Steps crashed through the bushes , and then over the wall came an active figure , at the sight of which Sam was almost ready to dive out of sight , for , of all possible boys , who should it be but Ben , the last person in the world whom he would like to have see him in his present pitiful plight . `` Is it you , Sam ? Well , you are in a nice fix ! '' and Ben 's eyes began to twinkle with mischievous merriment , as well they might , for Sam certainly was a spectacle to convulse the soberest person . Perched unsteadily on the gnarled stump , with his muddy legs drawn up , his dismal face splashed with mud , and the whole lower half of his body as black as if he had been dipped in an inkstand , he presented such a comically doleful object that Ben danced about , laughing like a naughty will-o ' - the-wisp who , having led a traveller astray then fell to jeering at him . `` Stop that , or I 'll knock your head off ! '' roared Sam , in a rage . `` Come on and do it ; I give you leave , '' answered Ben , sparring away derisively as the other tottered on his perch , and was forced to hold tight lest he should tumble off . `` Do n't laugh , there 's a good chap , but fish me out somehow , or I shall get my death sitting here all wet and cold , '' whined Sam , changing his tune , and feeling bitterly that Ben had the upper hand now . Ben felt it also ; and , though a very good-natured boy , could not resist the temptation to enjoy this advantage for a moment at least . `` I wo n't laugh if I can help it ; only you do look so like a fat , speckled frog , I may not be able to hold in . I 'll pull you out pretty soon ; but first I 'm going to talk to you , Sam , '' said Ben , sobering down as he took a seat on the little point of land nearest the stranded Samuel . `` Hurry up , then ; I 'm as stiff as a board now , and it 's no fun sitting here on this knotty old thing , '' growled Sam , with a discontented squirm . `` Dare say not , but ` it is good for you , ' as you say when you rap me over the head . Look here , I 've got you in a tight place , and I do n't mean to help you a bit till you promise to let me alone . Now then ! '' and Ben 's face grew stern with his remembered wrongs as he grimly eyed his discomfited foe . `` 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 XXXXX did .
Ben Sam Samuel figure first head inkstand squirm the-wisp will-o