disclose the mouth of a cave. Look closely, however, and you may note
that there are here seven large trees, each with a hole in its hollow
trunk as large as a boy. These are the seven entrances to the home
under the ground, for which Hook has been searching in vain these many
moons. Will he find it tonight?
As the pirates advanced, the quick eye of Starkey sighted Nibs
disappearing through the wood, and at once his pistol flashed out. But
an iron claw gripped his shoulder.
Captain, let go! he cried, writhing.
Now for the first time we hear the voice of Hook. It was a black voice.
Put back that pistol first, it said threateningly.
It was one of those boys you hate. I could have shot him dead.
Ay, and the sound would have brought Tiger Lily s redskins upon us. Do
you want to lose your scalp?
Shall I after him, Captain, asked pathetic Smee, and tickle him with
Johnny Corkscrew? Smee had pleasant names for everything, and his
cutlass was Johnny Corkscrew, because he wiggled it in the wound. One
could mention many lovable traits in Smee. For instance, after killing,
it was his spectacles he wiped instead of his weapon.
Johnny s a silent fellow, he reminded Hook.
Not now, Smee, Hook said darkly. He is only one, and I want to
mischief all the seven. Scatter and look for them.
The pirates disappeared among the trees, and in a moment their Captain
and Smee were alone. Hook heaved a heavy sigh, and I know not why it
was, perhaps it was because of the soft beauty of the evening, but
there came over him a desire to confide to his faithful bo sun the
story of his life. He spoke long and earnestly, but what it was all
about Smee, who was rather stupid, did not know in the least.
Anon he caught the word Peter.
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