Peter and the Starcatchers

The pirates transfer cargo from the Sea Devil to the Wasp, where Black Stache has taken over Captain Scott’s cabin. Black Stache plans to set the crew of the Wasp adrift in the Sea Devil once the transition is complete. After Black Stache renames the Wasp the Jolly Roger, Storey reports that the Ladies have been recovered. Black Stache decides to pursue the Never Land as a fierce storm brews. 

Peter steals a jar of rum from the kitchen and pours it into the boys’ daily pot of slop. Alf carries the spiked slop to Leatherface, the sailor guarding the trunk, who drinks the entire thing. Tubby Ted questions Peter’s secret plans, but Peter asks the boys to trust him. Alf and Peter sneak to the room where the trunk is kept. Leatherface is passed out drunk, but the room is padlocked shut. Though Alf breaks the lock noisily, Leatherface stays asleep. Molly arrives and threatens to scream if Peter and Alf do not leave immediately. Alf gives up and goes, but Peter stays and begs Molly to explain what the trunk is so that he can help her. Molly, “tears brimming in her luminescent green eyes” (144), agrees.