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 John . ` What would you call me if I join ? ' Michael demanded . ` Blackbeard Joe . '
XXXXX was naturally impressed .
Didst Hook Jack Joe John Michael Nibs first maths prep.