Then we went to the platform and found that the train was above half-an-hour late. We had to wait for the train on the platform. This long wait was very tiresome. I passed the time in looking at the scene around me, I observed the scene on the platform with great interest. There was great noise and bustle. People were present there in large number, all waiting anxiously, like us, for the arrival of the train. Many people were going hither and thither in a hurry. Others were standing and talking, while still others were sitting on their luggage. Hawkers were shouting to see their goods, coolies were moving about with luggage on their heads. engines were emitting smoke and whistling from time to time.
At last the train arrived. There was a mad rush for it. The noised increased. Many passengers were trying to get out, while many others were trying o get in. All were in a great hurry. Some were hurt. Children were crying loudly. The train was already overcrowded and it was only with difficulty that few could enter it. We moved from one end of the train to the other but could not find any accommodation. All the second class compartment were fully packed. Many, who could not get any seats, were standing. It was only with the help of a kind-hearted passenger that we could enter a compartment. The kind passenger helped us in, through the window. We could get only a standing place.
Though outside it was comparatively cool, it was suffocating within the over-crowed compartment. When at last the train whistled and steamed off, we all breathed a sigh of relief. We looked around the compartment, but could not find any vacant seats. Many others were also standing