Did you take all that trouble just to go to walk with old Daddy ? '' asked Mr. Brown , stroking the smooth head , for they were alone just then , Mrs. Moss and the children being up stairs preparing for church . `` I thought may be you 'd like to go to meeting first , '' answered Ben , looking up at him with such a happy face that it was hard to refuse any thing . `` I 'm too shabby , Sonny , else I 'd go in a minute to please you . '' `` Miss Celia said God did n't mind poor clothes , and she took me when I looked worse than you do . I always go in the morning ; she likes to have me , '' said Ben , turning his hat about as if not quite sure what he ought to do . `` Do you want to go ? '' asked his father in a tone of surprise . `` I want to please her , if you do n't mind . We could have our tramp this afternoon . '' `` I have n't been to meeting since mother died , and it do n't seem to come easy , though I know I ought to , seeing I 'm alive and here , '' and Mr. Brown looked soberly out at the lovely autumn world as if glad to be in it after his late danger and pain . `` Miss Celia said church was a good place to take our troubles , and to be thankful in . I went when I thought you were dead , and now I 'd love to go when I 've got my Daddy safe again . '' No one saw him , so Ben could not resist giving his father a sudden hug , which was warmly returned as the man said earnestly , -- `` I 'll go , and thank the Lord hearty for giving me back my boy better 'n I left him ! '' For a minute nothing was heard but the loud tick of the old clock and a mournful whine front Sancho , shut up in the shed lest he should go to church without an invitation . Then , as steps were heard on the stairs , Mr. Brown caught up his hat , saying hastily , -- `` I ai n't fit to go with them , you tell 'm , and I 'll slip into a back seat after folks are in . I know the way . '' And , before Ben could reply , he was gone . Nothing was seen of him along the way , but he saw the little party , and rejoiced again over his boy , changed in so many ways for the better ; for Ben was the one thing which had kept his heart soft through all the trials and temptations of a rough life . `` I promised Mary I 'd do my best for the poor baby she had to leave , and I tried ; but I guess a better friend than I am has been raised up for him when he needed her most .
It wo n't hurt me to follow him in this road , '' thought Mr. XXXXX , as he came out into the highway from his stroll `` across-lots , '' feeling that it would be good for him to stay in this quiet place , for his own as well as his son 's sake .
Ben Brown Celia Moss Sancho Sonny first left minute morning