Do n't see how she could make it all come out so nice and pretty . '' `` Celia can do any thing ! '' and Thorny gave an all-embracing wave of the hand , which forcibly expressed his firm belief in his sister 's boundless powers . `` I made some poetry once . Bab and Betty thought it was first-rate , I did n't , '' said Ben , moved to confidence by the discovery of Miss Celia 's poetic skill . `` Say it , '' commanded Thorny , adding with tact , `` I ca n't make any to save my life , -- never could but I 'm fond of it . '' `` Chevalita , Pretty cretr , I do love her Like a brother ; Just to ride Is my delight , For she does not Kick or bite , '' recited Ben , with modest pride , for his first attempt had been inspired by sincere affection , and pronounced `` lovely '' by the admiring girls . `` Very good ! You must say them to Celia , too . She likes to hear Lita praised . You and she and that little Barlow boy ought to try for a prize , as the poets did in Athens . I 'll tell you all about it some time . Now , you peg away at your hymn . '' Cheered by Thorny 's commendation , Ben fell to work at his new task , squirming about in the chair as if the process of getting words into his memory was a very painful one . But he had quick wits , and had often learned comic songs ; so he soon was able to repeat the four verses without mistake , much to his own and Thorny 's satisfaction . `` Now we 'll talk , '' said the well-pleased preceptor ; and talk they did , one swinging in the hammock , the other rolling about on the pine-needles , as they related their experiences boy fashion . Ben 's were the most exciting ; but Thorny 's were not without interest , for he had lived abroad for several years , and could tell all sorts of droll stories of the countries he had seen . Busied with friends , Miss Celia could not help wondering how the lads got on ; and , when the tea-bell rang , waited a little anxiously for their return , knowing that she could tell at a glance if they had enjoyed themselves . `` All goes well so far , '' she thought , as she watched their approach with a smile ; for Sancho sat bolt upright in the chair which Ben pushed , while Thorny strolled beside him , leaning on a stout cane newly cut . Both boys were talking busily , and Thorny laughed from time to time , as if his comrade 's chat was very amusing .
`` See what a jolly cane XXXXX cut for me !
Bab Barlow Ben Betty Celia Chevalita Lita cretr preceptor tea-bell