It had not occurred to Caroline before that the girls might envy her the s****l element of her nightly encounters, only that they would know she was getting better food and other comforts. This thought led to another. Was it fair that these girls (she thought there were only four in all who volunteered) should shoulder the whole burden of servicing the crew? Ought not she, Caroline, to do her share?
On an impulse she made an offer. “The next time a sailor comes looking for a girl, I will put myself forward. It’s time I did my bit.”
Both girls looked at her with surprise and admiration.
“Really?” said Sally. “You’d go with the crew, my lady?”
Caroline smiled. “I don’t feel much like a lady any more.”
It was early evening before one of the crew came. It was a warm day and the hatch had
