‘They say he did a lot of damage.’

‘They always do.’

‘Word is that he’ll come here, after sentencing.’

For the first time Charlie started to concentrate. ‘Here?’

‘That’s the word from those who work in the governor’s office; guilty as buggery, so they say.’

‘Hickley said something, at the sluices,’ remembered Charlie.

‘That he was coming here?’

Charlie shook his head. ‘Just something about having got another of us bastards. Makes sense of the remark though, if he were coming here.’

The bell sounded, ending breakfast. The departure from the canteen was slow, as usual.

‘I want a drink,’ said Charlie. Like Hargrave, Charlie kept his head bowed, so no one would see even the words his lips formed.

‘What?’

‘A drink.’

‘That means Prudell: he’s the supplier.’

‘I know.’

‘He’d shop you, Charlie.’

‘I know that, too.’

Hargrave remained silent.

‘I’d understand if you said you wouldn’t get it for me,’ assured Charlie.

Hargrave sighed. ‘Money or tobacco?’

‘Tobacco.’

‘How much do you want?’

‘As much as I can get: I’ve saved up half a pound.’

‘It won’t be easy,’ said Hargrave.

‘I appreciate it, Eddie.’

‘Sure.’

‘I mean it. We could share it; the booze, I mean.’

‘Don’t drink, not any more,’ said Hargrave. ‘Pissed when I killed the missus, so I don’t drink any more. If I’d been sober I wouldn’t have hit her so hard. Wouldn’t be here.’

‘It’ll be there, if you want it.’

‘What do you want?’

‘Whatever there is.’

‘I’ve heard there’s whisky. And gin,’ said the older man.

‘Whisky, if there’s a choice.’

The mess hall was almost empty now. Charlie and Hargrave stood at last and joined the line to file out.