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 Tommy , and set yourselves right before us all . I can forgive the yielding to sudden temptation much easier than I can deceit . Do n't add a lie to the theft , but confess frankly , and we will all try to help you make us forget and forgive . '' He paused a moment , and one might have heard a pin drop , the room was so still ; then slowly and impressively he put the question to each one , receiving the same answer in varying tones from all . Every face was flushed and excited , so that Mr. Bhaer could not take color as a witness , and some of the little boys were so frightened that they stammered over the two short words as if guilty , though it was evident that they could not be . When he came to Nat , his voice softened , for the poor lad looked so wretched , Mr. Bhaer felt for him . 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 XXXXX 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 .
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