So they trooped off to the shop.
According to their own rules, this establishment was only open between 11 and 12 in the morning, and not at all on holidays.
But another rule said that the committee might in certain cases suspend or alter the rules.
Whereupon Percy moved, and Ashby seconded, the following resolution: “That this shop be, and is, hereby opened for the space of five minutes.” The motion was carried unanimously.
D’Arcy and Cottle, whose turn it was to be on duty, solemnly took down the shutters, and ranged themselves behind the counter.
“What can I do for you, my little dears?” said the former, encouragingly. “Money down. No tick. Try some of our Rollitt’s particular—three-halfpence each.”
“No, they’re not, you cheat!—they’re a penny. We’d better have two each,” said Wally.
“Hullo! I say,” exclaimed D’Arcy. “Look here, you fellows.”
He pointed to the heap of Abernethy biscuits, on the top of which lay a sixpence.
“That’s what you call looking after the money,” said Wally. “Left that there all night.”