They found the dinghy and went home in it , shouting ` Peter , Wendy ' as they went , but no answer came save mocking laughter from the mermaids . ` They must be swimming back or flying , ' the boys concluded . They were not very anxious , they had such faith in Peter . They chuckled , boylike , because they would be late for bed ; and it was all mother Wendy 's fault ! When their voices died away there came cold silence over the lagoon , and then a feeble cry . ` Help , help ! ' Two small figures were beating against the rock ; the girl had fainted and lay on the boy 's arm . With a last effort Peter pulled her up the rock and then lay down beside her . Even as he also fainted he saw that the water was rising . He knew that they would soon be drowned , but he could do no more . As they lay side by side a mermaid caught Wendy by the feet , and began pulling her softly into the water . Peter , feeling her slip from him , woke with a start , and was just in time to draw her back . But he had to tell her the truth . ` We are on the rock , Wendy , ' he said , ` but it is growing smaller . Soon the water will be over it . ' She did not understand even now . ` We must go , ' she said , almost brightly . ` Yes , ' he answered faintly . ` Shall we swim or fly , Peter ? ' He had to tell her .
` Do you think you could swim or fly as far as the island , XXXXX , without my help ? '
Peter Wendy arm back drowned home mermaids mother truth voices