Tigers do purr like fun when they are happy , but these fellers never are , and you 'll only see 'em spit and snarl , '' said Ben , leading the way to the humpy carrels , who were peacefully chewing their cud and longing for the desert , with a dreamy , far-away look in their mournful eyes . Here , leaning on the rope , and scientifically biting a straw while he talked , Ben played showman to his heart 's content till the neigh of a horse from the circus tent beyond reminded him of the joys to come . `` We 'd better hurry along and get good seats before folks begin to crowd . I want to sit near the curtain and see if any of Smitthers 's lot are ` round . '' `` I ai n't going way off there ; you ca n't see half so well , and that big drum makes such a noise you ca n't hear yourself think , '' said Sam , who had rejoined them . So they settled in good places where they could see and hear all that went on in the ring and still catch glimpses of white horses , bright colors , and the glitter of helmets beyond the dingy red curtains . Ben treated Bab to peanuts and pop-corn like an indulgent parent , and she murmured protestations of undying gratitude with her mouth full , as she sat blissfully between him and the congenial Billy . Sancho , meantime , had been much excited by the familiar sights and sounds , and now was greatly exercised in his doggish mind at the unusual proceeding of his master ; for he was sure that they ought to be within there , putting on their costumes , ready to take their turn . He looked anxiously at Ben , sniffed disdainfully at the strap as if to remind him that a scarlet ribbon ought to take its place , and poked peanut shells about with his paw as if searching for the letters with which to spell his famous name . `` I know , old boy , I know ; but it ca n't be done . We 've quit the business and must just look on . No larks for us this time , Sanch , so keep quiet and behave , ' whispered Ben , tucking the dog away under the seat with a sympathetic cuddle of the curly head that peeped out from between his feet . `` He wants to go and cut up , do n't he ? '' said Billy , `` and so do you , I guess . Wish you were going to . Would n't it be fun to see Ben showing off in there ? '' `` I 'd be afraid to have him go up on a pile of elephants and jump through hoops like these folks , '' answered Bab , poring over her pictured play-bill with unabated relish . `` Done it a hundred times , and I 'd just like to show you what I can do . They do n't seem to have any boys in this lot ; should n't wonder if they 'd take me if I asked 'em , '' said Ben , moving uneasily on his seat and casting wistful glances toward the inner tent where he knew he would feel more at home than in his present place . `` I heard some men say that it 's against the law to have small boys now ; it 's so dangerous and not good for them , this kind of thing .
If that 's so , you 're done for , Ben , '' observed XXXXX , with his most grown-up air , remembering Ben 's remarks on `` fat boys . ''
Bab Ben Billy Sam Sanch Sancho carrels cuddle play-bill pop-corn