`` If they abused you , of course I would n't . Tell the truth , and I 'll stand by you . Girls , you go for the milk . '' `` Oh , Ma , do let us stay ! We 'll never tell , truly , truly ! '' cried Bab and Betty , full of dismay being sent off when secrets were about to be divulged . `` I do n't mind 'em , '' said Ben handsomely . `` Very well , only hold your tongues . Now , boy where did you come from ? '' said Mrs. Moss , as the little girls hastily sat down together on their private and particular bench opposite their mother , brimming with curiosity and beaming with satisfaction at the prospect before them . CHAPTER IV HIS STORY `` I ran away from a circus , '' began Ben , but got no further , for Bab and Betty gave a simultaneous bounce of delight , and both cried out at once , -- `` We 've been to one ! It was splendid ! '' `` You would n't think so if you knew as much about it as I do , '' answered Ben , with a sudden frown and wriggle , as if he still felt the smart of the blows he had received . `` We do n't call it splendid ; do we , Sancho ? '' he added , making a queer noise , which caused the poodle to growl and bang the floor irefully with his tail , as he lay close to his master 's feet , getting acquainted with the new shoes they wore . `` How came you there ? '' asked Mrs. Moss , rather disturbed at the news . `` Why , my father was the ` Wild Hunter of the Plains . ' Did n't you ever see or hear of him ? '' said Ben , as if surprised at her ignorance .
`` Bless your heart , child , I have n't been to a circus this ten years , and I 'm sure I do n't remember what or who I saw then , '' answered Mrs. XXXXX , amused , yet touched by the son 's evident admiration for his father .
Bab Ben Betty Hunter Ma Moss Sancho blows tongues wriggle