"Certainly, sir. And I have done so. I have stated to the magistrates, 'Gentlemen, I am as innocent of this charge as yourselves; what has been stated against me in the way of facts is perfectly true; I know no more about it.' I intend to continue stating that, sir. What more can I do? It's the truth."
"But the mere truth won't do," rejoined my guardian.
"Won't it indeed, sir? Rather a bad look-out for me!" Mr. George good-humouredly observed.

"Certainly, sir. And I have done so. I have stated my innocence to the magistrates, and have said I know nothing about it. What more can I do? It's the truth."
"But the mere truth won't do," rejoined my guardian. 