Of course , if any of us tramps on his tail he will scratch us , but you know a cat ca n't bear to have his tail tramped on . It 's a very tender part of him , and it 's his only way of preventing it , and he does n't mean any harm . If you can cure Paddy for us we will always be very , very grateful to you . The accompanying small offerings are a testimonial of our respect and gratitude , and we entreat you to honour us by accepting them . `` Very respectfully yours , `` SARA STANLEY . '' `` I tell you that last sentence has a fine sound , '' said Peter admiringly . `` I did n't make that up , '' admitted the Story Girl honestly . `` I read it somewhere and remembered it . '' `` I think it 's TOO fine , '' criticized Felicity . `` Peg Bowen wo n't know the meaning of such big words . '' But it was decided to leave them in and we all signed the letter . Then we got our `` testimonials , '' and started on our reluctant journey to the domains of the witch . Sara Ray would not go , of course , but she volunteered to stay with Pat while we were away . We did not think it necessary to inform the grown-ups of our errand , or its nature . Grown-ups had such peculiar views . They might forbid our going at all -- and they would certainly laugh at us . Peg Bowen 's house was nearly a mile away , even by the short cut past the swamp and up the wooded hill . We went down through the brook field and over the little plank bridge in the hollow , half lost in its surrounding sea of farewell summers . When we reached the green gloom of the woods beyond we began to feel frightened , but nobody would admit it . We walked very closely together , and we did not talk .
When you are near the retreat of witches and folk XXXXX that ilk the less you say the better , for their feelings are so notoriously touchy .
at beyond but by if in of on past that