The Wooden Mile Read Online Free PDF Page B

gun and the bullet and then you’ll shoot the wolf and then I can put the gun back and it will be all over and you’ll leave me alone?” “Almost,” said Flynn, “ … but not quite!”

    Y’see, we got a little problem.” As he spoke they all turned out their hands (or what was left of them) on the table. “There ain’t one of us ’ere capable of firing a gun no more.”

    â€œI can’t bend these fingers since my hands were sewn back on,” announced Flynn.
    â€œAnd I got caught out playing with dynamite,” said Timbers, grinning and staring with a raised eyebrow. His index and middle fingers were missing from both hands.
    Stanley noticed that Jones’s right arm and hand were fully intact.
    â€œDon’t laugh,” said Jones, “but I’m left-handed. Always was, always will be. Can’t get used to using this damned thing. Just don’t trust myself with a gun. Especially in the company of wolves!”
    â€œWhat’s yer aim like, lad?” asked Flynn, and they all burst into a sinister cackle, sending the dog scurrying off into a far corner of the inn.
    Stanley wasn’t happy. “If what you say is
true, surely it’s safer to be rid of him while he is in human form,” he suggested.
    â€œDon’t work like that,” snapped Timbers, who didn’t take to the boy disagreeing with him. “Werewolves ’as to be got rid of when they’re werewolves. The human part of them survives. And anyway, what’s it gonna look like, you gettin’ caught shooting little old men? Not everybody believes Cake is the one. You could end up looking at life through a barred window.
    â€œYou’re far better off shooting the werewolf and being a hero. Ain’t nobody else around here gonna do it, that’s for sure.” And their laughter grew louder.
    Stanley was still trembling with nerves, but he was angry at what was being put upon him and he couldn’t resist asking one question.

    â€œHow come none of those watchmen have ever shot that wolf?”
    â€œIt’s a good question, Stanley,” replied Flynn, almost as if he knew it was coming. “But I got a good answer. Those folk is fishing people. They uses nets and rods to catch what they’re after. They’re simple people with simple ways. That gun up at your place is probably the only one on the island. I bet most of ’em ain’t never even seen one. All those watchmen do is keep a lookout and make sure everybody’s inside. They needs your ’elp, Stanley. You gotta get up pretty close to shoot somethin’ right between the eyes.”
    Stanley knew that despite their good humor they were serious. And now he had the following choice. Risk being killed by a
vicious and bloodthirsty wolf, or be lynched by angry vengeful pirates.
    This really was turning into a terrible business.

7
    Through the Telescope
    A few days later, Stanley was sitting at the dinner table playing with his pie and mash. He could feel Mrs. Carelli’s eyes fixed on him, and knew what was coming.
    â€œWhat is it Stanley, what’s the matter?”
    â€œNothing,” he answered so unconvincingly that she pressed him further.
    â€œYes there is, young Buggles. You normally
eats like a horse but I ain’t seen you eat more than a crumb for days and you’ve gone quiet. Especially quiet.”
    She did have a way of weeding things out of him, but Stanley would have to keep hold of this one for now.
    â€œOK, OK,” he started. “You’re right … You see, the truth is, well, I’m just missing home a bit. I mean, I love it here you know but, well, I’ve never been away from home before. I know it’s stupid.” And he started to dig into his meal. He made sure he cleaned the plate.
    Mrs. Carelli’s face dropped. “Stanley, I’m here for you night and day should you need me. Not just for