But how could I get it if it was locked up ? '' and Ben looked as if that question was unanswerable . `` Folks that can climb in at windows for a ball , can go the same way for money , and get it easy enough when they 've only to pry open an old lock ! '' Thorny 's look and tone seemed to make plain to Ben all that they had been suspecting , and , being innocent , he was too perplexed and unhappy to defend himself . His eye went from one to the other , and , seeing doubt in both faces , his boyish heart sunk within him ; for he could prove nothing , and his first impulse was to go away at once . `` I ca n't say any thing , only that I did n't take the money . You wo n't believe it , so I 'd better go back where I come from . They were n't so kind , but they trusted me , and knew I would n't steal a cent . You may keep my money , and the kitty , too ; I do n't want 'em , '' and , snatching up his hat , Ben would gone straight away , if Thorny had not barred his passage . `` Come , now , do n't be mad . Let 's talk it over , and if I 'm wrong I 'll take it all back and ask your pardon , '' he said , in a friendly tone , rather scared at the consequences of his first attempt , though as sure as ever that he was right . `` It would break my heart to have you go in that way , Ben . Stay at least till your innocence is proved , then no one can doubt what you say now . '' `` Do n't see how it can be proved , '' answered Ben , appeased by her evident desire to trust him . `` We 'll try as well as we know how , and the first thing we will do is to give that old secretary a good rummage from top to bottom . I 've done it once , but it is just possible that the bills may have slipped out of sight . Come , now , I ca n't rest till I 've done all I can to comfort you and convince Thorny . '' Miss Celia rose as she spoke , and led the way to the dressing-room , which had no outlet except through her chamber . Still holding his hat , Ben followed with a troubled face , and Thorny brought up the rear , doggedly determined to keep his eye on `` the little scamp '' till the matter was satisfactorily cleared up . Miss Celia had made her proposal more to soothe the feelings of one boy and to employ the superfluous energies of the other , than in the expectation of throwing any light upon the mystery ; for she was sadly puzzled by Ben 's manner , and much regretted that she had let her brother meddle in the matter .
`` There , '' she said , unlocking the door with the key Thorny reluctantly gave up to her , `` this is the room and that is the drawer on the XXXXX .
Ben Celia Folks Thorny dressing-room first heart right rummage scamp