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 Peter do ? '' they cried simultaneously . Almost in the same breath they cried , `` Peter would look at them through his legs . '' And then , `` Let us do what Peter would do . '' It is quite the most successful way of defying wolves , and as one boy they bent and looked through their legs .
The next moment is the long one , but victory XXXXX quickly , for as the boys advanced upon them in the terrible attitude , the wolves dropped their tails and fled .
Let began bounded came cried finished looked oozed save smothered