Page:Ragged Trousered Philanthropists.djvu/260

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Six weeks previously Owen had bought a pair of second-hand boots for three shillings and they were now literally falling to pieces. Nora's shoes were in much the same condition, but, as she said, it did not matter so much about hers because there was no need for her to go out in wet weather.

In addition to the articles already mentioned they had to spend fourpence for half a gallon of paraffin oil, and to put sixpence into the slot of the gas-stove. This reduced the money to five and sevenpence farthing and of this it was necessary to spend a shilling on potatoes and other vegetables.

They both needed some new underclothing, for what they had was so old and worn as to be almost useless; but they had now only four shillings and sevenpence farthing left, and every penny of that was needed. They wanted to buy something special for Frankie for Christmas, and it would also be necessary to get a toy for each of the children who were coming to the party on the following Monday. Fortunately there was no meat to buy, for Nora had been paying into the Christmas Club at the butcher's as well as at the grocer's.

They stopped to look at the display of toys at Sweater's Emporium. For several days past Frankie had been talking of the wonders contained in these windows, so they wished if possible to buy him something here. They recognised many of the things from the description the boy had given of them, but nearly everything was so dear that for a long time they looked in vain for something it would be possible to buy.

'That's the engine he talks so much about,' said Nora, indicating a model railway locomotive; 'that one marked five shillings.'

'It might just as well be marked five pounds as far as we're concerned,' replied Owen.

As they were speaking, one of the salesmen appeared at the back of the window and reaching forward removed the engine. It was probably the last one of the kind and had evidently just been sold. Owen and Nora experienced a certain amount of consolation in knowing that even if they had had the money they would not have been able to buy it.

After lengthy consideration they decided on a clock-work engine at a shilling; but the other toys they resolved to buy at a cheaper shop. Nora went into the Emporium to get the engine and whilst Owen was waiting for her Mr and Mrs Rushton came out. He did not appear to see Owen, who 248