The Railway Children · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Railway Children by E. Nesbit.

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Chapter 1
Dedication
The author dedicates the book to her son Paul Bland, acknowledging his expertise in railways which she relies upon.
Chapter 2
The Railway Children
The three children, Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis, move with their mother to a small house called Three Chimneys after their father's sudden departure. They discover the railway nearby and become fascinated with the trains, waving to passengers and making friends with the station staff, including Perks the porter and the Station Master. Their adventures begin as they adapt to their new, simpler life.
Chapter 3
The Beginning of Things
The chapter introduces the three children—Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis—living a comfortable suburban life with their perfect father and loving mother. Their idyllic existence is shattered when mysterious visitors arrive, their father is called away on business, and the family is forced to move to a small white house in the country, beginning a new life centered around the railway.
Chapter 4
Peter's Coal-Mine
The children adapt to their new life without Father, but a period of cold, wet weather reveals their poverty when Mother forbids a fire due to the high cost of coal. Determined to help, Peter devises a plan to mine coal from the station's pile, believing it is not stealing. He is caught by the Station Master, who initially threatens him but relents after learning the children's motive. The chapter ends with the family's first night at Three Chimneys, where they light candles and a fire, striving to be cheerful despite their hardships.
Chapter 5
The Old Gentleman
The children befriend the railway and begin waving to the 9:15 train, which is ridden by an old gentleman who waves back. Mother falls ill with influenza, and the doctor prescribes expensive remedies she cannot afford. The children spend time at the station with the Porter, learning about trains, and Peter starts collecting engine numbers.

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Dedication

The Railway Children

The Beginning of Things

Peter's Coal-Mine

The Old Gentleman