1 Tom's troubles begin

The Prince and the Pauper

Chapter 1 Tom's troubles begin Tom Canty dragged his feet as he turned the corner into Offal Court.

Foul smells oozed from the houses and ragged children ran screaming everywhere. Tom climbed the stairs to a room on the third floor and pushed open the door. "Did you get any money?" asked his father, as soon as he saw him. Tom held out his empty hands and shook his head.

"A whole day's begging and nothing to show for it," snarled his father. He swiped at Tom, pushing him into a corner. "Here," whispered his mother, sneaking over and passing Tom a stale crust of bread.

Under a threadbare blanket, Tom nibbled on the bread, then tried to sleep. But his pounding head and tired feet kept him awake. At last, though, Tom's thoughts began to drift to his dream world. Here, his home was a palace and he was a prince, surrounded by music and riches.

Waking in the cold light of day, the stench of his family's room seemed worse than ever. As he walked the streets of London that morning, Tom tried his hardest to block out his life, and live instead in his dreams.