His voice was couched low. The padlock wasn’t the only device keeping them in the hut. Quade had stationed two armed men outside the door. If there was any justice, they’d be slowly freezing to death.

Hawkwood blew into his cupped hands. “My bones tell me it’s all Quade’s doing.”

“Sly bugger. He gave the order and rode on ahead. Got his two penn’orth in first. Probably knew Simonds would have other things on his mind. Equipping all those batteaux, for example.” Lawrence smiled ruefully. “I believe we hit a nerve in there, don’t you? Good God, if looks could kill.” Peering about him, he let out a grunt. “Y’know, I used to think it was only the poor who didn’t have a pot to piss in. Seems it applies to prisoners, too. I doubt we treat captured Americans so harshly.”

Lawrence stared down at his manacled wrists. “Bastards aren’t taking any chances. It doesn’t bode well, does it?”

Lawrence’s features lay in shadow. With the onset of twilight, the only light that penetrated the windowless hut came through gaps in the walls. And as their cell grew darker it had become colder, too. But at least they had their greatcoats. Some of the soldiers they’d seen on their way through the camp didn’t even possess that luxury. Hawkwood wondered how many men had perished from sickness and exposure since the camp had been set up. Now he and Lawrence had usurped someone’s valuable living space, and all because Quade had a temper.

Lawrence joined Hawkwood on the floor, pulling his coat beneath and around him as best he could. “I hope whatever Pike’s suffering from isn’t catching. The bugger looked as if he was on his last legs.”

“He’s in good company,” Hawkwood said, thinking again of the men festering in the encampment below them.

“Makes me wonder if they’re going to have enough men to man those boats,” Lawrence said, his voice a murmur. “From what I saw coming up the hill, there’s not many that looked in fighting shape.”

“That’s why they stuck them out here.”

Lawrence frowned. “Well, yes. Renner told us the locals didn’t want them spreading disease.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Then, what?”

“It’s not just a question of the townsfolk not wanting them. The reason the sick men have been moved here is because the army doesn’t want them contaminating troops who are fit.”

“You mean the able men are housed elsewhere?”

“It’s a thought.”

Lawrence pursed his lips. “It’d make sense. Closer to town, possibly?”

“Renner said they’ve been ferrying troops to Cumberland Head. That’s the opposite side of the bay. Maybe there’s another encampment there. Though some might be more conveniently located. There’s a good chance they’re being housed in the gaol.”

“Because?”