'I think women do it, and make us, that they may have something to worrit about,' said Frank. 'Damp stockings are the bother of creation till one goes to school; and then, isn't it jolly!'
'Except the chilblains,' called out Charlie.
'I believe,' said Lance, 'chilblains come of shoes.'
'No, they can't,' argued Charlie, 'for one has them on one's hands.'
'Well,' said Gertrude, 'let's form ourselves into a society for the suppression of shoes and stockings!'
'Hurrah!' cried Lance. 'I know one person at least that it would be a blessing to.'
The question was, how the five bold reformers were to begin. Frank suggested drowning all the present stock, and pretended to be about to begin, but was of course prevented by a scream.
'Public opinion must be prepared first,' said Lance.
'And that,' said Gertrude, 'we'd better do by a great example! Here, we'll show what can be done. Why shouldn't we get out to the end of the Kitten's Tail?'
'One can't to the end,' said Charlie; 'there's a place big enough for a gig to go through, half way out.'