The War of Jenkins' Ear: Part 2

By MICHAEL MORPURGO

Toby closed his eyes and swallowed back the dread that rose in the back of his throat, the dread he'd been living with since first he woke that morning.

It had been with him during the silent ride with his mother on the Underground, and as they walked up the steps and into Victoria Station.

He recalled how his stomach had heaved at the first sight of a green, red and white cap. His last hope of reprieve was shattered. There could be no doubt about it now.

This was the day term began. They hadn't come too early.

There had been no mistake. He was not Toby any more. He was Jenkins now, or `Jinks'. Someone said what they always said. `Hello, Jinks. Had a good hols?' Toby nodded. He didn't trust himself to speak.

His mother went with him as far as the door of the carriage. She knew he hated her to wait.

`I'll be off then, Toby. God bless.'

And she hugged him quickly and went away without looking back, leaving him with just the smell of her.

He knew by now there was no point in trying to stop the tears.

They would come anyway in spite of himself. If he tried very hard though he could hold them in his eyes, just so long as he didn't blink.

Price: $14.95

Publisher: Mammoth

Age group: 10 plus years