I am just Tootles, he said, and nobody minds me. But the first who
does not behave to Wendy like an English gentleman I will blood him
severely.
He drew back his hanger; and for that instant his sun was at noon. The
others held back uneasily. Then Peter returned, and they saw at once
that they would get no support from him. He would keep no girl in the
Neverland against her will.
Wendy, he said, striding up and down, I have asked the redskins to
guide you through the wood, as flying tires you so.
Thank you, Peter.
Then, he continued, in the short sharp voice of one accustomed to be
obeyed, Tinker Bell will take you across the sea. Wake her, Nibs.
Nibs had to knock twice before he got an answer, though Tink had really
been sitting up in bed listening for some time.
Who are you? How dare you? Go away, she cried.
You are to get up, Tink, Nibs called, and take Wendy on a journey.
Of course Tink had been delighted to hear that Wendy was going; but she
was jolly well determined not to be her courier, and she said so in
still more offensive language. Then she pretended to be asleep again.
She says she won t! Nibs exclaimed, aghast at such insubordination,
whereupon Peter went sternly toward the young lady s chamber.
Tink, he rapped out, if you don t get up and dress at once I will
open the curtains, and then we shall all see you in your _negligee_.
This made her leap to the floor. Who said I wasn t getting up? she
cried.
In the meantime the boys were gazing very forlornly at Wendy, now
equipped with John and Michael for the journey. By this time they were
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