"Aye, I know..." He clenched his firsts to keep his hands from trembling. "They won't do it again if I don't say owt. Please. I just want to go..." There was a light tremor in his voice.

Elijah frowned. "Look, I won't arrest them but can you give me something? You say they won't do it again but they did it already once. Just in case something does happen and you can't tell me."

"They'll do it again if I talk. Leave it, please, Mr. Crane. It's over and done now."

He folded his arms and shook his head. Finally, he sighed. "Only if you tell me why they attacked you?"

"Promised you don't do owt or tell anything. They'll beat me again and it will be worse." His voice was unsteady.

Elijah held up his hands. "I won't say or do anything unless you get hurt again. You have my word."

"'T was because of Alice," he muttered looking diwn at his hands.

Elijah shook his head and frowned putting his hands on his hips. "Damn it.. was Ben among them?" He held up his hand. "I'll keep my promise. I won't say or do anything unless they do it again."

"Ben?" he asked, looking miserable.

Elijah slapped his forehead. "Mr. Ward? Don't tell me you have never seen her father?"