6 of 16

Write now Article Tools

The other pot washers had similar problems in varying degrees, Clement was constantly avoiding work, his capacity to overcome obstacles was minimal and Jose felt remorseful at the sight of Clements discomfort. One particular evening Clement approached Jose and whispered his intention to return to his room early as the itching in his arms was unbearable. Jose insisted he remain at work, as it was not worth the trouble if he was caught returning to his room before the end of shift.

"There is only an hour to go Clement; can't you just see it out?"

"I can't Jose, please try and cover for me, just tell William and Gilbert, I've got to go."

As soon as the gaze of supervision disappeared, Clement snuck out of the kitchen.
Jose covertly let the other boys know what had taken place and the boys begrudgingly worked a bit harder to make up for Clements' absence.

The evening meal was half way through and the pile of pans, trays and containers that required washing had grown. The intense blast accompanying the explosion was brief but powerful. Pans rattled for what seemed like minutes, those stacked on the upper levels crashed to the ground around Jose's feet. The frame of the tent shook, there were screams and people running in all directions. Soldiers raced from the dining room, Indian boys ran straight to their rooms or lay on the ground, awaiting a second boom. Others stood in shock, a single mortar had obviously landed a short distance from the tent. Those in management rallied the boys and insisted they not move. "TAKE STOCK OF EVERYONE!" Joseph yelled to the supervisors in the kitchen. Nelson was responsible for gathering the pot washers together and ensuring all were accounted for.

"IS EVERYBODY HERE? HEY YOUJOSE DO YOU HAVE EVERYBODY PRESENT?" Nelson screamed.

What could Jose tell him about Clement? He didn't want to make any trouble for his friend.

"II think so," Was all Jose could say. The other boys looked at Jose hopelessly, as if to share his anguish.

"You cannot mention Clement; he'll be in too much trouble." William murmured.

"Yes, we must try and cover for him," Gilbert whispered.

Jose knew what he was doing was wrong but the ramifications Clement would face for leaving work without permission did not bare thinking of.

"Everybody is here." Jose called to Nelson whose stare demanded a quick answer.

The pressure was released, Nelson had marched off in his official manner to report to management, and the boys were left cursing Clement for putting them in

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Novel excerpts: Death of a friend?
We want to hear your view. Write now!