THERE was a girl named Valliammai who was called Valli for short. She was eight years old and very curious about things. Her favourite pastime was standing in the front doorway of her house watching what was happening in the street outside. There were no playmates of her own age on her street and this was about all she had to do. But for Valli standing at the front door was every bit as enjoyable as any of the elaborate games other children played. Watching the street gave her many new unusual experiences. The most fascinating thing of all was the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. It passed through her street each hour, once going to the town and once coming back. The sight of the bus, filled each time with a new set of passengers was a source of unending joy for Valli. Day after day she watched the bus and gradually a tiny wish creot into her head and grew there she wanted to ride on that bus even if just of just once.