Stuffed and Hidden Agendas

Eight fifteen a.m.

Having locked Gaius and Arthur in the pantry, Craig calls Stacey, who is a relative of his.

Stace! says Craig. What's happening with the train?

Just a short delay because of a broken window, says Stacey. Why do you want to know?

Are any of your passengers missing? asks Craig. A Frenchman and a natural historian perhaps?

Yes, says Stacey. That will be Arthur Rimbaud and Gaius Plinius Secundus. Have they turned up already?

I gave them a lift, says Craig. But then I got suspicious. Why aren't they on the train?

Long story, says Stacey. They stole a knife, they dropped some dangerous pencils, and it was one of them that broke the window. What have you done with them?

I've locked them in the pantry, says Craig.

Do me a favour Craig, says Stacey. Keep them there until this afternoon.

............

Eight sixteen a.m.

Inside the pantry, Arthur and Gaius are concerned.

Was it the wind? asks Gaius, staring at the inside of the pantry door.

Probably, says Arthur. I'll try and push it open.

He pushes, but it's locked.

It's locked, says Arthur. But look, chocolate croissants! My favourite.

Sure enough there is a packet of chocolate croissants on a shelf inside the door.

Is there anything to open a tin of sardines? asks Gaius. Because if there isn't I'll have Coco Pops. That is if there's any milk.

I've got milk says Arthur, feeling in his pocket.

That cheesy milk! says Gaius. No thank you. We really must get out. Let's shout for Craig.

They shout, but nothing happens.

...........

Nine a.m.

David and Vello have finally reached Port Augusta. They are having breakfast at McDonalds for the first time in their lives. They are pleasantly surprised to find that McDonalds provides a free newspaper and the coffee isn't bad.

David reads the paper.

Vello looks out of the window at the empty road.

They finish their McMuffins and ask directions to the station.

.....

Nine thirty a.m.

On the train all is bustle. The passengers from the carriage with the broken window are being moved to one that is intact. There are only two of them, Ageless and Spinoza, and Ageless doesn't count.

The trainee sweeps up the claws and broken pencils, and drops them in a bin.

The train moves off.