she slid between Starkey s legs into the water.
Of course Wendy was very elated over Peter s cleverness; but she knew
that he would be elated also and very likely crow and thus betray
himself, so at once her hand went out to cover his mouth. But it was
stayed even in the act, for Boat ahoy! rang over the lagoon in Hook s
voice, and this time it was not Peter who had spoken.
Peter may have been about to crow, but his face puckered in a whistle
of surprise instead.
Boat ahoy! again came the voice.
Now Wendy understood. The real Hook was also in the water.
He was swimming to the boat, and as his men showed a light to guide him
he had soon reached them. In the light of the lantern Wendy saw his
hook grip the boat s side; she saw his evil swarthy face as he rose
dripping from the water, and, quaking, she would have liked to swim
away, but Peter would not budge. He was tingling with life and also
top-heavy with conceit. Am I not a wonder, oh, I am a wonder! he
whispered to her, and though she thought so also, she was really glad
for the sake of his reputation that no one heard him except herself.
He signed to her to listen.
The two pirates were very curious to know what had brought their
captain to them, but he sat with his head on his hook in a position of
profound melancholy.
Captain, is all well? they asked timidly, but he answered with a
hollow moan.
He sighs, said Smee.
He sighs again, said Starkey.
And yet a third time he sighs, said Smee.
Then at last he spoke passionately.
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