The Devil and the Dark Water

56

Under the starlight, sailors carried the last of the bodies on to the waist, laying them in hemp sacks side by side. Mourners were few. The dead were bad luck on an Indiaman. Every sailor on watch had their head turned away. The sailmaker stitched up their sacks with his eyes closed, and even Captain Crauwels and Isaack Larme made sure to peer over the bodies, rather than at them.

Isabel said a prayer for those lost, having taken up many of Sander’s duties since his death. Sara, Creesjie and Lia watched with their heads bowed respectfully.

When all was done, Crauwels nodded to the sailors, who lifted the bodies one by one, dropping them over the side with a splash.

Five minutes after the funeral began it was over.

There was no point lingering. They all knew there would be plenty more before the voyage was over.