I must , ' he answered , shaking ; ' I am so afraid of Peter . ' It was at this tragic moment that they heard a sound which made the heart of every one of them rise to his mouth . They heard Peter crow . ` Peter ! ' they cried , for it was always thus that he signalled his return . ` Hide her , ' they whispered , and gathered hastily around Wendy . But Tootles stood aloof . Again came that ringing crow , and Peter dropped in front of them . ` Greeting , boys , ' he cried , and mechanically they saluted , and then again was silence . He frowned . ' I am back , ' he said hotly , ` why do you not cheer ? ' They opened their mouths , but the cheers would not come . He overlooked it in his haste to tell the glorious tidings . ` Great news , boys , ' he cried , ' I have brought at last a mother for you all . ' Still no sound , except a little thud from Tootles as he dropped on his knees . ` Have you not seen her ? ' asked Peter , becoming troubled . ` She flew this way . ' ` Ah me , ' one voice said , and another said , ` Oh , mournful day . ' Tootles rose .
` XXXXX , ' he said quietly , ' I will show her to you ' ; and when the others would still have hidden her he said , ` Back , twins , let Peter see . '
Greeting Peter Tootles Wendy day heart mother mouths return tidings