"They'll have him right enough," said Dick. "A convict at large is a danger to all on the moor."
"This one ain't," said Brack. "'Sides, he may be innocent."
"Innocent men don't get into Princetown," said Dick.
"That's just where yer wrong," said Brack. "I've a brother in there now, and he's innocent, I'll swear it."
Dick maintained a diplomatic silence.
"Of course you'll not believe it, but it'll come out some day. He was on a man-o-warsman, and they lagged him for knocking a petty officer overboard; the chap was drowned, but Bill swore he never had a hand in it, and I believes him. At the trial it came out Bill had a down on the man; and no wonder—he was a brute, and a good riddance."
"Do you know who knocked him over?"
"No, but it's my firm belief Bill does, and that he's sufferin' for another, won't give him away."
Dick smiled.
"You don't know Bill; I does," said Brack emphatically.