That _is_ it." His chin seemed to sink lower on his breast, his body to weigh heavier on his seat.

I was about to ask him what he meant, when a sort of preparatory tremor passed over his whole person, as a faint ripple may be seen upon stagnant water even before the wind is felt.

"And so that poor young man ran away along with the others," he said, with grave tranquillity.
'I don't know what made me smile: it is the only genuine smile of mine I can remember in connection with Jim's affair.

But somehow this simple statement of the matter sounded funny in French.

.