CHAPTER X A HEAVY TROUBLE `` Thank you , ma'am , that 's a tip-top book , ` specially the pictures . But I ca n't bear to see these poor fellows ; '' and Ben brooded over the fine etching of the dead and dying horses on a battle-field , one past all further pain , the other helpless , but lifting his head from his dead master to neigh a farewell to the comrades who go galloping away in a cloud of dust . `` They ought to stop for him , some of 'em , '' muttered Ben , hastily turning back to the cheerful picture of the three happy horses in the field , standing knee-deep among the grass as they prepare to drink at the wide stream . `` Ai n't that black one a beauty ? Seems as if I could see his mane blow in the wind , and hear him whinny to that small feller trotting down to see if he ca n't get over and be sociable . How I 'd like to take a rousin ' run round that meadow on the whole lot of 'em ! '' and Ben swayed about in his chair as if he was already doing it in imagination . `` You may take a turn round my field on Lita any day . She would like it , and Thorny 's saddle will be here next week , '' said Miss Celia , pleased to see that the boy appreciated the fine pictures , and felt such hearty sympathy with the noble animals whom she dearly loved herself . `` Need n't wait for that . I 'd rather ride bareback . Oh , I say , is this the book you told about , where the horses talked ? '' asked Ben , suddenly recollecting the speech he had puzzled over ever since he heard it . `` No ; I brought the book , but in the hurry of my tea-party forgot to unpack it . I 'll hunt it up to-night . Remind me , Thorny . '' `` There , now , I 've forgotten something , too ! Squire sent you a letter ; and I 'm having such a jolly time , I never thought of it . '' Ben rummaged out the note with remorseful haste , protesting that he was in no hurry for Mr. Gulliver , and very glad to save him for another day . Leaving the young folks busy with their games , Miss Celia sat in the porch to read her letters , for there were two ; and as she read her face grew so sober , then so sad , that if any one had been looking he would have wondered what bad news had chased away the sunshine so suddenly .
No one did look ; no one saw how pitifully her eyes rested on XXXXX 's happy face when the letters were put away , and no one minded the new gentleness in her manner as she came back , to the table .
Ben Gulliver Lita Squire bareback battle-field day mane rousin to-night