Read Online Convictions by Judith Silverthorne - Free Book Online

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    Still grumbling, Flo went with the other mess captains to serve breakfast from more buckets handed to them by the cook’s crew. She slopped thin gruel into the wooden bowls. Jennie rose to help distribute them.
    “I don’t need no help,” Flo grumbled.
    “Let her,” said Hildy. “We’re hungry, and you’re too slow.”
    When she sat down to eat, Jennie dipped her spoon into the pale slime. It was no better or worse than what they’d had in prison, though Jennie thought it might be slightly more watery, and, after tasting it, not salted enough. Yet, she ate ravenously, her stomach clamouring for more, but it was not forthcoming. In fact, the last ones served got even smaller rations than those at the start.
    “Bloody pigs,” said Dottie, one of the ones shorted at another table. “Serve me first next time, you dolt," she said, waving a menacing finger at Hildy.
    “I’ll wash the utensils,” Alice offered, carefully gathering the spoons and bowls from those seated at their table.
    “Good girl,” said Jennie.
    Alice flashed her a grateful smile. Although several spoons clattered to the deck floor as she headed for the ladder, Hildy helped Alice retrieve them.
    “She’s smart too,” said Sarah, nodding approval. “Be first and get it over with.”
    Jennie wondered where the utensils were being cleaned. She hoped it wasn’t in the same swill pails where all the women had washed.
    “Inspection time. Everyone on deck, except those assigned to stay below,” Meadows ordered.
    “Reverend Ernest Brantford will lead you in prayers.” The reverend had combed a few strands of his grey hair over his balding head. Clasping a Bible with his long bony fingers, he began his ascent.
    Jennie trundled up top again with the others. A handful of women, including Kate, were told to stay put.
    “What’s happening below?” Jennie asked.
    Hildy answered. “Probably inspecting our quarters for contraband. You know, in case we’ve smuggled spirits or knives or something on board since we left the docks.”
    “As if we had a chance!” Flo rolled her eyes.
    Fanny guffawed. “Maybe they are looking for the lice and bedbugs.” She scratched at her neck.
    “No,” Sarah chided. “I hear they are to clean the hold, and the surgeon is inspecting to make sure they do it the way he wants.”
    “He’d do better to get rid of the bloody bugs,” said Fanny.
    “Quiet, please,” Reverend Brantford’s firm, low voice commanded. He led them in a prayer filled with the fear of damnation for all their sinful ways.
    Jennie winced with each scolding. Alice clutched her hand in fear.
    “Kneel, you sinners,” he said, “and repent!”
    As Jennie and the others fell to their knees, she noticed Fanny and Mary Roberts only partially crouching with smirks on their faces. Most of the women looked bored, though a few had bowed heads. Behind Jennie, Iris sobbed and prayed aloud.
    At last, the reverend reached the end, and a loud chorus of “Amen” echoed around Jennie.
    “Half of you will exercise now, and the rest will go down to do scripture readings and learn your letters and sums,” Reverend Brantford said. “Those on starboard, follow me below.”
    Jennie started forward, but many women had no idea which side they were on and collided. Jennie still remembered the parts of a ship her father had taught her on the ferry ride.
    “No, no. Not you, and not you. Yes, you,” said Reverend Brantford impatiently, as the guards helped him organize the women and line up those staying on deck behind Jennie.
    As she waited for the women to get sorted, Jennie noticed Fanny saunter with hips swaying behind the wheelhouse. Almost immediately, Red Bull disappeared after her.
    “Now march, you lot,” the reverend ordered Jennie’s group. “The rest of you follow me.”
    As they filed past the wheelhouse, Jennie craned her neck, searching for Fanny. Her eyes almost popped out of their sockets at the sight of Fanny with the front