Every one else declared they knew nothing about it , and began to look suspiciously at Nat , who got more and more alarmed and confused with each denial . `` Somebody must have taken it , '' said Franz , as Tommy shook his fist at the whole party , and wrathfully declared that , `` By thunder turtles ! if I get hold of the thief , I 'll give him what he wo n't forget in a hurry . '' `` Keep cool , Tom ; we shall find him out ; thieves always come to grief , '' said Dan , as one who knew something of the matter . `` May be some tramp slept in the barn and took it , '' suggested Ned . `` No , Silas do n't allow that ; besides , a tramp would n't go looking in that old machine for money , '' said Emil , with scorn . `` Was n't it Silas himself ? '' said Jack . `` Well , I like that ! Old Si is as honest as daylight . You would n't catch him touching a penny of ours , '' said Tommy , handsomely defending his chief admirer from suspicion . `` Whoever it was had better tell , and not wait to be found out , '' said Demi , looking as if an awful misfortune had befallen the family . `` I know you think it 's me , '' broke out Nat , red and excited . `` You are the only one who knew where it was , '' said Franz . `` I ca n't help it I did n't take it . I tell you I did n't I did n't ! '' cried Nat , in a desperate sort of way . `` Gently , gently , my son ! What is all this noise about ? '' and Mr. Bhaer walked in among them .
XXXXX repeated the story of his loss , and , as he listened , Mr. Bhaer 's face grew graver and graver ; for , with all their faults and follies , the lads till now had been honest .
Bhaer Dan Demi Emil Nat Ned Silas Tom Tommy daylight