The thought of this, and of French Pete in his bleary sleep below, marred the beauty of the day.

He had been unused to such things and was shocked at the harsh reality of life.

But instead of hurting him, as it might a lad of weaker nature, it had the opposite effect.

It strengthened his desire to be clean and strong, and to not be ashamed of himself in his own eyes.

He glanced about him and sighed.