`` 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. Moss , 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 . `` No , 'm , not of my own ; and the people I was left with beat me so , I -- run away . '' The last words seemed to bolt out against his will as if the woman 's sympathy irresistibly won the child 's confidence . `` Then I do n't blame you . But how did you get here ? '' `` I was so tired I could n't go any further , and I thought the folks up here at the big house would take me in . But the gate was locked , and I was so discouraged , I jest laid down outside and give up . ''
`` Poor little soul , I do n't wonder , '' said Mrs. XXXXX , while the children looked deeply interested at mention of their gate .
Anywheres BEN Brown CHAPTER Cruisers Moss left pain people travellin