`` 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 Ben 's eyes dazzled him . 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 XXXXX tore round them in distracted circles , barking wildly , as if that was the only way in which he could vent his rapture .
Ben Benny Betty California O'Moore Sanch Sancho first squirrels tramps