Standstill

Our train arrived in Belgrade at 8:45 pm. It was due to our stay there for a half an hour so I descended to the platform. I didn't stay there for long - the cold was bitter and the snowing was really heavy then. I had been informed that my suitcases had been moved to the compartment No.1 and my friend, M.Bouc had moved into the coach from Athens. I went in search of him. He was too polite but I couldn't say no to him.

 Me seeing how cold it really was, brrr

At 9:15 pm the train pulled out of the station, shortly after that I said good night to my friend and made my way to the compartment No.1 which was right next to the dining-car.

On the second day of my journey, the barriers between me and my companions were breaking down. I was glad they did. Time was passing rather slowly. I was entertained by the people on the train though and I wasn't grumbling.

After chatting with Mrs Hubbard I walked straight to bed and slept till a few hours later that I awoke. I knew what it was that had woken me - a loud groan, almost a cry, somewhere really close. Suddenly I heard a ting of a bell, sharp, that made me sit up and switch on the light. I noticed then that the train was at a standstill. Strange, really strange...

I got out of the bed and opened the door just as the Wagon Lit conductor came hurrying along the corridor in order to knock on Ratchett's door. Ratchett,who had the next compartment, the closest to mine. After he knocked the second time a voice came from behind the door: 'Ce n'est rien. Je me suis trompe.' The conductor run quickly where the light was showing. I returned to bed, relieved. I glanced at the watch, it was 12:37 am. I had troubles going to sleep again. First of all, I missed the motion of the train and second, I didn't have the condition to do so. The 'tinging' of the bell was really infuriating, Mrs.Hubbard was really impatient but when the conductor said the last words to her: 'Bonne nuit, Madame.', I pressed my own finger in order to ask him for a mineral water. I got the information that we were snowed in. We were between Vincovi and Brod that time. I drank the water and was trying to fall asleep when I heard a thud, like something heavy had fallen against the door.
In one quick motion I got to the door and looked out but everything was quiet and peaceful. It must have been just my nerves. I got back to bed and fell asleep... Print it!