“So I supposed,” said Mr Dillon, smiling; “but we can talk as we eat.”
“I can’t at a time like this, sir,” said Nic. “I’ve come for him, please, to take him back with me.”
“Indeed!” said Mr Dillon, smiling. “Do you know all that happened?—while you were out, I presume?”
“Yes, everything, sir, and how you were misinformed.”
“Misinformed, was I?” said Mr Dillon pleasantly. “I think not.”
“But you were, sir, indeed. I know both the men so well.”
“I suppose so, my lad. Let me see, you have been in the colony quite a short time?”
“Yes; but I’ve seen a great deal of them,” cried Nic, whose face burned with annoyance at the magistrate’s look of amusement.
“And you are, of course, a good judge of convict servants?”
“I know nothing about any but our own men, sir. But I have heard everything, sir, and I am sure that our man Leather does not deserve to be punished. It would be unjust.”