Hook ambled over to the guts of the compound, the place a stout publish used to be embedded firmly within the floor. there has been an iron ring bolted to the publish. hooked up to this ring used to be a brief, heavy, iron chain that ran to a different iron ring outfitted snugly round Peter’s neck. the hoop at the publish used to be situated simply excessive sufficient in order that Peter couldn't take a seat at the flooring, but additionally simply low sufficient in order that he couldn't stand absolutely upright. He used to be pressured to stay in an uncomfortable crouch; if he dozed and allowed his physique to sag, the choking strain of the neck ring jerked him painfully unsleeping. To make issues worse, his arms have been certain tightly in the back of his again. He had spent the evening in hideous soreness. Hook had by no means been happier. Peter’s eyes have been closed, yet Hook knew he couldn't be drowsing. He gave Peter a pointy kick within the shin, which prompted Peter’s head to jerk upright till the chain stopped it violently. Peter glared at Hook with eyes reddened from exhaustion and soreness. “Been crying, have we? ” stated Hook. Peter acknowledged not anything. “You know,” acknowledged Hook, conversationally, “I had meant to kill you once I captured you. however it has been quite a bit enjoyable seeing you this way…I hate to determine it finish. ” He touched his hook to Peter’s neck. Peter drew again, yet just a couple of inches prior to the chain stopped him. The hook discovered his neck back, its aspect simply brushing Peter’s epidermis. “But be aware of this, boy,” acknowledged Hook. “You will die. and shortly. ” He twitched the hook a bit of. A bead of blood seemed on Peter’s neck. Hook observed soreness in Peter’s eyes, and worry. This happy him. Then he observed whatever else, only for a flickering speedy, earlier than Peter masked it. The boy had obvious whatever. Hook whirled, and he observed it, too: a small, agile determine hiking over the wall close to the fort’s heavy gate. The boy dropped to the floor, speedy through a moment boy. “Intruders! ” Hook bellowed, kicking the snoozing males round him. “Get them! ” The pirates have been miraculous to their ft, blinking. “What is it, Cap’n? ” acknowledged Smee. “Intruders! ” Smee blinked. “Where, Cap’n? ” “There, you idjit! ” yelled Hook, shoving Smee. “By the gate! ” As Smee and the others stumbled around the compound, Hook observed that the intruders have been of the misplaced Boys. They ran to the gate, quick slid apart the heavy plank that held it close, then begun beginning the gate. throughout the establishing dashed 3 extra misplaced Boys. “Get them! ” Hook yelled back, yet he used to be feeling much less involved now. If the Mollusks have been attacking, he may have reason for fear. however the Mollusks have been overwhelmed. those have been simply childrens creating a pathetic try and rescue their captured chief. They have been no fit for Hook and his males. no one was once a fit for Hook, so long as he had the gold field. The gate was once extensive open now. The pirates have been stumbling round chasing after the men, who have been thus far eluding them. however the boys have been making no attempt to get to Peter. Hook frowned. what sort of rescue try out was once this? all of sudden, it happened to him: the scampering boys have been a diversion. “Close the gate! ” he bellowed.