Although the novel does not clarify what “take one on the trains” means, it sounds ominous. Boston’s fearful reaction, sweating and refusing to look at Tsotsi, strengthens the reader’s sense of foreboding. That Tsotsi, Butcher, and Die Aap all agree to “take one on the trains” implies that this activity is in line with the group’s usual habits—Boston is the only one who suggests a change. Toward the passage’s end, the novel reveals that “Butcher” is indeed a stereotyping nickname, one that implies Butcher is going to butcher—that is, kill—someone with his bicycle spoke.