Ch. 10. Black Train Blues

[Mr. Handy]

"That's all I saw," says William. "Maybe it was a ghost. I don't know, I've never seen one before."

[HoneyDog]

Howard closes his eyes again.

[Bullfrog]

Finding little of importance, Lawrence returns to his seat, keeping a thorough watch on the area around the door.
"Well, then I'd suppose we'd best keep our eyes peeled."

[Philulhu]

Half an hour passed but there was no sign of anything moving by the door. Outside, the sun shone on the fields and the carriage started to heat up.

[Mr. Handy]

William remains alert for any other unusual occurrences.

[Philulhu]

Another half-hour passed without incident until there was a sudden grumbling noise. Thomas put his hand to his stomach and looked embarrassed. ”Is there any chance we could go and find something to eat? The breakfast served at the hospital won’t keep me going all day.” he said.

OOC,I’ve added a couple of links to show the parts of the train you have seen so far. The investigators are in the double cabins in the middle of the train. The conductor’s seat is to the rear of the train, the salon (through which you entered) is the opposite way.

[Mr. Handy]

"Yeah, I could do with a bite to eat," says William. "I'm not too fond of hospital food either."

[HoneyDog]

Howard yawns, but feels a little refreshed.

"Let's go then."

[Philulhu]

Friday March 7th, 1930 12.45pm.
Baton Rouge to Boston Train

Heading out into the corridor, the four men could see the conductor sat away to their right, gazing at them disinterestedly. Turning left, they made their way through the carriage and the enclosed connector where the noise from rails can be heard, and into the salon car beyond.

The salon car was modern and well appointed, with plenty of seats and a bar. A few people were already there, at the far end a young man was dozing on a settee and a woman was sat talking to two young children. On their right as they came into the carriage, an older man sat reading a book. He looked up as they entered, then glanced at the clock on the wall. “If you’re wanting lunch, I suggest you get a move on,” he said. “The dining car will close at 1.00pm.”

[Mr. Handy]

"Thank you, sir," says William. He heads for the dining car.

[Philulhu]

William and Thomas crossed between the carriages into the dining car and made their way past what appeared to be storage cupboards and into the carriage proper.

The dining car was obviously of the same design as the rest of the train, well-appointed with plush seats. Ten tables - five to a side with four seats surrounding them - completed the first part of the dining car. There was a partition with a door partway down the carriage, designed to separate the smoking and non-smoking sections.

The carriage was empty except for two waiting staff, who looked on blankly. Both were tall, with slightly unkempt appearance. Their clothes were in good condition but both waiters looked gaunt with overly long, greasy hair.

As William stepped into the carriage, he felt a jolt as if the train had run over some points, although when he looked outside, it appeared as if the train was continuing on its unwavering route through the countryside. The nearest waiter spoke, slowly and haltingly, ”Can we help you, sirs? The dining room is about to close.”

OOC,I’ve added a link to the dining car to the maps page. You enter from the right hand end as you look at the image. Howard/Lawrence - What are you doing?

[Mr. Handy]

"Yes, I'd like to get some lunch before it does," says William.

[HoneyDog]

OOC,Howard already indicated he was going with them for lunch. I think everyone intends to go.

[Bullfrog]

OOC,Sorry for the lack of a post, I've been busy these past few days. [b]Lawrence[/b] shall be joining the group for lunch.

"Say, what would you happen to be serving?" inquires Lawrence.

[Philulhu]

OOC,No problem. I’d only had an update for William so didn’t want to presume anything.

The waiter who had spoken slowly turned his head to look at the clock on the wall and then to his fellow waiter further down the carriage. After a moment, he turned back and said, ”Dining commenced at 12.00. There is insufficient time for you to eat now. The next sitting is due in nine minutes.”

[HoneyDog]

"You're going to reopen?" asks Howard, confused.

[Philulhu]

“We re-open to first class passengers at seven ‘o’ clock,” replied the waiter.

[Mr. Handy]

"Could we please get some food to take back to our compartments?" asks William.

[Philulhu]

The two waiters exchanged looks again, and the one furthest away said, ”If you return to the salon, then we will arrange for food to be brought to you.”

At that, the nearest waiter moved forward with arm outstretched, ushering the young men from the dining car.

[Mr. Handy]

"Thank you," says William. He returns to the salon.