“I see. Yes. Your mother was quite right. But thank you all the same, William.”
Uncle Frederick had now taken the wrappings from his present and held up a leather purse.
“Ah, this is a really useful present,” he said jovially.
“I’m ’fraid it’s not very useful,” said William. “Uncle Jim sent it to father for his birthday but father said it was no use ’cause the catch wouldn’ catch so he gave it to me to give to you.”
Uncle Frederick tried the catch.
“Um ... ah ...” he said. “Your father was quite right. The catch won’t catch. Never mind, I’ll send it back to your father as a New Year present ... what?”
As soon as the Brown family were left alone it turned upon William in a combined attack.
“I warned you!” said Ethel to her mother.
“He ought to be hung,” said Robert.
“William, how could you?” said Mrs. Brown.