where is he , please ? '' cried Ben , wishing she would hurry up ; for Miss Celia did not even offer him the letter , but sat looking down at Sancho on the lower step , as if she wanted him to come and help her . `` He went after the mustangs , and sent some home , but could not come himself . '' `` Went further on , I s ` pose . Yes , he said he might go as far as California , and if he did he 'd send for me . I 'd like to go there ; it 's a real splendid place , they say . '' `` He has gone further away than that , to a lovelier country than California , I hope . '' And Miss Celia 's eyes turned to the deep sky , where early stars were shining . `` Did n't he send for me ? Where 's he gone ? When 's he coming back ? '' asked Ben , quickly ; for there was a quiver in her voice , the meaning of which he felt before he understood . Miss Celia put her arms about him , and answered very tenderly , -- `` Ben , dear , if I were to tell you that he was never coming back , could you bear it ? '' `` I guess I could , -- but you do n't mean it ? Oh , ma'am , he is n't dead ? '' cried Ben , with a cry that made her heart ache , and Sancho leap up with a bark . `` My poor little boy , I wish I could say no . '' There was no need of any more words , no need of tears or kind arms around him . He knew he was an orphan now , and turned instinctively to the old friend who loved him best . Throwing himself down beside his dog , Ben clung about the curly neck , sobbing bitterly , -- `` Oh , Sanch , he 's never coming back again ; never , never any more ! ''
Poor XXXXX could only whine and lick away the tears that wet the half-hidden face , questioning the new friend meantime with eyes so full of dumb love and sympathy and sorrow that they seemed almost human .
Ben California Celia Sanch Sancho country cry dog quiver words