cried the girls , all chirping at once , till it sounded as if a flock of sparrows had taken possession of the shed . `` I will call him , he knows me , '' and Bab scrambled up , forgetting how she had chased the poodle and called him names two days ago . He evidently had not forgotten , however ; for , though he paused and looked wistfully at them , he would not approach , but stood dripping in the rain , with his frills much bedraggled , while his tasselled tail wagged slowly , and his pink nose pointed suggestively to the pails and baskets , nearly empty now . `` He 's hungry ; give him something to eat , and then he 'll see that we do n't want to hurt him , '' suggested Sally , starting a contribution with her last bit of bread and butter . Bab caught up her new pail , and collected all the odds and ends ; then tried to beguile the poor beast in to eat and be comforted . But he only came as far as the door , and , sitting up , begged with such imploring eyes that Bab put down the pail and stepped back , saying pitifully , -- `` The poor thing is starved ; let him eat all he wants , and we wo n't touch him . '' The girls drew back with little clucks of interest and compassion ; but I regret to say their charity was not rewarded as they expected , for , the minute the coast was clear , the dog marched boldly up , seized the handle of the pail in his mouth , and was off with it , galloping down the road at a great pace . Shrieks arose from the children , especially Bab and Betty , basely bereaved of their new dinner-pail ; but no one could follow the thief , for the bell rang , and in they went , so much excited that the boys rushed tumultuously forth to discover the cause . By the time school was over the sun was out , and Bab and Betty hastened home to tell their wrongs and be comforted by mother , who did it most effectually . `` Never mind , dears , I 'll get you another pail , if he does n't bring it back as he did before . As it is too wet for you to play out , you shall go and see the old coach-house as I promised . Keep on your rubbers and come along . '' This delightful prospect much assuaged their woe , and away they went , skipping gayly down the gravelled path , while Mrs. Moss followed , with skirts well tucked up , and a great bunch of keys in her hand ; for she lived at the Lodge , and had charge of the premises . The small door of the coach-house was fastened inside , but the large one had a padlock on it ; and this being quickly unfastened , one half swung open , and the little girls ran in , too eager and curious even to cry out when they found themselves at last in possession of the long-coveted old carriage . A dusty , musty concern enough ; but it had a high seat , a door , steps that let down , and many other charms which rendered it most desirable in the eyes of children . Bab made straight for the box and Betty for the door ; but both came tumbling down faster than they went up , when from the gloom of the interior came a shrill bark , and a low voice saying quickly , `` Down , Sancho ! down ! '' `` Who is there ? '' demanded Mrs. Moss , in a stern tone , backing toward the door with both children clinging to her skirts . The well-known curly white head was popped out of the broken window , and a mild whine seemed to say , `` Do n't be alarmed , ladies ; we wo n't hurt you .
Come out this minute , or I shall have to come and get you , '' called Mrs. XXXXX , growing very brave all of a sudden as she caught sight of a pair of small , dusty shoes under the coach .
Betty Lodge Moss Sally Sancho Shrieks coach-house dears dinner-pail rubbers