He needs must open his mouth and pour forth an unwilling, gushing howl.

But, as with Jerry, it was not mere howl.

It was more akin to a mellow singing; and it was not long before Kwaque could lead his voice up and down, in rough time and tune, within a definite register.
Michael never liked these lessons, for, looking down upon Kwaque, he hated in any way to be under the black's compulsion.

But all this was changed when Dag Daughtry surprised them at a singing lesson.

He resurrected the harmonica with which it was his wont, ashore in public- houses, to while away the time between bottles.