Page:Rhamon (1939).pdf/97

 bedding rolls," the Sahib told Rhamon. "At night they are spread out on the seats, and in the daytime they are put back in those big bags."

Suddenly there was a shrill whistle, and down the track Rhamon saw a great light coming closer and closer. Surely it was the eye of some giant beast that was roaring and thundering toward him. The creature let out another sharp scream. It was almost on top of him, this huge black fire-breathing monster, with a tail that stretched far along the track. Then with a horrible noise it slowly stopped and stood there puffing and hissing and blowing great clouds of steam into the air. It had fire in its insides too, for Rhamon could feel the heat and see the blaze. This was Rhamon's first view of a railroad train.

"Come, Rhamon," said the Sahib, and gave Rhamon a boost up the steep steps into one of the coaches. People were leaning out of the windows, buying things to eat, or talking to