The girls had tried their hand , but so far without much success . The first day it had been too thin . The next day so thick that you could cut it in slices . And both days it had been burned . `` I hate porridge , '' said Faith viciously . `` When I have a house of my own I 'm NEVER going to have a single bit of porridge in it . '' `` What 'll your children do then ? '' asked Una . `` Children have to have porridge or they wo n't grow . Everybody says so . '' `` They 'll have to get along without it or stay runts , '' retorted Faith stubbornly . `` Here , Una , you stir it while I set the table . If I leave it for a minute the horrid stuff will burn . It 's half past nine . We 'll be late for Sunday School . '' `` I have n't seen anyone going past yet , '' said Una . `` There wo n't likely be many out . Just see how it 's pouring . And when there 's no preaching the folks wo n't come from a distance to bring the children . '' `` Go and call Carl , '' said Faith .
XXXXX , it appeared , had a sore throat , induced by getting wet in the Rainbow Valley marsh the previous evening while pursuing dragon-flies .
Carl Una burn day days girls house minute nine runts