Bad LJ-- its very annoying that way.
yes, I could totally see John saying that- but never where the boys might hear! sigh.

"Not that that makes up for playing it so dumb in the first place."

LOL-that's why he should be smacked- got Sam in trouble, got himself in trouble, almost got John and himself killed, tried to get Sam killed, and he still wouldn't shut up and use his head-
then, when talking might have been useful, because John had convinced him that the previous failure to think before speaking had been dangerous he wouldn't say a word, because it still didn't occur to him to think about what he was doing. (perfect precis of my pet peeve person there)
honestly I think John showed incredible restraint- based on past performance, I'd have knocked the kid out just to be safe.