Then was heard a crowing sound which was well understood by the boys , but to the pirates was almost more eerie than the screech . ` What was that ? ' cried Hook . ` Two , ' said Slightly solemnly . The Italian Cecco hesitated for a moment and then swung into the cabin . He tottered out , haggard . ` What 's the matter with Bill Jukes , you dog ? ' hissed Hook , towering over him . ` The matter wi ' him is he 's dead , stabbed , ' replied Cecco in a hollow Voice . ` Bill Jukes dead ! ' cried the startled pirates . ` The cabin 's as black as a pit , ' Cecco said , almost gibbering , ` but there is something terrible in there : the thing you heard crowing . ' The exultation of the boys , the lowering looks of the pirates , both were seen by Hook . ` Cecco , ' he said in his most steely voice , ` go back and fetch me out that doodle-doo . ' Cecco , bravest of the brave , cowered before his captain , crying ` No , no ' ; but Hook was purring to his claw . ` Did you say you would go , Cecco ? ' he said musingly . Cecco went , first flinging up his arms despairingly . There was no more singing , all listened now ; and again came a death-screech and again a crow . No one spoke except Slightly .
` Three , ' he XXXXX .
brave cowered heard hesitated listened replied said say spoke swung