`` 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 Celia , as Ben dropped the handful of what looked like rubbish . `` Something warm and wiggly inside of it , '' answered Ben , stooping to examine the contents of the little scarlet bundle . `` Baby mice ! Ai n't they funny ? Look just like mites of young pigs . We 'll have to kill 'em if you 've caught their mamma , '' he said , forgetting his own trials in boyish curiosity about his `` find . ''
Miss XXXXX stooped also , and gently poked the red cradle with her finger ; for the tiny mice were nestling deeper into the fluff with small squeals of alarm .
Ben Celia Thorny bit bole harm left mites pen-wiper right