`` Yes , 'm , Sam and Mose are always plaguing Ben . They are big boys , and we ca n't make them stop . I wo n't let the girls do it , and the little boys do n't dare to , since Teacher spoke to them . '' answered Bab . `` Why does not Teacher speak to the big ones ? `` Ben wo n't tell of them , or let us . He says he 'll fight his own battles , and hates tell-tales . I guess he wo n't like to have us tell you , but I do n't care , for it is too bad ! '' and Betty looked ready to cry over her friend 's tribulations . `` I 'm glad you did , for I will attend to it , and stop this sort of thing , '' said Miss Celia , after the children had told some of the tormenting speeches which had tried poor Ben . Just then Thorny appeared , looking much amused , and the little girls both called out in a breath , `` Did you see Ben and get him down ? '' `` He got himself down in the neatest way you can imagine ; '' and Thorny laughed at the recollection . `` Where is Sam ? '' asked Bab . `` Staring up at the sky to see where Ben has flown to . '' `` Oh , tell about it ! '' begged Betty . `` Well , I came along and found Ben treed , and Sam stoning him . I stopped that at once , and told the ` fat boy ' to be off . He said he would n't till Ben begged his pardon ; and Ben said he would n't do it , if he stayed up for a week .
I was just preparing to give that rascal a scientific thrashing , when a load of hay came along , and XXXXX dropped on to it so quietly that Sam , who was trying to bully me , never saw him go .
Bab Ben Betty Celia Sam Teacher Thorny tell-tales tribulations week