Chapter 2: The Lost Boys
Tinkerbell was to be very much scolded for her rudeness at Wendy's bedside, but Peter, not knowing how much to punish her, managed to give her the cold shoulder. However many times Tink tugged on his shirt sleeve and tinkled angrily, Peter would pay no heed. Eventually, fed up, Tinkerbell flew alongside him but pouted all the way to Neverland.
The Lost Boys awaited him eagerly. "So, Peter?" they cried. "Tell us, has our mother come to stay with us?" Peter shook his head sadly. "I'm afraid she has been bedridden by an awful sickness called a 'cold'. She can't fly with a cold, you see."
The Lost Boys drooped. They had been so excited to meet the Lady of which Peter spoke of so much - and of which they all thought he fancied - and now they would not be able to see her until she recovered.
Sooty, who had been named after he came into Neverland down Peter's chimney, exclaimed: "By Jove! Why couldn't we fly to the Lady's room and carry her to Neverland!" Everyone agreed this to be a marvelous idea, until Peter interjected sharply: "Have you forgotten, boys, that a Lady must be carried properly, and gracefully, and that we would not have the strength to carry her all the way to Neverland!" Peter liked the way he said 'boys' because it made him feel like a father. And fathers are in charge.
Peter decided that they could not carry Wendy to Neverland, and they could not carry Neverland to her - though the Lost Boys all claimed they would lift one million Neverlands for a Lady. Peter scolded them for boasting, and they teased him about Wendy, at which point Peter turned a bright shade of red and threatened to banish them to Nowhereland if they continued.
Buckle, another Lost Boy, said that they could bring lots of fairies to her window, so she would fly. Tinkerbell squashed this idea by saying that she would have none of it. She was perfectly fine with Wendy dying of a cold. Peter shook her and said never to say that again or he would banish her too, and she blew a raspberry at him, but said no more.
At last they came to an agreement. They would choose two candidates and each would each say his plan. The other Lost Boys could vote. Midge, whose big brother was a judge, considered himself an expert in this area of work, and nominated himself as Vote Counter. The others grumbled about it, but Peter wanted to get to the plans quickly.
Sooty had been chosen for the first plan. He said they were all very strong and were perfectly capable of carrying a Lady to Neverland. Peter was dead against it, but the other Lost Boys cheered and Sooty bowed.
Two young brothers were next. Peter had yet to give them a name because they had arrived in Neverland recently, but they had a good eye and were considered wise candidates for the voting. They suggested the Lost Boys all collect herbs and such, and that way they could cure Wendy's sickness in no time. The other boys cheered at this one as well, but this plan didn't involve an adventure, so they were less convinced.
Peter, proud as ever, stepped forward. "Boys!" he said gruffly. "Our mother is in danger! So, after much discussion, I conclude that Sooty's idea was the best. We shall carry Wendy. And then after we've flown her here, the brother's plan can be brought out." The boys cheered louder than ever. "Now," cried Peter, joyous as ever, "Let us go save Wendy!" And he uttered a great crow.