`` How will you fix it ? '' asked Ben , fingering the bill with a nervous thrill all through his wiry limbs , just as he used to feel it when his father caught him up to dash into the ring . `` Foot it with Billy . It 's only four miles , and we 've got lots of time , so we can take it easy . Mother wo n't care , if I send word by Cy , '' answered Sam , producing half a dollar , as if such magnificent sums were no strangers to his pocket . `` Come on , Brown ; you 'll be a first-rate fellow to show us round , as you know all the dodges , '' said Billy , anxious to get his money 's worth . `` Well , I do n't know , '' began Ben , longing to go , but afraid Mrs. Moss would say `` No ! '' if he asked leave . `` He 's afraid , '' sneered the red-faced boy , who felt bitterly toward all mankind at that instant , because he knew there was no hope of his going . `` Say that again , and I 'll knock your head off , '' and Ben faced round with a gesture which caused the other to skip out of reach precipitately . `` Has n't got any money , more likely , '' observed a shabby youth , whose pockets never had any thing in them but a pair of dirty hands . Ben calmly produced a dollar bill and waved it defiantly before this doubter , observing with dignity : `` I 've got money enough to treat the whole crowd , if I choose to , which I do n't . '' `` Then come along and have a jolly time with Sam and me . We can buy some dinner and get a ride home , as like as not , '' said the amiable Billy , with a slap on the shoulder , and a cordial grin which made it impossible for Ben to resist . `` What are you stopping for ? '' demanded Sam , ready to be off , that they might `` take it easy . '' `` Do n't know what to do with Sancho . He 'll get lost or stolen if I take him , and it 's too far to carry him home if you are in a hurry , '' began Ben , persuading himself that this was the true reason of his delay . `` Let Cy take him back . He 'll do it for a cent ; wo n't you , Cy ? ''
proposed XXXXX , smoothing away all objections , for he liked Ben , and saw that he wanted to go .
Ben Billy Brown Cy Moss Mother Sam Sancho dodges doubter