Chapter 7

The cell didn’t smell as bad as it usually did after it had been cleaned. The wood absorbed a good deal of stink and no amount of scrubbing would remove it entirely, but at least the aroma of urine and faeces, along with the constant mouldy smell of dampness, wasn’t anywhere near as putrid as it usually was. It was also surprising what a shower and some clean clothes did for the spirit. It didn’t bother him a jot that Collins was glowering at him from across the way. His mates had obviously told him what had taken place while he was in the infirmary. Jacob knew they’d never be friends, nor did he want them to be, but he could rest easy knowing he not only had Peter to help him out, but also a number of the other men.

Peter was returned to the cell after lunch, along with half a dozen men who’d been taken above deck to swab it.

“It’s good to have you back,” said Jacob, wrapping his arms around Peter.

Peter grimaced. “Steady, lad. Still a bit tender.”