Sam forgot his manners , but he remembered his promise , and kept it so well that all the school wondered . No one could guess the secret of Ben 's power over him , though it was evident that he had gained it in some sudden way , for at the least sign of Sam 's former tricks Ben would crook his little finger and wag it warningly , or call out `` Bulrushes ! '' and Sam subsided with reluctant submission , to the great amazement of his mates . When asked what it meant , Sa , turned sulky ; but Ben had much fun out of it , assuring the other boys that those were the signs and password of a secret society to which he and Sam belonged , and promised to tell them all about it if Sam would give him leave , which , of course , he would not . This mystery , and the vain endeavors to find it out caused a lull in the war of the wood-pile , and before any new game was invented something happened which gave the children plenty to talk about for a time . A week after the secret alliance was formed , Ben ran in one evening with a letter for Miss Celia . He found her enjoying the cheery blaze of the pine-cones the little girls had picked up for her , and Bab and Betty sat in the small chairs rocking luxuriously as they took turns to throw on the pretty fuel . Miss Celia turned quickly to receive the expected letter , glanced at the writing , post-mark and stamp , with an air of delighted surprise , then clasped it close in both hands , saying , as she hurried out of the room , -- `` He has come ! he has come ! Now you may tell them , Thorny . '' `` Tell its what ? asked Bab , pricking up her cars at once . `` Oh , it 's only that George has come , and I suppose we shall go and get married right away , '' answered Thorny , rubbing his hands as if he enjoyed the prospect . `` Are you going to be married ? asked Betty , so soberly that the boys shouted , and Thorny , with difficulty composed himself sufficiently to explain . `` No , child , not just yet ; but sister is , and I must go and see that all is done up ship-shape , and bring you home some wedding-cake . Ben will take care of you while I 'm gone . '' `` When shall you go ? '' asked Bab , beginning to long for her share of cake . `` To-morrow , I guess .
Celia has been packed and ready for a XXXXX .
Bab Betty Sa Sam Thorny evening password ship-shape wedding-cake week