"Easy, my lad—don't start the timbers. In trouble—hey?"
I nodded.
"I thought as much, when I shipped ye. Sit up, and tell me; but first listen to this. All trouble's big to a boy, but one o' your age don't often do what's past mendin', if he takes it honest. That's comfort, hey? Very well: now haul up and inspect damages, and we'll see what's to be done."
"It's about a Jew, sir," I stammered at length.
He nodded. "Now we're making headway."
"He—he was murdered. I saw him—"
"Look here," said Mr. Jope, very grave but seemingly not astonished: "hadn't you best get under the seat?"
"I—I didn't do it, sir. Really, I didn't."
"I'm not suggestin' it," said Mr. Jope. "Still, all circumstances considered, I'd get under the seat."
"If you wish it, sir."