"I never meant to steal anything."
"But you meant to steal this time: the cat is out of the bag."
The constable's stern features relaxed a little, and there was something like a smile playing upon his face, as if in faint appreciation of a joke.
"The cat is out of the drawer, if that is what you mean," said Fanny, laughing, and now greatly encouraged by the new aspect of the case.
"That is what I mean."
"But I didn't let the cat out," protested Fanny.
"Who did?"
"Mrs. Green."
"Fanny, you are lying to me, and you know you are," added Mr. Long, sternly.
"I hope to die if it isn't just as I say!" persisted the wicked girl, earnestly. "Mrs. Green let the cat out of the drawer, and I had a good laugh over it."