He burst into laughter , not hollow laughter now , but honest laughter . `` Aha , they will die . '' Smee had listened with growing admiration . `` It 's the wickedest , prettiest policy ever I heard of ! '' he cried , and in their exultation they danced and sang : `` Avast , belay , when I appear , By fear they 're overtook ; Nought 's left upon your bones when you Have shaken claws with Hook . '' They began the verse , but they never finished it , for another sound broke in and stilled them . There was at first such a tiny sound that a leaf might have fallen on it and smothered it , but as it came nearer it was more distinct . Tick tick tick tick ! Hook stood shuddering , one foot in the air . `` The crocodile ! '' he gasped , and bounded away , followed by his bo ` sun . It was indeed the crocodile . It had passed the redskins , who were now on the trail of the other pirates . It oozed on after Hook . Once more the boys emerged into the open ; but the dangers of the night were not yet over , for presently Nibs rushed breathless into their midst , pursued by a pack of wolves . The tongues of the pursuers were hanging out ; the baying of them was horrible . `` Save me , save me ! '' cried Nibs , falling on the ground . `` But what can we do , what can we do ? '' It was a high compliment to Peter that at that dire moment their thoughts turned to him .
`` What would XXXXX do ? ''
Aha Avast Nibs Nought Peter Smee belay left night redskins