Rhamon/Chapter 12

by Heluiz Chandler Washburne

Chapter XII

The Fire-breathing Monster

As the car came lower and Rhamon breathed the hot dusty air of the plains he began to wish he were back in his lovely high valley where the air was cool and sweet. Now they began to pass oxcarts on the road. Small houses made of dried mud bricks were scattered here and there. People went riding by in jouncing little horse carts. Soldiers were to be seen lolling about everywhere. The long trip down the mountain was ended. They had reached the city.

It was sunset time when the car pulled up near the station in Rawal Pindi. The Sahib and Mem Sahib climbed out, stretched their legs and brushed off the thick white dust. Rhamon hopped out too, and looked at the sinking sun. He must hurry and say his prayers.

Placing the perfume jar in the Sahib's arms he ran to a street pump, splashed the water on his face and arms and washed off his feet. Then he saw, standing under a tree, another worshipper in the midst of his prayers. Rhamon knelt on the ground near him. Facing the Holy City he bowed his head to the ground many times and gave praise to Allah. And there was great thankfulness in his heart that he had come safely down the mountain.

"We will spend the night here in Rawal Pindi," said the Sahib, when they had finished their dinner. The next day when they went to take the train to Lahore, the station was crowded with people rushing this way and that, and car trying huge bundles. "Those bundles are their 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 friends. Passengers were crowding on with bags, bundles and bedding rolls.

For a minute Rhamon lost sight of the Sahib and Mem Sahib. Then he saw them again on ahead. Holding his perfume jar, he pushed his way down the aisle. Suddenly the train started. There was a terrific jerk and Rhamon found himself in a heap on the floor. When he had straightened his turban and looked around, the train was rumbling on its way. He was glad when the Sahib took his hand and led him to a seat.

The hot air was soon filled with smoke and cinders. The steady clackety-clack, clackety-clack, clackety-clack of the rolling wheels made Rhamon drowsy, and soon he was sound asleep, with his head resting against the Sahib's shoulder.

He knew nothing more till someone gently shook him. "This is Lahore. We get off here," said the Sahib.