Peter went off rather sullenly , and Felix , also sullenly , sat down and began to nurse his nose . He turned his back on Cecily . Cecily `` caught it '' after Uncle Alec had gone . Dan called her a tell-tale and a baby , and sneered at her until Cecily began to cry . `` I could n't stand by and watch Felix and Peter pound each other all to pieces , '' she sobbed . `` They 've been such friends , and it was dreadful to see them fighting . '' `` Uncle Roger would have let them fight it out , '' said the Story Girl discontentedly . `` Uncle Roger believes in boys fighting . He says it 's as harmless a way as any of working off their original sin . Peter and Felix would n't have been any worse friends after it . They 'd have been better friends because the praying question would have been settled . And now it ca n't be -- unless Felicity can coax Peter to give up praying against Felix . '' For once in her life the Story Girl was not as tactful as her wont . Or -- is it possible that she said it out of malice prepense ? At all events , Felicity resented the imputation that she had more influence with Peter than any one else . `` I do n't meddle with hired boys ' prayers , '' she said haughtily . `` It was all nonsense fighting about such prayers , anyhow , '' said Dan , who probably thought that since all chance of a fight was over , he might as well avow his real sentiments as to its folly . `` Just as much nonsense as praying about the bitter apples in the first place . '' `` Oh , Dan , do n't you believe there is some good in praying ? '' said Cecily reproachfully .
`` Yes , I believe there 's some good in some kinds XXXXX praying , but not in that kind , '' said Dan sturdily .
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