 CHAPTER 1 OF UNDER THE LIELOCKS This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Mary Ann. UNDER THE LIELOCKS by Luisa May Alcott To Emma, Ida, Carl, and Lena over the sea, this little book is affectionately inscribed by their new friend and sister, LMA. UNDER THE LIELOCKS CHAPTER 1 A MYSTERIOUS DOG The Elm Tree Avenue was all overgrown. The Great Gate was never unlocked, and the old house had been shut up for several years. Yet voices were heard about the place. The lilacs nodded over the high wall as if they said, We could tell fine secrets if we chose. And the million outside the gate made haste to reach the keyhole that it might peep in and see what was going on. It had suddenly grown up, like a magic beanstalk, and looked in on a certain June day. It would have seen a droll but pleasant sight, for somebody evidently was going to have a party. From the gate to the porch went a wide walk, paved with smooth slabs of dark stone, and bordered with the tall bushes which met overhead, making a green roof. All sorts of neglective flowers and wild weeds grew between their stems, covering the walls of this summer parlor with the prettiest tapestry. A board, propped on two blocks of wood, stood in the middle of the walk, covered with a little plaid shawl, much the worse for wear. And on it, a miniature tea-service was set forth with great elegance. To be sure, the teapot had lost its spout, the cream-juggots' handle, the sugar-bullets' cover, and the cups and plates were all more or less cracked or nicked. But polite persons would not take notice of these trifling deficiencies, and none but polite persons were invited to this party. On either side of the porch was a seat, and here a somewhat remarkable sight would have been revealed to any inquisitive eye peering through the aforesaid keyhole. Upon the left-hand seat lay seven dolls, upon the right-hand seat lay six, and so varied were the expressions of their countenances, owing to fractures, dirt, age, and other afflictions, that one would very naturally have thought this a doll's hospital, and these the patients waiting for their tea. This, however, would have been a sad mistake, for if the wind had lifted the coverings laid over them, it would have disclosed the fact that all were in full dress, and merely reposing before the feast should begin. There was another interesting feature of the scene, which would have puzzled any but those well acquainted with the manners and customs of dolls. A fourteenth rag-baby, with a china head, hung by her neck from the rusty knocker in the middle of the door, a sprig of white and one of purple lilac knotted over her. A dress of yellow calico, richly trimmed with red final scallops, shrouded her slender form. A garland of small flowers crowned her glossy curls, and a pair of blue boots touched toes in the friendliest, if not the most graceful manner. An emotion of grief, as well as of surprise, might well have thrilled any youthful beast at such a spectacle, for why, oh, why was this resplendent dolly hung up there to be stared at by thirteen of her kindred? Was she a criminal, the sight of whose execution threw them flat upon their backs in speechless horror, or was she an idol to be adored in that humble posture? Neither, my friends, she was blonde Belinda, set, or rather hung, aloft, in the place of honour, this was her seventh birthday, and a superb ball was about to celebrate the great event. All were evidently awaiting a summons to the festive board, but such was the perfect breeding of these dolls that not a single eye out of the whole twenty-seven. Dutch Hans had lost one of the black beads from his worsted countenance, turned for a moment toward the table, or so much as winked, as they lay in decorious rows, gazing with mute admiration at Belinda. She, unable to repress the joy and pride which swelled her sawdust bosom till the seams gave, gave an occasional bounce as the wind waved her yellow skirts, or made the blue boots dance a sort of jig upon the door. Hanging was evidently not a painful operation, for she smiled contentedly, and looked as if the red ribbon around her neck was not uncomfortably tight. Therefore, if slow suffocation suited her, who else had any right to complain? So a pleasing silence reigned, not even broken by a snore from Dinah, the top of whose turban alone was visible above the coverlet, or a cry from baby Jane, though her bare feet stuck out in a way that would have produced shrieks from a less well-trained infant. Presently voices were heard approaching, and through the arch which led to a side path came two little girls, one carrying a small pitcher, the other proudly bearing a basket covered with a napkin. They looked like twins, but were not, for Bab was a year older than Betty, though only an inch taller. Both had on brown calico frocks, much the worse for a week's wear, but clean pink pinafores, in honour of the occasion, made up for that, as well as the grey stockings and thick boots. Both had round rosy faces rather sunburnt, pug noses somewhat freckled, merry blue eyes, and braided tails of hair hanging down their backs like those of the dear little Kenwickses. Don't they look sweet, cried Bab, gazing with maternal pride upon the left-hand row of dolls, who might appropriately have sung in chorus. We are seven. Very nice, but my Belinda beats them all. I do think she is the splendidest child that ever was, and Betty set down the basket to run and embrace the suspended darling, just then kicking up her heels with joyful abandon. The cake can be cooling while we fix the children. It does smell perfectly delicious, said Bab, lifting the napkin to hang over the basket, fondly regarding the little round loaf that lay inside. Leave some smell for me, commanded Betty, running back to get her fair share of the spicy fragrance. The pug noses nifted up luxuriously, and the bright eyes feasted upon the loveliness of the cake, so brown and shiny, with a tipsy-looking bee bycrust staggering down one side, instead of sitting properly atop. Ma let me put it on the very last minute, and it baked so hard I couldn't pick it off. We can give Belinda that piece, so it's just as well, observed Betty, taking the lead as her child was queen of the revel. Let's set them round so they can see two, proposed Bab, going with a hop, skip, and jump to collect her young family. Betty agreed, and for several minutes both were absorbed by their dolls about the table. For some of the dear things were so limp they wouldn't sit up, and others so stiff they wouldn't sit down, and all sorts of seats had to be contrived to suit the peculiarities of their spines. This arduous task accomplished the fond mamas step back to enjoy the spectacle, which, I assure you, was an impressive one. Belinda sat with great dignity at the head, her hands gentilly holding a half-kitchen in her lap. Josephus, her cousin, took the foot, elegantly arrayed in a new suit of purple and green gingham, with his speaking continents much obscured by a straw hat several sizes too large for him. While on either side set guests of every size, complexion, and costume, producing a very gay and varied effect, as all were dressed with a noble disregard of fashion. They would like to see us get tea. Did you forget the buns, inquire Betty anxiously? No, got them in my pocket. And Bab produced from the chaotic cupboard two rather stale and crumbly ones, saved from lunch for the fete. These were cut up and arranged in plates, forming a great circle around the cake, still in its basket. Ma couldn't spare much milk, so we must mix water with it. Strong tea isn't good for children, she says, and Bab contentedly surveyed the gill of skim milk, which was to satisfy the thirst of the company. While the tea draws and the cake cools, let's sit down and rest. I'm so tired, side Betty, dropping down on the doorstep and stretching out the stout little legs which had been on the go all day, for Saturday had its tasks as well as its fun, and much business had preceded this unusual pleasure. Bab went and sat beside her, looking idly down the walk toward the gate, where a fine cobweb shone in the afternoon sun. Ma says she is going over to the house in a day or two. Now it is warm and dry after the storm, and we may go with her. You know she wouldn't take us in the fall, because we had whooping cough and it was damp there. Now we shall see all the nice things. Won't it be fun? Observe Bab after a pause. Yes, indeed. Ma says there's lots of books in one room, and I can look at them while she goes round. Maybe I'll have time to read some, and then I can tell you, answer Betty, who dearly loves stories and seldom got any new ones. I'd rather see the old spinning wheel up a garret, and the big pictures, and the queer clothes in the blue chest. It makes me mad to have them all shut up there when we might have such fun with them. I'd just like to bang that old door down, and Bab twisted round to give it a thump with her boots. You needn't laugh. You know you'd like it as much as me, twisted, twisting back again, rather ashamed of her impatience. I didn't laugh. You did. Don't you suppose I know what laughing is? I guess I know I didn't. You did laugh. How darest you tell such a fib? If you say it again, I'll take Belinda and go right home. Then what will you do? I'll eat up the cake. No you won't. It's mine, Ma said so, now. This awful threat calmed Bab's anger at once, and she hastened to introduce a safer subject. Never mind. Let's don't fight before the children. Do you know, Ma says she will let us play in the coach-house next time it rains, and keep the key if we want to. Oh goody! That's because we told her how we found the little window under the wood-bind, and didn't try to go in, though we might have just as easy as not, cried Betty, appeased at once, and after ten years' acquaintance she had grown used to Bab's peppery temper. I suppose the coach will be all dust and rats and spiders, but I don't care. You and the dolls can be the passengers, and I shall sit up front and drive. You always do. I shall like riding better than being a horse all the time, with that old wooden bit in my mouth and you jerking my arms off, said poor Betty, who was tired of being horse continually. I guess we'd better go and get the water now, suggested Bab, feeling that it was not safe to encourage her sister in such complaints. It is not many people who would dare to leave their children all alone with such a lovely cake, and know they wouldn't pick at it, said Betty proudly, as they trotted away to the spring, each with a little tin pail in her hand. Alas! For the faith of these two confiding mamas, they were gone about five minutes, and when they returned a sight met their astonished eyes which produced a simultaneous shriek of horror. Flat upon their faces lay the fourteen dolls, and the cake, the cherished cake, was gone. For an instant the little girls could only stand motionless, gazing at the dreadful scene. Then Bab cast her water-pail wildly away, and, doubling up her fist, cried out fiercely, it was that sally. She said she'd pay me for slapping her when she pinched little Marianne, and now she has. Oh, give it to her. You run that way. I'll run this. Quick, quick! Away they went, Bab racing straight on, and the wilder Betty turning obediently round to trot in the opposite direction as fast as she could, with the water splashing all over her as she ran, for she had forgotten to put down her pail. Round the house they went, and met with a crash at the back door, but no sign of the thief appeared. In the lane, shouted Bab, down by the spring, they spotted Betty, and off they went again, one to scramble up a pile of stones and look over the wall into the avenue, the other to scamper to the spot she had just left. Still nothing appeared, but the dandelions' innocent faces looking up at Bab, and a brown bird scared from his bath in the spring by Betty's hasty approach. Back they rushed, but only to meet a new scare which made them both cry, oh, and fly into the porch for refuge. A strange dog was sitting calmly among the ruins of the feast, licking his lips after basely eating up the last poor bits of bun when he had bolted the cake, basket and all, apparently. Oh, the horrid thing, cried Bab, longing to give battle, but afraid, for the dog was a peculiar as well as a dishonest animal. He looks like our China poodle, doesn't he? whispered Betty, making herself as small as possible behind her more valiant sister. He certainly did, for though much larger and dirtier than the well-washed China dog, this live one had the same tassel at the end of his tail, ruffles of hair round his ankles, and a body shaven behind and curly before. His eyes, however, were yellow, instead of glassy black like the others. His red nose worked as he cocked it up, as if smelling for more cakes, in the most impudent manner, and never during the three years he had stood on the parlor mantelpiece, had the China poodle done the surprising feats with which this mysterious dog now proceeded to astonish the little girls almost out of their wits. First he set up, put his forepaws together, and begged prettily. Then suddenly he flung his hind legs in the air and walked about with great ease. Hardly had they recovered from this shock, when the hind legs came down the fore legs went up and he paraded in a soldierly manner to and fro like a sentinel on guard. But the crowning performance was when he took his tail in his mouth and waltzed down the walk over the prostrate dolls to the gate and back again, barely escaping a general upset of the ravaged table. Bab and Betty could only hold each other tight and squeal with delight for never had they seen anything so funny. But when the gymnastics ended and the dizzy dog came and stood on the step before them barking loudly with that pink nose of his sniffing at their feet and his queer eyes sharply upon them, their amusement turned to fear again and they dared not stir. Wish! Go away! commanded Bab. Scat! meekly quaver Betty. To their great relief the poodle gave several more inquiring barks and then vanished as suddenly as he appeared. With one impulse the children ran to see what became of him and after a brisk scamper through the orchard saw the tassled tail disappear under the fence at the far end. Where do you suppose he came from? asked Betty, stopping to rest on a big stone. I'd like to know where he's gone to and give him a good beating, old thief. Scalded Bab, remembering their wrongs. Oh, dear, yes. I hope the cake burnt him dreadfully if he did eat it. Growned Betty, sadly remembering the dozen good raisins she chopped up and the lots of lasses her mother put into the dear lost loaf. The parties all spoiled so he may as well go home and Bab mournfully led the way back. Betty puckered up her face to cry but burst out laughing in spite of her woe. It was so funny to see him spin round and walk on his head. I wish he'd do it all over again. Don't you? Yes, but I hate him just the same. I wonder what Ma will say when why, why and Bab stopped short in the arch with her eyes as round and almost as large as the blue saucers on the tea tray. What is it? Oh, what is it? cried Betty, all ready to run away if any new terror approached. Look. There. It's come back, said Bab in an awe-stricken whisper pointing to the table. Betty did look and her eyes opened even wider as well they might for there, just where they first put it, was the lost cake unhurt, unchanged except that the big B had coasted a little further down the gingerbread hill. End of chapter 1 Chapter 2 of Under the Lilacs This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org This recording by Mary Ann Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott Chapter 2 Where They Found His Master Neither spoke for a minute astonishment being too great for words. Then as by one impulse both stole up and touched the cake with a timid finger, quite prepared to see it fly away in some mysterious and startling manner. It remained sitting tranquilly in the basket, however, and the children do a long breath of relief for, though they did not believe in fairies, the late performances did seem rather like witchcraft. The dog didn't eat it. Sally didn't take it. How do you know? She would never have put it back. Who did? Can't tell, but I forgive them. What shall we do now? asked Betty, feeling as if it would be very difficult to settle down to a quiet tea party after such unusual excitement. Eat that cake up just as fast as ever we can, and Bab divided the contested delicacy with one chop of a big knife bound to make sure of her own share in all events. It did not take long for they washed it down with sips of milk and ate as fast as possible, glancing round all the while to see if the queer dog was coming again. There, now I'd like to see anyone take my cake away, said Bab, defiantly crunching her half of the pie crust B. Or mine either, coughed Betty, choking over a raisin that wouldn't go down in a hurry. We might as well clear up, and play there had been an earthquake, suggested Bab, feeling that some such convulsion of nature was needed to explain satisfactorily the demoralized condition of her family. That will be splendid. My poor Linda was knocked right over on her nose. Darling child, come to your mother and be fixed, Betty, lifting the fallen idol from a grove of chickweed and tenderly brushing the dirt from Belinda's heroically smiling face. She'll have the group tonight assures the world. We better make up some squills out of this sugar and water, said Bab, who dearly love to dose the dollies all around. Perhaps she will, but you needn't begin to sneeze yet a while. I can sneeze for my own children, thank you ma'am, returned Betty, sharply, for her usually amiable fear it had been ruffled by the late occurrences. I didn't sneeze. I've got enough to do to talk and cry and cough for my own pure dears without bothering about yours, cried Bab, even more ruffled than her sister. Then who did? I heard a real-life sneeze just as plain as anything, and Betty looked up to the green roof above her, as if the sound came from that direction. A yellow bird sat swinging and chirping on the tall lilac bush, but no other living thing was in sight. Birds don't sneeze, do they? asked Betty, eyeing little Goldie suspiciously. You goose, of course they don't. Well, I should just like to know who is laughing and sneezing round here. Maybe it is the dog, suggested Betty, looking relieved. I never heard of a dog's laughing, except Mother Hubbard's. This is such a queer one, maybe he can though. I wonder where he went to, and Bab took a survey down both the side paths, quite longing to see the funny poodle again. I know where I'm going to, said Betty, piling the dolls in her apron with more haste than care. I'm going right straight home to tell Ma all about it. I don't like such actions and I'm afraid to stay. I ain't, but I guess it is going to rain, so I shall have to go anyway, answered Bab, taking advantage of the black clouds rolling up the sky, for she scorned to own that she was afraid of anything. Clearing the table in a summary manner, by catching up the four corners of the cloth, Bab put the rattling bundle into her apron, flung her children on top, and pronounced herself ready to depart. Betty lingered an instant to pick up the nens that might be spoilt by the rain, and when she turned from taking the red halter off the nagger, two lovely pink roses stoned steps. Oh, Bab, just see! Here's the very ones we wanted. Wasn't it nice of the wind to blow them down? She called out, picking them up and running after her sister, who had strolled moodily along, still looking about for her sworn foe, Sally Folsom. The flowers soothed the feelings of the little girls, because they had longed for them, and bravely resisted the temptation to climb up the trellis and help themselves, since their mother had forbidden such feats. Oh, into a fall, Bab got trying to reach a honeysuckle from the vine which ran all over the porch. Home they went, and poured out their tail, to Mrs. Moss's great amusement, for she saw in it only some playmates prank, and was not much impressed by the mysterious sneeze and laugh. We'll have a grand rummage Monday and find out what is going on over there, was all she said. But Mrs. Moss could not keep her promise, for on Monday it still rained, and the little girls paddled off to school like a pair of young ducks, enjoying every puddle they came to, since Indian rubber boots made waiting a delicious possibility. They took their dinner, and at noon regaled a crowd of comrades with an account of the mysterious dog, who appeared to be haunting the neighborhood, as several of the other children had seen him examining their backyards with interest. He had begged of them, but to none had he exhibited his accomplishments except Bab and Betty, and they were therefore much set up and called him our dog with an air. The cake transaction remained a riddle, for Sally Folsom solemnly declared that she was playing tag in Mamie Snow's barn at that identical time. No one had been near the old house, but the two children, and no one could throw any light upon that singular affair. It produced a great effect, however, for even teacher was interested, and told such amazing tales as the other she saw once, that donuts were left forgotten in dinner baskets, and wedges of pie remained suspended in the air for several minutes at a time, instead of vanishing with miraculous rapidity, as usual. At afternoon recess, which the girls had first, Bab nearly dislocated every joint of her little body trying to imitate the poodles' antics. She had practiced on her bed with great success, but the woodshed floor was a different thing, as her knees and elbows soon testified. It looked just as easy as anything. I don't see how he did it, she said, coming down with a bump after vainly attempting to walk on her hands. My gracious! There he is this very minute," cried Betty, who sat on a little woodpile near the door. There was a general rush, and sixteen small girls gazed out into the rain as eagerly as if to behold Cinderella's magic coach, instead of one forlorn dog trotting by through the mud. Oh, do call him in and make him dance, cried the girls, all tripping at once, till it sounded as if a flock of sparrows had taken possession of the shed. I will call him, he knows me, and Bab scrambled up, forgetting how she had chased the poodle and called him names two days ago. He evidently had not forgotten, however, for though he paused and looked wistfully at them, he would not approach, but stood dripping in the rain, and he straggled while his tassled tail wagged slowly and his pink nose pointed suggestively to the pails and baskets, nearly empty now. He's hungry. Give him something to eat, and then he'll see that we don't want to hurt him, suggested Sally, starting a contribution with her last bit of bread and butter. Bab caught up her new pail and collected all the odds and ends, then tried to beguile the poor beast who came as far as the door and, sitting up, begged with such imploring eyes that Bab put down the pail and stepped back, saying pitifully, the poor thing is starved, let him eat all he wants, and we won't touch him. The girls drew back with little clucks of interest and compassion, but I regret to say their charity was not rewarded as they expected, for the minute the coast was clear the dog marched boldly up, out of their mouth and was off with it, galloping down the road at a great pace. Shrieks arose from the children, especially Bab and Betty, basely bereaved of their new dinner pail, but no one could follow the thief, for the bend rang and they went in so much excited that the boys rushed to multuously forth to discover the cause. By the time school was over the sun was out and Bab and Betty hastened home to tell their wrongs and be comforted by mother who did it most effectually. Never mind, dears, I'll get you another pail if he doesn't bring it back as he did before. As it is too wet for you to play out you shall go and see the old coach house as I promised, keep on your rubbers and come along. This delightful prospect much assuaged their woe, and away they went skipping gaily down the gravel path while Mrs. Moss followed her skirts well tucked up and a great bunch of keys in her hand, for she lived at the lodge of the premises. The small door of the coach house was fastened inside, but the large one had a padlock on it and this being quickly unfastened one half swung open and the little girls ran in, too eager and curious even to cry out when they found themselves at last in possession of a long coveted old carriage. A dusty, musty concern enough, but it had a high seat, a door, steps that let down and many other charms most desirable in the eyes of children. Bab made straight for the box and Betty for the door, but both came tumbling down faster than they went up, when from the gloom of the interior came a shrill bark and a low voice saying quickly down, Sancho, down. Who is there? demanded Mrs. Moss in a stern tone becking toward the door with both children clinging to her skirts. The well-known curly white head was popped out of the broken window and a mild whine seemed to say, don't be alarmed, ladies, we won't hurt you. Come out this minute or I shall have to come in and get you, called Mrs. Moss, growing very brave all of a sudden as she caught sight of a pair of small, dusty shoes under the coach. Yes, I'm coming, as fast as I can, answered a meek voice, as what appeared to be a bundle of rags leaped out of the dark, who immediately sat down at the bare feet of his owner with a watchful air as if ready to assault anyone who might approach too near. Now, then, who are you, and how did you get here? asked Mrs. Moss, trying to speak sternly, though her motherly eyes were already full of pity as they rested on the forlorn little figure before her. End of Chapter 2 This recording by Marianne Spiegel September 26, 2009 Chapter 3 Of Under the Lilacs This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org This recording by Marianne Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott Chapter 3 Ben Please, my name is Ben Brown and I'm traveling. Where are you going? Anywhere's to get work? What sort of work can you do? All kinds. I'm used to horses. Bless me. Such a little chap is you. I'm twelve, ma'am, and can ride anything on four legs. And the small boy gave a nod that seemed to say, bring on your cruisers. I'm ready for them. Haven't you got any folks? asked Mrs. Moss, amused but still anxious, where the sun-burnt face was very thin, the eyes hollow with hunger or pain, and the ragged figure leaned on the wheel as if too weak or weary to stand alone. No, not of my own. And the people I was left with beat me so I run away. The last word seemed to bolt out against his will, as if the woman's sympathy irresistibly won the child's confidence. Then I don't blame you. But how did you get here? I was so tired I couldn't go any further. And I thought the folks up here at the big house would take me in. But the gate was locked and I was so discouraged I just laid down outside and give up. Poor little soul. I don't wonder, said Mrs. Moss, while the children looked deeply interested at the mention of their gate. The boy drew a long breath and his eyes began to twinkle in spite of his forlorn state as he went on while the dog pricked up his ears at the mention of his name. While I was resting I heard someone come along inside and I peeked and saw them little girls playing. The vitals looked so nice I couldn't help wanting them. But I didn't take nothing. It was Sancho and he took the cake for me. Bab and Betty gave a gasp and stared reproachfully at the poodle who half closed his eyes with a meek unconscious look that was very droll. And she made him put it back, cried Bab. No, I did it myself. Got over the gate when you was racing after Sancho and then climb up on the porch and hit, said the boy with a grin. And you laughed, asked Bab. Yes. And sneezed, added Betty. Yes. And threw down the roses, cried both. Yes. And you liked him, didn't you? Of course we did. What made you hide, said Bab? I wasn't fit to be seen, muttered Ben glancing at his tatters as if he'd like to dive out of sight once again. How came you here? demanded Mrs. Moss, suddenly remembering her responsibility. I heard him talk about a little winder in a shed and when they'd gone I found it and come in. The glass was broke and I only pulled the nail out. I haven't done a minor harm sleeping here two nights. I was so tuckered out I couldn't go on know-how though I tried a Sunday. And came back again. I was so lonesome in the rain and this place seemed kind of like home. And I could hear him talking outside. And, Sanch, he found vitals and I was pretty comfortable. Well, I never ejaculated Mrs. Moss whisking up a corner of her apron to wipe her eyes for the thought of the poor little fellow alone there for two days and nights with no bed but musty straw, no food but the scraps a dog brought him was too much for her. Do you know what I'm going to do with you? She asked, trying to look calm and cool with a great tear running down her wholesome red cheek and a smile trying to break out at the corners of her lips. No, ma'am. And I don't know as I care. Only don't be hard on Sanch. He's been real good to me and we're fond of one another, ain't a soul chap, answer the boy with his arm around the dog's neck and an anxious look I'm going to take you right home and wash and feed and put you in a good bed and tomorrow, well, we'll see what'll happen then, said Mrs. Moss. Not quite sure about it herself. You're very kind, ma'am. I'll be glad to work for you. Ain't you got a horse I can see to? Asked the boy equally. Nothing but hens and a cat. Bab and Betty burst out laughing when their mother said that they'd come as if he would join in if he only had the strength to do so. But his legs shook under him and he felt a queer dizziness so he could only hold on to Sancho and blink at the light like a young owl. Come right along, child. Run on, girls, and put the rest of the broth to warming and fill the kettle. I'll see to the boy, commanded Mrs. Moss, waving off the children and going up to feel the pulse of her new charge for suddenly occurred to her and not safe to take home. The hand he gave her was very thin but clean and cool and the black eyes were clear the hollow for the poor lad was half-starved. I'm awful shabby, but I ain't dirty. I had a washin' in the rain last night and I've just about lived on water lately, he explained, wondering why she looked at him so hard. Put out your tongue. He did so, but took it in again to say quickly, look, I'm only hungry, for I haven't had a mite but what Sanch brought for three days, and I always go halves, don't I, Sanch? The poodle gave a shrill bark and vibrated excitedly between the door and his master as if he understood all that was going on and recommended a speedy march toward the promised food and shelter. Mrs. Moss took the hint and bade the boy follow her at once and bring his things with him. I ain't got any. Bigfellows took away my bundle else I wouldn't look so bad. There's only this. I'm sorry, Sanch took it, and I'd like to give it back if I knew who's it was, said Ben, bringing the new dinner-pale out from the depths of the coach where he had gone to housekeeping. That's soon done. It's mine, and you're welcome to the bits your queer dog ran off with. Come along, I must lock up, and Mrs. Moss clanked her keys suggestively. Ben limped out, for he was stiff after two days in such damp lodgings as well as worn out with the fortnight's wandering through sun and rain. Sancho was in good spirits, evidently feeling that their woes were over and his foraging expeditions at an end, for he frisked about his master with yelps of pleasure or made playful darts at the ankles of his benefactress, which caused her to cry, wish and scat, and to shake her skirts at him while the hot fire was roaring in the stove under the brass skillet and teakettle and Betty was poking in more wood with a great smirk of black on her chubby cheek while Bab was cutting away at a loaf as it bent on slicing her own fingers off. Before Ben knew what he was about he found himself in the old rocking chair devouring bread and butter as only a hungry boy can with Sancho close by gnawing on a mutton bone, like a ravenous wolf in sheep's clothing. While the newcomers were thus happily employed, Mrs. Moss beckoned the little girls out of the room and gave them both an errand. Bab, you run over to Mrs. Barton's and ask her for any old duds Billy don't want, and Betty, you go to the cutters and tell Miss Clarendy I'd like a couple of the shirts we made at last sewing circle. Any shoes or a hat or socks would come in handy for the poor deer hasn't a whole thread on him. Away with the children, full of anxiety to clothe their beggar, and so well did they plead his cause with the good neighbors that Ben hardly knew himself when he emerged from the back bedroom half an hour later, clothed in Billy Barton's faded flannel suit with an unbleached cotton shirt out of the Dorcas basket and a pair of Millie Cutter's old shoes on his feet. Sancho also had been put in better trim, for after his master had refreshed himself with a warm bath he gave his dog a good scrub while Mrs. Moss set a stitch here and there in the new old clothes and Sancho reappeared looking more like the china poodle than ever being as white as snow his curls well brushed up and his tassly tail waving proudly over his back. Feeling eminently respectable and comfortable the wanderers humbly presented themselves and were greeted with smiles of approval from the little girls and a hospitable welcome from the mother who set them near the stove to dry as both were decidedly damp after their ablutions. I declare, I shouldn't have known you exclaimed the good woman, surveying the boy with great satisfaction for though still very thin and tired the lad had a tidy look that pleased her and a lively way of moving about in his clothes like an eel in a skin rather too big for him the merry black eyes seemed to see everything the voice had an honest sound the sun-burnt face looked several years younger since the unnatural despondency had gone out of it it's very nice and me and Sancho are lots obliged, ma'am murmur Ben getting red and bashful under the three pairs of friendly eyes fixed upon him Bab and Betty were doing up the tea things with unusual dispatch so that they might entertain their guest and just as Ben spoke Bab dropped a cup to her great surprise no smash followed for bending quickly the boy caught it as it fell and presented it to her on the back of his hand with a little bow Gracious, how could you do it? asked Bab, looking as if she thought there was magic about it that's nothing, look here and taking two plates Ben sent them spinning up into the air catching and throwing so rapidly that Bab and Betty stood with their mouths open as if to swallow the plates should they fall with her dishcloth suspended watch the antics of her crockery with the housewife's anxiety that does beat all was the only explanation she had time to make for as if desirous of showing his gratitude in the only way he could Ben took clothes pins from a basket nearby sent several saucers twirling up catching them on the pins balanced the pins on his chin nose, forehead and went walking about with a new peculiar sort of toadstool ornamenting his continents the children were immensely tickled and Mrs. Moss was so amused that she would have lent her best soup toreen if he had expressed a wish for it but Ben was too tired to show all his accomplishments at once and he soon stopped looking as if he almost regretted having betrayed that he possessed any I guess you've been in the juggling business said Mrs. Moss with a wise nod for she saw the same look on his face as when he said his name was Ben Brown the look of one who was not telling the whole truth Yesam, I used to help senior Pedro, the Wizard of the World and I learned some of his tricks stammered Ben trying to seem innocent now look here boy you better tell me the whole story and tell it true or I shall have to send you up to judge Morris I wouldn't like to do that for he is a harsh sort of man so if you haven't done anything bad you needn't be afraid to speak out and I'll do what I can for you said Mrs. Moss rather sternly as she went and sat down in her rocking chair as if about to open the court I haven't done anything bad and I ain't afraid only I don't want to go back and if I tell maybe you'll let him know where I be said Ben much distressed between his longing to confide in his new friend and his fear of his old enemies if they abused you of course I wouldn't tell the truth and I'll stand by you girls you go for the milk oh ma do let us stay we'll never tell truly truly cried Bab and Betty full of dismay being sent off when secrets were about to be divulged I don't mind them said Ben handsomely very well only hold your tongues now boy where did you come from said Mrs. Moss as the little girls hastily sat down together on their private and peculiar bench opposite their mother brimming with curiosity and beaming with satisfaction at the prospect before them End of Chapter 3 Chapter 4 of Under the Lylox This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org This recording by Mary Ann Under the Lylox by Louisa May Alcott Chapter 4 His Story I ran away from a circus began Ben but got no further for Bab and Betty gave a simultaneous bounce of delight and both cried out at once we've been to one it was splendid you wouldn't think so if you knew as much about it as I do answered Ben with a sudden frown and wriggle as if he still felt the smart blows he had received we don't call it splendid do we Sancho had it making a queer noise which caused the poodle to growl and bang the floor irefully with his tail as he lay close to his master's feet getting acquainted with the new shoes they wore how came you there asked Mrs. Moss rather disturbed at the news why my father was the wild hunter of the plains didn't you ever see or hear of him said Ben as if surprised at her ignorance bless your heart child I haven't been to a circus this ten years I don't remember what or who I saw then answered Mrs. Moss amused yet touched by the son's evident admiration for his father didn't you see him demanded Ben turning to the little girls we saw Indians and tumbling men and the bounding brothers of Borneo and a clown and monkeys and a little might of a pony with blue eyes was he any of them answered Betty innocently he didn't belong to that lot two four six eight horses at onset and I used to ride with him till I got too big my father was a number one and didn't do anything but break horses and ride him said Ben with as much pride as if his parent had been a president is he dead asked Mrs. Moss I don't know wish I did and poor Ben gave a gulp as if something rose in his throat and choked him tell us all about it dear then we can find out where he is said Mrs. Moss leaning forward to pat the shiny dark head that was suddenly bent over the dog yes ma'am I will, thank you and with an effort the boy steadied his voice and plunged into the middle of his story father was always good to me and I liked being with him after Granny died I lived with her till I was seven then father took me and I was trained for a rider he just ought to have seen me with a little feller all in white tights and a gold belt and pink riggin standing on father's shoulder or hanging on to old general's tail and him galloping full pelt or father riding three horses with me on his head waving flags and everyone clapping like fun oh weren't you scared to pieces asked Betty quaking at the mere thought not a bit and I liked it so should I cried bad enthusiastically then I drove the four ponies out when we paraded continued Ben and I sat on the great ball up top of the grand car draught by Hannibal and Nero but I didn't like that cause it was awful high and shaky the sun was hot and the trees slapped my face and my legs ached holding on what's Hennie Bell's and Nero's demanded Betty big elephants father never let them put me up there and they didn't dare still he was gone and they bashed me didn't anyone take your part asked Mrs. Moss yes, most all the ladies did they were very good to me especially Melia she vowed she wouldn't go on in the tournament act if they didn't stop knocking me around when I wouldn't help old Buck with the bears so they had to stop it cause she led first rate and none of the other ladies rode half as well as Melia bears oh do tell about them in great excitement for the only circus she had seen the animals were her delight Buck had five of them cross old fellas and he showed them off I played with them once just for fun and he thought it would make a hit to have me show off instead of him but they had a way of clawing and hugging that wasn't nice and you couldn't never tell whether they were good natured or ready to bite your head off Buck was all over scars and I wasn't going to do it and I didn't have to own a Miss St. John standing by me like a good one who was Miss St. John asked Mrs. Moss rather confused by the sudden introduction of new names and people why she was Melia, Mrs. Smithers the ringmaster's wife his name wasn't Montgomery any more in hers was St. John they all changed him to something fine on the bills you know father used to be Senor Jose Montabello Master Adolphus Bloomsbury after I stopped being the flying Cupid in an infant prodigy Mrs. Moss leaned back in her chair to laugh at that greatly to the surprise of the little girls who were much impressed with the elegance of those high sounding names go on with your story Ben and tell us why you ran away and what became of your paw she said composing herself to listen really interested in the child well you see father had a quarrel with old Smithers and went off sudden last fall just before tent season was over he told me he was going to a great riding school in New York and when he was fixed he'd send for me I was to stay in the museum and help Pedro with the trick business he was a nice man and I liked him and Melia was going to see to me and I didn't mind for a while but father didn't send for me and I began to have horrid times if it hadn't been for Melia and Sancho long before I did what did you have to do lots of things for times was dull and I was smart Smithers said so anyway and I had to tumble up lively when he gave the word I didn't mind doing tricks or showing off Sancho for father trained him and he always did well with me but they wanted me to drink gin to keep me small and I wouldn't cause father didn't like that kind of thing I used to ride tip top and that just suited me till I got a fall but then I had to go on all the same though I ached dreadful and used to tumble off I was so dizzy and weak what a brute that man must have been why didn't Melia put his stop to it asked Mrs. Moss, indignantly she died ma'am and then there was no one left but Sanch so I run away then Ben fell to patting his dog again to hide the tears he could not keep from coming at the thought of the kind friend he had lost what did you mean to do fine father but I couldn't for he wasn't at the riding school and they told me he had gone out west to buy mustangs for a man who wanted a lot so then I was in a fix for I couldn't go to father I didn't know just where he was and I wouldn't sneak back to Smithers to be abused tried to make him take me at the riding school but they didn't want a boy and I traveled along and tried to get work but I'd have starved if it hadn't been for Sanch I left him tied up when I run off for fear they'd say I stole him he's a very valuable dog man 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 at one dark night and never thought I'd see him again next morning I was eating breakfast in a barn miles away and dreadful lonesome when he came a tearing in all mud and wet with a great piece of rope dragon he'd nod it and come after me and wouldn'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 wine which said as plainly his words, cheer up little master fathers may vanish and friends die but I will never 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 that 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 a while 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 stop over to the squires tomorrow to see what he says shouldn'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 haven't seen any round yet can you drive cows hope so and Ben 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 it may it be as lively as riding elephants and playing with bears but it's respectable and I guess you'll be happier switching brindle and buttercup than being switched yourself said Mrs. Moss shaking her head at him with a smile I guess I will ma'am answered Ben with sudden meekness remembering the trials from which he had escaped very soon after this he was sent off for a good night's sleep in the back bedroom with Sancho to watch over him but both found it difficult to slumber till the racket overhead subsided for Beb insisted on playing she was a bear and devouring poor Betty in spite of her wails till their mother came up and put an end to it by threatening to send Ben and his dog away in the morning if the girls didn't behave and be as still as mice this they solemnly promised and they were soon dreaming of gilded cars and moldy coaches run away boys in dinner pails dancing dogs and twirling tea cups End of Chapter 4 Chapter 5 of Under the Lylox this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Mary Ann Under the Lylox by Louisa May Alcott Chapter 5 Ben Gets a Place When Ben awoke next morning he looked about him for a moment half bewildered because there was neither a canvas tent a barn roof nor the blue sky above him but a neat white ceiling where several flies buzzed sociably together while from time to time not the tramping of horses, the Twitter of Swallows or the chirp of early birds but the comfortable cackle of hens and the sound of two little voices chanting the multiplication table at the open window watching the old cat-washer face and trying to imitate her with his great ruffled paw so awkwardly that Ben laughed and sent to hide his confusion of being caught made one bound from chair to bed and licked his master's face so energetically that the boy dived under the bed clothes to escape from the rough tongue a wrap on the floor from below made both jump up and in ten minutes a shiny-faced lad and a lively dog went racing downstairs one to say, good-morning, ma'am the other to wag his tail faster than ever tail-wagged before for ham frizzled on the stove and Sancho was fond of it did you rest well? asked Mrs. Moss, nodding at him fork in hand guess I did, never saw such a bed I'm used to hay and horse-blanket and lately nothing but sky for cover and grass for my feather bed grateful for the present comforts and making light of past hardships clean, sweet, corn husks ain't bad for young bones even if they haven't got more flesh on them than yours have, answered Mrs. Moss giving the smooth head a motherly stroke as she went by fat ain't allowed in our profession, ma'am the thinner the better for tight ropes and tumbling, likewise bareback riding and spry juggling muscles the thing, and there you are Ben stretched out with a wiry little arm with a clenched fist at the end of it as if he were a young Hercules ready to play ball with the stove if she gave him leave glad to see him in such good spirits she pointed to the well outside saying pleasantly well then, just try your muscle by bringing in some fresh water Ben caught up a pail and ran off ready to be useful but while he waited for the bucket to fill down among the mossy stones the small brown house with the pretty curl of smoke rising from its chimney the little sister is sitting in the sunshine, green hills and newly planted fields far and near a brook dancing through the orchard birds singing in the Elm Avenue and all the world as fresh and lovely as ever summer could make it don't you think it's pretty nice here? asked Babb as his eye came back to them after a long look which seemed to take in everything that he had ever roved just the nicest place that ever was only needs a horse-round somewhere to be complete answered Ben as the long well-sweep came up with a dripping bucket at one end and old grindstone at the other the judge has three but he's so fussy about them he won't even let us pull a few hairs out of old Major's tail to make rings of said Betty, shutting her arithmetic with an injured expression Mike lets me ride the white one to water around. It's such fun to go bouncing down the lane and back I do love horses cried Babb bobbing up and down on the blue bench to imitate the motion of white Jenny I guess you are a plucky sort of girl and Ben gave her an approving look as he went by taking care to slop a little water on Mrs. Puss who stood curling her whiskers and humping up her back at Sancho come to breakfast called Mrs. Moss and for about twenty minutes his mush and milk vanished in a way that would have astonished even Jack the giant killer with his leather bag now girls fly around and get your chores done up Ben you go chop me some kindlings and I'll make things tidy then we can all start off at once said Mrs. Moss as the last mouthful vanished and Sancho licked his lips over the savory scraps that fell to his share Ben fell to chopping so vigorously that chips flew wildly all about the shed Bab rattled the cups into her dishpan with dangerous haste and Betty raised a cloud of dust sweeping up while mother seemed to be everywhere at once even Sanch feeling that his fate was at stake endeavored to help in his own somewhat erratic way now frisking about Ben at the risk of getting his tail chopped off then trotting away to poke his inquisitive nose into every closet and room with her he followed Mrs. Moss in her flying around in her mushrooms next dragging off the mat so Betty could brush the doorsteps or inspecting Bab's dishwashing by standing on his hind legs to survey the table with a critical air when they drove him out he was not the least offended but gaily barked puss up a tree chased all the hens over the fence and carefully interred an old shoe in the garden where the remains of the mutton bone were also buried by the time the others were ready and trotted behind the party like a well behaved dog accustomed to go out walking with ladies at the crossroads they separated the little girls running on to school while Mrs. Moss and Ben went up to the squire's big house on the hill don'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 haven't a doubt she whispered ringing a Ben at a side door on which the word Morris shown 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 newcomers with a pair of sharp eyes saying in a testy tone which would rather have daunted anyone 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 Ben 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 in 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 in such a keen glance from under his bushy brows that Ben felt as if he was perfectly transparent most anything sir to get my living can you weed? never did but I can learn sir pull up all the beats and leave the pig weed hey can you pick strawberries? never tried anything but eating them sir not likely to forget that part of the job can you ride a horse to plow? guess I could sir and Ben's eyes began to sparkle for he dearly loved the noble animals who had been his dearest friends lately no antics allowed my horse is a fine fellow and I'm very particular about him the squire spoke soberly but there was a twinkle in his eye and Mrs. Moss tried not to smile for the squire's horse was a joke over all the town being about twenty years old and having a peculiar gait of his own lifting his forefeet very high with a great show of speed though never going out of a jog trot the boys used to say he galloped before and walked behind and made all sorts of fun of the big Roman-nosed bees who allowed no liberties to be taken with him I'm too fond of horses to hurt them sir as for riding I ain't afraid of anything on four legs the king of Morocco used to kick and bite like fun but I could manage him first rate then you'd be able to drive cows to pasture perhaps I've drove elephants and camels ostriches and grizzly bears and mules and six yellow ponies all at once maybe I could manage cows if I tried hard answered Ben endeavoring to be meek and respectful when Scorn filled his soul with the idea of not being able to drive a cow the squire liked him all the better for the droll mixture of indignation and amusement betrayed by the fire in his eyes and the sly smile around his lips and being rather tickled by Ben's list of animals he answered gravely don't raise elephants and camels much around here bears used to be plenty but folks got tired of them mules are numerous but we have the two-legged kind and as a general thing prefer shang-hai fowls to ostriches he got no further for Ben laughed out so infectiously that both of the others joined in somehow that jolly laugh seemed to settle matters than words as they stopped the squire tapped on the window behind him saying with an attempt at the former gruffness we'll try you on cows a while my man will show you where to drive him and give you some odd jobs through the day now I'll see what you're good for and send you word tonight Mrs. Moss the boy can sleep at your house can't he yes indeed sir he can go on doing it and come up to his work just as well as not I'll see to him then he won't be a care to anyone said Mrs. Moss heartily I'll make inquiries concerning your father boy meantime mind what you are about and have a good report to give when he comes for you return the squire with a warning wag of a stern forefinger thank you sir I will sir father will come just as soon as he can if he isn't sick or lost inwardly thanking his stars that he had not done anything to make him quake before that awful finger resolved that he never would here a red-headed Irishman came to the door and stood eyeing the boy with small favor while the squire gave his orders Pat this lad wants work he's going to take the cows out and go for him give him any light jobs you have and let me know if he's good for anything yes your honor come on to this boy till I show you the bastis responded Pat and with a hasty goodbye to Mrs. Moss Ben followed his new leader sorely tempted to play some naughty trick upon him in return for his ungracious reception but in a moment he forgot that Pat existed for in the yards stood the Duke of Wellington so named in honor of his Roman nose if Ben had known anything about Shakespeare he would have cried a horse a horse my kingdom for a horse for the feeling was in his heart and he ran up to the stately animal without a fear Duke put back his ears and swished his tail as if displeased for a moment but then looked straight in his eyes gave a scientific stroke to the iron grey nose and uttered a chirp which made the ears pick up as if recognizing a familiar sound you'll nippy if you go bothering that way leave him alone and attend to the cattle as his honor told you commanded Pat who made a great show of respect toward Duke in public and kicked him brutally in private I ain't afraid you won't hurt me will you old fella see there now he knows I'm a friend and takes to me right off said Ben with an arm around Duke's neck and his own cheek confidedly laid against the animals for the intelligent eyes spoke to him as plainly as the little Winnie which he understood and accepted as a welcome the squire saw it all from the open window and suspecting from Pat's face that trouble was brewing called out let the lad harness Duke if he can I'm going out directly as well try that as anything Ben was delighted and proved himself so brisk and handy that the roomy chaise stood at the door in surprisingly short time with a smiling little Osler at Duke's head when the squire came out his affection for the horse pleased the old gentleman and his neat way of harnessing suited as well but Ben got no praise except a nod and a brief, all right boy as the equipage went creaking and jogging away those sleek cows filed out of the barnyard when Pat opened the gate and then drove them down the road to a distant pasture where the early grass awaited their eager cropping by the school they went and the boy looked pittingly at the black brown and yellow heads bobbing past the windows as a class went up to recite for it seemed a hard thing to the liberty-loving lad to be shut up there so many hours on a morning like that but a little breeze that was playing truant round the steps did Ben a service without knowing it for a sudden puff blew a torn leaf to his feet and seeing a picture he took it up it evidently had fallen from some ill-used history for the picture showed some queer ships at anchor some oddly dressed men just landing and a crowd of Indians dancing about the shore Ben spelt out all he could about these interesting personages but could not discover what it meant because Ink evidently had deluged the page to the new reader's great disappointment I'll ask the girls maybe they will know said Ben to himself as after looking vainly for more stray leaves he trudged on enjoying the bobble-ink song the warm sunshine and a comfortable sense of friendliness and safety which soon set him to whistling as gaily as any blackbird in the meadow End of Chapter 5 Chapter 6 of Under the Lilacs This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Under the Lilacs by Louisa Mayalka Chapter 6 A Circulating Library After supper that night Bab and Betty sat in the old porch playing with Josephus and Belinda and discussing the events of the day for the appearance of the strange boy and his dog had been a most exciting occurrence in their quiet lives They had seen nothing of him since morning as he took his meals with the squires and was at work with Patton a distant field when the children passed Sancho had stepped closely to his master evidently rather bewildered by the new order of things and bound to see that no harm happened to Ben I wish they'd come It's sundown and I heard the cows moan so I know they have gone home so Betty impatiently Pursue regarded the newcomer in the light of an entertaining book and wished to read on as fast as possible I'm going to learn the sign he makes when he wants Sancho to dance Then we can have fun with him whenever we like He's the dearest dog I ever saw answered Bab who was fond of animals than a sister Ma said, ow, what's that? Betty cried with a start as something bumped against the gate outside and in a moment Ben's head peeped over the top as he swung himself up into the iron arch in the middle of which was an antique lantern frame Pleased to locate gentlemen pleased to locate The performance is about to begin with the great Flying Cupid Act in which master Bloomsbury has appeared before the crowned heads of Europe pronounced by all beholders the most remarkable youthful prodigy Egon here we are having rattled off a familiar speech in Mr. Smother's manner Ben began to cut up such capers that even a party of dignified hens going down the avenue to bed paused to look on with Clark's astonishment evidently fancying that Salt had set him to fluttering and tumbling as it did them never had the old gate beheld such antics though it had seen gay doings in its time for all of the boys who had climbed over it not one had ever stood on his head upon each of the big balls which ornamented the posts hung by his heels from the arch gone round and round like a wheel with a bar for an axis played a tattoo with his toes while holding on by his chin walked about the wall on his hands or closed the entertainment by festooning himself in an airy posture over the side of the lantern frame and kissing his hand to the audience as the well-bred Cupid is supposed to do on making his bow the little girls clapped and stamped enthusiastically while Sancho who had been calmly surveying the show barked his approval as he leaped up to snap at Ben's feet come down and tell what you did at the Squires was he cross? did you have to work hard? do you like it? asked Bab when the noise had subsided it's cooler up here composing himself in the frame and fanning his hot face with a green spray broken from the tall bushes wrestling odorsly all about him I did all sorts of jobs the old gentleman was at cross he gave me a dime and I like him first rate but I just hate carrots he swears with a feller and fired a stick of wood at me guess I'll pay him off when I get a chance fumbling in his pocket to show the bright dime he found the torn page and remembered the thirst for information which had seized him in the morning look here tell me about this will you what are these chaps up to? the ink has spilled the texture and this bit of reading I want to know what it means take it to him, Sanch the dog caught in the leaf as it fluttered to the ground and carried it carefully in his mouth deposited at the feet of the little girls seated himself before them with an air of deep interest Bab and Betty picked it up and read it aloud in unison while Ben leaned from his perch to listen and learn when day dawned land was visible a pleasant land it was there were gay flowers as they had never seen before on the shore were unquad copper colored men gazing with wonder at the Spanish ships they took them for great birds the white sails for their wings and the Spaniards for superior beings brought down from the heaven on their backs why, that's cool I'm finding San Salvador don't you know about him demanded Bab as if she were one of the superior beings and intimately acquainted with the immortal Christopher no I don't who was he anyway that's him paddling ahead but which of the engines is San Salvador asked Ben rather ashamed of his ignorance but bent on finding out how he had begun my gracious 12 years old now and not know your own quackenbows laughed Bab much amused but rather glad to find that she could teach the whirly gig boy something for she considered him a remarkable creature I don't care a bit for your quackenboss whoever he is tell about this fine fella with the ships persisted Ben so Bab with frequent interruptions and hints from Betty told the wonderful tale in a simple way which made it easy to understand for she liked history and had a lively tongue of her own I'd like to read some more with my 10 cents by a book anxious to learn a little since Bab laughed at him no indeed I'll lend you mine one I'm not using it tell you all about it I promise Bab forgetting that she did not know all about it herself yet I don't have any time only evening and then maybe you'll want it begun Ben in whom the inky page should rouse the strong curiosity I do get my history in the evening but you could have it mornings before school I shall have to go off early so there won't be any chance yes there will I'll tell you how to do it let me read while I drive up the cows Squire likes them to eat slow along the road so as to keep the grass short and save mowing Pat said so and I could do history instead of loafing round cried Ben full of the sprite idea how will I get my book back in time to recite asked Bab prudently oh I'll leave it on the window so or put it inside the door as I go back I'll be real careful and just as soon as I earn enough I'll buy you a new one and take the old one will you? yes but I'll tell you a nice way to do don't put the book on the window because teacher will see you or inside the door because someone may steal it you put it in my cubby house right at the corner of the wall and there's the big maple you'll find a cunning place between the roots that stick up under the flat stone that's my closet and I keep things there it's the best cubby of all and we take turns to have it I'll find it and that'll be a first-rate place said Ben much gratified I could put my reading book in sometimes if you'd like it there's lots of pretty stories in it and pictures proposed Betty rather timidly for she wanted to share the benevolent project but had little to offer not being as good a scholar as Bab I'd like a rhythmic better I read tip-top but I ain't much on rhythmics so if you can spare yours I might take a look at it now I'm going to earn wages I ought to know about adding them up and so on with the air of a Vanderbilt pressed with the care of millions I'll teach you that Betty doesn't know much about Psalms but she spells splendidly and is always at the head of her class teacher is real proud of her because she never misses and spells hard, fussy words like chirography and chitis as easy as anything Bab quite being sisterly pride Betty smoothed down her apron with modest satisfaction for Bab seldom praised her and she liked it very much I never went to school so that's the reason I ain't smart I can write though, better than some of the boys up at school I saw lots of names on the shed door see here now, I'm scrambling down Ben pulled out a cherished bit of chalk and flourished off 10 letters of the alphabet one on each of the dark stone slabs that paid for the walk those are beautiful I can't make such curly ones who taught you to do it, asked Bab as she and Betty walked up and down admiring them horse blankets answered Ben soberly what? cried both girls, stopping to stare our horses had all their names on their blankets and I used to copy them the wagons had signs and I learned to read that way after father taught me my letters off the red and yellow posters first word I knew was lion cause I was always going to seal Jubal in his cage, father was real proud when I read it right off I can draw one too Ben proceeded to depict an animal intended to represent his lost friend but Jubal would not have recognized his portrait since it looked much more like Sancho than the king of the forest the children admired it immensely however and Ben gave them a lesson on natural history which was so interesting that it kept them busy and happy till bedtime for the boy described what he had seen in such lively language and illustrated in such a droll way I wonder they were charmed End of Chapter 6 Recording by Chelsea Baker Chapter 7 of Under the Lilacs This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Under the Lilacs by Louisa Mayalka Chapter 7 New Friends Traudin Next day Ben ran off to his work with Coquimbo's elementary history of the United States in his pocket and the Squires' cows had ample time to breakfast on wayside grass before they were put into their pasture Even then the pleasant lesson was not ended for Ben had an errand to town and all the way he read busily tumbling over the hard words and leaving bits which he did not understand to be explained night by bab At the first settlements he had to stop but the schoolhouse was reached and the book must be returned to the library closet was easily found and a little surprise hidden under the flat stone for Ben paid two sticks of red and white candy for the privilege of taking books from the new library When a recess came, great was the rejoicing of the children over their unexpected treat for Miss Moss had few pennies to spare for sweets and somehow this candy tasted particularly nice brought out of grateful Ben's solitary dime The little girls shared their goodies with their favorite mate said nothing about the new arrangement and felt generally known They told their mother however and she gave them leave to lend their books and encourage Ben to love learning all they could She also proposed that they should drop patchwork and help her make some bullish shirts for Ben Mrs Barton had given her the materials and she thought it would be an excellent lesson and needlework as well as a useful gift to Ben who, boy like, never troubled as to what he should wear when his one suit of clothes gave out Wednesday afternoon was the sewing time so the two little bees worked busily at a pair of shirt slaves sitting on their bench in the doorway while the rusty needles creaked in and out and the childish voices sang school songs with frequent stoppages for lively chatter For a week, Ben had worked away bravely and never shirked nor complained although Patty put many a hard or disagreeable job upon him and chores grew more and more distasteful His only comfort was the knowledge that Mrs Moss and the squire were satisfied with him His only pleasure the lessons he learned while driving the cows and recited in the evening when the three children met under the lilacs to play school He had no thought of studying when he began and hardly knew that he was doing it as he poured over the different books he took from the library but the little girls tried him with all they possessed for he was mortified to find how ignorant he was He never owned it in words but gladly accept all the bits of knowledge they offered from their small store Getting Betty to hear him spell just for fun agreeing to draw a bab all the bears and tigers she wanted if she would show him how to do sums on the flags and often be garling his lonely labors by trying to chant the multiplication table as they did When Tuesday night came round the squire paid him a dollar said he was a likely boy and might stay another week if he chose Ben thanked him and thought he would but the next morning after he had put up the bars he remained sitting on the top rail permanently reluctant to go back to the society of rough pat like most boys he hated work unless it was of a sort of which suited him then he could toil like a beaver and never tire his wandering life had given him no habits of steady industry while he was an unusually capable lad of his age he dearly loved to loaf about and have a good deal of variety and excitement in his life now he saw nothing before him but days of patient and uninteresting labor he was heartily sick of weeding even riding Duke before the cultivator had lost his charm and a great pile of wood lay in the squire's yard which he knew he would be set to piling up in the shed strawberry picking would soon follow the asparagus cultivation then hanging and so on all the long bright summer without any fun unless his father came for him on the other hand he was not obliged to stay a minute longer unless he liked with a comfortable suit of clothes in his pocket and a row of dinner baskets hanging in the schoolhouse entry to supply him with provisions if he didn't mind stealing them what was easier than to run away again tramping had its charms and fair weather and Ben had lived like a gypsy under canvas for years so he feared nothing and began to look down the leafy road with a restless, wistful expression as the temperature grew stronger and stronger every minute Sancho seemed to share the longing for he kept running off a little way stopping to frisk and bark then rushed back to sit watching his master with those intelligent eyes of his which seemed to say, come on Ben let us scamper down this pleasant road and never stop till we are tired Swallows darted by white clouds fled before the balmy west wind a squirrel ran along the wall and all things seemed to echo the boy's desire to leave toil behind and roam away as carefree as they one thing restrained him from gratitude to good Mrs. Moss and the disappointment of the little girls at the loss of their two new playfellows while he paused to think of this something happened which kept him from doing what he would have been sure to regret afterward horses had always been his best friends and one came trotting up to help him now though he did not know how much he owed it till long after just in the act of swinging himself over the bars to take a shortcut across the field sound of approaching hoes unaccompanied by the roll of wheels caught his ear and pausing he watched eagerly to see who was coming at such pace at the turn of the road however the quick trot stopped and in a moment a lady on a mare came pacing slowly into sight a young and pretty lady all in dark blue with a bunch of dandelions like yellow stars in her buttonhole and a silver handled whip hanging from the palm of her saddle evidently more for ornament than use the handsome mare limped a little and shook her head as if something plagued her while her mistress leaned down see what was the matter saying as if she expected an answer of some sort now chevalita if you have got a stone in your foot I shall have to get off and take it out why don't you look where you step and save me all this trouble I'll look for you ma'am I'd like to, said an eager voice so unexpectedly that both horse and rider started as a boy came down the bank with a jump I wish you would afraid, leta's as gentle as a lamb answered the young lady, smiling as if amused by the boy's earnestness she's a beauty anyway muttered Ben lifting one foot after another until he found the stone and with some trouble got her that that was nicely done and I much obliged can you tell me if that crossroads leads to the elms asked the lady as she went slowly on with Ben beside her no ma'am I'm new in these parts I really know where squire morris and mrs moss live I went to see both of them so suppose you show me the way I was here long ago and I thought I should remember how to find the old house with the elm avenue and the big gate but I don't I know it, they call that police the laylocks now cause there's a hedge of them all down the path and front wall it's a real pretty place Bab and Betty play there and so do I Ben could not restrain a chuckle at the recollection of his first appearance there and as if his marryment or his words interested her the lady said pleasantly tell me all about it are Bab and Betty your sisters quite forgetting his intended tramp Ben plunged into a copious history of himself and new made friends led on by a kind look an inquiring word and sympathetic smile so he had told everything at the school house corner he stopped and said spreading his arms like a signpost that's the way to the laylocks and this is the way to the squires as a minor hurry to see the old house I'll go this way first if you will be kind enough to give my love to mrs. Morris and tell the squire miss Celia is coming to dine with him I won't say goodbye because I shall see you again with a nod and a smile the young lady cantered away and Ben hurried up the hill to deliver his message feeling as if something pleasant was going to happen so it would be wise to defer running away for the present at least at one o'clock Miss Celia arrived and then had the delight of helping Pat stable pretty Chevalita then his own dinner hastily eaten he fell to work at the detested wood pile with sudden energy for as he worked he could steal peeps into the dining room and see the curly brown head between the two gay ones as the three sat around the table he could not help hearing a word now and then as the windows were open and these bits of conversation filled him with curiosity for the names Thornie Celia and George were often repeated and an occasional merry laugh from the young lady sounded like music in that unusually quiet place when dinner was over Ben's industrious fit left him and he leisurely trundled his barrow to and fro till the guest departed there was no chance for him to help now since Pat anxious to get whatever trifle might be offered for his services was quite devoted in his attentions to the mayor and her mistress till she was mounted and off but Miss Celia did not forget her little guide and spying a wistful face behind wood pile paused at the gate and beckoned with that winning smile of hers if tinpats had stood scowling in the way Ben would have defied them all vaulted over the fence and ran up with a shining face hoping she wanted some last favor of him leaning down Miss Celia slipped a new quarter into his hand saying Lita wants me to give this to you for taking the stone out of her foot Thank you ma'am I'd like to do it for I hate seeing a blimp especially such a pretty one as she is answered Ben stroking the glossy neck with a loving touch the squire says you know a good deal about horses so I suppose you understand the hoon in him language I'm learning it and it is very nice left Miss Celia this shavita gave a little winny and snuffled her nose into Ben's pocket no miss I never went to school that is not taught there I'll bring you a book all about it when I come back Mr. Gulliver went to the horse country and heard the deer things speak their own tongue my father has been on the prairies where there's lots of wild ones but he didn't hear him speak I know what they want without talking answered Ben suspecting a joke but not exactly seeing what it was I don't doubt it but I won't forget the book goodbye my lad wish I'll soon meet again and away went Miss Celia as if she were in a hurry to get back if only she had a red habit in a stream and white feather she'd look as fine as Melia used to she is most as kind and rides most as well wonder where she's going to hope she'll come soon watching till the last flutter of the blue habit managed around the corner and then went back to his work pausing now and then to drink the two silver halves in the new quarter together in his pocket wondering what he should buy with this vast sum Bab and Betty meantime had a most exciting day for when they went home at night they found the pretty lady there and she had talked to them like an old friend giving them a ride on the little horse and kissed them both goodbye when they went back to school in the afternoon the lady was gone the old house all open and their mother sweeping, airing bits so they had a splendid frolic tumbling on feather beds beating bits of carpet, opening in closets and racing from Garrett to cellar like a pair of distracted kittens here Ben found them was at once overwhelmed with a burst of news which excited him as much as it did then Miss Celia owned the house and was coming to live there and things were to be made ready as soon as possible all thought the prospect of charming one Miss Moss because life had been dull for her during the year she had taken charge of the old house the little girls had heard rumors of various pets were coming and Ben learning that a boy and a donkey were among them resolved that nothing but the arrival of his father should tear him from this now deeply interesting spot I'm in such a hurry to see the peacocks and hear them scream she said they did and that we'd laugh when old Jack braided cried Bab hopping about on one foot to work off her impatience is a faint and kind of bird I heard her say she could keep it in the coach house asked Betty inquiringly it's a little carriage and Ben rolled in the grass much tickled at poor Betty's ignorance of course it is I'll look it up in the dictionary and you mustn't call to Peyton though dispelt with a pee added Bab who liked to lay down on the lawn on all occasions did not mention that she looked vainly among the V's until a schoolmate said her right you can't tell me much about carriages but what I want to know is where Lita will stay said Ben oh she's to be up at the squire still things are fixed and you were to bring her down Squire came and told Ma all about it and said you were a boy to be trusted for he had tried you Ben made no answer but secretly thanked his stars that he had not proved himself untrustworthy by running away and so missing all this fun want to be fine to leave the house open all the time? we can run over and see the pictures and books whenever we like I know we can began Betty who cared for these things more than for screaming peacocks and comical donkeys not unless you were invited answered the mother walking the front door behind her you'd better begin to pick up your duds right away for she won't want them cluttering around her front yard if you're not too tired Ben you might break ground a little while I shut the blinds I want things to look nice and tidy two little groans went up from the two afflicted little girls as they looked about them at the shady bower the deer porch and the winding walks where they love to run till their hair whistled in the wind as the fairy books say whatever shall we do our attic is so hot and the shed so small and the yard always full of hens or clothes we shall have to pack all our things away and never play anymore said bab tragically maybe Ben could build this little house in the orchard proposed Betty to firmly believe that Ben could do anything he won't have any time boys don't care for baby houses return bab collecting her homeless goods and chattels with a dismal face we shan't want these much when all the new things come see if we do said cheerful little Betty who always found out a silver lining to every cloud End of Chapter 7 Recording by Chelsea Baker For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Elizabeth Klett Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott Chapter 8 Miss Celia's Man Ben was not too tired and the clearing up began that very night none too soon for in a day or two things arrived to the great delight of the children who considered moving a most interesting play first came the phyton which Ben spent all his leisure moments in admiring wondering with secret envy what happy boy would ride in the little seat up behind and beguiling his tasks by planning how, when he got rich he would pass his time driving about in just such an equipage and inviting all the boys he met to have a ride then a load of furniture came creaking in at the lodge gate and the girls had raptures over a cottage piano several small chairs and a little low table which they pronounced just the thing for them to play at the livestock appeared next creating a great stir in the neighborhood for peacocks were rare birds there the donkey's bray startled the cattle and convulsed the people with laughter the rabbits were continually getting out to burrow in the newly made garden and Chevalita scandalized old Duke by dancing about the stable which he had inhabited for years in stately solitude last but by no means least Miss Celia, her young brother and two maids arrived one evening so late that only Mrs. Moss went over to help them settle the children were much disappointed but were appeased by a promise that they should all go to pay their respects in the morning they were up so early and were so impatient to be off that Mrs. Moss let them go with the warning that they would find only the servants a stir she was mistaken however for as the procession approached a voice from the porch called out good morning little neighbors so unexpectedly that Bab nearly spilt the new milk she carried Betty gave such a start that the fresh laid eggs quite skipped in the dish and Ben's face broke into a broad grin over the armful of clover which he brought for the bunnies as he bobbed his head saying briskly she's all right Miss Lita is and I can bring her over any minute you say I shall want her at four o'clock Thorny will be too tired to drive but I must hear from the post office rain or shine and Miss Celia's pretty color brightened as she spoke either from some happy thought or because she was bashful for the honest young faces before her plainly showed their admiration of the white gown lady under the honeysuckles the appearance of Miranda the maid reminded the children of their errand and having delivered their offerings they were about to retire in some confusion when Miss Celia said pleasantly I want to thank you for helping put things in such nice order I see signs of busy hands and feet both inside the house and all about the grounds and I am very much obliged I raked the beds said Ben proudly eyeing the neat ovals and circles I swept all the paths added Bab with a reproachful glance at several green sprigs fallen from the load of clover on the smooth walk I cleaned up the porch and Betty's clean pinafore rose and fell with a long sigh as she surveyed the late summer residents of her exiled family Miss Celia guessed the meaning of that sigh and made haste to turn it into a smile by asking anxiously what has become of the playthings I don't see them anywhere Ma said you wouldn't want our duds round so we took them all home answered Betty with a wistful face but I do want them round I like dolls and toys almost as much as ever and quite miss the little duds from porch and path suppose you come to tea with me tonight and bring some of them back I should be very sorry to rob you of your pleasant play space oh yes'em we'd love to come and we'll bring our best things Ma always lets us have our shiny pictures in the China poodle when we go visiting or have company at home said Bab and Betty both speaking at once bring what you like and I'll hunt up my toys too Ben is to come also and his poodle is especially invited miss Celia as Sancho came and begged before her feeling that some agreeable project was under discussion thank you miss I told them you'd be willing they should come sometimes they like this place ever so much and so do I said Ben feeling that a few spots combined so many advantages in the way of climbable trees arched gates half a dozen gables and other charms suited to the taste of an aspiring youth who had been a flying cupid at the age of seven so do I echoed miss Celia heartily ten years ago I came here a little girl and made lilac chains under these very bushes and picked chickweed over there for my bird and rode thorny in his baby wagon up and down these paths grandpa lived here then and we had fine times but now they are all gone except us too we haven't got any father either said Bab for something in miss Celia's face made her feel as if a cloud had come over the sun I have a first rate father if only I knew where he'd gone to said Ben looking down the path as eagerly as if one waited for him behind the locked gate you are a rich boy and you are happy little girls to have so good a mother I've found that out already and the sun shone again as the young lady nodded to the neat rosy children before her you may have a piece of her if you want to because you haven't got any of your own said Betty with a pitiful look which made her blue eyes as sweet as two wet violets so I will and you shall be my little sisters I never had any and I'd love to try how it seems and Celia took both the chubby hands and hers feeling ready to love every one this first bright morning in the new home which she hoped to make a very happy one Bab gave a satisfied nod and fell to examining the rings upon the white hand that held her own but Betty put her arms about the new friend's neck and kissed her so softly that the hungry feeling in Miss Celia's heart went directly for this was the food it wanted and Thorny had not learned yet to return one half of the affection he received holding the child close she played with the yellow braids while she told them about the little German girls in their funny black silk caps short-waisted gowns and wooden shoes whom she used to see watering long webs of linen bleaching on the grass watching great flocks of geese or driving pigs to market knitting or spinning as they went presently Randa as she called her stout maid came to tell her that master Thorny couldn't wait another minute and she went into breakfast with a good appetite while the children raced home to bounce in upon Mrs. Moss talking all at once like little lunatics the fight in at four so sweet in a beautiful white gown going to tea and sancho and all the baby things invited can't be where our Sunday frocks splendid new net for Leta and she likes dolls goody goody won't it be fun with much difficulty their mother got a clear account of the approaching festivity out of the eager mouths and with still more difficulty got breakfast into them for the children had few pleasures and this brilliant prospect rather turned their heads Bab and Betty thought the day would never end and cheered the long hours by expatiating on the pleasures in store for them till their playmates were much afflicted because they were not going also at noon their mother kept them from running over to the old house they should be in the way so they can sold themselves by going into the syringa bush at the corner and sniffing the savory odors which came from the kitchen where Katie the cook was evidently making nice things for tea Ben worked as if for a wager till four then stood over Pat while he curried Leta till her coat shone like satin then drove her gently down to the coach house where he had the satisfaction of harnessing her all his own self Shall I go round to the great gate and wait for you there, Miss? He asked, when all was ready looking up at the porch where the young lady stood watching him as she put on her gloves No, Ben, the great gate is not to be open till next October I shall go in and out by the lodge and leave the avenue to grass and dandelions meantime answered Miss Celia as she stepped in and took the reins with a sudden smile but she did not start even when Ben had shaken out the new duster and laid it neatly over her knees Isn't it all right now? said the boy anxiously Not quite. I need one thing more Can't you guess what it is? and Miss Celia watched his anxious face as his eyes wandered from the tips of Leta's ears to the hind-wheel of the phyton trying to discover what had been omitted No, Miss, I don't see he began much mortified to think he'd forgotten anything Wouldn't a little groom up behind improve the appearance of my turnout, she said with a look which left no doubt in his mind but that he was to be the happy boy to occupy that proud perch he grew red with pleasure but stammered as he hesitated looking down at his bare feet in blue shirt I ain't fit, Miss, I haven't got any other clothes Miss Celia only smiled again more kindly than before and answered in a tone which he understood better than her words A great man said his coat of arms was a pair of shirt sleeves and a sweet poet sang about a bare-footed boy so I need not be too proud to ride with one Up with you, Ben, my man, and let us be off to be late for our party With one bound the new groom was in his place sitting very erect with his legs stiff arms folded and nose in the air as he had seen real grooms sit behind their masters and find dog carts or carriages Mrs. Moss nodded as they drove past the lodge and Ben touched his torn hat-brim in the most dignified manner though he could not suppress a broad grin of delight which deepened into a chuckle when Leta went off at a brisk trot along the smooth road toward town It takes so little to make a child happy it is a pity grown people do not often remember it and scatter little bits of pleasure before the small people as they throw crumbs to the hungry sparrows Miss Celia knew the boy was pleased but he had no words in which to express his gratitude for the great contentment she had given him he could only beam at all he met smile when the floating ends of the gray veil blew against his face and long in his heart to give the new friend a boyish hug as he used to do his dear Melia when she was very good to him school was just out as they passed and it was a spectacle I assure you to see the boys and girls stare at Ben up aloft in such a state also to see the superb indifference with which that young man regarded the vulgar herd who went afoot he couldn't resist an affable nod to Bab and Betty for they stood under the maple tree and the memory of their circulating library made him forget his dignity and his gratitude we will take them next time but now I want to talk to you began Miss Celia as Leta climbed the hill my brother has been ill and I have brought him here to get well I want to do all sorts of things to amuse him and I think you can help me in many ways would you like to work for me instead of the squire I guess I would ejaculated Ben so heartily that no further assurances were needed and Miss Celia went on well pleased you see poor Thorny is weak and fretful he does not like to exert himself though he ought to be out a great deal and kept from thinking of his little troubles he cannot walk much yet so I have a wheeled chair to push him in and the paths are so hard it will be easy to roll him about that will be one thing you can do another is to take care of his pet till he is able to do it himself then you can tell him your adventures and talk to him as only a boy can talk to a boy that will amuse him when I want to write or go out but I never leave him long and hope he'll soon be running about how does that sort of work look to you first rate I'll take real good care of the little fella and do everything I know to please him and so will Sanch he's fond of children answered Ben heartily for the new place looked very inviting to him Miss Celia laughed and rather damped his ardor by his next words I don't know what Thorny would say to hear you call him little he is fourteen and appears to get taller and taller every day he seems like a child to me because I am nearly ten years older than he is and you needn't be afraid of his long legs and big eyes he is too feeble to do any harm only you mustn't mind if he orders you about I'm used to that I don't mind it if he won't call me a spall peen and fire things at me said Ben thinking of his late trials with Pat I can promise that and I am sure Thorny will like you for I told him your story and he is anxious to see the circus boy as he called you Squire Allen says I may trust you and I am glad to do so it saves me much trouble to find what I want already for me you shall be well fed and clothed kindly treated and honestly paid if you like to stay with me I know I shall like it till father comes anyway Squire wrote to Smithers right off but hasn't got any answer yet I know they are on the go now so maybe we won't hear for ever so long answered Ben feeling less impatient to be off than before this fine proposal was made to him I daresay meantime we will see how we get on together and perhaps your father will be willing to leave you for the summer if he is away now show me the bakers the candy shop and the post office said Miss Celia as they rattled down the main street of the village Ben made himself useful and when all the other errands were done received his reward in the shape of a new pair of shoes and a straw hat with a streaming blue ribbon on the ends of which shown silvery anchors he was also allowed to drive home while his new mistress read her letters particularly long one with a queer stamp on the envelope she read twice never speaking a word till they got back then Ben was sent off with Lita and the Squire's letters promising to get his chores done in time for tea