So the keys were given , and the little dressing-room where the old secretary stood was closely watched for a day or two . Ben cheered up a trifle which looked as if he knew an eye was upon him , but otherwise he went on as usual , and Miss Celia feeling a little guilty at even harboring a suspicion of him , was kind and patient with his moods . Thorny was very funny in the unnecessary mystery and fuss he made ; his affectation of careless indifference to Ben 's movements and his clumsy attempts to watch every one of them ; his dodgings up and down stairs , ostentatious clanking of keys , and the elaborate traps he set to catch his thief , such as throwing his ball in at the dressing-room window and sending Ben up the tree to get it , which he did , thereby proving beyond a doubt that he alone could have taken the money , Thorny thought . Another deep discovery was , that the old drawer was so shrunken that the lock could be pressed down by slipping a knife-blade between the hasp and socket . `` Now it is as clear as day , and you 'd better let me speak , '' he said , full of pride as well as regret at this triumphant success of his first attempt as a detective . `` Not yet , and you need do nothing more . I 'm afraid it was a mistake of mine to let you do this ; and if it has spoiled your friendship with Ben , I shall be very sorry ; for I do not think he is guilty , '' answered Miss Celia . `` Why not ? '' and Thorny looked annoyed . `` I 've watched also , and he does n't act like a deceitful boy . To-day I asked him if he wanted any money , or should I put what I owe him with the rest , and he looked me straight in the face with such honest , grateful eyes , I could not doubt him when he said ` Keep it , please , I do n't need any thing here , you are all so good to me . ' '' `` Now , Celia , do n't you be soft-hearted . He 's a sly little dog , and knows my eye is on him . When I asked him what he saw in the dressing-room , after he brought out the ball , and looked sharply at him , he laughed , and said ` Only a mouse , ' as saucy as you please . '' `` Do set the trap there , I heard the mouse nibbling last night , and it kept me awake . We must have a cat or we shall be overrun . '' `` Well , shall I give Ben a good blowing up , or will you ? '' asked Thorny , scorning such poor prey as mice , and bound to prove that he was in the right . `` I 'll let you know what I have decided in the morning . Be kind to Ben , meantime , or I shall feel as if I had done you harm by letting you watch him . ''
So it was left for that day , and by the next , Miss XXXXX had made up her mind to speak to Ben .
Ben Celia Thorny dodgings dressing-room first knife-blade morning night right