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Show CHAPTER NINE "February 16, 1632" Four seasons had come and gone almost full cycle during which time the physical conditions of cell life for John Lathrop had not improved. However, with the candle that had mysteriously appeared one day he had been able to read his Bible which eased considerably the distress which he felt when he pondered on the conditions which his family must be enduring without him. Having fallen asleep while reading one night, the hot tallow had burned a hole in his Bible after which he spent much of his time reconstructing the burned pages with paper and paste brought to him by Thomas. From memory he printed the missing words of scripture. The stupefying stench was not as noticeable, but then all of his senses seemed somewhat dulled by the conditions of filth. The diet of water soup was only made life sustaining by food from home which his family managed to bring him often. However, food left with the guards did not always reach the prisoners, depending upon which guard was on duty, for the keepers feared going into the wards lest they become victims of the dreadful contagion, Lathrop shared what food would come his way with his fellow cellmates. He didn't let his family know that he was sharing the food because he feared they |
