Secret Societies by William Holden

Author:William Holden [Holden, William]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781602828032
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2012-09-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

“Welcome back!” The gaoler laughed.

“I could not stay away from such a strapping man as you.” I winked and blew him a kiss. I had nothing left to lose. His face reddened.

“Get this filthy scum recorded and fettered, Mr. West, so I can leave this place.” Mr. Stevens pushed me through the prison door.

“Get in the lodge and remove your outer garments.” Mr. West grabbed my arm and directed me into a small room. As I undressed, Mr. West opened a door and brought out a pair of metal ankle restraints. He tossed them on the floor near my feet. The metal striking the stone floor pierced my ears. “The entrance fee is two shillings six pence. Do you have the payment, or will we have to send you down in the lower ward for nonpayment?”

“I have the money.” I reached into the pocket of my waistcoat that lay on the table and pulled out my small purse. I handed him the fee, then kept the cloth bag close to my body. Mr. West knelt down and placed the restraints on my ankles. His touch ignited unexpected thoughts. My prick thickened against the thin undergarment. He looked up, his face inches from my dangling affairs.

“This diseased scum is getting lusty.” Mr. West turned his head and stood up. “Come along.” He pushed me out of the room. I stumbled against the heavy fetters and fell against the wall. The two men took hold of my arms and escorted me though the prison halls.

Many of the prisoners yelled foul words as I walked by their cells, asking me for sexual favors in exchange for tobacco, clean water, or fresh food. Others who knew me in a more intimate manner stared at me through the eyes of contrite sinners. As I looked upon the sick and beaten men I had once bedded, my hope was that they would place me in the same cell as Mother Clap, so that we might at least be a comfort to one another.

“Place him in the middle ward,” Mr. Stevens demanded.

As we reached the top of the first flight of stairs, I could see nearby the darkened wards and the crowds that filled them. The light was too dim to see into the distance. I wondered if Mother Clap was near. We came to an abrupt halt. I panicked as Mr. West pulled the keys from his pocket.

“Mother, it is me, Thomas!” I needed to hear her voice.

“Thomas? Where are you?” Her voice trembled. “My dear boy, what is happening?”

“Please, Mr. Stevens, if you have any decency about you at all, you will place me in with Margaret Clap.” I turned in the direction of Mother’s voice. “Do not worry yourself. I have been taken in as well.” I heard her heavy sobs. “I beg of you, please, show some mercy.”

“Mr. Stevens, do as Mr. Newton asks.”

The three of us turned at the same time toward the sudden voice behind us. Mr. Stevens looked at me as if expecting that I would have the answer that puzzled us both.

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