Mountains of the Moon – 3

Previously, Shankar escapes the rural life to work in the lion territory. 

The black mamba station

It was about 3pm when an excited Shankar arrived at the station.  The station ‘office’ was little bigger than a wardrobe.  The ‘platform’ was just a barb wired area.  Behind the office room was his ‘quarter’, a little bit bigger.  After dropping him off, the train left for Kisumu. 

There was a train in the morning from Kisumu, and one in the afternoon towards it.  There are only two trains a day.  It wasn’t much work, he would have a lot of time in his hand.  And it didn’t take him long to take charge from his predecessor.  The previous stationmaster was a Gujerati man, he spoke English pretty well.  He made Shankar tea.  There wasn’t much to explain to Shankar.  But it appeared that the poor chap didn’t have anyone to talk to for a long while.  He was very happy to see Shankar.  After a cup of tea, the two walked around the station.