Even then the pleasant lesson was not ended, forBen had an errand to town; and all the way he readbusily, tumbling over the hard words, and leavingbits which he did not understand to be explained atnight by Bab.

 

　　At "The First Settlements" he had to stop, for theschoolhouse was reached, and the book must be returned.

 

　　The maple-tree closet was easily found, anda little surprise hidden under the flat stone; for Benpaid two sticks of red and white candy for the privilegeof taking books from the new library.

 

　　When recess² came, great was the rejoicing of thechildren over their unexpected treat, for Mrs. Mosshad few pennies to spare for sweets, and, somehow,this candy tasted particularly nice, bought out ofgrateful Ben's solitary⁴ dime⁵. The little giris sharedtheir goodies with their favorite mates, but saidnothing about the new arrangement, fearing it wouldbe spoilt if generally known. They told their mother,however, and she gave them leave to lend their booksand encourage Ben to love learning all they could.

 

　　She also proposed that they should drop patch-work,and help her make some blue shirts for Ben. Mrs.

 

　　Barton had given her the materials, and she thoughtit would be an excellent lesson in needle-work as wellas a useful gift to Ben, -- who, boy-like, never troubledhimself as to what he should wear when his one suitof clothes gave out.

 

　　Wednesday afternoon was the sewing time; so thetwo little B's worked busily at a pair of shirt-sleeves,sitting on their bench in the doorway⁶, while the rustyneedles creaked in and out, and the childish voicessang school-songs, with frequent stoppages for livelychatter.

 

　　For a week, Ben worked away bravely, and nevershirked nor complained, although Pat put many ahard or disagreeable job upon him, and chores grewmore and more distasteful. His only comfort wasthe knowledge that Mrs.

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