Питер Пэн и Венди
The Mermaids’ Lagoon
’What’sup,captain?’
Thenatlasthespokepassionately.
’Thegame’sup,’hecried,’thoseboyshavefoundamother.’
Affrightedthoughshewas,Wendyswelledwithpride.
’Oevilday,’criedStarkey.
’What’samother?’askedtheignorantSmee.
Wendywassoshockedthatsheexclaimed,’Hedoesn’tknow!’andalwaysafterthisshefeltthatifyoucouldhaveapetpirateSmeewouldbeherone.
Peterpulledherbeneaththewater,forHookhadstartedup,crying,’Whatwasthat?’
’Iheardnothing,’saidStarkey,raisingthelanternoverthewaters,andasthepirateslookedtheysawastrangesight.ItwasthenestIhavetoldyouof,floatingonthelagoon,andtheNeverbirdwassittingonit.
’See,’saidHookinanswertoSmee’squestion,’thatisamother.Whatalesson.Thenestmusthavefallenintothewater,butwouldthemotherdeserthereggs?No.’
Therewasabreakinhisvoice,asifforamomentherecalledinnocentdayswhen—buthebrushedawaythisweaknesswithhishook.
Smee,muchimpressed,gazedatthebirdasthenestwasbornepast,butthemoresuspiciousStarkeysaid,’Ifsheisamother,perhapssheishangingaboutheretohelpPeter.’
Hookwinced.’Ay,’hesaid,’thatisthefearthathauntsme.’
HewasrousedfromthisdejectionbySmee’seagervoice.
’Captain,’saidSmee,’couldwenotkidnaptheseboys’motherandmakeherourmother?’
’Itisaprincelyscheme,’criedHook,andatonceittookpracticalshapeinhisgreatbrain.
