Page:Peter Pan (1928).pdf/126

86 (gripping the stave for support). Who are you, stranger, speak.

(who is only too ready to speak). I am Jas Hook, Captain of the Jolly Roger.

(now white to the gills). No, no, you are not.

. Brimstone and gall, say that again and I’ll cast anchor in you.

. If you are Hook, come tell me, who am I?

. A codfish, only a codfish.

(aghast). A codfish?

(drawing back from him). Have we been captained all this time by a codfish?

. It’s lowering to our pride.

(feeling that his ego is slipping from him). Don’t desert me, bullies.

(top-heavy). Paw, fish, paw!

(There is a touch of the feminine in, as in all the greatest pirates, and it prompts him to try the guessing game.)

. Have you another name?

(falling to the lure). Ay, ay.