"Sit down," said Mr. Dockett. "Sit down, my lad. What are you reading?" and he took a book out of Jamie's hand. "Ah! the 'Lives of Celebrated Assassins.' That's a strange book for a young lad!"
Jamie turned pale.
"Is it, sir?" he said. "I—I—like it."
"Don't much look like a murderer yourself," said Mr. Dockett. "Never saw one done, eh?"
"Heaven forbid!" said Jamie.
"Heard of one though," said the detective, "that murder on the cliffs, I suppose? You knew Mr. Leicester, didn't you?"
"Yes, sir," faltered the lad.
"Liked him too?" asked the detective.
"He was a good friend to me, sir," said Jamie. "A very good, kind friend."
"Ah!" said Mr. Dockett. "Do you think if he was to come to life now that you would know him again?"