`` A tie ! a tie ! '' cried the girls , as a general rush took place toward the target . `` No , Ben 's is nearest . Ben 's beat ! '' Hooray shouted the boys , throwing up their hats . There was only a hair 's - breadth difference , and Bab could honestly have disputed the decision ; but she did not , though for an instant she could not help wishing that the cry had been `` Bab 's beat ! Hurrah ! '' it sounded so pleasant . Then she saw Ben 's beaming face , Thorny 's intense relief , and caught the look Miss Celia sent her over the heads of the boys , and decided , with a sudden warm glow all over her little face , that losing a prize did sometimes make one happier than winning it . Up went her best hat , and she burst out in a shrill , `` Rah , rah , rah ! '' that sounded very funny coming all alone after the general clamor had subsided . `` Good for you , Bab ! you are an honor to the club , and I 'm proud of you '' , said Prince Thorny , with a hearty handshake ; for , as his man had won , he could afford to praise the rival who had put him on his mettle , though she was a girl . Bab was much uplifted by the royal commendation , but a few minutes later felt pleased as well as proud when Ben , having received the prize , came to her , as she stood behind a tree sucking her blistered thumb , while Betty braided up her dishevelled locks . `` I think it would be fairer to call it a tie , Bab , for it really was , and I want you to wear this . I wanted the fun of beating , but I do n't care a bit for this girl 's thing and I 'd rather see it on you . '' As he spoke , Ben offered the rosette of green ribbon which held the silver arrow , and Bab 's eyes brightened as they fell upon the pretty ornament , for to her `` the girl 's thing '' was almost as good as the victory . `` Oh no ; you must wear it to show who won . Miss Celia would n't like it .
I do n't mind not getting it ; I did better than all the rest , and I guess I should n't like to beat you , '' answered XXXXX , unconsciously putting into childish words the sweet generosity which makes so many sisters glad to see their brothers carry off the prizes of life , while they are content to know that they have earned them and can do without the praise .
Bab Ben Betty Celia Hooray Thorny hats locks rah rosette