Waggit Again by Peter Howe Read Free Book Online Page B

get there,” said Waggit, emphasizing the when to reassure himself as much as Lug.
    The two dogs became silent and morosely looked out the open doors as the countryside sped by. It was beginning to get dark now, and the darker it got the worse their fears became. Objects that they would have hardly noticed during the day flashed past like great, threatening black masses. The two of them edged farther and farther away from the open doors until, without realizing it, they were both in the far corner of the car, huddled together for comfort. Then, as fatigue overcame them and they were rocked by the “clackety-clack” rhythm of the train, they finally fell asleep.
    Sometime later they were awoken by the screeching sound of metal on metal as the train slowed down and changed direction. When it had settled into its new course it didn’t pick up speed, however, but proceeded at a slow pace, and then gradually came to a stop with much hissing of brakes and clanging of steel. It wasstill dark, and the two dogs were scared of what might happen next. An eerie silence surrounded them, and Waggit summoned all his courage and peered out, but he could only see blackness.
    â€œWhat do we do now?” asked Lug, his voice quavering with fear.
    â€œI don’t know,” said Waggit. “I don’t know whether we should stay here or jump down and run.”
    â€œJump?” cried Lug incredulously. “Jump? I can’t jump. It’s too high. I’d break every bone in my body.”
    â€œBetter that than be caught by the Ruzelas and get taken to the Great Unknown,” Waggit assured him. “I know—I’ve been there and I’d take broken bones and freedom any day.”
    â€œWhat’s a Ruzela?” asked Lug.
    â€œThey’re people that all wear the same stuff and try to catch you,” said Waggit.
    â€œWhat’s the Great Unknown?” asked Lug.
    â€œIt’s where they take dogs that have been caught. I was caught once,” said Waggit.
    â€œIf you’ve been there and know what it’s like, why is it called the Great Unknown?” inquired Lug.
    â€œBecause I’m the only one who ever made it back alive,” replied Waggit.
    â€œSo why if—” began Lug.
    Waggit cut him short.
    â€œWill you stop asking questions?” he said irritably. “They’re not going to help us get out of here. Be quiet while I think.”
    Lug fell sulkily silent while Waggit assessed the situation. The train might start again in a few minutes, but as he looked out the open door he thought this was unlikely. They had stopped in an area full of boxcars similar to the one they were in, and many of them looked as if they had been there for some time. Weeds had begun to grow around the tracks and underneath some of the cars. If the two dogs remained there and a railroad worker came along and closed the door, they would be trapped. Waggit decided what they should do.
    â€œLug,” he said, “come and stand by the door and keep watch. There’s something I have to do.”
    Without questioning what it was, Lug went to the opening and cautiously peered out. As he did Waggit ran up and, with his shoulders against the other’s rear end, pushed him with all his might, and the two of them tumbled out of the car and onto the tracks.
    â€œOw, ow,” complained Lug. “What did you do thatfor? I’m already injured as it is. Didn’t you think about that?”
    â€œWe had to get out of there or risk being caught inside, and I knew you wouldn’t jump by yourself,” he replied. “We’re better off out here. I don’t think this train’s going anywhere. The rest of the journey’s going to be on paw.”
    Before Lug could complain again they both heard the sound of footsteps walking along the tracks in the distance.
    â€œQuick,” said Waggit, “under here.”
    They both dived under the wheels of a