Benny [antikvár]

Benny comes to the Common m t I Bella and Jack had always wanted a dog of their own but, for one reason or another, their parents had never got round to getting one for them. "Wait until you're a bit older," said Dad. "Yes," agreed Mum. "Then you'll be big enough to look after it yourself." "But we're big enough now!" insisted the children. "We'll see," said Mum and Dad, but nothing was ever done about it. Then, quite by accident, Benny came along. He lived on a barge with a hard, cruel man. They travelled up and down the canals of England and it should have been a good life, full of fun and adventure, but it wasn't. It was awful! Benny was tied up like a prisoner, he was half-starved and often beaten. He dreamt of running away but it was impossible. Occasionally his master let him walk along the river bank but he towered over him wherever he went and kicked him if he strayed too far from the boat. Benny had never known love or kindness or the warmth and happiness of a home and family. Then one bright Spring morning the bargee moored up by Midsummer Common. As soon as he'd left for town, Benny crept out of his corner and peered over the edge of the boat. The air was sharp and clear and birds sang and chirruped in every leafy tree.