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 said . Hook rallied his dogs with a gesture . '' Sdeath and odds fish , ' he thundered , ` who is to bring me that doodle-doo ? ' ` Wait till Cecco comes out , ' growled Starkey , and the others took up the cry . '
I think I heard you volunteer , Starkey , ' XXXXX Hook , purring again .
's Did brave crying flinging go purring replied said stabbed