In the first place, I will give a last chance to whoever may have taken it to rise in his place and confess it." He paused, and still all were silent.
"Now mind," he said, "I do not say that any of you have taken it--I have no grounds for such an accusation.

It may have been taken by a servant.
A tramp may have come in at the back gate when you were all away and have carried it off.

These things are possible.

And even were I sure that it had been done by one of you I should not dream of punishing all; therefore for the present we will say no more about it.

But in order to assure myself and you I must ask you for the keys of your boxes.