Little Men, Chapter 14 summary

What happens

1. Tommy leaves four quarters in the barn, and their disappearance makes Nat, the only known witness, the chief suspect.
2. The boys shun Nat, Tommy ends their partnership, and Daisy and Dan remain loyal despite the household’s doubts.
3. Dan stops Ned from tormenting Nat, sells his treasured book, and secretly replaces Tommy’s dollar.
4. When the sale exposes his actions, Dan accepts blame and refuses to explain himself, enduring disappointment and isolation.
5. Dan rescues Jack from a tree, and Jack leaves a confession identifying himself as the thief.
6. Mr. Bhaer apologizes to Dan, who explains his sacrifice, and the household celebrates and makes amends.

In this chapter

What to notice

Dan explains that protecting Nat, not concealing theft, motivates his false admission. The explanation changes the household’s understanding of his silence.

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