Jack & Harry by Tony McKenna Read Free Book Online Page A

cabin with the smell of exhaust fumes that made the two boys a little queasy in the stomach.
    The boys feigned sleep, not wanting to engage in too much conversation with the driver in case they gave an answer to one of his conversational questions that made him suspicious of their motives for wanting a lift to Northam.
    It had been relatively easy to get the ride on the milk truck from Perth to Northam. The boys knew that the truck left each afternoon loaded with bulk milk in 20-gallon cans and crates of bottles for delivery to the dairy in Northam.
    After leaving the creek they had gone to where Mr Bodini, the milk cart driver was loading up for the trip. They both figured that it would be a remote chance that their parents would check the dairy, as they wouldn’t know which way they had planned to head and Mr Bodini wouldn’t normally run into their parents. There was a possibility he could mention it to his friend Eric Chambers but that was a risk they would have to take. They would be far gone anyway by the time that happened … if it did.
    Jack had walked up and introduced himself. ‘Mr Bodini?’
    â€˜Yes, what can I do for you?’ The man had paused, a crate of milk bottles in his grip.
    â€˜My dad’s name is Jack Ferguson. I think you know of him don’t you, he’s a friend of Eric Chambers?’
    â€˜Yeah, I know Eric well and I’ve met your father a couple of times.’ He had then glanced at Harry. ‘Who’s this then?’
    â€˜Harry Turner.’ Harry hadn’t reached out to shake the man’s hand as he was still holding the milk crate.
    â€˜My dad’s a stock and station agent with Elders,’ Jack had explained. ‘He’s up at the sale yards in Northam buying some cattle and said if we could get a lift up after school we could meet him and he’d show us around a bit and then bring us home. Any chance we could get a lift with you … Dad suggested we ask?’
    Bodini had thought for a second then agreed, telling them he would be leaving in about an hour and if they wanted a lift they would have to be at the depot right on time as he couldn’t wait due to his timetable.
    The boys had then gone down the street and bought a hot dog and some lollies for the trip to Northam.
    â€˜Maybe we should buy some new gear for the trip, Jack; we got plenty.’
    â€˜This is travellin’ money, Harry,’ Jack had said. ‘But we have to eat. When we get an idea of how long it’ll last then we’ll look at some gear for us but for now let’s be real careful with it. It’s gotta last.’
    They had eaten their hot dogs, a real treat for them, and then made their way back to the depot to make sure they didn’t miss the truck and their ride to freedom.
    â€˜Right on time, boys.’ Bodini had indicated the truck. ‘Climb aboard and make yourselves comfortable; we’ll be off in a minute or two.’
    After checking the load for a final time Bodini had climbed into the driver’s seat, turned the key, pressed the starter and when the motor had fired he warmed it for a couple of minutes before driving from the yard onto the road heading to Northam.
    â€˜On our way, lads!’
    Both boys glanced at each other and settled back quietly in the cramped cabin.
    Gus Bodini had driven this route many times alone so fortunately for Jack and Harry he didn’t feel the need to talk much as he was not used to conversation as he drove. He whistled quietly to himself as the truck wound its way through Midland and slowly up through the Darling Ranges, Bodini expertly working the gears to keep the power on up the hills.
    â€˜Should make good time,’ he said as Jack stirred. ‘Not much traffic on the road today.’
    â€˜Why’s that, Mr Bodini?’
    â€˜Cup day. Lot of people stay home or go to the pub, take the day off work.’
    â€˜Cup day?’
    â€˜Yeah, don’t tell me