Now , except by flying , no one can reach the island in the Serpentine , for the boats of humans are forbidden to land there , and there are stakes round it , standing up in the water , on each of which a bird-sentinel sits by day and night . It was to the island that Peter now flew to put his strange case before old Solomon Caw , and he alighted on it with relief , much heartened to find himself at last at home , as the birds call the island . All of them were asleep , including the sentinels , except Solomon , who was wide awake on one side , and he listened quietly to Peter 's adventures , and then told him their true meaning . `` Look at your night-gown , if you do n't believe me , '' Solomon said , and with staring eyes Peter looked at his nightgown , and then at the sleeping birds . Not one of them wore anything . `` How many of your toes are thumbs ? '' said Solomon a little cruelly , and Peter saw to his consternation , that all his toes were fingers . The shock was so great that it drove away his cold . `` Ruffle your feathers , '' said that grim old Solomon , and Peter tried most desperately hard to ruffle his feathers , but he had none . Then he rose up , quaking , and for the first time since he stood on the window-ledge , he remembered a lady who had been very fond of him . `` I think I shall go back to mother , '' he said timidly . `` Good-bye , '' replied Solomon Caw with a queer look . But Peter hesitated . `` Why do n't you go ? '' the old one asked politely . `` I suppose , '' said Peter huskily , `` I suppose I can still fly ? '' You see , he had lost faith . `` Poor little half-and-half , '' said Solomon , who was not really hard-hearted , `` you will never be able to fly again , not even on windy days . You must live here on the island always . '' `` And never even go to the Kensington Gardens ? ''
XXXXX asked tragically .
Caw Gardens Peter Solomon days first half-and-half night nightgown window-ledge