`` Oh , I 'm so tired , '' groaned Bab , getting up with a long stretch of arms and legs . `` You 'll be tireder before you get home , I guess . Nobody asked you to Come , any way ; '' and Ben gazed dolefully round him , wishing he could see a familiar face or find a wiser head than his own to help him out of the scrape he was in . `` I said I would n't be a bother , and I wo n't . I 'll walk right home this minute . I ai n't afraid of thunder , and the rain wo n't hurt these old clothes . Come along , '' cried Bab , bravely , bent on keeping her word , though it looked much harder after the fun was all over than before . `` My head aches like fury . Do n't I wish old Jack was here to take me back , '' said Billy , following his companions in misfortune with sudden energy , as a louder peal than before rolled overhead . `` You might as well wish for Lita and the covered wagon while you are about it , then we could all ride , '' answered Ben , leading the way to the outer tent , where many people were lingering in hopes of fair weather . `` Why , Billy Barton , how in the world did you get here ? '' cried a surprised voice as the crook of a cane caught the boy by the collar and jerked him face to face with a young farmer , who was pushing along , followed by his , wife and two or three children . `` Oh , Uncle Eben , I 'm so glad you found Me ! I walked over , and it 's raining , and I do n't feel well . Let me go with you , ca n't I ? '' asked Billy , casting himself and all his woes upon the strong arm that had laid hold of him . `` Do n't see what your mother was about to let you come so far alone , and you just over scarlet fever . We are as full as ever we can be , but we 'll tuck you in somehow , '' said the pleasant-faced woman , bundling up her baby , and bidding the two little lads `` keep close to father . '' `` I did n't come alone . Sam got a ride , and ca n't you tuck Ben and Bab in too ?
They ai n't very big , either of them , '' whispered XXXXX , anxious to serve his friends now that he was provided for himself .
Bab Barton Ben Billy Eben Jack Lita right tireder woes