Snick. But if we didn't come home to supper we wouldn't have to wash.
Blick. [Shocked.] Oh, brothers! Washing is a duty. Hush! I think I hear Quee. [They all cock their heads sidewise like robins and listen.] Yes, that's Quee. He has been stealing again! We must scold him soundly.
Flick. It never does any good.
Blick. But we must bring him up in the way he should go. He is the youngest of us; he's only ninety-nine next April. Clear away and ready for him.
- [They pile their sacks in a corner, and squat on the floor in a semi-circle, with Blick, like a presiding judge, in the centre.
- [Quee creeps up stealthily through the underground passage. He is much the smallest, but grey bearded like the rest. As he faces his brothers, one finger creeps
