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Show Page 13 caught in a henhouse. "Don't you know 'tis lawful for sailors to help themselves to the goods of any passenger what up and dies aboard ship?" she went on. "I was just going to take a few of your dead aunt's things and hide 'em for you so's the sailors cannot get 'em." Though I did not believe the wench for a moment and found myself sore tempted to hand her a clout aside her head, I decided to honor her ruse. We had to live together for a few more weeks ere we reached Virginia. For my part, I wanted to be the cause of no quarrels. "That was very kind of you, Rose," I said. "But I doubt that custom applies if there is a living relative of the dead person aboard. Now I'll thank you to put that shawl back where you found it." Then, forgetting my desire to keep the peace, I spoke harsh words I never intended to speak. "Should I ever again catch you ferreting around my belongings, Rose Hawkings, I'll break your head." I heard myself as though from far away, as though it were a different person speaking. In truth, it was a new Sarah. The old Sarah would never have stood up to any person, even the likes of Rose Hawkings. But now I was alone in the world with only myself to rely on. "No need to be so choleric to a body who was only doin' |