shape in his great brain. We will seize the children and carry them to
the boat: the boys we will make walk the plank, and Wendy shall be our
mother.
Again Wendy forgot herself.
Never! she cried, and bobbed.
What was that?
But they could see nothing. They thought it must have been a leaf in
the wind. Do you agree, my bullies? asked Hook.
There is my hand on it, they both said.
And there is my hook. Swear.
They all swore. By this time they were on the rock, and suddenly Hook
remembered Tiger Lily.
Where is the redskin? he demanded abruptly.
He had a playful humour at moments, and they thought this was one of
the moments.
That is all right, captain, Smee answered complacently; we let her
go.
Let her go! cried Hook.
Twas your own orders, the bo sun faltered.
You called over the water to us to let her go, said Starkey.
Brimstone and gall, thundered Hook, what cozening is going on here!
His face had gone black with rage, but he saw that they believed their
words, and he was startled. Lads, he said, shaking a little, I gave
no such order.
It is passing queer, Smee said, and they all fidgeted uncomfortably.
78