"Perhaps I did mean that," said the old woman, a little dazed. "They were also saying that if American sewing-machines were sold in this country at only twenty-five per cent. more than they are sold abroad, it would be a good thing for us housewives. Perhaps I'm not quite clear."
"I grasp your meaning perfectly," said the Red Knight. "You meant to imply that the greatest need of the moment is the recall of judicial decisions."
"Well, I suppose it's so," said the old woman. "But I did think that if we had reciprocity with Canada, every one of the children might have an egg for breakfast. I wonder if it is really possible."
"It is, Madam," said the Red Knight; "as soon as we establish the initiative and referendum."
"Does that mean two separate things, or one?" asked Alice, who had been reading the "Rubaiyat" to the thirteen youngest children.
"Two, of course," said the Red Knight. "I supply the initiative, and Perkins furnishes the referendum."
He took off his helmet and from it drew forth two large paper boxes, at the sight of the contents of which all the fifty-seven children broke into a cheer. They were still cheering for the Red Knight as Alice and her companion disappeared around the corner.
"Was it breakfast food you had in the boxes?" asked Alice.
"My dear Alice," said the Red Knight, "when you grow up and go into society, you will learn that popular enthusiasm does not thrive on breakfast food. You know what children like. In one of the boxes there was fudge, and in the other box there was taffy."