"Would you mind holding my hand ?" he asked.

"I am all right in my mind, but I think I am rather queer in my legs; I think I should feel better if I held the hand of--of somebody who wasn't little, or--or weak." Oh, the strong, cordial pressure of the big, brown hand! how it sent warmth and cheer and courage through the little quivering frame! John was all right in his mind, as he said, but his body felt already the stinging blows of the cane, his ears rang already with the burning words of rage and spite.
"But it is the inside that matters!" said John, aloud; and he shut his eyes and went into the house.
"Good-morning, gentleman," the Skipper began, always at his courteous ease.
"I have to ask your forgiveness, that I carry off yesterday our young friend here.

You were not at house, I desired greatly of his company; I have the ways of the sea, waiting not too long for the things I like; briefly, I take him away.

That I bear the blame of this is my desire.
And now, shall we pleasantly converse, ha ?" He seated himself, drew the boy between his knees, and looked Mr.
Scraper squarely in the eyes.

Now, Mr.Scraper did not like to be looked at in this manner; he shifted on his chair, and his mouth, which had been opened to pour out a flood of angry speech, closed with a spiteful snap, and then opened, and then closed again.
The Skipper observed these fish-like snappings with grave attention.