He will do anything for me, or for his father, either, for that matter.

I am afraid if Bob got away from our influence he would be worse than he is now." "Oh, we have a few good influences aboard the Eagle," said the captain with a grim smile.

"Only we don't call 'em influences.

We call 'em ropes' ends, or cat-o'-nine-tails, or a belaying-pin.

I've known a limber rope's end, applied in the right place, do more good to a boy than lots of medicine." "Oh, but, captain, I couldn't have Bob beaten!" "No, of course not, I was only joking.