In they clambered, sat down on some sacks of wool behind the door, and listened. Yes, a man came and put a big box in through the door, which he then shut. The boys were in utter darkness, but the sacks were soft; that is, the wool was, and they were tired. So very soon they were fast asleep. Fred lying along the sacks with his head on Frank's knee, Frank's arms round him, and Frank's voice murmuring in his sleep—
"Don't be afraid, Fred. We're quite safe, and to-morrow we—will—search for muddie."
During the night, the train was coupled on to that expected from the north, and before the boys awoke, they were stationary in another town, far enough from Rugeley. They had a glimmer of light now, but for a few minutes they could not imagine where they were. Then they remembered their escape, and how they had crept in here to hide; but that the van had moved since they entered it they did not in the least suspect.
"Oh, Fwank, I'm so hungry!" said Fred.
"Here's some bread I kept for you, because I know you're such a hungry boy. Eat it up."
Fred required no pressing; the bread disappeared.
"Where's your bread, Fwank?"
"I'm not hungry yet. When we get out we'll buy some more."
"When s'all we get out?"
"When they open the door."