The children were immensely tickled , and Mrs. Moss was so amused she would have lent her best soup-tureen if he had expressed a wish for it . But Ben was too tired to show all his accomplishments at once , and he soon stopped , looking as if he almost regretted having betrayed that he possessed any . `` I guess you 've been in the juggling business , '' said Mrs. Moss , with a wise nod , for she saw the same look on his face as when he said his name was Ben Brown , -- the look of one who was not telling the whole truth . `` Yes , 'm . I used to help Senor Pedro , the Wizard of the World , and I learned some of his tricks , '' stammered Ben , trying to seem innocent . `` Now , look here , boy , you 'd better tell me the whole story , and tell it true , or I shall have to send you up to judge Morris . I would n't like to do that , for he is a harsh sort of a man ; so , if you have n't done any thing bad , you need n't be afraid to speak out , and I 'll do what I can for you , '' said Mrs. Moss , rather sternly , as she went and sat down in her rocking-chair , as if about to open the court . `` I have n't done any thing bad , and I ai n't afraid , only I do n't want to go back ; and if I tell , may be you 'll let 'em know where I be , '' said Ben , much distressed between his longing to confide in his new friend and his fear of his old enemies . `` If they abused you , of course I would n't . Tell the truth , and I 'll stand by you . Girls , you go for the milk . '' `` Oh , Ma , do let us stay ! We 'll never tell , truly , truly ! '' cried Bab and Betty , full of dismay being sent off when secrets were about to be divulged . `` I do n't mind 'em , '' said Ben handsomely . `` Very well , only hold your tongues . Now , boy where did you come from ? '' said Mrs. Moss , as the little girls hastily sat down together on their private and particular bench opposite their mother , brimming with curiosity and beaming with satisfaction at the prospect before them . CHAPTER IV HIS STORY `` I ran away from a circus , '' began Ben , but got no further , for Bab and Betty gave a simultaneous bounce of delight , and both cried out at once , -- `` We 've been to one ! It was splendid ! ''
`` You would n't think so if you knew as much about it as I do , '' answered XXXXX , with a sudden frown and wriggle , as if he still felt the smart of the blows he had received .
Bab Ben Betty Brown Ma Moss Pedro World rocking-chair soup-tureen