Silence.
“I don’t believe a word of the story,” said his companion.
Silence.
“Do you believe,” he continued, “that that man could have been wearing that watch if he’d stole it?”
“Not I.”
“Lor! won’t Jemmy Nimble make mincemeat of ’im!”
Mrs. Oldtimes looked frequently towards Mr. Bumpkin as she continued her sewing, making the most unmistakeable signals that under no circumstances was he to answer. It was apparent to everyone, from Mr. Bumpkin’s manner, that the paragraph referred to him.
“The best thing that chap can do,” said Ned, “is not to appear at the trial. He can easily keep away.”
“He won’t, you’re sure,” answered the other man; “he knows a trick worth two of that. They say the old chap deserted his poor old wife, after beating her black and blue, and leaving her for dead.”
“It be a lie!” exclaimed Bumpkin, thumping his fist on the table.