It was part of Skipper's trouble.

Jerry did not reason this conclusion.

But, and to the point, he acted upon it as if he had reasoned it.

In truth, through inadequacy of one of the most adequate languages in the world, it can only be said that Jerry _sensed_ the new difference of this roughness.
He sat up, just out of range of one restless, beating arm, yearned to come closer and lick again the face of the god who knew him not, and who, he knew, loved him well, and palpitatingly shared and suffered all Skipper's trouble.
"Eh, Clancey," Skipper babbled.

"It's a fine job this day, and no better crew to clean up after the dubs of motormen.