16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
click of capstan-pawls as a great spar rose up:
and almost immediately after the cry of 'Belay!'
Captain Aubrey returned.
'I have found the certificate,' said Dutourd,
starting up from his half-doze and handing
him a paper.
'I rejoice to hear it,' said Jack. He sat down at
his desk; but having read the letter attentively
he frowned and said, 'Yes, this is very well,
and it allows Mr William B. Chauncy, who was
I presume your sailing-master, to take, burn,
sink or destroy ships or vessels belonging to
His Britannic Majesty or sailing under British
colours. But it makes no mention of Mr Dutourd.
No mention at all.'
Dutourd said nothing. He was yellow-pale by
now: he put his hand to his bandaged head,
and Jack had the impression that he no longer
cared whether he was to be hanged as a pi-