Five Little Peppers and How They Grew Quotes

“Ben,” said David, drawing a long breath, his eyes very big—“did he really see a bear?”

“No,” said Ben; “oh! where was I?”

“Why, you said Tommy heard a noise,” said Polly, “and he thought it was a bear.”

“Oh, yes,” said Ben; “I remember; ’twasn’t a—”

“Oh, make it a bear, Ben!” cried Joel, terribly disappointed; “don’t let it be not a bear.”

“Why, I can’t,” said Ben; ’twouldn’t sound true.”

“Never mind, make it sound true,” insisted Joel; “you can make anything true.”

“Very well,” said Ben, laughing; “I suppose I must.”

“Make it two bears, Ben,” begged little Phronsie.

“Oh, no, Phronsie, that’s too much,” cried Joel; “that’ll spoil it; but make it a big bear, do, Ben, and have him bite him somewhere, and ’most kill him.”
― Margaret Sidney, Five Little Peppers and How They Grew