Is there anything hidden in the closet , Ben ? '' and Miss Celia came between the belligerent parties with her one hand up to part them . Thorny fell back at once , looking half ashamed of his heat , and Ben briefly answered , with a gulp as if shame or anger made it hard to speak steadily : `` Yes 'm , there is . '' `` Does it belong to you ? '' `` Yes 'm , it does . '' `` Where did you get it ? '' `` Up to Squire 's . '' `` That 's a lie ! '' muttered Thorny to himself . Ben 's eye flashed , and his fist doubled up in spite of him , but he restrained himself out of respect for Miss Celia , who looked puzzled , as she asked another question , not quite sure how to proceed with the investigation : `` Is it money , Ben ? '' `` No 'm , it is n't . '' `` Then what can it be ? '' `` Meow ! '' answered a fourth voice from the closet ; and as Ben flung open the door a gray kitten walked out , purring with satisfaction at her release . Miss Celia fell into a chair and laughed till her eyes were full ; Thorny looked foolish , and Ben folded his arms , curled up his nose , and regarded his accuser with calm defiance , while pussy sat down to wash her face as if her morning toilette had been interrupted by her sudden abduction . `` That 's all very well , but it does n't mend matters much , so you need n't laugh , Celia , '' began Thorny , recovering himself , and stubbornly bent on sifting the case to the bottom , now he had begun . `` Well , it would , if you 'd let a feller alone . She said she wanted a cat , so I went and got the one they gave me when I was at the Squire 's . I went early and took her without asking , and I had a right to , '' explained Ben , much aggrieved by having his surprise spoiled . `` It was very kind of you , and I 'm glad to have this nice kitty .
We will shut her up in my room to catch the mice that plague me , '' said Miss Celia , picking up the little cat , and wondering how she would XXXXX her two angry boys safely down stairs .
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