It was like you to do it, and I love you for it, though it's never right to tell lies, even for a friend." "What is it ?" cried Nat, for Dan said not a word, only lifted up his head, as if a weight of some sort had fallen off his back.
"Dan did not take Tommy's money;" and Mr.Bhaer quite shouted it, he was so glad.
"Who did ?" cried the boys in a chorus.
Mr.Bhaer pointed to one empty seat, and every eye followed his finger, yet no one spoke for a minute, they were so surprised.
"Jack went home early this morning, but he left this behind him;" and in the silence Mr.Bhaer read the note which he had found tied to his door-handle when he rose.
"I took Tommy's dollar.

I was peeking in through a crack and saw him put it there.

I was afraid to tell before, though I wanted to.

I didn't care so much about Nat, but Dan is a trump, and I can't stand it any longer.
I never spent the money; it's under the carpet in my room, right behind the washstand.

I'm awful sorry.