`` 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 right . The lower ones have seldom been opened since we came , and hold only some of papa 's old books . Those upper ones you may turn out and investigate as much as you -- Bless me ! here 's something in your trap , '' Thorny and Miss Celia gave a little skip as she nearly trod on a long , gray tall , which hung out of the bole now filled by a plump mouse . But her brother was intent on more serious things , and merely pushed the trap aside as he pulled out the drawer with an excited gesture , which sent it and all its contents clattering to the floor . `` Confound the old thing ! It always stuck so I had to give a jerk . Now , there it is , topsy-turvy , '' and Thorny looked Much disgusted at his own awkwardness . `` No harm done ; I left nothing of value in it . Look back there , Ben , and see if there is room for a paper to get worked over the top of the drawer . I felt quite a crack , but I do n't believe it is possible for things to slip out ; the place was never full enough to overflow in any way . '' Miss Celia spoke to Ben , who was kneeling down to pick up the scattered papers , among which were two marked dollar bills , -- Thorny 's bait for the thief . Ben looked into the dusty recess , and then put in his hand , saying carelessly , -- `` There 's nothing but a bit of red stuff . '' `` My old pen-wiper -- Why , what 's the matter ? ''
asked Miss XXXXX , as Ben dropped the handful of what looked like rubbish .
Ben Celia bole dressing-room first left pen-wiper right rummage scamp