His spirit had been altogether ruffled by the imputation on Grace's character: and, besides, the chances of Thurnall's recovering his money seemed to him very small.
In five minutes he returned.
"If you would allow me, sir, there's a man there of whom I should like to ask one question.

He who held me, and, after that, helped to carry you up;" and he pointed to Gentleman Jan, who stood, dripping from the waist downward, over a chest which he had just secured.

"Just let us ask him, off-hand like, whether you had a belt on when he carried you up.

You may trust him, sir.

He'd knock you down as soon as look at you; but tell a lie, never." They went to the giant; and, after cordial salutations, Tom propounded his question carelessly, with something like a white lie.
"It's no great matter; but it was an old friend, you see, with fittings for my knife and pistols, and I should be glad to find it again." Jan thrust his red hand through his black curls, and meditated while the water surged round his ankles.
"Never a belt seed I, sir; leastwise while you were in my hands.