The boys here cannot fly, the fairies — I don't know why they haven't any dust. Perhaps it is because old people like you keep trying to steal it.

[ A good enough explanation as to be true. Maybe it is or isn't, Peter thinks it sounds about right enough to fit. ]

If I were a fairy surrounded by greedy grown-ups, I would cast off all my dust too! I would cut out my heart and murder myself before allowing anyone but a child to fly.