated tail ? Oh , much afflicted Ben ! why did you delay till it was too late to save your pet from the rough man who set his foot upon the trailing strap , and led poor Sanch quickly out of sight among the crowd ? `` It was Bascum , but he did n't know any thing . Why , where 's Sanch ? '' said Ben , returning . A breathless voice made Bab turn to see Ben looking about him with as much alarm in his hot face as if the dog had been a two years ' child . `` I tied him -- he 's here somewhere -- with the ponies , '' stammered Bab , in sudden dismay , for no sign of a dog appeared as her eyes roved wildly to and fro . Ben whistled , called and searched in vain , till one of the lounging men said , lazily , `` If you are looking after the big poodle you 'd better go outside ; I saw him trotting off with another dog . '' Away rushed Ben , with Bab following , regardless of the rain , for both felt that a great misfortune had befallen them . But , long before this , Sancho had vanished , and no one minded his indignant howls as he was driven off in a covered cart . `` If he is lost I 'll never forgive you ; never , never , never ! '' and Ben found it impossible to resist giving Bab several hard shakes , which made her yellow braids fly up and down like pump handles . `` I 'm dreadful sorry . He 'll come back -- you said he always did , '' pleaded Bab , quite crushed by her own afflictions , and rather scared to see Ben look so fierce , for he seldom lost his temper or was rough with the little girls . `` If he does n't come back , do n't you speak to me for a year . Now , I 'm going home . '' And , feeling that words were powerless to express his emotions , Ben walked away , looking as grim as a small boy could . A more unhappy little lass is seldom to be found than Bab was , as she pattered after him , splashing recklessly through the puddles , and getting as wet and muddy as possible , as a sort of penance for her sins . For a mile or two she trudged stoutly along , while Ben marched before in solemn silence , which soon became both impressive and oppressive because so unusual , and such a proof of his deep displeasure .
Penitent Bab longed for just one word , one sign of relenting ; and when none came , she began to wonder how she could possibly bear it if he kept his dreadful threat and did not speak to her for a whole XXXXX .
Bab Bascum Ben Sanch Sancho bull-dog fro wavings year years