They listened sulkily to what the chaplain had to say, but to all appearance neither understood nor cared about a single word, and he had the disappointment of noticing, week after week, and month after month, scarcely a sign of good rising out of his labours in the case of any one of them.
One day the governor met him as he was about to pay his customary visits.
"Oh, good-morning, sir.

You'll find a new customer to-day." The gaol governor, you will observe, spoke about his prisoners in a very commercial sort of way.
"Yes, and a queer one too," he added; "he doesn't look like one of our regular customers." "What is he imprisoned for ?" "He was drunk, and quarrelled with a sailor on the quay, and pushed him into the water, I believe." "Was the sailor drowned ?" "No, they fished him out, but this gentleman has got six months for it.
He seems very down about it, so I'd like you to see him." "All right; I will make a point of visiting his cell.

Good-morning." And Jim went on his round, thinking very little about the governor's communication.
Presently he came to the gallery in which the new prisoner's cell was, and asked the turnkey to show him the door.
"No use you a-going in there," muttered that functionary.
"Why ?" asked Jim.
"He do swear so as I never hear a cove swear afore." "Ah," said Jim, "and I suppose you've heard a good deal too in your time." "So you may say, but this here young fellow comes out with it as if he'd skin you alive." "Well, I must see him.

Let me in, please." When the door was opened the prisoner's back was turned, nor did he alter his position as Jim entered the cell.
There was undoubtedly something unusual about the man.

His figure was not that of a labourer or a rough, nor was his attitude one of stolid brutishness, such as the chaplain had grown only too familiar with.
Jim stood a moment irresolute, and then said,-- "May I speak to you, friend ?" The man turned himself, and without raising his eyes from the stone floor, poured out a volley of curses which fully justified the turnkey's description.
Jim started, and uttered a quick exclamation.