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 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 XXXXX mournfully , ' I do n't think so , ' as if he wished things had been otherwise .
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