I wish they'd open to-day." After which, one by one they tailed off, leaving a general impression behind them that whoever else was in the secret, these nine young innocent lambs were not.
Matters had not advanced to this stage without considerable deliberation.

Several committee meetings had been held, some of which, under Mr Stratton's presidency, had been of a practical nature, others, without his controlling presence, had ended in dust.

On the whole, however, the young merchant adventurers had exhibited a reasonable grasp of their responsibilities and an aptitude for dealing with the necessary details.
One point discussed was whether the shop should be open all day, or only at certain times.

Mr Stratton was in favour of the latter.

He urged that during the off hours between eleven and twelve, and in the afternoon between four and six, would be ample.
The committee argued, from personal experience, that there were other hours of the day when a fellow felt in the humour for a "blow out." To this Mr Stratton replied, "Let him `blow out' by all means, but not on the company's premises.