The captain tells me in this note that you have been shamming stupid.

Now, sir, I am not to be taken in that way.

You're something like the monkeys, who won't speak because they are afraid they will be made to work.

I have looked attentively at your face, and I see at once that you are _very clever_, and if you do not prove so in a very short time, why--you had better jump overboard, that's all.

Perfectly understand me.