Bab made straight for the box and Betty for the door ; but both came tumbling down faster than they went up , when from the gloom of the interior came a shrill bark , and a low voice saying quickly , `` Down , Sancho ! down ! '' `` Who is there ? '' demanded Mrs. Moss , in a stern tone , backing toward the door with both children clinging to her skirts . The well-known curly white head was popped out of the broken window , and a mild whine seemed to say , `` Do n't be alarmed , ladies ; we wo n't hurt you . Come out this minute , or I shall have to come and get you , '' called Mrs. Moss , growing very brave all of a sudden as she caught sight of a pair of small , dusty shoes under the coach . `` Yes , 'm , I 'm coming , as fast as I can , '' answered a meek voice , as what appeared to be a bundle of rags leaped out of the dark , followed by the poodle , who immediately sat down at the bare feet of his owner with a watchful air , as if ready to assault any one who might approach too near . `` Now , then , who are you , and how did you get here ? '' asked Mrs. Moss , trying to speak sternly , though her motherly eyes were already full of pity , as they rested on the forlorn little figure before her . CHAPTER III BEN `` Please , 'm , my name is Ben Brown , and I 'm travellin ' . '' `` Where are you going ? '' `` Anywheres to get work . '' `` What sort of work can you do ? '' `` All kinds . I 'm used to horses . '' `` Bless me ! such a little chap as you ? `` I 'm twelve , ma'am , and can ride any thing on four legs ; '' and the small boy gave a nod that seemed to say , `` Bring on your Cruisers . I 'm ready for 'em . '' `` Have n't you got any folks ? ''
asked Mrs. XXXXX , amused but still anxious , for the sunburnt face was very thin , the eyes hollow with hunger or pain , and the ragged figure leaned on the wheel as if too weak or weary to stand alone .
Anywheres BEN Bab Betty Brown CHAPTER Moss Sancho assault travellin