"I don't."
"Better not; I insist on seeing it."
"Well, you won't."
"What have you been stealing now?"
"Didn'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 Ben, who looked ready to defend himself to the last gasp, "Boys, I will settle this affair. 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?"