.

The Terror set about the purchase in a very careful leisurely way
which, in any one else, would have exasperated the highly strung Erebus
to the very limits of endurance; but where the Terror was concerned she
had long ago learned the futility of exasperation. He began by an
exhaustive examination of every make of bicycle in the shop; and he
made it with a thoroughness that worried the eager bicycle-seller, one
of those smart young men who pamper a chin's passion for receding by
letting a straggly beard try to cover it, till his nerves were all on
edge. Then the Terror, drawing a handful of sovereigns out of his
pocket and gazing at them lovingly, seemed unable to make up his mind
whether to buy two bicycles or one; and the bearded but chinless young
man perspired with his eloquent efforts to demonstrate the advantage of
buying two. He was quite weary when the persuaded Terror proceeded to
develop the point that there must be a considerable reduction in price
to the buyer of two bicycles. Then he made his offer: he would give
fourteen pounds for two eight-pound-ten bicycles. His serenity was
quite unruffled by the seller's furious protests. Then the real
struggle began. The Terror came out of it with two bicycles, two
lamps, two bells and two baskets of a size to hold a cat; the seller
came out of it with fifteen pounds; and the triumphant Twins wheeled
their machines out of the shop.

The Terror stood still and looked thoughtfully up and down High Street.
Then he said: "We've saved the cats' home quite two pounds."

"Yes," said Erebus.

"And it's made me awfully hungry and thirsty doing it," said the Terror.

"It must have--arguing like that," said Erebus quickly; and her eyes
brightened as she caught his drift.

"Well, I think the home ought to pay for refreshment. It's a long ride
home," said the Terror.

"Of course it ought," said Erebus with decision.

Without more ado they wheeled their bicycles down the street to a
confectioner's shop, propped them up carefully against the curb, and
entered the shop with an important moneyed air.

At the end of his fourth jam tart the Terror said: "Of course overseers
have a salary."

"Of course they do," said Erebus.

"That settles the matter of pocket-money," said the Terror. "We'll
have sixpence a week each."

"Only sixpence?" said Erebus in a tone of the liveliest surprise.

"Well, you see, there are the bicycles. I don't think we can make it
mor