Дети железной дороги

           Thought,however,couldnotlongkeepitselffromthesuitablefurnishingofabandit’slairintheattic.Peterwasthebandit,ofcourse.Bobbiewashislieutenant,hisbandoftrustyrobbers,and,induecourse,theparentofPhyllis,whowasthecapturedmaidenforwhomamagnificentransom—inhorse-beans—wasunhesitatinglypaid.

           Theyallwentdowntoteaflushedandjoyousasanymountainbrigands.

           ButwhenPhylliswasgoingtoaddjamtoherbreadandbutter,Mothersaid:—

           "JamORbutter,dear—notjamANDbutter.Wecan’taffordthatsortofrecklessluxurynowadays."

           Phyllisfinishedthesliceofbreadandbutterinsilence,andfolloweditupbybreadandjam.Petermingledthoughtandweaktea.

           Afterteatheywentbacktotheatticandhesaidtohissisters:—

           "Ihaveanidea."

           "What’sthat?"theyaskedpolitely.

           "Ishan’ttellyou,"wasPeter’sunexpectedrejoinder.

           "Oh,verywell,"saidBobbie;andPhilsaid,"Don’t,then."

           "Girls,"saidPeter,"arealwayssohastytempered."

           "Ishouldliketoknowwhatboysare?"saidBobbie,withfinedisdain."Idon’twanttoknowaboutyoursillyideas.