James, of course, knows the behavior of a thief when he sees one. What, you think he's never been dockside before? If the lad isn't stealing things now, he's getting ready to. And he's not particularly subtle about it, either. Not if you know what to look for.
He comes up behind the "messenger," not for a second buying the farm garb or smudged clothes. He brings his hand down heavy, aiming for the boy's shoulder. If the boy is really innocent, James expects to catch him.
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James, of course, knows the behavior of a thief when he sees one. What, you think he's never been dockside before? If the lad isn't stealing things now, he's getting ready to. And he's not particularly subtle about it, either. Not if you know what to look for.
He comes up behind the "messenger," not for a second buying the farm garb or smudged clothes. He brings his hand down heavy, aiming for the boy's shoulder. If the boy is really innocent, James expects to catch him.
If he slides away like a fish, then he's a thief.