Ever and anon the light from his cigar gave a touch of colour to his face . `` Now then , bullies , '' he said briskly , `` six of you walk the plank to-night , but I have room for two cabin boys . Which of you is it to be ? '' `` Do n't irritate him unnecessarily , '' had been Wendy 's instructions in the hold ; so Tootles stepped forward politely . Tootles hated the idea of signing under such a man , but an instinct told him that it would be prudent to lay the responsibility on an absent person ; and though a somewhat silly boy , he knew that mothers alone are always willing to be the buffer . All children know this about mothers , and despise them for it , but make constant use of it . So Tootles explained prudently , `` You see , sir , I do n't think my mother would like me to be a pirate . Would your mother like you to be a pirate , Slightly ? '' He winked at Slightly , who said mournfully , `` I do n't think so , '' as if he wished things had been otherwise . `` Would your mother like you to be a pirate , Twin ? '' `` I do n't think so , '' said the first twin , as clever as the others . `` Nibs , would -- '' `` Stow this gab , '' roared Hook , and the spokesmen were dragged back . `` You , boy , '' he said , addressing John , `` you look as if you had a little pluck in you . Didst never want to be a pirate , my hearty ? '' Now John had sometimes experienced this hankering at maths . prep. ; and he was struck by Hook 's picking him out . `` I once thought of calling myself Red-handed Jack , '' he said diffidently . `` And a good name too . We 'll call you that here , bully , if you join . '' `` What do you think , Michael ? ''
asked XXXXX .
Hook Jack John Michael Nibs Wendy first maths prep. to-night