But above all he retained the passion for good form . Good form ! However much he may have degenerated , he still knew that this is all that really matters . From far within him he heard a creaking as of rusty portals , and through them came a stern tap-tap-tap , like hammering in the night when one can not sleep . ` Have you been good form to-day ? ' was their eternal question . ` Fame , fame , that glittering bauble , it is mine , ' he cried . ` Is it quite good form to be distinguished at anything ? ' the tap-tap from his school replied . ' I am the only man whom Barbecue feared , ' he urged ; ` and Flint himself feared Barbecue . ' ` Barbecue , Flint -- what house ? ' came the cutting retort . Most disquieting reflection of all , was it not bad form to think about good form ? His vitals were tortured by this problem . It was a claw within him sharper than the iron one ; and as it tore him , the perspiration dripped down his tallow countenance and streaked his doublet . Ofttimes he drew his sleeve across his face , but there was no damming that trickle . Ah , envy not Hook . There came to him a presentiment of his early dissolution . It was as if Peter 's terrible oath had boarded the ship . Hook felt a gloomy desire to make his dying speech , lest presently there should be no time for it .
` Better for Hook , ' he XXXXX , ` if he had had less ambition . '
Have Hook Is boarded cried distinguished drew feared felt urged