`` I 'll promise fast enough if you wo n't tell anyone about this , '' answered Sam , surveying himself and his surroundings with great disgust . `` I shall do as I like about that . '' `` Then I wo n't promise a thing ! I 'm not going to have the whole school laughing at me , '' protested Sam , who hated to be ridiculed even more than Ben did . `` Very well ; good-night ! '' and Ben walked off with his hands in his pockets as coolly as if the bog was Sam 's favorite retreat . `` Hold on , do n't be in such a hurry ! '' shouted Sam , seeing little hope of rescue if he let this chance go . `` All right ! '' and back came Ben , ready for further negotiations . `` I 'll promise not to plague you , if you 'll promise not to tell on me . Is that what you want ? '' `` Now I come to think of it , there is one thing more . I like to make a good bargain when I begin , '' said Ben , with a shrewd air . `` You must promise to keep Mose quiet , too . He follows your lead , and if you tell him to stop it he will . If I was big enough , I 'd make you hold your tongues . I ai n't , so we 'll try this way . '' `` Yes , Yes , I 'll see to Mose . Now , bring on a rail , there 's a good fellow .
I 've got a horrid cramp in my legs , '' began XXXXX , thinking he had bought help dearly , yet admiring Ben 's cleverness in making the most of his chance .
Ben Mose Sam bargain lead pockets rail right thing tongues