Probably, as Captain Runacles had said, he lacked a gift.
On this occasion he picked up his hat and cloak without a trace of discomposure.
"I understand you to refuse my offer ?" he said.
"Yes." "You prefer that the young man should receive six dozen lashes to-morrow morning." Captain Barker winced and his mouth contracted painfully.
"My lord, I took that boy from his dead mother when he was a few hours old.

Never in his life has a hand been laid upon him in anger.
He will hardly understand what it means.

But he has been taught to know honour and to cherish it.

I choose as he would choose, were he here." "Are you going, my lord ?" added Captain Jemmy.

"You have your answer." "Not quite yet, I fancy.