"Hmm, is that true?" said Cenek. "Here, let us let the good lady have her walk with Falko, my lad."'
Cenek could not believe the boy had been foolish enough to come out and state he was a thief. Youthful arrogance he assumed.
He pulled Arx to the side and walked with him down the side of the boat, away from all the others to where their conversation could be had in private.
"Hmm, now my lad, it seems strange to me that you could afford such a boarding pass, hmm? Perhaps it is that the one you have, if I were to check, is not yours? In that case it would be most disastrous if any official on the boat were to learn of this - or of your, ah, "profession". You would not want to spend your first weeks in New York in a prison."
Cenek gave a long, exaggerated sigh. "I do not know what to do, my lad. I am a man of honour and dignity and my pure heart tells me to turn you in. But, I was younger once as well. I have sympathy."
He looked around, made sure no one was looking, and gripped Arx's arm tightly.
"So, are you considering "acquiring" things on this vessel, hmm? If so, my honour would have me report you... unless, perhaps, I received a... share of said profits."
He smiled. "As well, if things go missing, they will surely search a young ruffian like you. I however, a legitimate businessman, would be less suspicious. Take me your profits and I will make sure no one knows anything. I give you my word."