Serph does watch Jack (and his hands) with some mild amusement, listening to the other drifter fuss and fret.

Before Jack can go on another round of indecisive rambling, he cuts in calmly but firmly, "You'll know when you see him again."

Really. John had been in better condition than he was.

And as a distraction, he asks, "What is this?" He taps the bowl of porridge. "And have you eaten?"

Since the last person who had brought him food hadn't eaten before doing so.