Chapter 14
Gone to Ground
Terror, anger and self-preservation lent wings to Ben’s feet as he tore down Hythe Hill and along Hythe Quay. Clearing the gap between wharf and hull in a single bound, he clattered to a stop against the cabin hatchway. His chest heaving, he gasped, “It’s ’im. ’E got Ned an’ George.”
Taking the battered package of buns from the trembling boy, Dickie Byrd put his mug of ale to Ben’s mouth. “Take a sup then tell me again. Who ’as ’em, an’ where?”
The ale steadied him, though he was still breathless. “’Twas Mister ’Ewlett, t’ Beadle. Ned bought them buns an’ wanted a pat o’ butter fer ’em like ’is Mam used ter give ’im fer ’is tea.” The tears started, and he wiped them angrily with his sleeve. “Then ’at bastard o’ a carpenter come an’ said ’e knew a quick way ter
