Guess you 've seen somebody that looks like me , '' and the black eyes twinkled for a minute as they looked into the puzzled little faces before him , then he said , soberly , -- `` I 'm looking round for a likely boy ; do n't you think this Ben would suite me ? I want just such a lively sort of chap . '' `` Are you a circus man ? '' asked Bab , quickly . `` Well , no , not now . I 'm in better business . '' `` I 'm glad of it -- we do n't approve of 'em ; but I do think they 're splendid ! '' Bab began by gravely quoting Miss Celia , and ended with an irrepressible burst of admiration which contrasted drolly with her first remark . Betty added , anxiously : `` We ca n't let Ben go any way . I know he would n't want to , and Miss Celia would feel bad . Please do n't ask him . '' `` He can do as he likes , I suppose . He has n't got any folks of his own , has he ? '' `` No , his father died in California , and Ben felt so bad he cried , and we were real sorry , and gave him a piece of Ma , 'cause he was so lonesome , '' answered Betty , in her tender little voice , with a pleading look which made the man stroke her smooth check and say , quite softly , -- `` Bless your heart for that ! I wo n't take him away , child , or do a thing to trouble anybody that 's been good to him . '' `` He 's coming now . I hear Sanch barking at the squirrels ! '' cried Bab , standing up to get a good look down the road . The man turned quickly , and Betty saw that he breathed fast as he watched the spot where the low sunshine lay warmly on the red maple at the corner . Into this glow came unconscious Ben , whistling `` Rory O'Moore , '' loud and Clear , as he trudged along with a heavy bag of nuts over his shoulder and the light full on his contented face .
Sancho trotted before and saw the stranger first , for the sun in XXXXX 's eyes dazzled him .
Bab Ben Betty California Ma O'Moore Sanch first minute squirrels