The exact circumstances of the affair were unknown, for the fishermen had not been present when Richard had told his story, and Mrs.Walsham, who was much shocked when James told her the circumstances, had impressed upon him that it was better to say nothing more about it.
"You are clear in the matter, Jim, and that is enough for you.

The squire will, no doubt, punish his nephew for the wicked lies he has told.

Some day, you know, the boy will be master here.

Don't let us set everyone against him by telling this disgraceful story." So, beyond the fact that there had been a fight between James Walsham and the squire's nephew, and that Richard Horton had been thrashed, and that the squire himself had said that it served him right, Sidmouth knew nothing of what had taken place in the justice room.
Mr.Linthorne's first impulse had been to send his nephew at once back to his parents, with the message that he would have nothing more to do with him; but, though he had the reputation of being a stern man, the squire was a very kind-hearted one.

He was shocked to find that the boy was a liar, and that, to shield himself, he had invented this falsehood against his opponent; but upon reflection, he acknowledged that he himself had been to blame in the matter.