Come along, boys; it 's most eleven, and we don't want to walk fast." Ben spoke very decidedly; and, taking Billy's arm, away they went, leaving poor Bab and Sanch to watch them out of sight, one sobbing, the other whining dismally.
Somehow those two figures seemed to go before Ben all along the pleasant road, and half spoilt his fun; for though he laughed and talked, cut canes, and seemed as merry as a grig, he could not help feeling that he ought to have asked leave to go, and been kinder to Bab.
"Perhaps Mrs.Moss would have planned somehow so we could all go, if I'd told her, I'd like to show her round, and she's been real good to me.

No use now.

I'll take the girls a lot of candy and make it all right." He tried to settle it in that way and trudged gayly off, hoping Sancho wouldn't feel hurt at being left, wondering if any of "Smithers's lot" would be round, and planning to do the honors handsomely to the boys.
It was very warm; and just outside of the town they paused by a wayside watering-trough to wash their dusty faces, and cool off before plunging into the excitements of the afternoon.

As they stood refreshing themselves, a baker's cart came jingling by; and Sam proposed a hasty lunch while they rested.

A supply of gingerbread was soon bought; and, climbing the green bank above, they lay on the grass under a wild cherry-tree, munching luxuriously, while they feasted their eyes at the same time on the splendors awaiting them; for the great tent, with all its flags flying, was visible from the hill.
"We'll cut across those fields,--it 's shorter than going by the road,--and then we can look round outside till it's time to go in.