The Squire liked him all the better for the droll mixture of indignation and amusement betrayed by the fire in his eyes and the sly smile round his lips ; and being rather tickled by Ben 's list of animals , he answered gravely , -- `` Do n't raise elephants and camels much round here . Bears used to be plenty , but folks got tired of them . Mules are numerous , but we have the two-legged kind ; and as a general thing prefer Shanghae fowls to ostriches . '' He got no farther , for Ben laughed out so infectiously that both the others joined him ; and somehow that jolly laugh seemed to settle matters than words . As they stopped , the Squire tapped on the window behind him , saying , with an attempt at the former gruffness , -- `` We 'll try you on cows awhile . My man will show you where to drive them , and give you some odd jobs through the day . I 'll see what you are good for , and send you word to-night , Mrs. Moss . The boy can sleep at your house , ca n't he ? '' `` Yes , indeed , sir . He can go on doing it , and come up to his work just as well as not . I can see to him then , and he wo n't be a care to any one , '' said Mrs. Moss , heartily . `` I 'll make inquiries concerning your father , boy ; meantime mind what you are about , and have a good report to give when he comes for you , '' returned the Squire , with a warning wag of a stern fore-finger . `` Thanky ' , sir . I will , sir . Father 'll come just as soon as he can , if he is n't sick or lost , '' murmured Ben , inwardly thanking his stars that he had not done any thing to make him quake before that awful finger , and resolved that he never would . Here a red-headed Irishman came to the door , and stood eying the boy with small favor while the Squire gave his orders . `` Pat , this lad wants work . He 's to take the cows and go for them . Give him any light jobs you have , and let me know if he 's good for any thing . '' `` Yis , your honor .
Come out o ' this , b ` y , till I show ye the bastes , '' responded Pat ; and , with a hasty good-by to Mrs. XXXXX , Ben followed his new leader , sorely tempted to play some naughty trick upon him in return for his ungracious reception .
Ben Irishman Moss Squire Thanky Yis fore-finger gruffness ostriches wag