Free Amanda on the Danube: The Sounds of Music by Darlene Foster Page B

Ross.
    â€œWe went into the cathedral. It’s totally awesome. We walked up the steps to the top of the steeple and could see all over the city. Sorry, Mom, it just took longer than we thought it would.”
    Mrs. Ross noticed David and smiled. “Who isthis?”
    â€œThis is our friend, David. His parents went back to the boat early, so we said he could stay with us.”
    â€œReally?” Mrs. Ross looked puzzled. “The rest are having an ice cream. Perhaps you’d like to join us.”
    â€œSuper!” said Amanda.
    â€œI could do with an ice cream,” said Leah. “I think David would like some too.”
    After feasting on the delicious ice cream, everyone, including David, boarded a train with
U-Bahn
in large letters on the side, which would take them back to the boat.
    In spite of a very crowded train, the parents found seats. The children stood and held onto a pole. David fidgeted, his eyes darting around. Amanda gave him a reassuring smile.
    At the next stop, Amanda gulped. The same man in the red coat and white wig got on the train. She looked at Leah and nodded her head in his direction. They crowded around David so he couldn’t be seen. The man shoved his way through the crowd toward them but got squashed between a pole and a very large woman. He couldn’t move. Amanda was thankful he was facing the other direction.
    Leah whispered, “Wait here.” She pushed her way near the man. She reached for the tails of his coat and tied them around the pole with a secure knot.
    When Leah returned, Amanda quietly announced, “Our stop is next.”
    They were about to get off the train when they saw the man turn and notice them. He lunged forward to follow them and jerked back. He took another step, but couldn’t move ahead. Annoyed, the man looked behind him and realized he was tied to the pole. He twisted to untie the knot. The very large woman bumped into him, knocking off his wig.
    The door opened. They stepped onto the platform. Amanda turned to Leah and said, “Well done, my friend!”
    She glanced at the train as it left the station and noticed the man in the red coat and breeches still on board. She did a double take. Her eyebrows shot up. He was not a man after all. He was a woman. A woman who looked an awful lot like Enid Schmidt.

18
    B ack on board the boat, Amanda and Leah were able to hustle David to their room.
    Amanda crossed her arms and gave David her most serious look. “Now, we are going to dinner. Please, don’t answer the door. No matter what.”
    The young boy nodded. “
Ja
. I will not make that mistake again.”
    At dinner, Amanda’s mom asked, “Did you tell Jozsef about the violin, sweetie?”
    Amanda gulped. “Yes, I saw him in the hallway and told him. You were right, Mom. He didn’t seem to be too worried about it. He said not to mention it.” Amanda looked down at her plate and stirred her veggies with her fork. She hated lying to her mom and always had a feeling her mom could tell.
    She looked up and noticed a gold pendant in the shape of a treble clef hanging on her mother’s neck. “Mom, where did you get that beautiful necklace?”
    â€œYour dad bought it for me in Vienna today.” Evelyn Ross fingered the piece of jewellery. “I willremember this wonderful trip every time I wear it.” She beamed at her husband and the lost violin was forgotten.
    The girls brought food back to the room for David.
    â€œ
Danke.
You have been good to me.” He took a bite of bread. “Is the violin still safe?”
    Amanda lowered her eyes. “Sorry, David. It’s gone.” She told him in a halting voice what happened when she tried to give it to the person she thought was a monk. “I feel awful about this. You trusted me to keep it safe for you.” She felt a lump in her throat.
    â€œIt is these terrible people. I think they want it for another boy. I