"Never mind him, Soffy," said her father; "to quote Hudibras,
"There's nothing on earth hath so perfect a phiz,
As not to give birth to a passable quiz."
Here Willis led in the chimpanzee, who made a grimace to the assembled company.
"Now, ladies and gentlemen," said Willis, "Jocko is about to show you the progress he has made in splicing and bracing."
"Good!" said Becker, "you have been able to make something of him, then?"
"You will see presently. Jocko, bring me a plate."
Hereupon the chimpanzee seized a bottle of Rockhouse malaga, and filled a glass.
"He has erred on the safe side there," said Jack, drily.
"Well," added Willis, laughing, "we must let that pass. Jocko," said he, assuming a sententious tone, "I asked you for a plate."
The chimpanzee looked at him, hesitated a moment, then seized the glass, and drank the contents off at a single draught. A box on the ears then sent him gibbering into a corner.