ferris was trying to catch forthing by the arm , murmuring to him , `` look , if it should bring up his spirits at all- '' forthing shook him off and said , in cutting tones , `` i know very well your motive to allow any degree of license whatsoever- '' and ferris flushed angrily , but temeraire could not pay attention to them further , as he had to turn to meet their guest as he came in to land .