The list is in alphabetical order, so Stephie realizes she and Nellie will have a long wait. Her stomach is aching with hunger, and her whole body longs for a bed to stretch out on. The crowded railway compartment has been their home since early yesterday morning. The miles and miles of track have carried them all the way from Vienna, Austria, far from Mamma and Papa. The rails were a link between them. Now the girls have been cut off. They’re all alone.

Slowly the groups of children and adults begin to dwindle. Nellie cuddles up to Stephie.

“When will it be our turn, Stephie? Isn’t there anybody here for us?”

“They haven’t come to S yet,” Stephie explains. “We have to wait.”

“I’m so hungry,” Nellie whines. “And so tired. And so very hungry.”

“There’s nothing left to eat,” Stephie informs her. “We finished our sandwiches ages ago. You’ll have to be patient until we get to where we’re going. Sit down on your suitcase if you’re too tired to stand.”

Nellie sits down on her little case, chin in hands. Her long black braids reach nearly to the floor.

“Nellie, I’ll bet we’re going to be living in a real palace,” Stephie says, trying to comfort her sister. “With zillions of rooms. And a view of the sea.”

“Will I have my own bedroom?” Nellie asks.

“Sure,” Stephie promises.

“Oh, no,” Nellie moans. “I’d rather share with you.”

“Eleonore Steiner,” Stephie hears the lady call out.

“That’s you! Say ‘Here,’” Stephie whispers.

“Eleonore Steiner,” the lady with the list repeats. “Come forward!”

Stephie pulls Nellie along, zigzagging between pieces of luggage. “We’re here,” she says.

The lady looks back down at her list. “Stephanie Steiner?” she asks.

Stephie nods.

“Steiner,” the lady repeats loudly. “Eleonore and Stephanie Steiner!”