`` Well , does n't that beat the Dutch ! '' muttered Dan . But we were all crowding about the Awkward Man , demanding where and when he had found Paddy . `` You 'd better come over to my place and make sure that it really is your cat , '' suggested the Awkward Man , `` and I 'll tell you all about finding him on the way . I must warn you that he is pretty thin -- but I think he 'll pull through . '' We obtained permission to go without much difficulty , although the spring evening was wearing late , for Aunt Janet said she supposed none of us would sleep a wink that night if we did n't . A joyful procession followed the Awkward Man and the Story Girl across the gray , star-litten meadows to his home and through his pine-guarded gate . `` You know that old barn of mine back in the woods ? '' said the Awkward Man . `` I go to it only about once in a blue moon . There was an old barrel there , upside down , one side resting on a block of wood . This morning I went to the barn to see about having some hay hauled home , and I had occasion to move the barrel . I noticed that it seemed to have been moved slightly since my last visit , and it was now resting wholly on the floor . I lifted it up -- and there was a cat lying on the floor under it . I had heard you had lost yours and I took it this was your pet . I was afraid he was dead at first . He was lying there with his eyes closed ; but when I bent over him he opened them and gave a pitiful little mew ; or rather his mouth made the motion of a mew , for he was too weak to utter a sound . '' `` Oh , poor , poor Paddy , '' said tender-hearted Cecily tearfully . `` He could n't stand , so I carried him home and gave him just a little milk . Fortunately he was able to lap it .
I gave him a little more at intervals all day , and when I left he was able XXXXX crawl around .
for of on over since so that through to under