--- title: Chapter VIII. THE MERMAIDS’ LAGOON — Peter Pan · full text with trees · page 3 description: Chapter VIII. THE MERMAIDS’ LAGOON, «Peter Pan» by J. M. Barrie: the whole chapter, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics. It begins: If you shut your eyes and are a lucky one, you may see at times a shapeless pool of lovely pale colours suspended in the darkness; then if you squeez --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/page/3/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [tales](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/) / [Peter Pan](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/) / Chapter VIII. THE MERMAIDS’ LAGOON # Chapter VIII. THE MERMAIDS’ LAGOON · page 3 [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/) [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/page/2/) **3** - [201](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/201/) — In a moment Hook was himself again, and Smee and Starkey were his faithful henchmen. - [202](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/202/) — “Now we have him,” Hook shouted. - [203](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/203/) — “Into the water, Smee. - [204](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/204/) — Starkey, mind the boat. - [205](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/205/) — Take him dead or alive!” - [206](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/206/) — He leaped as he spoke, and simultaneously came the gay voice of Peter. - [207](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/207/) — “Are you ready, boys?” - [208](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/208/) — “Ay, ay,” from various parts of the lagoon. - [209](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/209/) — “Then lam into the pirates.” - [210](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/210/) — The fight was short and sharp. - [211](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/211/) — First to draw blood was John, who gallantly climbed into the boat and held Starkey. - [212](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/212/) — There was fierce struggle, in which the cutlass was torn from the pirate’s grasp. - [213](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/213/) — He wriggled overboard and John leapt after him. - [214](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/214/) — The dinghy drifted away. - [215](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/215/) — Here and there a head bobbed up in the water, and there was a flash of steel followed by a cry or a whoop. - [216](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/216/) — In the confusion some struck at their own side. - [217](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/217/) — The corkscrew of Smee got Tootles in the fourth rib, but he was himself pinked in turn by Curly. - [218](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/218/) — Farther from the rock Starkey was pressing Slightly and the twins hard. - [219](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/219/) — Where all this time was Peter? - [220](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/220/) — He was seeking bigger game. - [221](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/221/) — The others were all brave boys, and they must not be blamed for backing from the pirate captain. — checked by a teacher - [222](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/222/) — His iron claw made a circle of dead water round him, from which they fled like affrighted fishes. - [223](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/223/) — But there was one who did not fear him: there was one prepared to enter that circle. - [224](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/224/) — Strangely, it was not in the water that they met. - [225](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/225/) — Hook rose to the rock to breathe, and at the same moment Peter scaled it on the opposite side. - [226](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/226/) — The rock was slippery as a ball, and they had to crawl rather than climb. - [227](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/227/) — Neither knew that the other was coming. - [228](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/228/) — Each feeling for a grip met the other’s arm: in surprise they raised their heads; their faces were almost touching; so they met. - [229](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/229/) — Some of the greatest heroes have confessed that just before they fell to they had a sinking. - [230](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/230/) — Had it been so with Peter at that moment I would admit it. - [231](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/231/) — After all, he was the only man that the Sea-Cook had feared. - [232](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/232/) — But Peter had no sinking, he had one feeling only, gladness; and he gnashed his pretty teeth with joy. - [233](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/233/) — Quick as thought he snatched a knife from Hook’s belt and was about to drive it home, when he saw that he was higher up the rock than his foe. - [234](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/234/) — It would not have been fighting fair. - [235](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/235/) — He gave the pirate a hand to help him up. - [236](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/236/) — It was then that Hook bit him. - [237](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/237/) — Not the pain of this but its unfairness was what dazed Peter. - [238](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/238/) — It made him quite helpless. - [239](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/239/) — He could only stare, horrified. - [240](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/240/) — Every child is affected thus the first time he is treated unfairly. - [241](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/241/) — All he thinks he has a right to when he comes to you to be yours is fairness. — checked by a teacher - [242](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/242/) — After you have been unfair to him he will love you again, but will never afterwards be quite the same boy. - [243](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/243/) — No one ever gets over the first unfairness; no one except Peter. - [244](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/244/) — He often met it, but he always forgot it. - [245](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/245/) — I suppose that was the real difference between him and all the rest. - [246](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/246/) — So when he met it now it was like the first time; and he could just stare, helpless. - [247](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/247/) — Twice the iron hand clawed him. - [248](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/248/) — A few moments afterwards the other boys saw Hook in the water striking wildly for the ship; no elation on the pestilent face now, only white fear, for the crocodile was in dogged pursuit of him. - [249](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/249/) — On ordinary occasions the boys would have swum alongside cheering; but now they were uneasy, for they had lost both Peter and Wendy, and were scouring the lagoon for them, calling them by name. - [250](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/250/) — 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. - [251](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/251/) — “They must be swimming back or flying,” the boys concluded. - [252](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/252/) — They were not very anxious, because they had such faith in Peter. - [253](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/253/) — They chuckled, boylike, because they would be late for bed; and it was all mother Wendy’s fault! — checked by a teacher - [254](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/254/) — When their voices died away there came cold silence over the lagoon, and then a feeble cry. - [255](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/255/) — “Help, help!” - [256](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/256/) — Two small figures were beating against the rock; the girl had fainted and lay on the boy’s arm. - [257](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/257/) — With a last effort Peter pulled her up the rock and then lay down beside her. - [258](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/258/) — Even as he also fainted he saw that the water was rising. - [259](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/259/) — He knew that they would soon be drowned, but he could do no more. - [260](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/260/) — As they lay side by side a mermaid caught Wendy by the feet, and began pulling her softly into the water. - [261](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/261/) — Peter, feeling her slip from him, woke with a start, and was just in time to draw her back. - [262](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/262/) — But he had to tell her the truth. - [263](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/263/) — “We are on the rock, Wendy,” he said, “but it is growing smaller. - [264](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/264/) — Soon the water will be over it.” - [265](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/265/) — She did not understand even now. - [266](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/266/) — “We must go,” she said, almost brightly. - [267](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/267/) — “Yes,” he answered faintly. - [268](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/268/) — “Shall we swim or fly, Peter?” - [269](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/269/) — He had to tell her. - [270](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/270/) — “Do you think you could swim or fly as far as the island, Wendy, without my help?” - [271](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/271/) — She had to admit that she was too tired. - [272](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/272/) — He moaned. - [273](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/273/) — “What is it?” she asked, anxious about him at once. - [274](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/274/) — “I can’t help you, Wendy. - [275](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/275/) — Hook wounded me. - [276](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/276/) — I can neither fly nor swim.” - [277](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/277/) — “Do you mean we shall both be drowned?” - [278](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/278/) — “Look how the water is rising.” - [279](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/279/) — They put their hands over their eyes to shut out the sight. - [280](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/280/) — They thought they would soon be no more. - [281](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/281/) — As they sat thus something brushed against Peter as light as a kiss, and stayed there, as if saying timidly, “Can I be of any use?” - [282](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/282/) — It was the tail of a kite, which Michael had made some days before. - [283](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/283/) — It had torn itself out of his hand and floated away. - [284](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/284/) — “Michael’s kite,” Peter said without interest, but next moment he had seized the tail, and was pulling the kite toward him. - [285](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/285/) — “It lifted Michael off the ground,” he cried; “why should it not carry you?” - [286](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/286/) — “Both of us!” - [287](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/287/) — “It can’t lift two; Michael and Curly tried.” - [288](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/288/) — “Let us draw lots,” Wendy said bravely. - [289](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/289/) — “And you a lady; never.” - [290](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/290/) — Already he had tied the tail round her. - [291](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/291/) — She clung to him; she refused to go without him; but with a “Good-bye, Wendy,” he pushed her from the rock; and in a few minutes she was borne out of his sight. - [292](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/292/) — Peter was alone on the lagoon. - [293](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/293/) — The rock was very small now; soon it would be submerged. - [294](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/294/) — Pale rays of light tiptoed across the waters; and by and by there was to be heard a sound at once the most musical and the most melancholy in the world: the mermaids calling to the moon. — checked by a teacher - [295](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/295/) — Peter was not quite like other boys; but he was afraid at last. - [296](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/296/) — A tremour ran through him, like a shudder passing over the sea; but on the sea one shudder follows another till there are hundreds of them, and Peter felt just the one. - [297](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/297/) — Next moment he was standing erect on the rock again, with that smile on his face and a drum beating within him. - [298](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/298/) — It was saying, “To die will be an awfully big adventure.” [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/) [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/9/page/2/) **3** - ← previous: [Chapter VII. THE HOME UNDER THE GROUND](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/8/) - next →: [Chapter IX. THE NEVER BIRD](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/10/) - ↑ back to [Peter Pan](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg16/)