He pursued the problem like the sleuth-hound that he was . If Smee was lovable , what was it that made him so ? A terrible answer suddenly presented itself : ` Good form ? ' Had the bo ` sun good form without knowing it , which is the best form of all ? He remembered that you have to prove you do n't know you have it before you are eligible for Pop . With a cry of rage he raised his iron hand over Smee 's head ; but he did not tear . What arrested him was this reflection : ` To claw a man because he is good form , what would that be ? ' ` Bad form ! ' The unhappy Hook was as impotent as he was damp , and he fell forward like a cut flower . His dogs thinking him out of the way for a time , discipline instantly relaxed ; and they broke into a bacchanalian dance , which brought him to his feet at once ; all traces of human weakness gone , as if a bucket of water had passed over him . ` Quiet , you scugs , ' he cried , ` or I 'll cast anchor in you ' ; and at once the din was hushed . ` Are all the children chained , so that they can not fly away ? ' ` Ay , ay . ' ` Then hoist them up . ' The wretched prisoners were dragged from the hold , all except Wendy , and ranged in line in front of him . For a time he seemed unconscious of their presence . He lolled at his ease , humming , not unmelodiously , snatches of a rude song , and fingering a pack of cards . 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 XXXXX 's instructions in the hold ; so Tootles stepped forward politely .
Ay Smee Wendy colour presence prisoners scugs sleuth-hound snatches to-night