Tried to make 'em take me at the ridin ' school , but they did n't want a boy , and I travelled along and tried to get work . But I 'd have starved if it had n't been for Sanch . I left him tied up when I ran off , for fear they 'd say I stole him . He 's a very valuable dog , ma'am , the best trick dog I ever see , and they 'd want him back more than they would me . He belongs to father , and I hated to leave him ; but I did . I hooked it one dark night , and never thought I 'd see him ag ` in . Next mornin ' I was eatin ' breakfast in a barn miles away , and dreadful lonesome , when he came tearin ' in , all mud and wet , with a great piece of rope draggin ' . He 'd gnawed it and come after me , and would n't go back or be lost ; and I 'll never leave him again , will I , dear old feller ? '' Sancho had listened to this portion of the tale with intense interest , and when Ben spoke to him he stood straight up , put both paws on the boy 's shoulders , licked his face with a world of dumb affection in his yellow eyes , and gave a little whine which said as plainly as words , -- `` Cheer up , little master ; fathers may vanish and friends die , but I never will desert you . '' Ben hugged him close and smiled over his curly , white head at the little girls , who clapped their hands at the pleasing tableau , and then went to pat and fondle the good creature , assuring him that they entirely forgave the theft of the cake and the new dinner-pail . Inspired by these endearments and certain private signals given by Ben , Sancho suddenly burst away to perform all his best antics with unusual grace and dexterity . Bab and Betty danced about the room with rapture , while Mrs. Moss declared she was almost afraid to have such a wonderfully intelligent animal in the house . Praises of his dog pleased Ben more than praises of himself , and when the confusion had subsided he entertained his audience with a lively account of Sancho 's cleverness , fidelity , and the various adventures in which he had nobly borne his part . While he talked , Mrs. Moss was making up her mind about him , and when he came to an end of his dog 's perfections , she said , gravely , -- `` If I can find something for you to do , would you like to stay here awhile ? '' `` Oh , yes , ma'am , I 'd be glad to ! '' answered Ben , eagerly ; for the place seemed home-like already , and the good woman almost as motherly as the departed Mrs. Smithers . `` Well , I 'll step over to the Squire 's to-morrow to see what he says . Should n't wonder if he 'd take you for a chore-boy , if you are as smart as you say . He always has one in the summer , and I have n't seen any round yet . Can you drive cows ? ''
`` Hope so ; '' and XXXXX gave a shrug , as if it was a very unnecessary question to put to a person who had driven four calico ponies in a gilded chariot .
Ben Moss Sanch Sancho Squire mornin night perfections ridin tearin