'
'We might take it and spend it all on benefits to the poor and
aged,' said Cyril.
'That wouldn't make it right to steal,' said Anthea, stoutly.
'I don't know,' said Cyril. They were all standing up now.
'Stealing is taking things that belong to some one else, and
there's no one else.'
'It can't be stealing if--'
'That's right,' said Robert, with ironical approval; 'stand here
all day arguing while the candles burn out. You'll like it awfully
when it's all dark again--and bony.'
'Let's get out, then,' said Anthea. 'We can argue as we go.' So
they rolled up the carpet and went. But when they had crept along
to the place where the passage led into the topless tower they
found the way blocked by a great stone, which they could not move.
'There!' said Robert. 'I hope you're satisfied!'
'Everything has two ends,' said the Phoenix, softly; 'even a
quarrel or a secret passage.'
So they turned round and went back, and Robert was made to go first
with one of the candles, because he was the one who had begun to
talk about bones. And Cyril carried the carpet.
'I wish you hadn't put bones into our heads,' said Jane, as they
went along.
'I didn't; you always had them. More bones than brains,' said
Robert.
The passage was long, and there were arches and steps and turnings
and dark alcoves that the girls did not much like passing.
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