Caught on a Train: Part 5

By CARLO GEBLER

Now came what I dreaded. I couldn't hold on until I could use the lavatory at Broadstone Station, nor could I go back upstairs and use the chamber pot. I had a job now. I had to act like a man.

I put my father's slippers on, lit a candle in the fire and went out into the yard. It was so icy cold it hurt my lungs to breathe. The privy was in the corner. The door was closed. With the sweeping brush, I gave the door a bang and then another bang. If there was a rat inside, this would drive him out. I waited, holding my candle over the holes along the bottom of the privy door so that if anything ran out, I would see it. But nothing did. I hit the door again for safety. Then, holding the candle in front of me and peering ahead, I went inside.

Publisher: Mammoth

Price: $16.95

Age group: 10 plus years