`` Do n't you be scared , child . I 'LL make it all right about your running away ; and if the Squire gives you a job , just thank him for it , and do your best to be steady and industrious ; then you 'll get on , I have n't a doubt , '' she whispered , ringing the Ben at a side-door , on which the word `` Morris '' shone in bright letters . `` Come in ! '' called a gruff voice ; and , feeling very much as if he were going to have a tooth out , Ben meekly followed the good woman , who put on her pleasantest smile , anxious to make the best possible impression . A white-headed old gentleman sat reading a paper , and peered over his glasses at the new-comers with a pair of sharp eyes , saying in a testy tone , which would have rather daunted any one who did not know what a kind heart he had under his capacious waistcoat , -- `` Good-morning , ma'am . What 's the matter now ? Young tramp been stealing your chickens ? '' `` Oh , dear no , sir ! '' exclaimed Mrs. Moss , as if shocked at the idea . Then , in a few words , she told Ben 's story , unconsciously making his wrongs and destitution so pathetic by her looks and tones , that the Squire could not help being interested , and even Ben pitied himself as if he were somebody else . `` Now , then , boy , what can you do ? '' asked the old gentleman , with an approving nod to Mrs. Moss as she finished , and such a keen glance from under his bushy brows that Ben felt as if he was perfectly transparent . '' ` Most any thing , sir , to get my livin ' . '' `` Can you weed ? '' `` Never did , but I can learn , sir . '' `` Pull up all the beets and leave the pigweed , hey ? Can you pick strawberries ? '' `` Never tried any thing but eatin ' 'em , sir , '' `` Not likely to forget that part of the job . Can you ride a horse to plow ? '' `` Guess I could , sir ! ''
-- and XXXXX 's eyes began to sparkle , for he dearly loved the noble animals who had been his dearest friends lately .
Ben Good-morning Moss Squire destitution eatin livin pigweed right stealing