the children were ecstatic when they found that their grandfather had bought six crabs. sarah, who can do multiplication, works out that six crabs have twelve pincers and that everyone can have.. two each! two each! ariel was so moved by this abundance of crab that he offered half his share of pincers to his mother, who informs him not to set so much stock by his sister's calculations, as there are other people coming to lunch. this left ariel in a dreadful quagmire, for he dearly regretted his rash generosity in these altered circumstances but knew it uncricket to withdraw his offer. eventually they took pity on him. how troublesome to have a conscience.