He believed him to be the culprit , and hoped to save the boy from another lie , by winning him to tell the truth without fear . `` Now , my son , give me an honest answer . Did you take the money ? '' `` No , sir ! '' and Nat looked up at him imploringly . As the words fell from his trembling lips , somebody hissed . `` Stop that ! '' cried Mr. Bhaer , with a sharp rap on his desk , as he looked sternly toward the corner whence the sound came . Ned , Jack , and Emil sat there , and the first two looked ashamed of themselves , but Emil called out , `` It was n't me , uncle ! I 'd be ashamed to hit a fellow when he is down . '' `` Good for you ! '' cried Tommy , who was in a sad state of affliction at the trouble his unlucky dollar had made . `` Silence ! '' commanded Mr. Bhaer ; and when it came , he said soberly , `` I am very sorry , Nat , but evidences are against you , and your old fault makes us more ready to doubt you than we should be if we could trust you as we do some of the boys , who never fib . But mind , my child , I do not charge you with this theft ; I shall not punish you for it till I am perfectly sure , nor ask any thing more about it . I shall leave it for you to settle with your own conscience . If you are guilty , come to me at any hour of the day or night and confess it , and I will forgive and help you to amend . If you are innocent , the truth will appear sooner or later , and the instant it does , I will be the first to beg your pardon for doubting you , and will so gladly do my best to clear your character before us all . '' `` I did n't ! I did n't ! ''
sobbed XXXXX , with his head down upon his arms , for he could not bear the look of distrust and dislike which he read in the many eyes fixed on him .
Bhaer Emil Jack Nat Ned Tommy first mind night rap