`` Pooh ! he did n't belong to that lot . He always rode two , four , six , eight horses to oncet , and I used to ride with him till I got too big . My father was A No. 1 , and did n't do any thing but break horses and ride 'em , '' said Ben , with as much pride as if his parent had been a President . `` Is he dead ? '' asked Mrs. Moss . `` I do n't know . Wish I did , '' -- and poor Ben gave a gulp as if something rose in his throat and choked him . `` Tell us all about it , dear , and may be we can find out where he is , '' said Mrs. Moss , leaning forward to pat the shiny dark head that was suddenly bent over the dog . `` Yes , ma'am . I will , thank y ' , '' and with an effort the boy steadied his voice and plunged into the middle of his story . `` Father was always good to me , and I liked bein ' with him after granny died . I lived with her till I was seven ; then father took me , and I was trained for rider . You jest oughter have seen me when I was a little feller all in white tights , and a gold belt , and pink riggin ' , standing ' on father 's shoulder , or hangin ' on to old General 's tail , and him gallopin ' full pelt ; or father ridin ' three horses with me on his head wavin ' flags , and every one clapping like fun . '' `` Oh , were n't you scared to pieces ? '' asked Betty , quaking at the mere thought . `` Not a bit . I liked it . '' `` So should I ! '' cried Bab enthusiastically .
`` Then I drove the four ponies in the little chariot , when we paraded , '' continued XXXXX , `` and I sat on the great ball up top of the grand car drawed by Hannibal and Nero .
Bab Ben Betty Father General choked gallopin hangin pelt ridin