If he saw the kind of stepchildren he was in for, it might choke him off," said the Terror.
"But he can't even see we hate him," objected Erebus.
"No, and if he did, he wouldn't mind, he'd think it a joke.

My idea isn't to show him how we feel, but to show him what we can do, if we give our minds to it," said the Terror in a somewhat sinister tone.
Erebus gazed at him, taking in his meaning.

Then a dazzling smile illumined her charming face; and she cried: "Oh, yes! Let's give him socks! Let's begin at once!" "Yes: I'll help! I'm a trusty ally!" cried Wiggins; and he spurned the earth joyfully at the thought.
They were silent a while, their faces grave and intent, cudgeling their brains for some signal exploit with which to open hostilities.
Presently Wiggins said: "You might make him an apple-pie bed.

They're very annoying when you're sleepy." He spoke with an air of experience.
"What's an apple-pie bed ?" said Erebus scornfully.
Wiggins hung his head, abashed.
"It's a beginning, anyhow," said the Terror in an approving tone; and he added with the air of a philosopher: "Little things, and big things, they all count." "I was trying to think how to break his leg; but I can't," said Erebus bitterly.
"By Jove! That cigarette-case! Come on!" cried the Terror; and he led the way swiftly out of the garden and took the path to Little Deeping.
"Where are we going ?" said Erebus.
"We're going to make him that apple-pie bed.

There's nothing like making a beginning.