`` Do n't believe I could put you up now if I tried , for I have n't got my strength back yet , and we are both out of practice . It 's just as well , for I 've about made up my mind to quit the business and settle down somewhere for a spell , if I can get any thing to do , '' continued the rider , folding his arms and gazing thoughtfully into the fire . `` I should n't wonder a mite if you could right here , for Mr. Towne has a great boarding-stable over yonder , and he 's always wanting men . '' Said Mrs. Moss , eagerly , for she dreaded to have Ben go , and no one could forbid it if his father chose to take him away . `` That sounds likely . Thanky , ma'am . I 'll look up the concern and try my chance . Would you call it too great a come-down to have father an ` ostler after being first rider in the ` Great Golden Menagerie , Circus , and Colossem , ' hey , Ben ? '' asked Mr. Brown , quoting the well-remembered show-bill with a laugh . `` No , I should n't ; it 's real jolly up there when the big barn is full and eighty horses have to be taken care of . I love to go and see 'em . Mr. Towne asked me to come and be stable-boy when I rode the kicking gray the rest were afraid of . I hankered to go , but Miss Celia had just got my new books , and I knew she 'd feel bad if I gave up going to school . Now I 'm glad I did n't , for I get on first rate and like it . '' `` You done right , boy , and I 'm pleased with you . Do n't you ever be ungrateful to them that befriended you , if you want to prosper . I 'll tackle the stable business a Monday and see what 's to be done . Now I ought to be walking , but I 'll be round in the morning ma'am , if you can spare Ben for a spell to-morrow . We 'd like to have a good Sunday tramp and talk ; would n't we , Sonny ? '' and Mr. Brown rose to go with his hand on Ben 's shoulder , as if loth to leave him even for the night .
Mrs. XXXXX saw the longing in his face , and forgetting that he was an utter stranger , spoke right out of her hospitable heart .
Brown Celia Menagerie Moss Sonny fire first loth night right