`` It 's only squirrels ; do n't mind , but come along and be good ; for I 'm so tired , I do n't know what to do ! '' sighed Bab , trying to pull him after her as she trudged on , bound to see the outside of that wonderful tent , even if she never got in . But Sancho had heard a soft chirrup ; and , with a sudden bound , twitched the strap away , sprang up the bank , and landed directly on Ben 's back as he lay peeping over . A peal of laughter greeted him ; and , having got the better of his master in more ways than one , he made the most of the advantage by playfully worrying him as he kept him down , licking his face in spite of his struggles , burrowing in his neck with a ticklish nose , snapping at his buttons , and yelping joyfully , as if it was the best joke in the world to play hide-and-seek for four long miles . Before Ben could quiet him , Bab came climbing up the bank , with such a funny mixture of fear , fatigue , determination , and relief in her dirty little face , that the boys could not look awful if they tried . `` How dared you come after us , miss ? '' demanded Sam , as she looked calmly about her , and took a seat before she was asked . `` Sanch would come after Ben ; I could n't make him go home , so I had to hold on till he was safe here , else he 'd be lost , and then Ben would feel bad . '' The cleverness of that excuse tickled the boys immensely ; and Sam tried again , while Ben was getting the dog down and sitting on him . `` Now you expect to go to the circus , I suppose . '' `` Course I do . Ben said he did n't mind paying , if I could get there without bothering him , and I have ; and I 'll go home alone . I ai n't afraid . Sanch will take care of me , if you wo n't , '' answered Bab , stoutly . `` What do you suppose your mother will say to you ? '' asked Ben , feeling much reproached by her last words . `` I guess she 'll say you led me into mischief ; and the sharp child nodded , as if she defied him to deny the truth of that . `` You 'll catch it when you get home , Ben ; so you 'd better have a good time while you can , '' advised Sam , thinking Bab great fun , since none of the blame of her pranks would fall on him . `` What would you have done if you had n't found us ? '' asked Billy , forgetting his impatience in his admiration for this plucky young lady .
`` I 'd have gone on and seen the circus , and then I 'd have gone XXXXX again and told Betty all about it , '' was the prompt answer .
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