`` 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 Celia had made up her mind to speak to Ben . She was just going down to breakfast when the sound of loud voices made her pause and listen . It came from Ben 's room , where the two boys seemed to be disputing about something . `` I hope Thorny has kept his promise , '' she thought , and hurried through the back entry , fearing a general explosion .
XXXXX 's chamber was at the end , and she could see and hear what was going on before she was near enough to interfere .
Ben Celia day dressing-room explosion first left morning night right