Since his sad loss Sancho cherished a strong dislike to tramps , and now he paused to growl and show his teeth , evidently intending to warn this one off the premises . `` He wo n't hurt you -- '' began Bab , encouragingly ; but before she could add a chiding word to the dog , Sanch gave an excited howl , and flew at the man 's throat as if about to throttle him . Betty screamed , and Bab was about to go to the rescue when both perceived that the dog was licking the stranger 's face in an ecstasy of joy , and heard the man say as he hugged the curly beast , -- `` Good old Sanch ! I knew he would n't forget master , and he does n't . '' `` What 's the matter ? '' called Ben , coming up briskly , with a strong grip of his stout stick . There was no need of any answer , for , as he came into the shadow , he saw the man , and stood looking at him as if he were a ghost . `` It 's father , Benny ; do n't you know me ? '' asked the man , with an odd sort of choke in his voice , as he thrust the dog away , and held out both hands to the boy . Down dropped the nuts , and crying , `` Oh , Daddy , Daddy ! '' Ben cast himself into the arms of the shabby velveteen coat , while poor Sanch tore round them in distracted circles , barking wildly , as if that was the only way in which he could vent his rapture . What happened next Bab and Betty never stopped to see , but , dropping from their roost , they went flying home like startled Chicken Littles with the astounding news that `` Ben 's father has come alive , and Sancho knew him right away ! '' Mrs. Moss had just got her cleaning done up , and was resting a minute before setting the table , but she flew out of her old rocking-chair when the excited children told the wonderful tale , exclaiming as they ended , -- `` Where is he ? Go bring him here . I declare it fairly takes my breath away ! '' Before Bab could obey , or her mother compose herself , Sancho bounced in and spun round like an insane top , trying to stand on his head , walk upright , waltz and bark all at once , for the good old fellow had so lost his head that he forgot the loss of his tail . `` They are coming ! they are coming ! See , Ma , what a nice man he is , '' said Bab , hopping about on one foot as she watched the slowly approaching pair . `` My patience , do n't they look alike !
I should know he was XXXXX 's Pa anywhere ! ''
Ben Benny Betty Littles Ma Sanch Sancho right rocking-chair tramps