`` 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 . 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 XXXXX , who looked ready to defend himself to the last gasp , `` Boys , I will settle this affair .
Ben Celia day explosion left morning night right stealing turkey-cock