I was telling you that he hardly understands any one except my father; he always understands him, though, and wakes up quite wonderful.

He's been used to his ways so long, you see! Why, I've seen him play whist, with my father for a partner; and a good rubber too; when he had no more notion what sort of people he was playing against, than you have.' 'Has he no appetite ?' asked Merry.
'Oh, yes,' said Jonas, plying his own knife and fork very fast.

'He eats--when he's helped.

But he don't care whether he waits a minute or an hour, as long as father's here; so when I'm at all sharp set, as I am to-day, I come to him after I've taken the edge off my own hunger, you know.

Now, Chuffey, stupid, are you ready ?' Chuffey remained immovable.
'Always a perverse old file, he was,' said Mr Jonas, coolly helping himself to another slice.