roared Sam , in a rage . `` Come on and do it ; I give you leave , '' answered Ben , sparring away derisively as the other tottered on his perch , and was forced to hold tight lest he should tumble off . `` Do n't laugh , there 's a good chap , but fish me out somehow , or I shall get my death sitting here all wet and cold , '' whined Sam , changing his tune , and feeling bitterly that Ben had the upper hand now . Ben felt it also ; and , though a very good-natured boy , could not resist the temptation to enjoy this advantage for a moment at least . `` I wo n't laugh if I can help it ; only you do look so like a fat , speckled frog , I may not be able to hold in . I 'll pull you out pretty soon ; but first I 'm going to talk to you , Sam , '' said Ben , sobering down as he took a seat on the little point of land nearest the stranded Samuel . `` Hurry up , then ; I 'm as stiff as a board now , and it 's no fun sitting here on this knotty old thing , '' growled Sam , with a discontented squirm . `` Dare say not , but ` it is good for you , ' as you say when you rap me over the head . Look here , I 've got you in a tight place , and I do n't mean to help you a bit till you promise to let me alone . Now then ! '' and Ben 's face grew stern with his remembered wrongs as he grimly eyed his discomfited foe . `` I 'll promise fast enough if you wo n't tell anyone about this , '' answered Sam , surveying himself and his surroundings with great disgust . `` I shall do as I like about that . '' `` Then I wo n't promise a thing ! I 'm not going to have the whole school laughing at me , '' protested Sam , who hated to be ridiculed even more than Ben did . `` Very well ; good-night ! '' and Ben walked off with his hands in his pockets as coolly as if the bog was Sam 's favorite retreat . `` Hold on , do n't be in such a hurry ! '' shouted Sam , seeing little hope of rescue if he let this chance go . `` All right ! ''
and back came XXXXX , ready for further negotiations .
Ben Sam Samuel chap first fish good-night laugh right squirm