The War of Jenkins' Ear: Part 6

By MICHAEL MORPURGO

Mr Barely called out from the end of his table.

'Jenkins,' he said, holding up the water jug.'Sir?''It's empty.'

'Yes, sir.'

Mr Birley liked him. Mr Birley had always liked him because he sang in the choir and Mr Birley liked everyone who sang in the choir. There was a care-worn, hang-dog look about him but at least he was kind, and there weren't many like that.

'You do remember where it is?' He smiled as he handed him the jug and then the bread-basket. 'And you might as well get some more bread while you're at it.'

The dining-hall door closed behind him and he dawdled his way down the tiled passage towards the kitchen. He was alone again for the first item since the toilet on the train and he wanted to make it last as long as he could. He spent some time waiting outside the kitchen door picking the crumbs out of the bread-basket.

Price: $14.95

Publisher: Mammoth

Age group: 10 plus years