`` What sort of work can you do ? '' `` All kinds . I 'm used to horses . '' `` Bless me ! such a little chap as you ? `` I 'm twelve , ma'am , and can ride any thing on four legs ; '' and the small boy gave a nod that seemed to say , `` Bring on your Cruisers . I 'm ready for 'em . '' `` Have n't you got any folks ? '' asked Mrs. Moss , amused but still anxious , for the sunburnt face was very thin , the eyes hollow with hunger or pain , and the ragged figure leaned on the wheel as if too weak or weary to stand alone . `` No , 'm , not of my own ; and the people I was left with beat me so , I -- run away . '' The last words seemed to bolt out against his will as if the woman 's sympathy irresistibly won the child 's confidence . `` Then I do n't blame you . But how did you get here ? '' `` I was so tired I could n't go any further , and I thought the folks up here at the big house would take me in . But the gate was locked , and I was so discouraged , I jest laid down outside and give up . '' `` Poor little soul , I do n't wonder , '' said Mrs. Moss , while the children looked deeply interested at mention of their gate . The boy drew a long breath , and his eyes began to twinkle in spite of his forlorn state as he went on , while the dog pricked up his ears at mention of his name : -- `` While I was restin ' I heard some one come along inside , and I peeked , and saw them little girls playin ' . The vittles looked so nice I could n't help wantin ' 'em ; but I did n't take nothin ' , -- it was Sancho , and he took the cake for me . '' Bab and Betty gave a gasp and stared reproachfully at the poodle , who half closed his eyes with a meek , unconscious look that was very droll . `` And you made him put it back ? ''
cried XXXXX .
Bab Betty Cruisers Moss Sancho hunger left restin vittles wantin