The Five Shilling Children

by Lindsey Hutchinson

  Dear God, don’t suffer the little children to come unto You yet, please let me have them a while longer.

  Minnie didn’t move from her chair even when the fire went cold, she sat all night wondering where her babies were.

  *

  Gerald had run from the house grabbing a handful of snow to his hand to help staunch the bleeding. He had nowhere to go except to wander the town in the hope of finding another cock fight or bare-knuckle bout. The urge to gamble was strong in him now having convinced himself he was on a winning streak.

  Seeing a shirt still pegged on someone’s washing line, he grabbed it and ran. Tearing a strip from the bottom he wound it around his hand before pulling the garment on over his own clothes.

  It was dark and he was cold, he needed to get inside before he froze to death out in the street. Realising the gas street lights were already lit he surmised it must be getting late. If he didn’t hurry there would be nowhere for him to place a bet.

  For a couple of hours, Gerald visited all the haunts he could call to mind which could offer him an opportunity to gamble away his last few coins, and he was sorely disappointed; there was nothing doing anywhere.

  Striding into the next tavern he came to he walked up to the bar. He sniggered at the sign on the wall.

  Drunk for a penny, dead drunk for two pennies,

  Clean straw for nothing!

  At least if he passed out through drink, they would throw him onto the straw in the yard. Whether it was clean didn’t matter much to him.

  Gerald settled in for the duration determined to spend his very last coin and when too inebriated to stand he would sleep on warm hay. If he managed to get drunk enough, he wouldn’t feel the cold seeping into his bones.

  *

  The following morning as James and Peter prepared themselves for school, a knock came to the back door.

  Minnie answered and was shocked as two men carried her dead husband inside and laid him on the floor.

  ‘Sorry, Mrs Fitch, it seems he froze to death at the back of the tavern.’

  Minnie nodded her thanks and the two men left.

  ‘Mum, what are we gonna do with him?’ James asked as he backed away from the corpse.

  ‘Bury him – out on the heath. I ain’t got no money for the undertaker,’ Minnie replied.

  ‘How are we gonna get him to the heath?’ Peter asked as he bent over his father trying to see if he was actually dead.

  ‘We’ll have to see if we can borrow a cart. But first run and fetch the doctor lad for we’ll need a death certificate – and make sure he’s sober!’ Minnie showed no emotion as she stared down at the white face of her husband. To James she said, ‘Fetch the shovel out of the privy while I go and see if I can get a hand cart from somewhere.’

  Glancing again at the cold body she murmured, ‘Look at what drinking brought you, Gerald Fitch. It got you in the end but at least it saved me the trouble.’

  Grabbing her shawl, Minnie turned and walked out of the house.

  After the doctor, who was in fact so drunk he could barely stand, had been and gone, the boys helped Minnie roll their father in an old sheet. Neither James nor Peter had shed a tear and their mother began to worry; it wasn’t natural. Struggling, the three of them managed to haul the heavy body outside before loading it onto a cart Minnie had borrowed from a neighbour.

  The boys grabbed a cart handle each and dragged it along following behind Minnie. As they trudged, she spoke. ‘I’m sorry it’s come to this but your father brought it on himself.’

  ‘We know,’ James puffed.

  ‘You do, and you also know how he treated me, as well as Polly and Adam.’

  This was the first Minnie had spoken to them about her other children in a long time, and the siblings looked at each other.

  ‘He was a drunken bully, was your dad. He was selfish and greedy,’ Minnie went on. ‘I ain’t saying anything I ain’t already said to his face, but I tell you this – I won’t miss him.’

  She glanced back over her shoulder to see her sons having difficulty with the cart as they pulled it off the tramway onto the scrubland. ‘Give me that handle,’ she said to Peter, ‘and you help James.’

  Minnie continued to talk as they moved on. ‘I’m sure you loved your father but I’m in no doubt you agree with everything I’m saying. But, if you feel the need to shed a tear over his grave, I’ll understand.’

  Dragging the cart for what seemed like forever with nothing to see for miles other than scrubland, they eventually came to a hedgerow and Minnie nodded. ‘This will do.’

  The earth was as hard as iron as they took it in turns with the shovel. It was back-breaking work and they all worked up a sweat. They toiled on until at last Minnie called a halt.

  ‘It’s not as deep as it should be but I can’t dig no more, so let’s get him in and have done with it.’ She was deliberately being hard-faced about the whole debacle in order to keep her sons focused on the task in hand. They dragged the sheet-covered corpse to its makeshift burial plot and rolled it in rather unceremoniously.

  It was then they heard a moan. Minnie and the boys stepped back from the grave and when the corpse of Gerald Fitch sat up, Minnie let out a scream. The sound echoed across the silent heath as Minnie continued to wail. Peter and James yelled as they watched in horror then they turned and fled, Minnie close on their heels. Running all the way home they tumbled into the house and bolted the doors. They were all white with fear.

  ‘Mum, what happened?’ James managed at last still shaking with shock.

  Minnie shook her head, her breathing coming in gasps.

  ‘The doctor pronounced him dead!’ Peter panted.

  ‘Ar well, it looks like he ain’t!’ Minnie croaked. ‘I knew we shouldn’t have trusted that bloody drunken doctor.’

  ‘Phew, I thought it was a ghost,’ James said with a nervous laugh.

  ‘Me an’ all,’ Peter agreed.

  ‘It scared the living daylights out of me!’ Minnie said. ‘You know what this means now though – we ain’t seen the back of yer father after all.’

  22

  Adam and Polly left the church before the early worshippers arrived. Hoping to stay out of sight, they walked into an alley only to be faced with three boys – all older than themselves.

  ‘Well now, look what we have here,’ said one. Standing in front of the other two he was clearly the leader.

  Polly instinctively hid behind her brother. Adam looked the boys over. If it came to trouble, he could fight and win one on one, but three against one – he was not so sure. The boys were dressed in rags, their feet shoved into old boots. Street urchins, they stayed alive by begging and most likely stealing.

  ‘Running from the coppers, are we?’ the leader asked.

  Adam said nothing, his boxing tuition running through his mind once again as his eyes flicked from one boy to another.

  ‘Running…’ one of the others repeated.

  Rolling his eyes, the one in charge snapped, ‘Shut up, Echo!’ To Adam he asked, ‘What you done then for you to be chased by the bobbies?’

  ‘We ran away from the orphanage,’ Adam replied.

  ‘Orphans. That means you probably ain’t got anything worth stealing then.’

  ‘Precisely, but we don’t want to go back there. They sold my sister and I’ve only just managed to get her back.’ Adam squared his shoulders still wondering if he would have to fight his way out of the alley.

  After a moment the talkative one surprised them all when he said, ‘Fair enough. If you want, you can join us, can’t they, lads?’

  The one called Echo nodded.

  ‘I’m Flash on account of I can run the fastest. This here is Echo…’

  ‘Because he repeats everything he hears,’ Adam provided the explanation.

  Flash grinned. ‘Exactly, and this is Digit – the best pick-pocket in the area,’ he said proudly. ‘So, what about you two? What can you do?’

  ‘I’m Adam Fitch and I
can box. This is Polly, my sister.’ His voice held a warning that the little girl should be left well alone.

  ‘I ain’t sure how boxing will be useful to us, but we can teach you a few tricks.’ Flash stepped forward and extended his hand.

  Adam shook and nodded his acceptance of the offer.

  Echo walked round to Polly and shook her hand. Digit remained where he was. He did not look at all happy at having their number increased without being consulted.

  ‘C’mon we’ll show you where we live,’ Flash said as he crooked a finger to the newcomers.

  Polly held Adam’s hand and Echo walked beside her.

  ‘I like your posh coat, Polly, you look like a lady,’ Echo said with a grin.

  Polly quickly deduced that the boy was younger in his mind than he was in years and it seemed he’d taken an instant liking to her.

  The little group walked along the snow laden streets before slipping between two buildings known as the corn mill in Vane Street. Behind a massive structure was an old abandoned one-up, one-down cottage and this was where Flash led them.

  Inside was dark but it was warmer than outside. Echo rushed to light the candles dotted around and the Fitches saw how the boys had tried to make it habitable. There were chairs placed around an empty fireplace and a door-less cupboard held what little food they had.

  ‘This is it, make yerselves at home,’ Flash said as he swaggered around the room.

  Digit snorted as he sat down.

  ‘What’s up with you?’ Instantly Flash turned on him.

  ‘These two. We don’t know who they are and yet you invite them to join our group without asking us!’

  ‘Us…’ Echo repeated quietly.

  ‘Oh pardon me I’m sure!’ the older boy snapped. ‘I didn’t know this was a demoxy!’

  ‘Democracy,’ Adam said helpfully.

  ‘Ar that. Since when did I have to ask your permission to do something, eh? I’m the leader, so you just remember that!’ Flash was angry at being challenged.

  ‘Stop it!’ Polly shouted. ‘I thought you were all friends – it don’t look like it to me!’

  Everyone looked at the girl who, up to now had not spoken a word. ‘When we were in the orphanage, we had some friends and our Adam made sure we stuck together.’

  ‘… together,’ Echo said with a grin.

  ‘Yes, Echo.’ Polly nodded at the boy who evidently was slow-minded.

  Adam was astounded at Polly’s outburst; it was so out of character for her, but he glowed with pride.

  ‘Polly’s right. We should be like a family if we’re going to live together,’ Adam said. Then turning to Digit he went on, ‘We’re not here to cause trouble, but I have to agree with you. This should be a democracy which means you all should have a say in what goes on. Having said that, if you don’t want us here – we’ll leave.’

  Adam turned to Flash. ‘You appear to have done well looking after your friends so far, but maybe it’s time to be their friend more than their leader.’

  Walking back to the door Adam looked over his shoulder to ensure Polly was with him and nodded when he saw that she was.

  ‘Thanks anyway. Good luck to you all,’ he said.

  ‘Wait!’ Echo called out. ‘Don’t go. Polly, don’t go!’

  Adam suppressed a grin. In a matter of an hour, this dim-witted boy had identified with Polly and now he was distressed that she was leaving.

  Flash let out an explosive sigh. ‘All right! In future we’ll discuss all decisions to be made.’

  Echo emitted a whoop of delight as Adam and Polly returned to the fireplace.

  ‘Is that good enough for you, Digit?’ Flash asked sharply.

  ‘Yes,’ the pick-pocket answered.

  ‘I’m cold, Ad’,’ Polly whispered as she shivered.

  Echo flew into action raking ashes out and setting and lighting a fresh fire. Then taking Polly’s hand he led her to the most comfortable chair. Swinging the kettle on the fire crane over the flames, he went to the cupboard. ‘Cup of tea,’ he muttered oblivious to the others watching him with smiles on their faces.

  Before long they all sat round a roaring fire with cups of steaming hot tea looking for all the world like a family of siblings.

  For the rest of the day they chatted until Polly yawned. Echo again came to her saying, ‘You should have a sleep, but there’s only one bedroom and we all share it.’

  ‘It don’t matter, she can have it. We’ll all sleep down here,’ Digit said.

  Adam nodded his thanks at the boy’s chivalry. Candle in hand he took Polly upstairs where there were three straw pallets on the floor.

  ‘You’ll be all right. I’ll just be downstairs if you get scared.’

  Polly nodded and lay down on the pallet nearest the window where the moonbeams shone through. Adam marvelled at how grown-up Polly had so suddenly become. He smiled then returned to the others downstairs.

  As the evening wore on, laughter filled the room as Adam tried his hand at picking pockets and failed miserably.

  Then Flash yanked up a floorboard and pulled out a box. ‘This is where we keep our loot; whatever we get goes in here.’

  Adam peered into the box to see rings, fob watches and coins.

  Echo lifted out two coins and asked, ‘Can I have these?’

  ‘No! Put ’em back!’ Flash’s voice was sharp.

  Echo shrunk back after dropping the coins back into the box. ‘I only wanted to get Polly a mattress from the pawn shop.’

  ‘Thanks, Echo, it was a nice thought,’ Adam said.

  Whilst Flash was considering the idea, Digit plucked the coins from their resting place and tossed them to Echo. ‘Do it tomorrow.’

  ‘I was just about to do that!’ Flash snapped. It was clear he was having trouble relinquishing his role as leader.

  ‘I guessed you would,’ Adam said endeavouring to save the boy’s dignity. Then he asked, ‘So what happens tomorrow?’

  ‘Digit’s off to the market to see what he can thieve. I’m gonna go to the wharf to pinch some food and it looks like Echo’s off to the pawnbroker,’ Flash said habitually slipping into leadership once more.

  ‘And me? What should I do?’ Adam asked showing deference to the lad who had given them shelter.

  Flash paced the room and rubbed his chin.

  ‘I could scavenge or coal-pick,’ Adam suggested.

  ‘Good idea. What about yer sister?’ Flash asked.

  ‘I could look after Polly when I get back,’ Echo said quickly. ‘I won’t hurt her I promise!’ the boy went on as he saw Adam eye him.

  ‘We’ll see what Polly says, but she’ll most likely want to come with me,’ Adam said kindly.

  Echo smiled not feeling offended. ‘Nobody will hurt her while I’m around,’ he said puffing up his chest.

  With everyone’s jobs decided, the boys lay on the floor by the dying fire and slept.

  *

  The sound of a crackling fire woke the boys and Polly stood there watching them rouse from their sleep. It was another cold morning and none relished the thought of having to go out.

  Echo shared the food they had left then he grabbed his threadbare jacket and rushed out into the snow. Digit was not far behind hoping to find a few pockets to pick early so he could get home out of the cold.

  Adam explained to Polly what had been agreed the previous night as Flash left for the wharf.

  ‘I’m not sure about leaving you here all alone, even with Echo for company,’ Adam said.

  ‘I’ll come with you, Ad’,’ Polly agreed.

  ‘At least we have somewhere to come back to.’ Adam grinned at his sister.

  ‘Ad’, can we go and see May at the orphanage?’

  ‘It’s risky,’ he answered but seeing the sad look cross Polly’s face he relented. ‘Tell you what, we’ll have a look maybe we’ll see them outside before classes start.’

  Polly grinned and they left the strange little cottage they’d spent the night in.

>   Staying alert, they made their way through the streets, the cold wind biting their noses and their breath forming little steam clouds in front of their faces.

  Hiding behind the trees that stood at the orphanage gateway the siblings waited.

  ‘What if they don’t come out?’ Polly asked rubbing her hands together trying to keep them warm.

  ‘We’ll come back tomorrow and every day after that until we see them,’ Adam said with a comforting smile.

  Polly began to shiver and Adam became concerned she would get a fever.

  ‘Let’s get moving,’ he said at last.

  ‘Five more minutes, Ad’ – please!’

  ‘Polly, you’ll catch your death of cold if we stay any longer!’

  ‘I ain’t cold, I’m just scared. I don’t want to go back to that house where you found me.’ Polly was close to tears.

  ‘All right, but only five more minutes.’

  Just then came the sound of muffled voices as their friends poured out of the door and ambled about in the snow.

  Checking there were no adults in sight, Adam gave a quick whistle. As Joe turned, Adam waved.

  Glancing around, Joe hooked a thumb indicating where the hole in the hedge had been fixed. Whispering to the group they all then ran to the allotted place. Pulling aside the bushes Joe grinned.

  ‘Thanks to you all, I found Polly. We can’t stay else we’ll be spotted, but we’ll visit when we can so keep an eye out for us.’

  May and Polly had been holding hands through the foliage before saying a tearful goodbye, then the Fitches made a swift getaway.

  ‘Where are we going, Ad’?’ Polly asked with a sniff.

  ‘Scavenging, but we need to keep a watch for the coppers. If you don’t want to go back to the corn mill, we can find somewhere else,’ he answered as they trudged along.

  ‘I don’t mind going back. I think Echo ain’t right in the head but I ain’t scared as long as you’re there.’

  ‘I agree about Echo, and Flash might be fast on his feet but it doesn’t extend to his brain.’

  Polly giggled.

  ‘It seems he’s kept them all safe though,’ she said as they turned the corner and headed for the market.

  ‘I think Digit’s the one with the brains, he just lets Flash think he’s the leader.’ Adam’s breath puffed out in a warm stream as he blew on his cold hands.