I didn't know its tail would come off.

I won't ever touch one again, will I ?" "Of course, you won't," said Mrs.Comstock.

"And what's more, I don't care if you do! I'd rather have a fine little man like you than all the turkeys in the country.

Let them lose their old tails if they want to, and let the cats fight.

Cats and turkeys don't compare with boys, who are going to be fine big men some of these days." Then Billy and Mrs.Comstock hugged each other rapturously, while their audience stared in silent amazement.
"You like boys!" exulted Billy, and his head dropped against Mrs.
Comstock in unspeakable content.
"Yes, and if I don't have to carry you the whole way home, we must start right now," said Mrs.Comstock.