`` 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 . Tommy 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 . `` Take your seats , '' he said ; and , when all were in their places , he added slowly , as his eye went from face to face with a grieved look , that was harder to bear than a storm of words , `` Now , boys , I shall ask each one of you a single question , and I want an honest answer . I am not going to try to frighten , bribe , or surprise the truth out of you , for every one of you have got a conscience , and know what it is for .
Now is the time to undo the wrong done to XXXXX , and set yourselves right before us all .
Dan Demi Emil Jack Ned Silas Tom Tommy daylight storm