Cliff-Hanger

Gaius has paid for one blanket and one pillow.

We'll share them, he says to Arthur.

You can't share a PILLOW, says Arthur.

We'll take turns, says Gaius. I'll snooze first, and you can look out of the window.

Arthur looked out of the window. It was dark, and all he could see was his face looking back.

He ate several prunes. He was bored.  He got up on his knees and leaned over the back of his Day-Nighter.

How about lending me that book? he said to Ouvert and Lavender.

No, said Lavender. Stacey's coming back later to read it to us. She says it'll help us to sleep.

It won't, said Arthur. It's the 1001 Arabian Nights. It's designed to keep you awake. Every story ends with a cliff-hanger, so that the Sultan won't kill the storyteller, but let her live to finish the story the following night.

Why would he kill her? asked Lavender, wide eyed.

Because he thinks women are generally unfaithful, said Arthur.

Oh! said Lavender. You can have the book Arthur. Can't he, Ouvert?

No, he can't have it, said Ouvert. If he has it Stacey won't stay.

Just let me have it till she comes, wheedled Arthur. I'll give you these prunes.

They're not your prunes, said Ouvert.

Give me the book, said Arthur, or I'll drop prune pits all over your blanket. See what Stacey does then.

Oh YUK! said Lavender. You're so mean.

I'm bored, said Arthur. I like to live dangerously. There's no danger sitting in an armchair on a stupid red train....

Crash! The door at the end of the carriage burst open, and in burst a black-clad figure brandishing a  glittering knife.