Chapter 7

A sharp slap across my face brought me back to life, while a hard pressure on my stomach sent me coughing up sea water violently.

I was lying on my back and there was absolute confusion around me. A male voice I didn’t recognize called out to someone to bring blankets.

“This stupid bitch has been trying to get away from me all day!” Scout screamed angrily. “I’m going to teach her a lesson when this is over.”

I finally opened my eyes, blinking several times because of the sting from the salt water. I was back on the boat again but it wasn’t swaying anymore and that told me we were on land.

“Let me go!” I moaned weakly.

“Not until I get my thirty gold coins back with interest,” Scout shouted at me. “I tried to be nice to you but you have shown me that you don’t deserve my kindness. Now, come here, and get your punishment!”

He dragged me up roughly by my arm and began to pull me to the front of the boat While the other women simply stood back and watched.

“Let her go, Scout,” said