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 , because 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 XXXXX or fly as far as the island , Wendy , without my help ? ''
came concluded draw help lay pulled rising said shouting swim