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 . `` Greetings , 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 ! '' once 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 . ''
Peter Tootles Wendy crow day mouths return sound thud tidings