“Set her free,” came the astonishing answer.

“Free!”

“Yes, cut her bonds and let her go.”

“But, Captain⁠—”

“At once, d’ye hear,” cried Peter, “or I’ll plunge my hook in you.”

“This is queer,” Smee gasped.

“Better do what the Captain orders,” said Starkey nervously.

“Ay, ay,” Smee said, and he cut Tiger Lily’s cords. At once like an eel she slid between Starkey’s legs into the water.