Cockletop and her sisters cackled for him in vain , and really seemed to take his misfortune to heart , for eggs were fewer , and some of the biddies retired in disgust to new nests , which Tommy could not find . `` They trust me , '' said Nat , when he heard of it ; and though the boys shouted at the idea , Nat found comfort in it , for when one is down in the world , the confidence of even a speckled hen is most consoling . Tommy took no new partner , however , for distrust had entered in , and poisoned the peace of his once confiding soul . Ned offered to join him , but he declined , saying , with a sense of justice that did him honor , `` It might turn out that Nat did n't take my money , and then we could be partners again . I do n't think it will happen , but I will give him a chance , and keep the place open a little longer . '' Billy was the only person whom Bangs felt he could trust in his shop , and Billy was trained to hunt eggs , and hand them over unbroken , being quite satisfied with an apple or a sugar-plum for wages . The morning after Dan 's gloomy Sunday , Billy said to his employer , as he displayed the results of a long hunt , `` Only two . '' `` It gets worse and worse ; I never saw such provoking old hens , '' growled Tommy , thinking of the days when he often had six to rejoice over . `` Well , put 'em in my hat and give me a new bit of chalk ; I must mark 'em up , any way . '' Billy mounted a peck-measure , and looked into the top of the machine , where Tommy kept his writing materials . `` There 's lots of money in here , '' said Billy . `` No , there is n't . Catch me leaving my cash round again , '' returned Tommy . `` I see 'em one , four , eight , two dollars , '' persisted Billy , who had not yet mastered the figures correctly . `` What a jack you are ! '' and Tommy hopped up to get the chalk for himself , but nearly tumbled down again , for there actually were four bright quarters in a row , with a bit of paper on them directed to `` Tom Bangs , '' that there might be no mistake . `` Thunder turtles ! '' cried Tommy , and seizing them he dashed into the house , bawling wildly , `` It 's all right ! Got my money ! Where 's Nat ? ''
He was soon XXXXX , and his surprise and pleasure were so genuine that few doubted his word when he now denied all knowledge of the money .
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