Black Wreath by Peter Sirr Page B

would slit his throat in the middle of the night with a squeal of pleasure and then think no more about it. Kelly and Hare looked exactly like what they were – common criminals with scaffold faces, pocked and unwashed.
    ‘And now that you have found us,’ Darcy continued, ‘or rather, now that we have found you, you’ll have to join us. Then we won’t be obliged to kill you.’
    James noted the look of disappointment on Kitty’s face.
    ‘How do you mean exactly, join you?’ James asked, though he felt the foolishness of the question even as he asked it.
    ‘We’ll have to train you in, of course,’ Darcy said, ignoring the question. ‘Can’t have a day’s work spoiled by ignorance. You can help us with a bit of footpadding first, and then we’ll see what else you’re good for.’
    James wanted to protest that he was no thief, but now did not seem to be the time to make his protest. He felt a wave of tiredness hit him like a blow and it was with great relief that he heard Darcy announce that they might as well get some sleep now. He would see what tomorrow brought before deciding anything. Who knows, he thought, as he fell down onto his bedding again and wrapped Harry’s blanket around him, maybe this will all prove to have been a dream, and when I wake up there will be no one here.

Thirteen

In Red Molly’s
    T omorrow did come but it brought no relief. When James opened his eyes, he was met with the sight of Jack Darcy’s boots, inches from his face; the others sprawled nearby on rough beds of coats and branches. The sun was just starting to filter through the trees and the air was damp and cold. James shivered and eased himself up as quietly as he could. If he ran now, he might make it back to the city before any of the gang had woken up. But just as the thought occurred to him, he became aware of Darcy’s half-opened eyes regarding him coolly.
    â€˜Thinking of bolting, James Brown?’ he inquired softly, a hint of a smile on his lips.
    â€˜No,’ James lied. ‘Of course not. I’ve slept enough, that’s all.’
    â€˜I’m glad to hear it. This is the first day of your new life. And the first order of business is the highwayman’s breakfast, so why don’t you gather some kindling and get a fire going.And remember,’ he said, as James nodded and turned to do his bidding, ‘I have a dog’s ears; I can hear a leaf rustle or a twig snap underfoot at fifty paces.’
    James didn’t doubt it, and set himself to his task without further thought of escape. When he came back, Kelly, Hare and Kitty were all up, shuffling around the clearing. Kitty was soon dispatched to fetch supplies from the hide and returned with a small sack from which he drew a little bacon, some pungent smoked herring and coffee. He also brought a cooking pot and a smaller pot with some water, which Darcy now used to brew some coffee.
    â€˜The finest thieves’ coffee house in Dublin,’ the highwayman announced. ‘Kelly, work your wonders with the bacon and let’s start the day as we mean to continue.’
    In spite of his fears, James ate heartily. No matter what trouble he was in, his appetite rarely deserted him, and it sometimes seemed to him that the graver the circumstances, the hungrier he got. Once the meal was done and the plates and pots secreted back in their hiding place, Darcy was all action, instructing Hare and Kelly to take the wigs and coats and other valuables from last night’s robbery to a tavern in the city, where they would all meet up later. He would keep the cash and the more precious pieces, and later that night, they would share out all the spoils.
    â€˜And now we will begin your education,’ he turned to James when the others had left. ‘Kitty, your hanger.’
    Kitty reluctantly parted with his blade. James grabbed the handle.
    â€˜Hold it, feel its weight, swing it around, let it become part of you.’
    James