We'd best put on our outers in case--' 'We might rescue a traveller buried in the snow, like St Bernard dogs, with barrels round our necks,' said Jane, beginning to be interested.
'Or we might arrive just in time to witness a will being signed--more tea, please,' said Robert, 'and we should see the old man hide it away in the secret cupboard; and then, after long years, when the rightful heir was in despair, we should lead him to the hidden panel and--' 'Yes,' interrupted Anthea; 'or we might be taken to some freezing garret in a German town, where a poor little pale, sick child--' 'We haven't any German money,' interrupted Cyril, 'so THAT'S no go.

What I should like would be getting into the middle of a war and getting hold of secret intelligence and taking it to the general, and he would make me a lieutenant or a scout, or a hussar.' When breakfast was cleared away, Anthea swept the carpet, and the children sat down on it, together with the Phoenix, who had been especially invited, as a Christmas treat, to come with them and witness the good and kind action they were about to do.
Four children and one bird were ready, and the wish was wished.
Every one closed its eyes, so as to feel the topsy-turvy swirl of the carpet's movement as little as possible.
When the eyes were opened again the children found themselves on the carpet, and the carpet was in its proper place on the floor of their own nursery at Camden Town.
'I say,' said Cyril, 'here's a go!' 'Do you think it's worn out?
The wishing part of it, I mean ?' Robert anxiously asked the Phoenix.
'It's not that,' said the Phoenix; 'but--well--what did you wish-- ?' 'Oh! I see what it means,' said Robert, with deep disgust; 'it's like the end of a fairy story in a Sunday magazine.

How perfectly beastly!' 'You mean it means we can do kind and good actions where we are?
I see.
I suppose it wants us to carry coals for the cook or make clothes for the bare heathens.

Well, I simply won't.

And the last day and everything.