Simon Called Peter eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 447 pages of information about Simon Called Peter.

Simon Called Peter eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 447 pages of information about Simon Called Peter.

Jenks being attached to the A.S.C. engaged in feeding daily more than 100,000 men in the Rouen area, Peter and he travelled together.  By the latter’s advice they reached the railway-station soon after 8.30, but even so the train seemed full.  There were no lights in the siding, and none whatever on the train, so that it was only by matches that one could tell if a compartment was full or empty, except in the case of those from which candle-light and much noise proclaimed the former indisputably.  At last, however, somewhere up near the engine, they found a second-class carriage, apparently unoccupied, with a big ticket marked “Reserved” upon it.  Jenks struck a match and regarded this critically.  “Well, padre,” he said, “as it doesn’t say for whom it is reserved, I guess it may as well be reserved for us.  So here goes.”  He swung up and tugged at the door, which for some time refused to give.  Then it opened suddenly, and Second-Lieutenant Jenks, A.S.C., subsided gracefully and luridly on the ground outside.  Peter struck another match and peered in.  It was then observed that the compartment was not empty, but that a dark-haired, lanky youth, stretched completely along one seat, was regarding them solemnly.

“This carriage is reserved,” he said.

“Yes,” said Jenks cheerfully, “for us, sir.  May I ask what you are doing in it?”

The awakened one sighed.  “It’s worked before, and if you chaps come in and shut the door quickly, perhaps it will work again.  Three’s not too bad, but I’ve seen six in these perishing cars.  Come in quickly, for the Lord’s sake!”

Peter looked round him curiously.  Two of the four windows were broken, and the glory had departed from the upholstery.  There was no light, and it would appear that a heavier body than that designed for it had travelled upon the rack.  Jenks was swearing away to himself and trying to light a candle-end.  Peter laughed.

“Got any cards?” asked the original owner.

“Yes,” said Jenks.  “Got any grub?”

“Bath-olivers and chocolate and half a water-bottle of whisky,” replied the original owner.  “And we shall need them.”

“Good enough,” said Jenks.  “And the padre here has plenty of sandwiches, for he ordered a double lot.”

“Do you play auction, padre?” queried what turned out, in the candle-light, to be a Canadian.

Peter assented; he was moderately good, he knew.

This fairly roused the Canadian.  He swung his legs off the seat, and groped for the door.  “Hang on to this dug-out, you men,” he said, “and I’ll get a fourth.  I kidded some fellows of ours with that notice just now, but I know them, and I can get a decent chap to come in.”

He was gone a few minutes only; then voices sounded outside.  “Been looking for you, old dear,” said their friend.  “Only two sportsmen here and a nice little show all to ourselves.  Tumble in, and we’ll get cheerful.  Not that seat, old dear.  But wait a jiffy; let’s sort things out first.”

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Project Gutenberg
Simon Called Peter from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.