Never saw such a fellow as you are, Ralph; always up to mischief.

You've almost knocked out all my teeth and more than half choked me, and now you go shamming dead! It's very wicked of you, indeed it is." While Peterkin ran on in this style, my faculties became quite clear again, and I began to understand my position.

"What do you mean by saying I half choked you, Peterkin ?" said I.
"What do I mean?
Is English not your mother tongue, or do you want me to repeat it in French, by way of making it clearer?
Don't you remember--" "I remember nothing," said I, interrupting him, "after we were thrown into the sea." {Slowly recovering: p24.jpg} "Hush, Peterkin," said Jack, "you're exciting Ralph with your nonsense.
I'll explain it to you.

You recollect that after the ship struck, we three sprang over the bow into the sea; well, I noticed that the oar struck your head and gave you that cut on the brow, which nearly stunned you, so that you grasped Peterkin round the neck without knowing apparently what you were about.

In doing so you pushed the telescope,--which you clung to as if it had been your life,--against Peterkin's mouth--" "Pushed it against his mouth!" interrupted Peterkin, "say crammed it down his throat.