We must wait a little , Ben , and be sure before we set out , '' said Miss Celia , ready to do almost any thing , but not so certain as the boys . `` What sort of a dog was it ? A large , curly , white poodle , with a queer tail ? '' she asked of Giacomo . `` No , Signorina mia , he no curly , no wite ; he black , smooth dog , littel tail , small , so ; '' and the man held up one brown finger with a gesture which suggested a short , wagging tail . `` There , you see how mistaken we were . Dogs are often named Sancho , especially Spanish poodles ; for the original Sancho was a Spaniard , you know . This dog is not ours , and I 'm so sorry . '' The boys ' faces had fallen dismally as their hope was destroyed ; but Ben would not give up . For him there was and could be only one Sancho in the world , and his quick wits suggested an explanation which no one else thought of . `` It may be my dog , -- they color 'em as we used to paint over trick horses . I told you he was a valuable chap , and those that stole him hide him that way , else he 'd be no use , do n't you see ? because we 'd know him . '' `` But the black dog had no tail , '' began Thorny , longing to be convinced , but still doubtful . Ben shivered as if the mere thought hurt him , as he said , in a grim tone , -- `` They might have cut Sanch 's off . '' `` Oh , no ! no ! they must n't , -- they would n't ! How Could any one be so wicked ? '' cried Bab and Betty , horrified at the suggestion .
`` You do n't know what such fellows would do to make all safe , so they could use a dog to earn their living for 'em , '' said XXXXX , with mysterious significance , quite forgetting in his wrath that he had just proposed to get his own living in that way himself .
Ben Betty Giacomo Sanch Sancho Spaniard littel mia poodles wite