he asked , as the stout maid dropped her arms with a puff , after vainly trying to throw the hammock rope over a branch . `` That end went up beautiful , but this one wo n't ; the branches is so high , I ca n't reach 'em ; and I 'm no hand at flinging ropes round . '' `` I 'll fix it ; '' and Ben went up the pine like a squirrel , tied a stout knot , and swung himself down again before Thorny could get out of the chair . `` My patience , what a spry boy ! '' exclaimed Randa , admiringly . `` That 's nothing ; you ought to see me shin up a smooth tent-pole , '' said Ben , rubbing the pitch off his hands , with a boastful wag of the head . `` You can go , Randa . Just hand me my cushion and books , Ben ; then you can sit in the chair while I talk to you , '' commanded Thorny , tumbling into the hammock . `` What 's he goin ' to say to me ? '' wondered Ben to himself , as he sat down with Sanch sprawling among the wheels . `` Now , Ben , I think you 'd better learn a hymn ; I always used to when I was a little chap , and it is a good thing to do Sundays , '' began the new teacher , with a patronizing air , which ruffled his pupil as much as the opprobrious term `` little chap . '' `` I 'll be -- whew -- if I do ! '' whistled Ben , stopping an oath just in time . `` It is not polite to whistle in company , '' said Thorny , with great dignity . `` Miss Celia told me to . I 'll say ` confound it , ' if you like that better , '' answered Ben , as a sly smile twinkled in his eyes . `` Oh , I see ! She 's told you about it ? Well , then , if you want to please her , you 'll learn a hymn right off . Come , now , she wants me to be clever to you , and I 'd like to do it ; but if you get peppery , how can I ? ''
Thorny spoke in a hearty , blunt way , which suited XXXXX much better than the other , and he responded pleasantly , -- `` If you wo n't be grand I wo n't be peppery .
Ben Celia Randa Sanch chair end hammock right tent-pole wag