capture of Wendy and the boys.
Peter s heart bobbed up and down as he listened. Wendy bound, and on
the pirate ship; she who loved everything to be just so!
I ll rescue her! he cried, leaping at his weapons. As he leapt he
thought of something he could do to please her. He could take his
medicine.
His hand closed on the fatal draught.
No! shrieked Tinker Bell, who had heard Hook mutter about his deed as
he sped through the forest.
Why not?
It is poisoned.
Poisoned? Who could have poisoned it?
Hook.
Don t be silly. How could Hook have got down here?
Alas, Tinker Bell could not explain this, for even she did not know the
dark secret of Slightly s tree. Nevertheless Hook s words had left no
room for doubt. The cup was poisoned.
Besides, said Peter, quite believing himself, I never fell asleep.
He raised the cup. No time for words now; time for deeds; and with one
of her lightning movements Tink got between his lips and the draught,
and drained it to the dregs.
Why, Tink, how dare you drink my medicine?
But she did not answer. Already she was reeling in the air.
What is the matter with you? cried Peter, suddenly afraid.
115