'Of course he has. He's done 'em all, if you like. Bill knows something about them. Don't you, Bill?'
'Oh! yes,' said Bill, refreshing himself from a large pitcher of water. 'This 'ere vorter is very weak. Blowed if I ain't forgot what liquor smells like; and it's so long since I see'd a dollar, that bless me, if I think I'd know one. I'd have to go to some obligin' friend to ax what it was.'
This declaration of ignorance was accompanied by a look of consummate disgust into the pitcher, and another of a very peculiar character at Rust.
That worthy, however, seemed not unused to meeting with gentlemen in similar trying circumstances; for he gave both the look and language an interpretation which, considering the enigmatical mode in which they were expressed, fully met the views of the man who uttered them; and thrusting his hand in his pocket, he drew out a handful of silver, which he flung into the pitcher, and said:
'Perhaps that will improve the water.'
Bill made no other response than a broad grin; and then said in a more business-like tone:
'Well, about that murder, and house burnin', and all that. What do you want?'
'I want proof of it against Grosket, if he did it.'
'In course he did it,' replied the man, with a knowing look.
'Well, bring me the proof of it, and bring it soon. You know where to find me.'