Cockney English?

In the book "Parrot and Olivier in America" by P. Carey, there's a conversation between a customs officer in America who speaks cockney (He is "as cockney as the Bow Bells) and Parrot. It is as follows:

"So," said the cockney American. "You look like a very cheeky chappie."

"That's me your worship."

"And how did you come by a piece of paper like this?" (He means a letter of safe conduct with many seals)

"My employer is a Frenchman. He's a lord."

"Well is he now?" he said, and returned my documents.

"What now?" I asked. "Aren't you going to write ma name down?"

"Get out of here," he said.

What does he mean by the sentence "Well is he now?" Is it perhaps a cockney form of "Where is he now?" Considering Parrots answer, it seems to me like Parrot doesn't understand him well.

Thanks for Your answer.