Imagine a lagoon that sparkles with the colors of the rainbow. Where the singing of mermaids fills the air. That was the lagoon of the Neverland. It was the children’s favorite place to stay.
Wendy longed to talk to the mermaids. But they were friendly only to Peter. They dived into the water whenever she came near. They splashed her with their tails. Wendy feared they did it on purpose.
One day the children had a picnic on Marooners’ Rock. Wendy settled them down for a short nap after lunch. Then she took up her pile of mending.
Slowly a change came over the lagoon. The sun slipped away. Dark shadows stole across the water.
Peter could sniff danger even in his sleep. He sprang awake. “Pirates!” he cried. He quickly woke the others and ordered them to dive.
Wendy and Peter watched a row-boat draw up to Marooners’ Rock. The pirates Starkey and Smee had a prisoner.
“That’s Tiger Lily, daughter of the Indian chief,” Peter whispered.
The Indian princess was tied up. The pirates shoved her onto the rock. She would surely drown when the tide rose! But Tiger Lily showed no fear.
Peter could have waited until the pirates left to save Tiger Lily. But that was not Peter’s way.
“Ahoy, there!” he called out in the darkness of the afternoon. His voice sounded just like Hook’s! “Set her free—or you’ll feel my hook!”
The pirates dared not question their captain’s voice. They untied Tiger Lily, and she quickly swam away.
Peter felt so clever that he was about to crow. But Wendy clapped her hand over his mouth.
“Ahoy, there!” sounded Hook’s voice again. “Help me into the blasted boat!”
But this time it was not Peter. It was the real James Hook!
“Captain!” said Smee. “Is all well?”
“Our plans are ruined!” Hook moaned. “The lost boys have found a mother!”
“Oh, evil day!” said Starkey.
“Captain,” said Smee. “Why not kidnap the boys’ mother? We could make her be our mother instead.”
Hook’s eyes lit up. “A treasure of an idea! We can make her boys walk the plank!”
Suddenly the captain remembered Tiger Lily.
“Where is the Indian princess?” he demanded.
“We let her go,” said Starkey, smiling with satisfaction.
“Just like you ordered,” said Smee.
“What!” Hook thundered. “I gave no such order!”
But Hook saw they believed their words. Someone—or some thing—had spoken to them. He shivered and peered into the heavens.
“Spirit that haunts this dark lagoon. Do you hear me?” Hook asked.
Peter answered in a perfect imitation of Hook’s voice: “Odds bobs, hammer and tongs. I hear you!”
The pirates froze in terror.
“Who are you?” Hook demanded. “Speak!”
“I am James Hook,” said the voice. “Captain of the Jolly Roger.”
“Brimstone and gall!” said Hook. “Then who am I?”
“A codfish!” said the voice.
Hook saw his men draw back. They looked as if they no longer admired him! It broke his heart.
“Do you have another voice?” Hook asked the voice. “Another name?”
“Yes!” crowed the voice. “I am Peter Pan!”
“Pan!” Hook nearly choked with anger. “Into the water, Smee!” he roared. “Take him, dead or alive!”
The water was soon churning with boys and pirates.
At last Hook dragged himself back to the rock. He needed to catch his breath. Peter was crawling up the opposite side. Neither knew the other was there. Both reached for a hold— and their hands touched.
Peter grabbed a knife from Hook’s belt. He aimed the blade at the captain’s heart.
But then Peter stopped. He saw that he was higher up on the rock than Hook. Peter hated a fight that was not fair.
He started to help the captain up.
But Hook never played fair. He bit Peter’s hand!
The pain meant nothing to Peter. But the cheating dazed him. It made him quite helpless!
Hook took his chance. He slashed twice at the boy with his hook. Then a sound stilled his arm.
Tick tick tick tick!
“The crocodile!” Hook cried out in fear. Then he swam like a fish for the Jolly Roger.
