Chapter 39: The Oxford Express
────── Whoooooosh…
In the distance, a train blasted its horn as it thundered down the tracks.
“Stand back! Stand back!”
A station attendant rang his bell frantically as he rushed about, pushing back curious onlookers who wished to witness the approaching train’s arrival from as close as possible.
Two rings of the bell followed by one blast of the horn—they performed a well-rehearsed duet, as though they had practiced for years.
────── WHOOOOOT!
As the train pulled into the platform, everything changed. The station attendant no longer needed to exert himself.
Passengers standing near the tracks retreated in unison, startled by the horn’s blare. Those who had only heard tales of steam locomotives and never imagined they could be so massive, swift, and deafening stood with mouths agape, uttering exclamations of wonder.
A reverence appeared in the eyes of people who had attended church their entire lives yet never learned true devotion. Overwhelmed by the imposing black iron beast, they gazed upon it with a mixture of fear and awe.