A more unhappy little lass is seldom to be found than Bab was , as she pattered after him , splashing recklessly through the puddles , and getting as wet and muddy as possible , as a sort of penance for her sins . For a mile or two she trudged stoutly along , while Ben marched before in solemn silence , which soon became both impressive and oppressive because so unusual , and such a proof of his deep displeasure . Penitent Bab longed for just one word , one sign of relenting ; and when none came , she began to wonder how she could possibly bear it if he kept his dreadful threat and did not speak to her for a whole year . But presently her own discomfort absorbed her , for her feet were wet and cold as well as very tired ; pop-corn and peanuts were not particularly nourishing food ; and hunger made her feel faint ; excitement was a new thing , and now that it was over she longed to lie down and go to sleep ; then the long walk with a circus at the end seemed a very different affair from the homeward trip with a distracted mother awaiting her . The shower had subsided into a dreary drizzle , a chilly east wind blew up , the hilly road seemed to lengthen before the weary feet , and the mute , blue flannel figure going on so fast with never a look or sound , added the last touch to Bab 's remorseful anguish . Wagons passed , but all were full , and no one offered a ride . Men and boys went by with rough jokes on the forlorn pair , for rain soon made them look like young tramps . But there was no brave Sancho to resent the impertinence , and this fact was sadly brought to both their minds by the appearance of a great Newfoundland dog who came trotting after a carriage . The good creature stopped to say a friendly word in his dumb fashion , looking up at Bab with benevolent eyes , and poking his nose into Ben 's hand before he bounded away with his plumy tail curled over his back . Ben started as the cold nose touched his fingers , gave the soft head a lingering pat , and watched the dog out of sight through a thicker mist than any the rain made . But Bab broke down ; for the wistful look of the creature 's eyes reminded her of lost Sancho , and she sobbed quietly as she glanced back longing to see the dear old fellow jogging along in the rear . Ben heard the piteous sound and took a sly peep over his shoulder , seeing such a mournful spectacle that he felt appeased , saying to himself as if to excuse his late sternness , -- `` She is a naughty girl , but I guess she is about sorry enough now . When we get to that sign-post I 'll speak to her , only I wo n't forgive her till Sanch comes back . '' But he was better than his word ; for , just before the post was reached , Bab , blinded by tears , tripped over the root of a tree , and , rolling down the bank , landed in a bed of wet nettles . Ben had her out in a jiffy , and vainly tried to comfort her ; but she was past any consolation he could offer , and roared dismally as she wrung her tingling hands , with great drops running over her cheeks almost as fast as the muddy little rills ran down the road . `` Oh dear , oh dear ! I 'm all stinged up , and I want my supper ; and my feet ache , and I 'm cold , and every thing is so horrid ! '' wailed the poor child lying on the grass , such a miserable little wet bunch that the sternest parent would have melted at the sight . `` Do n't cry so , Babby ; I was real cross , and I 'm sorry . I 'll forgive you right away now , and never shake you any more , '' cried Ben , so full of pity for her tribulations that he forgot his own , like a generous little man .
`` Shake me again , if you want to ; I know I was very bad to tag and lose XXXXX .
Babby Ben Sanch Sancho jogging pop-corn right sternness tramps year