If they enjoyed the wildest freedom outdoors, indoors the young Wilners lived by the clock.

And so at five o'clock in the evening, on seven days in the week, my father's partner's children could be seen in two long rows around the supper table.

You could tell them apart on this occasion, because they all had their faces washed.

And this is the time to count them: there are twelve little Wilners at table.
I managed to retain my identity in this multitude somehow, and while I was very much impressed with their numbers, I even dared to pick and choose my friends among the Wilners.

One or two of the smaller boys I liked best of all, for a game of hide-and-seek or a frolic on the beach.