But what I look at, you see, is my duty.

You may have your idees of duty, and I may have mine; and I'm a justice of the peace, and I don't see anything for it but to ask you to give up that child to his lawful guardeen, as has sent me for him." A pause ensued, during which Franci sauntered to the side with easy grace.

"Shall I put a knife into him, Patron ?" he asked, indicating Mr.
Bill Hen with a careless nod.

"How well he would stick, eh?
The fatness of his person! It is but to say the word, Patron." Mr.Bill Hen recoiled with a look of horror, and prepared for instant flight; but the Skipper's gesture reassured him.

"Franci, look if there is a whale on the larboard bow!" said the latter.
"Perfectly, Patron!" replied Franci, withdrawing with his most courtly bow.