human
Is it true, Jacob, that you have been summoned on the jury at Lewes tomorrow?
gpt
Yes, miss, it bee true, sureley. It be four years since anyone in the village was summoned, and it be mighty hard that they should have picked upon me. Still, I have never been called before, so I suppose I mustn't grumble; but it be hard to be taken away from work, to waste one's time in a court, and they say the 'sizes ull last for three days.
human
Well, Jacob, you know that Reuben Whitney is going to be tried for robbery at our house.
gpt
Yes, miss; so they says.
human
Well, what do you think about it, Jacob?
gpt
I don't think nothing one way or the other, miss. Most folks says as how he must have done it, 'cause as how he poisoned squire's dog afore.
human
He didn't do anything of the sort, Jacob; and it's very wicked of people to say so. He is innocent, quite innocent. I am sure he is, and papa is quite sure, too; and he will be terribly put out if he is found guilty. So I want you to promise me that, whatever the others think, you will hold out that he is innocent.
gpt
Well, miss, the smith said, scratching his head,
human
But papa doesn't know that I have come down here, Jacob. It wouldn't do for him to interfere, you know; especially as he is a magistrate himself. You mustn't mention to anyone that I have spoken to you about it--not to anyone, Jacob, not even to your wife--but I can tell you the squire will be heartily pleased if he is found innocent, and he will be terribly put out if he is found guilty.
gpt
All right, miss, the smith replied.
human
I understand, and no one sha'n't know as you have spoken to me aboot it. It be quite enough for I to know as the squire knows as he's innocent. It ain't likely as I should stick my opinion up against his.