`` There is the whole mystery of the affair , '' quoth Quicksilver ; `` and if you can make it out , I 'll thank you to let me know . I ca n't tell what to make of my staff . It is always playing such odd tricks as this ; sometimes getting me a supper , and , quite as often , stealing it away . If I had any faith in such nonsense , I should say the stick was bewitched ! '' He said no more , but looked so slyly in their faces , that they rather fancied he was laughing at them . The magic staff went hopping at his heels , as Quicksilver quitted the room . When left alone , the good old couple spent some little time in conversation about the events of the evening , and then lay down on the floor , and fell fast asleep . They had given up their sleeping-room to the guests , and had no other bed for themselves , save these planks , which I wish had been as soft as their own hearts . The old man and his wife were stirring , betimes , in the morning , and the strangers likewise arose with the sun , and made their preparations to depart . Philemon hospitably entreated them to remain a little longer , until Baucis could milk the cow , and bake a cake upon the hearth , and , perhaps , find them a few fresh eggs , for breakfast . The guests , however , seemed to think it better to accomplish a good part of their journey before the heat of the day should come on . They , therefore , persisted in setting out immediately , but asked Philemon and Baucis to walk forth with them a short distance , and show them the road which they were to take . So they all four issued from the cottage , chatting together like old friends . It was very remarkable indeed , how familiar the old couple insensibly grew with the elder traveller , and how their good and simple spirits melted into his , even as two drops of water would melt into the illimitable ocean . And as for Quicksilver , with his keen , quick , laughing wits , he appeared to discover every little thought that but peeped into their minds , before they suspected it themselves . They sometimes wished , it is true , that he had not been quite so quick-witted , and also that he would fling away his staff , which looked so mysteriously mischievous , with the snakes always writhing about it . But then , again , Quicksilver showed himself so very good-humored , that they would have been rejoiced to keep him in their cottage , staff , snakes , and all , every day , and the whole day long . `` Ah me ! Well-a-day ! '' exclaimed Philemon , when they had walked a little way from their door .
`` XXXXX our neighbors only knew what a blessed thing it is to show hospitality to strangers , they would tie up all their dogs , and never allow their children to fling another stone . ''
If about as at before for like of on upon