“I am afraid so indeed. There was really nothing else to be done, matters having been pushed to a crisis.”
“Ned, you know I am as sorry as I could be!” Nicky said. “I wouldn’t have put you in a fix for the world!”
“Yes, that is what you always say,” interposed John. “But you go from one scrape to another! Now it has come to this, that you may think yourself fortunate if you do not have to stand your trial for manslaughter!”
“I know,” Nicky said. “Of course I know that! And perhaps they won’t believe it was an accident.”
“My dear Nicky, none of this is likely to go beyond the coroner’s inquest,” Carlyon said. “You go up to bed, and don’t tease yourself any more tonight!”
Nicky sighed, and John, perceiving that he was looking pale and very tired, said roughly, “Don’t worry! We shall not let them hale you off to prison, Nick!”
Nicky smiled sleepily but gratefully at him, and took himself off.
“Incorrigible!” John said. “Did he tell you why he has been sent down?”
“Yes, there was a performing bear,” Carlyon answered absently.
“I suppose that is sufficient to explain all!”