And without a word they got out of her way as quickly as possible, for they saw at a glance she was not in the best of humours. They were pleased to see, however, that she had brought with her a loaf of bread, some butter, and several red herrings, and so they were hopeful that for once they would get a good supper.
The supper was not quite ready when their father came in, flushed and excited.
"Where's the brats?" was his first angry exclamation, glancing round the room.
"There," said his wife, pointing under the stairs, where the children were crouched.
"Come out here, you young vermin; quick! do you hear?"
And the frightened children came out and stood before him.
"Have you brought me that sixpence that I told yer? For, if you ain't," said he, scowling at Benny, "I'll loosen yer hide for yer in double-quick time."
"Ay," said the little fellow, producing the sixpence, "'ere it are."
"Is that all you've got?"
Benny shot a quick glance at his sister before replying, which, however, did not escape his father's eye.