The War of Jenkins' Ear: Part 3

By MICHAEL MORPURGO

He sat in the corner seat, his face against the windowpane as the carriage filled with the jovial banter of Redlands boys all bursting with news of their holidays. There were all the new jokes and all the old jokes.

"Have you heard this one? 'Why did the submarine blush? Because it saw Queen Mary's bottom.'"

In the joy of their reunion they hardly noticed Toby and that was a relief for him. Sooner or later of course they would, but by then he'd be ready for them. Simpson was the one to watch. He knew how to niggle better than most.

When the train pulled out at last Toby went to the toilet where he locked himself in so that the tears could flow freely, so that he could steel himself, put away the last of Toby and become Jenkins.

Price: $14.95

Publisher: Mammoth

Age group: 10+ years