`` Does n't it seem more than two weeks since she went away ? '' `` I wonder what she 'll bring us . '' Before Bab could conjecture , the sound of a step and a familiar whistle made both look expectantly toward the turn in the road , all ready to cry out in one voice , `` How many have you got ? '' Neither spoke a word , however , for the figure which presently appeared was not Ben , but a stranger , -- a man who stopped whistling , and came slowly on dusting his shoes in the way-side grass , and brushing the sleeves of his shabby velveteen coat as if anxious to freshen himself up a bit . `` It 's a tramp , let 's run away , '' whispered Betty , after a hasty look . `` I ai n't afraid , '' and Bab was about to assume her boldest look when a sneeze spoilt it , and made her clutch the gate to hold on . At that unexpected sound the man looked up , showing a thin , dark face , with a pair of sharp , black eyes , which surveyed the little girls so steadily that Betty quaked , and Bab began to wish she had at least jumped down inside the gate . `` How are you ? '' said the man with a goodnatured nod and smile , as if to re-assure the round-eyed children staring at him . `` Pretty well , thank you , sir , '' responded Bab , politely nodding back at him . `` Folks at home ? '' asked the man , looking over their heads toward the house . `` Only Ma ; all the rest have gone to be married . '' `` That sounds lively . At the other place all the folks had gone to a funeral , '' and the man laughed as he glanced at the big house on the hill . `` Why , do you know the Squire ? '' exclaimed Bab , much surprised and re-assured . `` Come on purpose to see him . Just strolling round till he gets back , '' with an impatient sort of sigh . `` Betty thought you was a tramp , but I was n't afraid .
I like tramps ever since XXXXX came , '' explained Bab , with her usual candor .
Bab Ben Betty Squire eyes figure house shoes sneeze weeks