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 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. S death 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, said Hook, purring again.
No, by thunder! Starkey cried.
My hook thinks you did, said Hook, crossing to him. I wonder if it
would not be advisable, Starkey, to humour the hook?
I ll swing before I go in there, replied Starkey doggedly, and again
he had the support of the crew.
Is this mutiny? asked Hook more pleasantly than ever. Starkey s
ringleader!
Captain, mercy! Starkey whimpered, all of a tremble now.
Shake hands, Starkey, said Hook, proffering his claw.
Starkey looked round for help, but all deserted him. As he backed up
Hook advanced, and now the red spark was in his eye. With a despairing
scream the pirate leapt upon Long Tom and precipitated himself into the
sea.
Four, said Slightly.
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