The lost boys were out looking for Peter , the pirates were out looking for the lost boys , the redskins were out looking for the pirates , and the beasts were out looking for the redskins . They were going round and round the island , but they did not meet because all were going at the same rate . All wanted blood except the boys , who liked it as a rule , but to-night were out to greet their captain . The boys on the island vary , of course , in numbers , according as they get killed and so on ; and when they seem to be growing up , which is against the rules , Peter thins them out ; but at this time there were six of them , counting the twins as two . Let us pretend to lie here among the sugar-cane and watch them as they steal by in single file , each with his hand on his dagger . They are forbidden by Peter to look in the least like him , and they wear the skins of bears slain by themselves , in which they are so round and furry that when they fall they roll . They have therefore become very sure-footed . The first to pass is Tootles , not the least brave but the most unfortunate of all that gallant band . He had been in fewer adventures than any of them , because the big things constantly happened just when he had stepped round the corner ; all would be quiet , he would take the opportunity of going off to gather a few sticks for firewood , and then when he returned the others would be sweeping up the blood . This ill-luck had given a gentle melancholy to his countenance , but instead of souring his nature had sweetened it , so that he was quite the humblest of the boys . Poor kind Tootles , there is danger in the air for you to-night . Take care lest an adventure is now offered you , which , if accepted , will plunge you in deepest woe . Tootles , the fairy Tink who is bent on mischief this night is looking for a tool , and she thinks you the most easily tricked of the boys . ` Ware Tinker Bell . Would that he could hear us , but we are not really on the island , and he passes by , biting his knuckles . Next comes Nibs , the gay and debonair , followed by Slightly , who cuts whistles out of the trees and dances ecstatically to his own tunes . Slightly is the most conceited of the boys . He thinks he remembers the days before he was lost , with their manners and customs , and this has given his nose an offensive tilt . Curly is fourth ; he is a pickle , and so often has he had to deliver up his person when Peter said sternly , ` Stand forth the one who did this thing , ' that now at the command he stands forth automatically whether he has done it or not . Last come the Twins , who can not be described because we should be sure to be describing the wrong one .
XXXXX never quite knew what twins were , and his band were not allowed to know anything he did not know , so these two were always vague about themselves , and did their best to give satisfaction by keeping close together in an apologetic sort of way .
Nibs Peter Tink Tinker dagger days first redskins souring sugar-cane