He knew French well, but could speak almost no Jersey patois, so, in compliment to him, Jean Touzel, Ranulph, and Guida spoke in English.

This ability to speak English--his own English--was the pride of Jean's life.

He babbled it all the way, and chiefly about a mythical Uncle Elias, who was the text for many a sermon.
"Times past," said he, as they neared Maitre Ile, "mon onc' 'Lias he knows these Ecrehoses better as all the peoples of the world--respe d'la compagnie.

Mon onc' 'Lias he was a fine man.

Once when there is a fight between de Henglish and de hopping Johnnies," he pointed towards France, "dere is seven French ship, dere is two Henglish ship--gentlemen-of-war dey are call.