` 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 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 XXXXX had sometimes experienced this hankering at maths .
Didst John Nibs Wendy ay colour first presence to-night use