`` Then we knew that everything was done for him that could be done . '' We could not appeal to Peg Bowen this time . In our desperation we would have done it , but Peg was far away . With the first breath of spring she was up and off , answering to the lure of the long road . She had not been seen in her accustomed haunts for many a day . Her pets were gaining their own living in the woods and her house was locked up . CHAPTER XI . THE WITCH 'S WISHBONE When a fortnight had elapsed we gave up all hope . `` Pat is dead , '' said the Story Girl hopelessly , as we returned one evening from a bootless quest to Andrew Cowan 's where a strange gray cat had been reported -- a cat which turned out to be a yellowish brown nondescript , with no tail to speak of . `` I 'm afraid so , '' I acknowledged at last . `` If only Peg Bowen had been at home she could have found him for us , '' asserted Peter . `` Her skull would have told her where he was . '' `` I wonder if the wishbone she gave me would have done any good , '' cried Cecily suddenly . `` I 'd forgotten all about it . Oh , do you suppose it 's too late yet ? '' `` There 's nothing in a wishbone , '' said Dan impatiently . `` You ca n't be sure . She TOLD me I 'd get the wish I made on it . I 'm going to try whenever I get home . '' `` It ca n't do any harm , anyhow , '' said Peter , `` but I 'm afraid you 've left it too late .
If Pat is dead even a witch 's XXXXX ca n't bring him back to life . ''
Dan Pat Peg Peter XI day evening first left wishbone