`` What , about the money ? '' cried Nat , looking up with a startled air . `` Yes . '' `` But I do n't believe it ! You do n't care for money ; all you want is your old bugs and things , '' and Nat laughed , incredulously . `` I want a butterfly net as much as you want a fiddle ; why should n't I steal the money for it as much as you ? '' said Dan , still turning away , and busily punching holes in the turf with his stick . `` I do n't think you would . You like to fight and knock folks round sometimes , but you do n't lie , and I do n't believe you 'd steal , '' and Nat shook his head decidedly . `` I 've done both . I used to fib like fury ; it 's too much trouble now ; and I stole things to eat out of gardens when I ran away from Page , so you see I am a bad lot , '' said Dan , speaking in the rough , reckless way which he had been learning to drop lately . `` O Dan ! do n't say it 's you ! I 'd rather have it any of the other boys , '' cried Nat , in such a distressed tone that Dan looked pleased , and showed that he did , by turning round with a queer expression in his face , though he only answered , `` I wo n't say any thing about it . But do n't you fret , and we 'll pull through somehow , see if we do n't . '' Something in his face and manner gave Nat a new idea ; and he said , pressing his hands together , in the eagerness of his appeal , `` I think you know who did it . If you do , beg him to tell , Dan . It 's so hard to have 'em all hate me for nothing . I do n't think I can bear it much longer . If I had any place to go to , I 'd run away , though I love Plumfield dearly ; but I 'm not brave and big like you , so I must stay and wait till some one shows them that I have n't lied . ''
As he spoke , Nat looked so broken and despairing , that XXXXX could not bear it , and , muttered huskily , `` You wo n't wait long , '' and he walked rapidly away , and was seen no more for hours .
Dan Nat Plumfield eagerness face folks idea manner things tone