Under the Lilacs

dog had been a most exciting occurrence in their quiet lives. They had seen nothing of him since morning, as he took his meals at the Squire's, and was at work with Pat in a dis

y have gone home," said Betty, impatiently; for she regarded the new-comer in

then we can have fun with him whenever we like. He's the dearest dog

t the gate outside; and in a moment Ben's head peeped over the top as he swung

t Flyin' Coopid act, in which Master Bloomsbury has appeared before the crowned heads of Europe

ever had the old gate beheld such antics, though it had seen gay doings in its time; for of all 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 the bar for

while Sancho, who had been calmly surveying the show, b

s. Was he cross? Did you have to work hard? Do you

ushes rustling odorously all about him. "I did all sorts of jobs. The old gentleman wasn't cross; he gave me a dime, and I like him fir

n which had seized him in the morning. "Look here, tell me about this, will you? What are these chaps up to? The

ed it at the feet of the little girls, seating himself before them with an air of deep interest. Bab a

s they had never seen before. On the shore were unclad copper-colored men, gazing with wonder at the Spanish ships. They took the

ut him?" demanded Bab, as if she were one of the "superior bei

ad; but which of the Injuns is Sam Salvindoor?" asked Ben, rather

Bab, much amused, but rather glad to find that she could teach the "

whoever he is. Tell about this fine feller

the wonderful tale in a simple way, which made it easy to under

cents buy a book?" asked Ben, anxious to

t, and tell you all about it," promised Bab; forgett

en may be you'll want it," begun Ben, in who

evening, but you could hav

e read while I drive up the cows. Squire likes 'em to eat slow along the road, so's to keep the grass short and

back in time to recite

r as I go back. I'll be real careful, and just as soon as I ear

may steal it. You put it in my cubby-house, right at the corner of the wall nearest the big maple. You'll find a cunning place between the r

l be a first-rate place,"

stories in it and pictures," proposed Betty, rather timidly; for she wanted to share

pare yours, I might take a look at it. Now I'm goin' to earn wages, I ought to know about addin

is always at the head of her class. Teacher is real proud of her, 'cause she never misses

othed down her apron with modest satisfaction, for

school. I saw lots of names on the shed door. See here, now,"-and scrambling down, Ben pulled out a cherished bit

ones. Who taught you to do it?" asked Bab, as

ts," answered

both girls, st

ead that way after father taught me my letters off the red and yellow posters. First word I knew was lion, 'cause I

han the king of the forest. The children admired it immensely, however, and Ben gave them a lesson in natural history which was so interesting that it kept them b