you , John⁠—”

He could hear himself solemnly developing the argument; and he could see John bowing to his judgment, acquiescing.

If he didn’t acquiesce; if he made trouble, or if the police made trouble⁠—but Stephen preferred not to think of that. Yet if it did happen he would be ready. If it was oath against oath, with the scales weighted already against John, he knew who would be believed.