Ben 's chamber was at the end , and she could see and hear what was going on before she was near enough to interfere . Ben stood against his closet door looking as fierce and red as a turkey-cock ; Thorny sternly confronted him , saying in an excited tone , and with a threatening gesture : `` You are hiding something in there , and you ca n't deny it . '' `` I do n't . '' `` Better not ; I insist on seeing it . '' `` Well , you wo n't . '' `` What have you been stealing now ? '' `` Did n't steal it , -- used to be mine , -- I only took it when I wanted it . '' `` I know what that means . You 'd better give it back or I 'll make you . '' `` Stop ! '' cried a third voice , as Thorny put out his arm to clutch Ben , who looked ready to defend himself to the last gasp , `` Boys , I will settle this affair . Is there anything hidden in the closet , Ben ? '' and Miss Celia came between the belligerent parties with her one hand up to part them . Thorny fell back at once , looking half ashamed of his heat , and Ben briefly answered , with a gulp as if shame or anger made it hard to speak steadily : `` Yes 'm , there is . '' `` Does it belong to you ? '' `` Yes 'm , it does . '' `` Where did you get it ? '' `` Up to Squire 's . '' `` That 's a lie ! '' muttered Thorny to himself .
Ben 's eye flashed , and his fist doubled up in spite of him , but he restrained himself out of respect for Miss Celia , who looked puzzled , as she asked another question , not quite sure how to proceed with the investigation : `` Is it money , XXXXX ? ''
Ben Boys Celia Squire Thorny affair lie stealing third turkey-cock