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 Nat , 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 . `` I hope not . '' Mr. Bhaer paused a minute , as if to give the culprit , whoever he might be , one more chance . Nobody spoke , however , and only sniffs of sympathy from some of the little fellows broke the silence . Mr. Bhaer shook his head , and added , regretfully , `` There is nothing more to be done , then , and I have but one thing to say : I shall not speak of this again , and I wish you all to follow my example . I can not expect you to feel as kindly toward any one whom you suspect as before this happened , but I do expect and desire that you will not torment the suspected person in any way , he will have a hard enough time without that . Now go to your lessons . '' `` Father Bhaer let Nat off too easy , '' muttered Ned to Emil , as they got out their books . `` Hold your tongue , '' growled Emil , who felt that this event was a blot upon the family honor .
Many of the boys agreed with Ned , but Mr. Bhaer was right , nevertheless ; and XXXXX would have been wiser to confess on the spot and have the trouble over , for even the hardest whipping he ever received from his father was far easier to bear than the cold looks , the avoidance , and general suspicion that met him on all sides .
Bhaer Emil Nat Tommy event eyes first minute night sympathy