Before the Storm by Sean McMullen Read Free Book Online Page A

squirmed. Daniel stood watching, in no mood to give her any way out.
    â€˜It is odd,’ admitted Emily finally. ‘I mean, Mother would have given him whatever he wanted willingly, if he had asked.’
    â€˜She would also have asked why he wanted it. Mother is very nosy. What if he didn’t want anyone to know?’
    This seemed enough to convince Emily that the matter was to be taken seriously. She thought carefully, her arms tightly folded across her chest.
    â€˜Danny, Martha said another bottle of wine went missing some days ago.’
    â€˜What?’ exclaimed Daniel in alarm. ‘But I watch Barry very carefully now.’
    â€˜Not carefully enough, it seems. What happened to you last time?’
    â€˜Three strokes of the cane from Father, and I had to pay for a new bottle out of my allowance.’
    â€˜Well then, I have a proposal for you. I shall pay Martha to replace that bottle out of my savings if you will ask Fox about the missing things.’
    I had beaten her! he fumed silently. I had her cornered. I won the argument. What did she do? Daniel tried to think logically. She changed the argument, I suppose.
    â€˜So, the missing bottle was something you were saving up to win the next argument,’ said Daniel.
    â€˜Daniel!’ shouted Emily, stamping her foot. ‘What a despicable thing to say.’
    â€˜Explain why it isn’t true,’ responded Daniel.
    Once again Emily squirmed. She liked to win, and he was getting tired of being beaten.
    â€˜The bottle is still missing,’ she reminded him.
    â€˜Then tell Father. I can take another caning.’
    It was a high price to pay to slip out of his sister’s grip, but Daniel had decided that it was worth it.
    â€˜No! Danny, look, we need to do something about Fox. I know he saved us, but if he is a thief, well, who knows what he might take next?’
    â€˜I think I should follow him.’
    â€˜No!’
    â€˜Why not?’
    â€˜Because it’s better to ask him.’
    â€˜No it isn’t. If I ask him, he could lie. If I follow him, I’ll know for sure.’
    Daniel had one important factor in his favour. He was allowed out alone, and Emily was not.
    â€˜All right then, do so,’ she muttered reluctantly.
    â€˜I have no money for the train, and Fox travels by train.’
    â€˜No money?’ asked Emily. ‘Why not? Too many sweets from Mr Aitkinson?’
    â€˜Our parents think I can be kept out of trouble by stopping my pocket money every time I even pick my nose, that’s why I have no money. Well?’
    â€˜Yes, all right, I’ll give you money for the fare. How much is it?’
    Daniel quoted her a little more than the price of a return ticket to the city. As he had hoped, she did not know the price of a ticket. She hurried upstairs to get the money, leaving Daniel in the kitchen. I did it, I beat her, he thought. He sat down on a chair, almost dizzy with shock and relief. Emily returned with her purse.
    â€˜Find out where he goes and what he does,’ she said as she counted out the coins.
    â€˜And you won’t tell Mother and Father?’
    â€˜Of course not! Remember what I said? Fox may be innocent. He may be doing some science class at a mechanics institute, to better himself. We may even be able to help him.’
    â€˜He would ask if he wanted help.’
    â€˜Nonsense. He may be too embarrassed.’

    Daniel watched from a distance as Fox bought a ticket at the railway station, then walked up the platform and stood with his cap pulled over his eyes. Now Daniel went to the ticket window.
    â€˜Dan the Man, yer back again,’ said Barry from behind the window. ‘And where would you be goin’ this fine Sunday?’
    Barry the Bag was still standing in for his father, who was probably asleep in one of the station’s rooms.
    Daniel thought quickly. ‘Same as my friend, Fox,’ he heard himself say.
    â€˜Flinders