"Don't seem too anxious to get away from the front, do they?" said a gunner sitting opposite. "Seems as though the old engine can't bear to leave it. 'Ullo, we've started again. Bet you we don't go further'n that little bridge along there."
"It's a bet!" said Bill. "'Ere, Alf, wake up an' 'old the stakes."
With keen interest they watched the bridge coming nearer. At last they rattled across it in a leisurely manner.
"I win," said Bill. "'And over, Alf."
"On'y just, though," said the gunner with a rueful grin, as the train stopped once more with a grinding of brakes.
"'Ere, I'm tired o' this bloomin' train. Come out an' stretch yer legs a bit, Alf."
"Don't get left be'ind," advised the gunner. "I want to win my franc back."
They sat down by the side of the track.
"Some train!" said Alf, breaking a long silence.