"Did you say Jean was to be killed, sir?"
"Jean! Who is Jean?—Oh, now I remember; the pig. Yes, certainly. Why do you bother and boggle so about killing a pig?"
"The ship's company, sir—"
"Well; what have the ship's company to say to my pig?"
"They are very fond of Jean, sir."
"The devil they are! Well; what then?"
"Why, sir, they would take it as a great kindness if you would not order her to be killed. She is a great pet, sir, and comes to them when they call her by name, like a dog. They have taught her not to venture abaft the mainmast; but if you only call her, you'll see that what I say is true."
"Indeed! I'll soon try that experiment;" and seized my hat to go on deck.
"Shall I tell the butcher to hold fast?" asked Capewell.
"Of course!" I exclaimed. "Of course!"