On Trial with Mandela

In the distance, the Blue Train glides into view-a mere speck on the horizon. The gathered crowd cheers in anticipation. They are hedged behind security gates that block their entry to the station platform, where a few guests and journalists await its arrival. Beautifully refurbished, the Blue Train is making its first trip from Pretoria to Cape Town in a newly democratic South Africa, and as it rolls slowly into Worcester Station, the crowd strains against the gates, hoping to catch a glimpse of Nelson Mandela and the other dignitaries on board.