Why the word "murder" struck me with such a horror I cannot tell.

I stood looking at the old boatman like one struck with dismay.

I was on the point of saying that it was quite impossible, for I had been on the Chain Pier last night, and had seen nothing of the kind.

Some prudent impulse restrained me.
"I would not go so far as to say it was murder," interrupted a sturdy boatman.

"I have been about here a great many years, and I have seen some queer things.