The smile dissipates like mist rising from water. Harold doesn't say that he hasn't seen them do anything monstrous here, and he doesn't say that he suspects John has done equally monstrous things. That's John's story to share and not his, and for the former, he won't pretend his personal direct experience is the only one that matters.

"I don't recall saying what my reasoning was. But I'm aware by yours that you are." A pause, hesitating, as he decides what to say.

"Would you like a chance to be something else?"